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 lips. She refused flatly, “Since you’re

insisted on you. Right now, you’re

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

clothes.

with the

you find them?” Whitney asked as she

entering Elaine’s room. “What are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep

Chapter 196

locked door. What

next move, the landline on the first floor

maid looked down urgently.

calls,” Whitney said coolly. “Perhaps it’s

to confirm the maid’s fears. She was new and still getting the lay of the land, and as she

the opportunity, Whitney slipped into

bedroom. The big bed was unchanged, now flanked by medical equipment and a

contained medication for post–kidney removal surgery. Opening a drawer, she

if the

Something was off.

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

serious as she stashed samples of both medicines in her

she caught a glimpse of Elaine’s purse, left carelessly open on the hanger. Inside, a red string tied to a broken jade half–ring peeked

frowned. The half–ring looked

the stairs jolted her back to

further, Whitney dashed out just as the maid returned, 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

the crushed pills–on one side, legitimate kidney medication,

tablet.

suspected vitamin to an experienced pharmacist with an apologetic smile. “I accidentally lost the bottle and

returned with an incredulous grin. “Miss, this is just a common vitamin tablet. You’ve probably been taking it as

raced. Why would Elaine mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they were the same? And if she had just undergone a kidney donation surgery, she couldn’t possibly skip her recovery

taking her

a chilling realization dawned on