Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 225

Jason watched as Ludwik methodically crushed his cigarette, his expression stoic.

Without prying further, Jason’s gaze darkened, “The help you need, consider it done.”

Ludwik, a man of few words, stood and bowed slightly. “I’m grateful, take some rest.”

With that, he walked out, his presence cool and detached.

Jason slightly furrowed his brows as he watched Ludwik’s retreating figure.

The door swung open, and Zane and Delphine entered, accompanied by Elaine, all wearing bright smiles.

“Good to see you, Jason,” Elaine said, her voice laced with restrained excitement.

“Sooner or later, you’ll have to change how you address him, silly girl,” Zane chuckled deeply, approaching Jason with a lower voice. “Are you happy to see Ludwik? Actually, he’s had a fallout with Kaden. The timing seems right; maybe you could…”

Jason’s eyes dimmed, a man of his stature feeling a rare twinge of uncertainty. He sighed. “The kid had a tough time with his mother when he was young, and I didn’t help. He’s too proud and aloof; now isn’t the right time; he won’t accept…”

Zane carefully interjected, “Don’t blame yourself. You didn’t know back then.”

“Let’s discuss this another time. He turned out quite well, I’m impressed.” Jason’s eyes showed

a hint of approval, and he kept it low–key, “Mr. Bartels, I appreciate the invitation.”

“A young one’s engagement is indeed an occasion to have you,” Zane replied with utmost respect as he saw Jason off.

Back in the lounge, Delphine could barely contain her excitement, “Jason’s been in the military for so long, it’s rare to catch a glimpse of such an influential figure. It’s because of our Elaine. She’s really held onto Ludwik’s heart. He has unlimited potential. Congratulations, my daughter. You have cut through the thorns, driven away that wretch Whitney, and today, you’ll become the future Mrs. Lippert!”

“Thanks to you, Mom and Dad, for introducing me to Ludwik early and helping me deal with that wretch. Tonight, I will become Ludwik’s woman, and Whitney will never have a chance to come back. We need to find a way to get rid of her for good!”

Delphine’s eyes narrowed. “The die is cast. It should be easy for you to deal with her. Just make it clean! Our family and the Tennyson affairs should never see the light of day. So, no survivors from the Tennyson family. As for Whitney’s uncle, find a chance to seal his lips in prison.”

Zane nodded heavily. “Leave it to you, Elaine. Tonight, you must secure Ludwik to avoid any further complications.”

blushed demurely and nodded.

wedding banquet, Nolan

was unusual for a groom to be pouring his own

group of friends that Ludwik was distracted, and far from happy, his brow furrowed with a

difficult

Elaine fluttered over like a

capturing the

his friends, “The party’s over. Elaine’s not feeling well; I’ll take her home.”

hurrying to the bridal chamber as they usually

They simply nodded.

Elaine left by car.

Elaine was attended to by two maids, her long gown trailing behind her as she stepped into the bath for a soak.

elegantly on the sofa, his handsome face reflected in the vast windows.

like deep pools, held secrets

cigarette, pressing his brow as if to ease

Elaine emerged, the maids nowhere in

in a black see–through gown with a high slit, her fair upper body wrapped in a plunging neckline, her long hair dripping with misty droplets, her eyes hazy with desire.

leaned on Ludwik’s long legs, mermaid–like, looking up coquettishly. “It’s

plain view, but his eyes struggled

softly, “Elaine, there’s some water on the table. You’re hardly dressed;

touched by his care,

she deliberately let a drop linger on her lips, glistening as it

collarbone.

his legs to the sofa, her heart pounding as she admired the slight openness of his

rush.” Ludwik gently held her hand, frowning

I sent the maids away, and there’s no one to

of shy anticipation as she

abruptly, pushing her aside,

and unease. “We’re engaged now, just a marriage certificate away. What’s stopping us? I’ve waited for you for years, and tonight was supposed to

ready for this,” Ludwik found an excuse, his tall frame commanding.

and annoyed with himself for not being drawn to Elaine’s stunning figure. What was wrong with him

closed his eyes, all he saw was that