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.

her name and to reveal Elaine’s venomous

“Don’t get in my way, Elaine. If Ludwik’s condition worsens

a stormy canvas.

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

Whitney revealed a vial of medicine. “This

sneered, hatred flickering in her eyes. “But Ludwik loathes you. He won’t

taken your place as 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. Oh, and Ludwik wants

slap echoed, Whitney’s hand marking Elaine’s other

gasped, her face a mix of disbelief and brewing storms. Then, feigning tears, she

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

hand froze on her

a forgiving mood. A smart woman wouldn’t

Elaine glowered. “You’ll see how I deal with you. I’ve got all the time in

“Do your worst. A barefoot person has

night then.

as she entered

bright as before, but none of it belonged to

Whitney saw the light in their former master bedroom switch on. Through the sheer curtains, she

and L, sharing the same bed night after night…

dug into her

it be? Was Ludwik really with

Whitney as she watched.

master

by the window, his gaze as cold and deep as the ocean

deliberately stood close behind Ludwik,

satisfaction flickered within

feigned sympathy. “Ludwik, I had no idea this was your sanctuary with her. I liked the room, but if it’s too much, I’ll take the quest

Ludwik said, “They say you need extra care at night. Stay

of you

are such

instruct the staff to throw her