Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 118

Whitney had half a mind to hurt a pillow at him with all her might, the scoundrel. Climbing onto her tiny bed, she resolved to give him the silent treatment.

Ludwik licked his lips and teased her with a devilish charm, “See? It doesn’t hurt anymore. I told you, my technique works wonders.”

“Drop dead.”

Whitney buried her flushed face into the pillow, extending a foot, attempting to push his hospital bed away

The man watched her quietly, his gaze lingering on her delicate, pale foot. He mused that perhaps he had not had his fill

But when he awoke the next morning, his wife was nowhere to be seen, and Ludwik’s expression darkened.

Felix entered, saying. “Madam went back to the villa early this morning. She wanted to check on Natalie and said she’d bring over some of your clothes.”

Ah, she was probably too shy after last night’s intimacy to face him in the morning.

Ludwik’s lips curled into a smirk once more.

Witnessing Mr. Lippert’s mood swung that could rival the weather, Felix grimaced inwardly. Love was a no–go for him if it meant becoming lovesick like Mr. Lippert,

Back at the villa, Whitney made sure to visit Natalie in the guesthouse.

Natalie was nearly back to her old self, her consciousness clear. Holding Whitney’s hand, she expressed her joy. “My dear Whitney, it’s been too long. Is your little bump showing yet? That rascal told me over the phone you’re about four months along. Once we get the ultrasound, I’ll have a good look.”

Natalie’s condition was undoubtedly deteriorating, as she was even unclear about the duration of the pregnancy.

Whitney sighed inwardly.

However, Natalie looked at her intently and added, “I seem to recall, on the day of my episode, were you there? I remember you saying something by my bedside, encouraging me. Whitney, you’re truly kind–hearted.”

Whitney was elated, amid Natalie’s confused memories, she remembered her presence.

But there was no need to explain anything to L; she had intended to save Natalie sincerely, though Elaine had reaped the benefits. She initially hid her medical skills, so revealing it now might lead L. to overthink.

reminded Natalie, “Mom, if Elaine visits you, make sure

don’t know why, but I

she only had a gut feeling to keep

seen Elaine’s true colors, suspected that Elaine might have previously done

soon as possible, leaving him no

She had just landed

Chapter 118

had not expected her friend’s return to be so

hospital room, dropped off the fresh laundry, and stole a glance at the man engrossed in paperwork. “A friend of mine has returned. I’m going to a gathering, so I might be back late,” she said

looked up, about to respond, when his eyes caught her tight sweater dress.

“You’re going to

with it?” Whitney did not get it; she thought her

to start showing so that other men would

slender,

yet. I don’t want to

turned to Felix, “Isn’t what she’s wearing now

Felix felt like he was being forced into the crossfire of a

of authority, Felix bowed his head, “Madam’s

Ludwik

in a straight–cut pinafore dress, her expression sour.

City International Airport.

stepped off the plane, her long legs

stepped out of a private jet, his profile sharp and chiseled. He briskly walked by, deeply engrossed in a phone

coldness, softened, “Elaine, I’m back in the country. No need to thank me. It was just a casual mention to the overseas judges. But if you really want to show gratitude, how about we meet tonight?”

felt like a gulp of icy air was lodged in her throat, unable

the dusk ahead, knowing she was about to meet

cold laugh escaped

the domestic arrivals gate, Whitney immediately

picture of high–class, aloof beauty. She wore a pale gray trench coat over skinny jeans and boots.

Whitney called out with

a double–take at Whitney’s outfit and burst into laughter. “Whitney,

me into it. The outfit rendered