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 you have more servants around or notify me immediately.”

Whitney’s hand tighter, saying, “I don’t know why, but I feel the need to warn you too, stay away from

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

suspected that

L as soon as possible, leaving him no room

Whitney received a call from Valerie. She had

Chapter 118

not expected her friend’s return to

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 quickly.

respond, when his eyes caught her tight sweater dress.

said, “You’re going to a gathering dressed like that?

not get it; she thought her outfit was

eager for her to start

her slender, graceful figure…

retorted, “I’m not even showing yet. I don’t want

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

being forced into the crossfire of

bowed his head,

to wear,” Ludwik instructed before returning to his

the hospital in a straight–cut pinafore

International

off the plane, her long

a man in a black coat with a military haircut stepped out of a private jet, his profile sharp and chiseled. He briskly walked by,

he passed Valerie, his voice, unlike its usual coldness, softened, “Elaine, I’m back in the country. No need to thank me. It was just a casual mention to the

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

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

laugh escaped her.

arrivals gate, Whitney immediately spotted Valerie’s

her face was a picture of high–class, aloof beauty. She wore a

out with a smile.

parked the car and ran over. She did a double–take at Whitney’s outfit and burst into laughter. “Whitney, what on earth are

forced me into it. The outfit rendered her