Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 154

Bryce’s gaze turned frosty as he faced off with Ludwik, whose influence was as vast as the ocean. But Bryce was not one to be easily daunted. “If that day comes, may the best man win,” he declared with a steely resolve. And with that, he left.

Standing in the elevator, Ludwik fixed a hawk–like stare on the back of Bryce’s head. Felix could feel the chill emanating from his boss, a clear sign that his mood had soured even further.

Rivalry in love, a tangled situation with Whitney–what a mess.

As the elevator doors slid shut, Elaine emerged from the shadows. She watched Ludwik descend, then turned her thoughtful gaze toward Bryce.

Was Bryce truly this taken with Whitney?

A cold smirk played on Elaine’s lips as she dialed her assistant. “The investigation I asked you to conduct on Whitney’s whereabouts last night–what have you found?”

Whitney had rushed to the police station soaking wet that morning–certainly not a regular occurrence.

Ludwik, in his fury, had overlooked the details.

The assistant replied, “Elaine, I’ve discovered that Bryce helped Whitney sneak into the hospital to save Braxton. Later, Bryce was drugged by a rival, and Whitney rushed to his hotel. They were trapped together until the morning.”

What?

Elaine’s face paled. Whitney had saved Braxton?

She knew the bid fiasco had something to do with Whitney’s uncle, but she had not anticipated Whitney secretly aiding Ludwik!

“Make sure to erase any trace of Whitney’s visit to the hospital.” Elaine could not let him discover that Whitney had helped him in secret.

Elaine’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Find out if there are any photos or videos of what Bryce and Whitney got up to in the hotel.”

If Ludwik found out, Whitney’s fate would be sealed.

But Elaine was in no hurry. Whitney was already on a path of no return with an uncle like that. Elaine would simply bide her time by Ludwik’s side, waiting for the right moment.

At nightfall, Whitney returned to Banyan City from the South City, alone and without a place to go except to Tiana’s apartment.

No sooner had she stepped through the door than her body collapsed to the floor, her stomach churning with anxiety.

Fearing another fever might harm the baby, Whitney mustered the strength to take a herbal bath. However, exhaustion took over, and she fell into a deep slumber.

When Tiana returned later that night, she found Whitney unconscious in the now icy bathwater, her phone clutched in her hand, frozen on the news page of United Realty Corporation.

the tender was significant news in the business world, and Tiana, ever in the know, had heard about

sigh, Tiana helped Whitney out of the bath, whispering urgently, “Whitney? Get dressed before you

Chapter

a cold again.”

eyes fluttered open, her voice

the tender–it was your project. Data

grasp the entire situation–how could Whitney

Braxton is okay. He’s not giving you a hard time, is he?” Tiana worried

unsure of what to

belly, “The baby’s growing. Just put up with Elaine, that little thorn in your side. You’ve got to think about the child who’s about to be

uncle,

out of sorts lately, you probably don’t even know tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve. I have

a smile, interrupted, “Go be with your parents. I’ll be fine here.”

asked, “Aren’t you returning to L’s villa? It’s your

her lip to hold back tears. She clutched her clothes, eyes fixed on the ground, “There’s no chance… Tiana.”

face, Tiana’s heart sank, and she said

not probe further,

with Whitney for a little while, Tiana had to leave for

in the bedroom, sitting in

to fall, each flake as cold

villa was a statement he would surely understand.

phone rang at the most inopportune moment. Whitney glanced

it must be Natalie calling.

a tight grip, she answered, “Mom…”

with worry, said, “Whitney, it’s such an important day. Why aren’t

speak, her

3

hint of concern in her laughter. “I remember you two were fine when that rascal was hospitalized. I’ve been recuperating in my place these days. Have you two

onto Whitney’s knees, silent yet

misunderstanding that can’t be resolved. Come home, and we’ll sort it out. I’ll stand by you.”

since regarded the lovely Natalie as

a mix of warmth and agony. She could not believe that someone with such a wonderful mother could

say it, but Whitney, we’re waiting

Chapter 154

mean it? Did he want her to come home?

quickened, a mix of unrest