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?

on

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

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

clothes.

Whitney’s eyes narrowed. She fiddled with the landline

you find them?” Whitney asked as she

“What are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep an eye on you. You’re not

Chapter 196

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

the

maid looked

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

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

slipped into Elaine’s

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

which contained medication for post–kidney removal

Elaine need so much if the

Something was off.

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

she stashed samples of both medicines in her pocket.

of Elaine’s purse, left carelessly open on

The half–ring

the stairs jolted her back

at the door. The maid handed Whitney the items for Elaine, locking the room behind her. “Hurry up

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

tablet.

to an experienced pharmacist with an apologetic smile. “I accidentally lost the bottle and can’t remember what this

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

Elaine mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they were the same? And

Elaine not been taking her prescribed medicine at

a chilling realization dawned on Whitney.