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

you’re nothing but

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

clothes.

narrowed. She fiddled with the landline then

asked as she stepped inside.

Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep an eye on you. You’re not allowed in the

Chapter 196

Elaine’s orders, Whitney thought, noting the locked

her next move, the landline on

maid looked down urgently.

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

She was new and still getting the lay of the land, and as she went to answer the call,

opportunity, Whitney slipped into Elaine’s room.

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

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

so much if the hospital could supply it at

Something was off.

from the cabinet. Both were

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

Elaine’s purse, left carelessly open on the hanger. Inside, a red string tied to a broken

frowned. The half–ring looked eerily

the 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 items for Elaine, locking

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 a

tablet.

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 me

incredulous grin. “Miss, this is just

vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they were the same? And if she

taking her

chilling realization dawned