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.

visits you, make sure you

but I feel the need to warn you too, stay away from that

could not articulate her reasoning; she only had a gut feeling to

that Elaine

to expose Elaine to L as soon as possible, leaving him no room for doubt.

her way back to the hospital, Whitney received a call from Valerie. She had just landed at Banyan City International Airport and requested a pickup.

Chapter 118

expected her friend’s return

got back to the 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

looked up, about to respond, when his eyes caught her

his gaze deep and authoritative, he said, “You’re going to a gathering dressed

not get it;

women should dress like pregnant women,” Ludwik insisted, eager for her to start showing so that other

her slender, graceful figure…

not even showing yet. I don’t want

her protests and turned to Felix, “Isn’t what she’s wearing now frumpy?”

Felix felt like he was being forced

the weight of authority, Felix bowed his head, “Madam’s outfit is indeed unflattering.”

find her something nice to wear,” Ludwik instructed before returning to his

later, Whitney left the hospital in a

International Airport.

the plane, her long legs striding towards the

out of a private jet, his profile sharp and chiseled. He briskly

its usual 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

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

as she focused intently on the dusk ahead, knowing she was about to meet a good friend and could

cold laugh escaped

the domestic arrivals gate, Whitney immediately spotted Valerie’s figure.

aloof beauty. She wore a pale

called out with a smile.

Tiana parked the car and ran over. She did a double–take at Whitney’s outfit and burst into laughter. “Whitney, what on earth are you wearing? A bucket?”

“L, that damn man, forced me into it. The outfit