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.

shadows, a sly smile curling her lips.

far when Ludwik appeared, his gaze

feeling sent a shiver

recommend vendors to her. Why did you hide that it was my

and had her defenses ready.

thought she might mind if you interfered on her behalf, so I

the wall, his icy presence almost choking her, “Nobody plays me.

ran down

misunderstanding between you

Stay away from her from now on,” Ludwik commanded, still trusting

Chapter 101

she had not known his intentions and

pride and face her after the harsh

her fingers curled into a tight fist. Despite their heated argument, Whitney’s

Unacceptable.

He warned her to keep her distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight,

cruel gleam flickered in Elaine’s eyes as she quickly

could not stand the thought of Whitney not being ousted from the dinner party, especially when Bro

Elaine’s voice called out.

hurt, were you? Whitney was out of line

it.”

IS= IO

flaunts her beauty, even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through

probably just networking with all the wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt

eyes lit up with malice. “You just reminded me, Elaine. She’s never been chaste.

scheming glint in her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred

asked eagerly, “Where

the lounge. Is there something you

for the show, Elaine,” Hannah

arms, malicious smile playing on her lips. Everything was falling into place. She could not wait for Whitney’s downfall tonight. After all that

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