Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 184

“I’ve got no interest in your nauseating love games.”

Valerie curled her lip, casting a cold, mocking glance at him. “Ashton, she’s practically engaged, yet here she is, fixing your tie, keeping you on a string. Face it, she’s just stringing you along as her backup plan. Ever think of that? Or is your head too thick?”

Ashton froze, stung by the insult.

Today, Valerie was clad in an ice–blue evening gown that accentuated her aloof elegance. Her face was bare save for the striking red of her lipstick.

He narrowed his eyes, intending to grab her and give her a piece of his mind.

But Valerie twisted away, repulsed by the scent of Elaine’s perfume clinging to him. His hand was hot, though, as it encircled her wrist. Valerie’s eyes flashed frostily. “Let go, I’m leaving!”

“You’re my wife, where do you think you’re going?” Ashton’s eyes gleamed with the thrill of seeing her so riled

Up

“You never treated me like a wife. You never took me to any event before, and today, for some bizarre reason, you want me here. But thanks anyway.” Valerie spat out the words with sarcasm and left.

Thanks? Ashton was baffled. It was Elaine who had mentioned bringing Valerie, and that’s why he had.

Outside the hotel doors, Valerie wrapped herself in her coat and made a beeline for the corner.

Whitney stepped out of the car, handing her an invitation.

“Thanks, Valerie, but can’t you go back in?”

“Nope, it’s one person per card. You will take my place.”

Valerie gripped Whitney’s hand, her expression darkening. “Whitney, you’ve been keeping secrets! Mr. Lippert is pushing you toward divorce, and you’re still looking out for him? What were you up to yesterday?”

Whitney stiffened. “Who told you this?”

“I overheard Elaine and Ashton talking. What’s your plan?”

Whitney’s face paled, realizing she couldn’t keep it hidden any longer. She briefly explained the events of the previous day.

enduring all this for him. He’s about to get engaged to Elaine, do you think

taking care of him to atone for my uncle’s sins. And, I just can’t let him go.”

tug at her heart. “No one asked you to

he’s in trouble, I can’t let

yet she sticks with him

the banquet. I’ll just wear a mask and keep an eye on him from the sidelines,” Whitney

naturally stunning, slender face. “You don’t need makeup to look

Invitation, donning a

the banquet hall was

striking figure. Kaden, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, and Rylie, now Mrs. Lippert, elegantly beautiful, flanked him on either

were basking in the compliments of the

Orion, congratulations! As the new CEO of Imperial Gem Corporation, remember us when it comes to

giving a strong push to the smart car industry under Imperial Ger. That’s

was beaming with pride at the praise for his son. “Orion studied abroad and has a keen vision for the future of

it’ll be dominated by

on the family

businessmen were speculating. “Will Ludwik show up?”

head “Family feuds are brutal. Ludwik’s era is over. If he shows up, he’s just asking for

plays favorites, so much so that I wonder if Ludwik is

not be. Otherwise, how could Rylie have

about? But the conversation quickly shifted. “The only one who could rival

they’re unveiling a new product tonight. Most of us are here

no machine can run.

owner of Skyfaith shown up? His net worth is

buzzed with anticipation, leaving Orion’s

want to see what this old man

those smart chips. Make sure to forge a good relationship later.”

and the

crowd, “Is it

expressions frozen in shock and awe. “It’s… it’s him!”

finding Ludwik, her hand tightly clutching the medicine Then, from the corner of her

in a sleek black suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and lean