Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 156

Tears streamed down Whitney’s cheeks as she numbly slid the engagement ring onto her ring finger, only to jerk it off as if it burned her skin.

Over and over, she repeated the torturous ritual until her finger bled, but she could not feel the pain; the pain in her heart was much more immense.

“Whitney? A deep, mellow voice called from outside the door, accompanied by a gentle knocking.

Startled, she clasped a trembling hand over her mouth to stifle her sobs.

“Is the baby okay?” He asked with concern.

Biting her lip, Whitney shook her head, remaining silent.

“Why are you locking yourself in there? Is that ring bothering you that much? Are you so against accepting me because of Elaine?” He rested his weight against the door, his heavy frame almost causing it to creak.

Inside, Whitney vigorously shook her head; it was not about Elaine; it was something else entirely.

He sighed, his voice turning cold, a chill that seemed to echo the death of his hope.

After a while, he walked away.

Clutching the ring to her chest, Whitney collapsed against the door. If she told him everything, what would he do to Uncle Keegan?

In the end, he would probably throw her into the abyss alongside him. After all, she had unwittingly been complicit in hurting him twice.

Whitney did not know how long she stayed in the bathroom, staring at her ghostly reflection, her face as pale as a specter.

Natalie knocked on the door, her voice laced with worry, “Whitney, are you still feeling unwell? I’m about to call the family doctor.”

“I’m fine, Mom…” Whitney quickly stood, splashing her face with cold water to reduce the swelling around her eyes before hastily opening the door.

Natalie looked at her daughter–in–law’s swollen belly and lovingly stroked it. “Little baby is being so good.”

Whitney’s gaze flickered to the empty dining table, her voice barely above a whisper, “Did he leave?”

you locked yourself in the bathroom with that ring and wouldn’t answer him, he started drinking. He’s been sick since yesterday, you

the

to trouble him, but her behavior had

ZEO SFO SE Z

to talk, looking at her closely. “I might be forgetful, but I’m

Mom, it’s

been through. He has a half–brother from his father’s side who was always the golden boy. I was

got beaten by the servants publicly, even taken to the police. He was just eight years old when he developed mental issues and was constantly irritable, and his father had him committed to a psychiatric ward for two

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Chapter 156

blame myself, my illness made his life miserable. But he fought hard, stood his ground, and outshone all the other family members, earning his father’s respect.

watched him struggle every step of the way. My memory may fail me sometimes, but

heard whispers about the Lippert family patriarch favoring the

you can understand why he’s so easily angry. But that’s all in the past, and he’s

would use any means necessary to reach his goal, he would not just be the tycoon he is today but even more powerful.”

Natalie smiled reassuringly.

of course, knew her son best, and she said he had integrity

of Braxton, willingly giving up a lucrative deal. His principles

villainous when he

herself

years in business,

at his lowest, he got through it

“So, Whitney, you

anyone he truly despises and hates, it’s his brother who took everything from him. Despite my detachment from worldly matters, I’ve heard people praise your beauty and intelligence. You should stand by his side; don’t let him fight

gently on

Ludwik gripped it tightly. His drunken eyes, clouded

in his drunken stupor, “I’m sick;

was hoarse, breaking her heart, his

bear it. She touched

and urged, “He’s fallen severely ill and refuses

with a heavy