Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 226

Elaine could not hide it any longer, and with a sigh of frustration, she confessed, “I don’t know what happened; I was sure I had avoided it tonight!”

“It’s that time of the month; you need to rest and take it easy. This can wait,” Ludwik reassured her with a sense of relief in his voice, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “Besides, I’m not feeling quite like myself tonight either. I wouldn’t want to leave you with a bad impression, Elaine. You should get some sleep.”

His tone was too calm.

Elaine was smart and suddenly remembered the water… Her gaze faltered, and her expression paled as she looked at his face, seeking answers.

Ludwik looked back at her with tender eyes, not avoiding her gaze, the depths of his eyes unfathomable.

Elaine clenched her fists, realizing she did not have the courage to confront him.

He helped her dress and gently laid her on the bed, touching her forehead tenderly. “Sleep well, sweetheart,” he whispered.

The man turned off the light and left the room indifferently.

In the darkness, Elaine quickly heard the sound of the front door closing downstairs.

Furious, she got up, ran barefoot down the stairs, and grabbed the bowl of water from the table. She had guzzled it earlier when he had coaxed her, but now she could detect an unusual medicinal flavor. She had been duped!

Elaine dug her nails into her palms, a mix of embarrassment and rage making her smash the bowl to pieces!

He had prepared the water in advance to prevent anything from happening between them, even if it meant inducing her period early.

His indifference chilled her to the bone. Why?

Why would he refuse to…

Her head felt like it would explode. She had tried to touch his crotch earlier, and he had shown no desire.

She had thought maybe the mood was not right, but now she understood. He was not interested in her!

He did not love her, which was why he could look at her body so calmly.

It was all Whitney’s fault. He still longed for that woman’s touch, which was why he disregarded Elaine!

and trampled under her feet, had the audacity to

hatred. As long as Whitney was

return to her!

began to plot

his apartment alone, standing in front of the window at

depth of the president’s preoccupation, his lonely figure

he probably did not make any real contact with

was not

might sit in

heavy movements as he stubbed out his cigarette, he could not help but sigh in consolation, “Mr. Lippert, she won’t belong to anyone else; she’s still yours.

long fingers resting against his temple, silent

At the apartment.

late at night.

and her two best friends had just finished

from the kitchen.

so good?”

were his company’s investment manager and two female stylists carrying several luxurious gowns.

Whitney replied

to

could you be

Bryce?” He was puzzled.

“Tiana’s ex–fiancé Gunner, you know

close to him. My

whispering, “He’s really good at cheering you up. This old guy sure has a way with

hear you,” Bryce responded, amused.

lips twitched. Why did it feel like Bryce had instantly won over her

steered the conversation back. “Mr. Lutz,

want to upset you, so I waited until now to bring the dresses. But

fingers with a flourish, and the investment manager handed over a contract. Whitney was taken aback and somewhat touched as she read it, “Mr. Lutz, a two billion investment in Skye Gem

to life! Leave the rest to me. I

her feel

call it an engagement gift,” Tiana joked. Whitney shot her

Tiana said, looking at Bryce’s affectionate gaze and advising Whitney, “After the engagement tomorrow, everything will become clear. Time to change your mindset and move on. You’ve got your friends and a man who supports you; what’s there to

to get her uncle out