Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 147

Whitney did not respond to him; instead, her heart ached with pity at the sight of her feeble uncle. She pulled out an acupuncture kit and said, “Uncle, I’ve learned some acupuncture from Mom. I can’t do much about scar tissue, but I can try to ease your phantom limb pain with some acupuncture. Shall I give it a try?”

Keegan, massaging his right leg, grimaced and nodded his consent.

To their amazement, the treatment seemed to work wonders. Keegan looked at her with a melancholy smile. “Your mom was a whiz with healing. She didn’t teach you all her secrets, but what you’ve got is pretty darn good. If only she were still here.”

Whitney’s expression froze. Every word from her uncle was a reminder of his hatred.

The next day, Whitney stepped into the towering United Realty Corporation building.

Sleep had eluded her, and it showed on her pale face.

She happened to arrive during the morning rush, and the elevator was crowded. Maybe it was the stifling space or her recent emotional turmoil, but when she exited the elevator, the little life inside her stirred more violently

than usual.

Whitney had been feeling the baby’s movements frequently lately, but it was more painful this time.

She had no choice but to stop, leaning against the wall, slightly bending over, her delicate hand caressing her belly to soothe the little one inside.

While taking deep breaths and gently patting her belly, she suddenly felt a piercing gaze sweeping over her.

She stiffened and turned her head, her eyes locking with those of a man filled with emotion.

His gaze was like a net, entangling her.

Then, as if laden with a thousand sentiments, his eyes focused on her belly.

Whitney looked up at his deep–set features, his jawline handsome even beneath the mask, and she felt his gaze searing her skin.

A deep, aching emotion welled up inside her, a maelstrom of feelings, yet she remained silent.

He was looking at her belly. As a father who was absent for a couple of weeks, he must be missing the child.

was his

it was a product of hatred, a bond that should not exist.

this child yet. All she could do was try her hardest to protect it. Her heart was a mess, her anxiety and conflict

be struggling too, his mood dark, a frown etched between

she feel otherwise for the man who

suddenly doubled over with a sharp pain in her belly.

leather shoes approached, and the man’s cold aura enveloped

Ludwik scooped her up without a second thought for

the warmth of his presence searing her cold

After walking down

pain anymore. You can put me down.”

had no choice

her slightly rounded belly, but Whitney dodged

hand froze in mid–air.

his heart filled with irritation. He had hoped that she would come home after their

she had not returned

not a simple thank

2 2 1 2 3 3

planning to give him the cold shoulder? Just because he

pale–faced young woman before striding coldly past her into his

moment, she could not bring herself to play a part

stay and act as an insider, but every second

to leave him!

could not bear it, even if it meant openly standing with her uncle against

today to hand off

not

in mind, Whitney entered the vice president’s office to hand over her work and submit

office door swung open, and Felix called out publicly, “Whitney,

had no choice but to comply, turning on her heel to enter the president’s office.

were already present. Behind the large desk sat a man whose chilling demeanor seemed to permeate the

too loudly, sensing the president’s foul mood.

place at the back of the

wandered, unbidden, to a memory from half a month ago when they had dined together, and she had read documents to him with a mix of shyness and