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?

and two together and a cold smile played on her lips. She

assistant insisted on you. Right now, you’re nothing but

entered Elaine’s room, unlocking the door to

clothes.

with the

find them?” Whitney asked as she stepped inside.

blocking Whitney from entering Elaine’s room. “What are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep an eye on

Chapter 196

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

next move, the landline on the first floor rang.

maid looked

answer the master’s calls,” Whitney said coolly. “Perhaps it’s Elaine calling for you. Aren’t you going

still getting the lay of the land, and as

Whitney slipped into Elaine’s room.

Ludwik’s master bedroom. The big bed was unchanged,

removal surgery. Opening a

so much if the hospital

Something was off.

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

serious as she stashed samples of both medicines in

carelessly open on the hanger. Inside, a red

The half–ring looked eerily

stairs jolted her back to reality.

inspect it further, Whitney dashed out just as the maid returned, relieved to find her still standing at the door. The maid handed Whitney

the crushed pills–on one side, legitimate kidney medication, and on the other, something that seemed suspiciously like a

tablet.

her suspicions, she stopped at a pharmacy and presented the suspected vitamin to an experienced pharmacist with an apologetic smile. “I accidentally lost the bottle and can’t remember what this is. Could you identify it and possibly give

quick test, the pharmacist returned with an incredulous grin. “Miss, this is just a common vitamin tablet. You’ve probably been

mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they

her prescribed

she drove, a chilling realization dawned on Whitney.