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.

Nolan noticed

to be pouring his

distracted, and far from happy, his brow furrowed with a

made it difficult to

over like a graceful

capturing the moment.

her affectionately, announcing to his friends, “The party’s over.

to the bridal chamber as they usually would

They simply nodded.

and Elaine left

attended to by two maids, her long gown trailing behind her as she stepped into

the night, Ludwik sat elegantly on the sofa, his handsome face reflected in

deep pools, held secrets and a detached

cigarette, pressing his brow as

hour later, Elaine emerged, the maids nowhere in

her allure heightened by the red flush on her cheeks. Dressed in a black see–through gown with a high slit, her fair upper body wrapped in a plunging neckline, her long hair dripping

on Ludwik’s long legs, mermaid–like, looking

cleavage in plain view, but his eyes struggled to ignite any passion, as calm as the deep

gaze, speaking softly, “Elaine, there’s some water on the table. You’re

care, hurriedly drank the water,

on her lips, glistening as

collarbone.

heart pounding as she admired the slight openness of his shirt,

gently held her hand,

wrong, Ludwik? You don’t like it here? I sent the maids away, and there’s no

as she clung to his shoulders, swaying gently.

abruptly, pushing her aside, “What I meant by not rushing

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

found an excuse, his tall

was irritable and annoyed with himself for not being drawn to Elaine’s stunning figure. What was wrong with him wanting to take Elaine? Whitney had cheated

all he saw was that damn woman’s image, as if cursed, making him feel absolutely