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 child.

of hatred, a bond that should

know the fate of this child yet. All she could do was try her hardest to protect it. Her heart was a mess, her anxiety and conflict bringing tears

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

who had once

suddenly doubled over with a sharp pain in her belly.

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

her feet as Ludwik scooped her up

his arms, the warmth of his presence searing her cold skin, leaving her momentarily stunned.

After walking down

not in pain anymore. You can

all eyes on them, Ludwik had no choice but to set her down gently.

reached toward her slightly rounded belly, but Whitney

froze in

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

not returned to the villa.

even a phone call, not

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she planning to give him the cold shoulder? Just because he had embraced Elaine at the hospital, she could not let it

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

that moment, she

act as an

to leave him!

could not bear it, even if it meant openly standing with her uncle against him, starting the vendetta

she had come today to hand off

way, her uncle could not use

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

called out publicly, “Whitney, the president wants you to attend the morning meeting.”

froze. She was still on the company’s payroll and had no choice but to comply, turning on her

executives were already present. Behind the large desk sat

too loudly, sensing the president’s foul mood.

of the crowd, close to the

memory from half a month ago when they had dined together,