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?

played on her lips. She refused flatly, “Since you’re her personal maid,

you’re nothing

entered Elaine’s room, unlocking

clothes.

eyes narrowed. She fiddled with

find them?” Whitney asked as she stepped

are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me

Chapter 196

Whitney thought, noting the locked door. What did she

pondered her next move, the

maid looked

servant; I have no right to answer the master’s calls,” Whitney said coolly. “Perhaps it’s Elaine calling

maid’s fears. She was new and still getting the

Whitney slipped into Elaine’s

to be her and Ludwik’s master bedroom. The big bed was unchanged, now flanked by medical equipment and a

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

the

Something was off.

from the cabinet. Both were labeled for

samples

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

half–ring

jolted her

maid returned, relieved to find her still standing at the door. The maid handed Whitney the items for Elaine, locking the room

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

tablet.

an experienced pharmacist with an apologetic smile. “I accidentally lost

a quick test, the pharmacist returned with an incredulous grin. “Miss, this is just a common

It was indeed a vitamin. Her thoughts raced. Why would Elaine mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they were the same? And if

her prescribed medicine at all?

drove, a chilling realization dawned on Whitney.