Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 196

Elaine’s lips curled into a sardonic smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m a bit chilly,” she said

with feigned innocence. “Could you ask Ms. Valentine to fetch me some clothes, maybe a thermos too? Oh, and a pair of high heels.”

Felix, eavesdropping, realized that Elaine was treating the lady of the house like a servant.

Unfortunately, Mr. Lippert was too hot–headed at the moment to notice the subtlety.

“Why the high heels?” he inquired, puzzled.

“Ludwik, darling, it’s Valentine’s Day,” Elaine cooed, her expression softening into something resembling hope. “I was so looking forward to a date with you, but imagine my dismay at ending up in the hospital instead. Thankfully, I’m feeling better now. I’ve never actually been on a date with a gentleman.”

Her gaze lingered on the striking man before her, filled with longing.

Ludwik felt a twinge of guilt, recalling his indirect role in her condition the night before. How could he refuse her anything now?

After a brief pause, he said with restrained emotion, “Alright, once you’re feeling up to it, I’ll take you

out to dinner.”

Elaine’s eyes lit up as she clasped his hands. “And I’d love to see a movie.”

“Sure.”

“Ludwik, are you trying to sweet–talk me?” Elaine’s almond–shaped eyes crinkled with mirth.

She had managed to turn the tables. Now all she had to do was wait for Whitney’s arrival.

Inside the mansion, Whitney was about to prepare herself some dinner when a new maid, her voice dripping with authority, called out from the second floor. “Mr. Lippert called. Elaine’s in the hospital and he wants you to bring over some clothing, a thermos, and high heels, pronto!”

Whitney paused.

Why was Elaine in the hospital?

two together and a cold smile played on her lips. She refused flatly, “Since you’re her personal

now, you’re nothing but

maid snorted, then turned and entered Elaine’s room, unlocking the door to

clothes.

the door swing open, Whitney’s eyes narrowed. She fiddled with the landline then changed her mind, heading upstairs herself.

Whitney asked as she stepped

Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep an eye on you. You’re not allowed in

Chapter 196

Elaine’s orders, Whitney thought, noting the locked door. What did she have

the landline on the first floor

maid looked down

Whitney said coolly.

phone’s insistent ringing seemed to confirm the maid’s fears. She was new and still getting the lay of the land, and

the opportunity, Whitney slipped into Elaine’s room.

master bedroom. The big bed was unchanged, now flanked by medical

quickly examined the medicine cabinet, which contained medication for post–kidney removal surgery. Opening

much if the hospital

Something was off.

to one from the cabinet. Both were labeled for kidney patients, but when crushed, their contents

she stashed samples

a glimpse of Elaine’s purse, left carelessly open on the hanger. Inside, a red string

half–ring looked

the stairs jolted her

at the door. The maid handed Whitney the items for Elaine, locking the

in her own car, her mind racing. She compared the crushed pills–on one side,

tablet.

apologetic smile. “I accidentally

is just

a vitamin. Her thoughts raced. Why would Elaine mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they

Elaine not been taking her prescribed medicine at

she drove, a chilling realization