Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 101

Elaine could do no wrong. To L she was the epitome of innocence and kindness, a modern–day saint draped in designer threads.

“And me,

I am 17 Petty, huh?” Whitney thought.

Her eyes brimmed with icy frustration, a flicker of rage igniting within. She scoffed. “So, you’re blaming me all for her sale?”

“Im just being fair and objective,” the man retorted, his brows knotted in discomfort. Seeing her on the verge of tears, a sliver of softness crept into his heart.

But the next moment, Whitney’s disillusionment erupted as she pointed an accusatory finger at him. “You, with all your smarts, are nothing but a blockhead. Do you even know the hostility your precious Elaine harbors against me? Run along, then. Go to her, your darling sister!”

“Say that again? You have absolutely no decency, yet you accuse me and Elaine? It seems I’ve been too lenient to you for too long!”

In a swift motion, the man captured her slender wrist, his grip firm against the door frame, his fury painting her milky skin with shades of crimson.

Tears welled up in Whitney’s eyes; never had she been so insulted.

She wrenched free from his grasp, her voice laced with bitter sarcasm, “So, you’ve decided I’m a tramp? Even though there’s nothing between Bryce, Simon, and me, you’re ever so convinced I’m the problem, no doubt with a nudge from Elaine. Paranoid, much?”

“Are you not? I’ve seen it with my own eyes! And at the Lotus Clubhouse, Elaine spoke up for you. You really don’t know what’s good for you.”

So, he had also been at the Lotus Clubhouse with Elaine by his side. Was it all a setup?

S

He did not trust her and even tracked her movements at work. Since he had already judged her, what was there left to say?

“Yes, Elaine is always right, and I’m the loose woman, happy now?” Whitney’s heart turned ice–cold; she had no more words to waste.

She stormed out of his embrace, the embrace that once offered warmth, now just a cold memory.

Whitney storm off in the shadows, a sly smile curling her lips.

far when Ludwik appeared, his gaze dark and mysterious.

sent a shiver down Elaine’s spine.

blades, “I asked you to recommend vendors to her.

and had her

her behalf, so I didn’t stress that part. I guess she doesn’t like me, and that’s why she rejected my offer. It’s all my fault, isn’t it?”

the wall, his icy presence almost choking her, “Nobody plays me. And if you’re playing me, you better not touch her. Got

down Elaine’s spine; her

foolishness cause a misunderstanding

her from now on,” Ludwik commanded, still

Chapter 101

deep–rooted. If she had not known his intentions and

However, he could not put down his pride and face her

a tight fist. Despite their heated argument, Whitney’s explanation had swayed him. His heart

Unacceptable.

suspicions were rising. He warned her to keep her distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had to happen to Whitney! Something that would utterly disappoint Ludwik.

cruel gleam flickered in Elaine’s eyes as she quickly sought out

to Whitney. She could not stand the thought of Whitney

voice called

hurried to a secluded column, where Elaine feigned concern and said, “You weren’t hurt, were you? Whitney was out of line tonight. I couldn’t stand

it.”

IS= IO

struck a nerve, and Hannah’s eyes reddened with rage. “Elaine, she flaunts her beauty, even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through her deceit. It infuriates me to see him

wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt in the garden earlier. We can’t let Bro

malice. “You just reminded me, Elaine. She’s never been chaste. If she’s seducing Mr. Wendt, wouldn’t that be typical? Hmph.”

did not miss the foolish, scheming glint in her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred for

“Where is

Elaine replied, “She just left the lounge. Is there

for the show, Elaine,” Hannah smirked before darting away.

falling into place. She could not wait for Whitney’s downfall tonight. After all

the banquet hall, a daze clouding her vision as a tear secretly escaped, only to be crisply chilled by the biting