Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 124

Whitney’s brow twitched as she answered the phone with a hint of unfamiliarity, “Ashton?”

His tone was icy. “Are you free? Come down for a chat!”

Whitney paused, then suddenly stood up and went to the window. Sure enough, outside the villa was a luxury car with its headlights flashing.

This Ashton seemed to be related to L, but she did not know him. What was there to talk about?

The man’s approach was aggressive, and Whitney was on guard. She thought about calling L but decided she did not want to seem overly dependent.

Instead, she confided in her friend Tiana before changing her clothes and going

Ashton took her away without a word, just one contemptuous glance.

going downstairs.

That one glance was enough for Whitney to sense trouble. Coupled with what Valerie had told her about Ashton’s fondness for Elaine, Whitney’s impression of the man soured.

Ashton led her to a coffee shop, and once they were seated under the bright lights, Whitney sized up the handsome man before her.

He was almost as tall as L, but where L was composed and refined, Ashton had a roguish air about him. His demeanor was entirely different from his brother Nolan’s flirtatious charm. It was clear he was dangerous.

With his hands in his pockets, he started on an unfriendly note. “Ms. Valentine, a woman should have some conscience. Why are you bullying Elaine?”

Whitney was taken aback, but then she chuckled, guessing what he was about to say next.

“Did Elaine run to you with her woes?” Whitney clasped her hands together. “You seem quite protective of her.”

“That’s none of your business,” Ashton replied, his impression of Whitney far from good.

“You’ve already snatched L, even if it’s just for a year. For someone from your modest background, that should be enough. Keep your claws retracted. Do you even know, what Elaine means to him? What right do you have to frame her?”

you should ask L’about today’s events first. She tried to harm my child; shouldn’t I fight back?”

Valerie are besties, right? Ganging up

eyes were cold.

laughter, but then she understood why Valerie had been so unhappy since returning from

once full of life, now held

so protective of Elaine; He did not love Valerie and

admire Elaine. Even with her heart

to explain, ‘”Elaine did many things to

know you’ve usurped Elaine’s love? She was the legitimate fiancée, betrothed to him years ago by their families. She doesn’t want

blank as if struck

he just say? Fiancée?

1/3

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has been in love with L since her teens, silently by his side. If it were not for you, they would eventually marry. You know she learned jewelry design and complex business operations for him, right? Her youth revolves around him. And you

a year, he’ll have to marry Elaine. You, a child–bearing woman, had better not delude yourself. They

his tirade. Whitney fell silent, her heart sinking.

L’s fiancée, with a formal engagement. Why did he lie

felt like an

calling her

remember how she left the coffee

house. The blow was too

cold. He stood up and made a call, his tone suddenly softer. “Elaine, don’t be upset. I’ve made things clear to Whitney. She seems genuinely unaware of your status, but now

why are you so impulsive? By

us?” Ashton was

feigned weakness vanished, replaced

with Whitney’s pride and image as Banyan City’s top socialite, she would not cling to Ludwik anymore. With Ludwik’s resolute nature, trouble would arise, and Elaine could turn her defeat into victory.

her a huge favor.

and returned to the manor to find it

was not in

through removing his tie, he called her number with a grim face,

been so