Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 180

Whitney knew the bitter truth – Ludwik didn’t trust her anymore. Her belated affection was lighter than air in

his eyes.

“Elaine, come in!” Ludwik called from the living room doorway.

“Ludwik, wait, let me have a word with Ms. Valentine,” Elaine said, approaching Whitney with a hypocritical

smile,

The living room door closed with a click, and Elaine’s facade immediately darkened, her voice dripping with malice in the dead of night.

“You see, Ludwik swallows every word I say, while he can’t stand the sight of you. Did you hear that? We’re getting engaged! That’s why he’s in a rush to divorce you and kick you out. Don’t you get it?

Clutching at straws to win him back even though you’re staring down a police investigation for that kidnapping? Maybe a few years behind bars will teach you to stay in your lane.”

As Elaine reached for her phone to make good on her threat, Whitney slapped it out of her hand and followed with a stinging slap across Elaine’s face.

No more words were wasted.

Elaine, caught off–guard, clutched her reddening cheek, unprepared for Whitney’s sudden lash out.

“How dare you hit me? You wretch!”

Whitney replied calmly, “I’d think twice about framing me. The deeper the police dig into that kidnapping, the more your dirty secrets will come to light.”

Elaine’s face turned ashen.

Whitney’s smirk grew colder. “You’d best make sure the police keep me out of it.”

“This slap is for the night you stepped on my child, causing it distress!”

As for the rest, Whitney would repay in time.

lingered for two reasons: to clear her name and to reveal Elaine’s venomous nature to Ludwik. Only then could she hope to win back

hidden agenda, narrowed her eyes. “Don’t get in my way, Elaine. If Ludwik’s condition worsens because you can’t treat

a stormy

had hit a nerve. Despite Elaine’s efforts, including

a vial of medicine. “This will help him sleep. Looks like

hatred flickering in her eyes. “But Ludwik loathes you.

the lady of the house. As long as you can endure me sharing his bed every night while you’re left out in the cold with your bastard child, I’m not bothered.

slap echoed, Whitney’s hand marking

a mix of disbelief and brewing

sharp blade. “Sure, play the victim. I don’t mind adding to my list of sins. Cry too much, and you’ll lose

on her reddened cheek.

a forgiving mood. A smart

hand, Elaine glowered. “You’ll see how I deal with

replied, “Do your worst. A barefoot person

the cold night then. There’s a

trailed behind her as she entered the house, leaving Whitney alone outside.

the mansion came alive, warm and bright as before,

switch on. Through the sheer curtains, she saw Ludwik’s tall silhouette, and beside him, the delicate

the same bed night after night…

into her palms.

Ludwik really with her tonight?

as she

master

window, his gaze as cold

deliberately stood close behind Ludwik, their shadows merging.

satisfaction flickered within

feigned sympathy. “Ludwik, I had no idea this was your sanctuary with her. I liked the room,

medical equipment, Ludwik said, “They say you

of you and her,”

are such memories? They’re a farce!”

the staff to