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 and two together and a cold smile played on her

Right now, you’re

and entered Elaine’s room, unlocking the door to rummage for

clothes.

eyes narrowed. She fiddled with the landline then

asked

high alert, dashed out, blocking Whitney from entering Elaine’s room. “What are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep

Chapter 196

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

Whitney pondered her next move, the landline on the first floor

maid looked down urgently.

Whitney said coolly. “Perhaps it’s Elaine calling for you. Aren’t

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

opportunity, Whitney slipped into Elaine’s room.

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

for post–kidney removal surgery. Opening a drawer, she discovered an identical stash of medicine.

the

Something was off.

the cabinet. Both were labeled for kidney patients, but

expression grew serious as she stashed samples of both medicines in her pocket.

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

half–ring looked

jolted her back to

relieved to find her still standing at the door. The maid handed Whitney the items for Elaine, locking the room behind her. “Hurry up and don’t keep

villa in her own car, her mind racing. She compared the crushed pills–on one side, legitimate kidney medication, and on the other, something that seemed suspiciously like

tablet.

“I accidentally

“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

taking her prescribed medicine at all?

she drove, a chilling realization dawned on