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?

together and a cold smile played on her lips.

now, you’re nothing but a servant. Dare you

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

clothes.

Whitney’s eyes narrowed. She fiddled with the landline then changed her mind, heading

Whitney asked as she stepped inside.

room. “What are you doing here? Mr. Lippert has ordered me to keep an eye on you.

Chapter 196

locked door.

next move, the landline on the first floor rang.

maid looked down urgently.

Whitney said coolly. “Perhaps it’s Elaine calling

getting the

opportunity, Whitney slipped into Elaine’s room.

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

which contained medication for post–kidney removal

Elaine need so much if the hospital could supply it at any

Something was off.

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

she stashed samples of both medicines

she closed the drawer, 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 out.

frowned. The half–ring

stairs jolted her

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 keep Elaine

the villa in her own car, her mind racing. She compared the crushed pills–on one side, legitimate kidney medication, and on

tablet.

apologetic smile. “I accidentally lost the bottle and can’t remember what

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

thoughts raced. Why would Elaine mix vitamins with kidney medication, pretending they were the same? And if she had just undergone a

been taking her

chilling realization dawned