Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 268

For three tumultuous years, Skye Gem Ltd. had weathered the storm, its shareholders eager to cannibalize it for a hefty profit, leaving me powerless to protect it for you.

Now, with Skye Gem Ltd. in the voracious grasp of Elaine's takeover, I fear we may be... Whitney curled her lips in a smirk, hushing the disappointed woman with a finger to her lips, then dialed Bryce on her smartphone. "How's it going, Whitney?"

"Ludwik's handed Skye Gem Ltd. over to Elaine."

"I figured as much. How are you holding up?"

A warmth spread through Whitney's heart. That jerk? She'd given up on him long ago. His defense of Elaine barely made a ripple in her calm.

But Skye Gem Ltd.? They had another thing coming!

"Bryce, Elaine hasn't finalized the auction house proceedings. I've got one last shot at getting Skye Gem Ltd. back."

"Oh? Do tell," Bryce chuckled, sensing she came prepared.

"The auction house's old man, you've done business with him, right? Here's the plan: I'll have Nyx handle something for me. You feed Nyx the guy's whereabouts, give her a little nudge, and we could wrap this up tonight. I'm counting on you." "You mean to..."

Bryce paused, amused by the implication. "Well then! You've still got the cunning of your days in the ring-all instinct."

Yeah, Whitney mused, narrowing her eyes. She knew all the moves; once, she played by the book.

Now, she refused to be pushed around again!

She leaned in close to Nyx's ear and whispered, "The auction house boss, he's got a taste for young men. Find a couple of clean-cut lads, send them over tonight. Make sure they take good care of him-and get it on camera. Give the boss his copy on the spot and save one for me."

Nyx caught on instantly, her eyes widening with surprise. Three years had changed Ms. Valentine, indeed.

Elaine stepped into the elevator, reining in her fury, slapped herself for effect, then shot a meaningful glance at Jaxon.

Jaxon nodded, understanding her game, and dialed Ludwik.

"Hello?" came the man's deep, magnetic voice.

"Mr. Lippert, Jaxon here. Elaine didn't want you to know, but she's had a run-in at Skye Gem Ltd. with Whitney causing a scene, even got slapped!"

"What?" Ludwik's face darkened instantly at the thought of Whitney laying a hand on Elaine.

"Elaine was prepping for a shareholders' meeting when Ms. Valentine barged in, mocking her, flaunting an alleged rendezvous with you last night, leaving Elaine distressed. She's using the auction house proceedings as an excuse to squat in the CEO's office for a few days, told Elaine to get lost!" "That damn woman." Ludwik's anger flared, exacerbated by his freshly bandaged wound and the previous night's unrest. He was itching to put that shameless woman in her place.

"Is Elaine alright?"

the elevator alone, teary-eyed. She doesn't want to bother you with this,

was always one to

exited the elevator and walked into the parking

couple of tears, her voice quivering with

does it still

you know already..." Elaine feigned

told you, don't hide

cold, "Also, last night I just wanted to

feigned tenderness, "Ludwik, I would never fall for Whitney's provocations. I trust you. I know you'll treat me

won't let her off. I'll have the auction house speed up the proceedings

all over you, sometimes you're just too kind.

tone was sharp,

the corner of Elaine's lips as she stepped out of the conference room, her spirit

outplay her? That woman

now in better spirits, headed towards her

on Whitney's white BMW. Elaine twirled her car keys, her eyes darkening with malice as she etched deep scratches into the BMW's hood. Abruptly, she heard a noise inside the car. Elaine froze, peering through the front window into the dark interior-she could just make out the silhouette

first, she quickly regained composure. But why was

flash, she heard the

who's there? Stop messing around!" Elaine called out, chasing after the

was a small, black-clad figure darting between the parked cars,

The name slipped out

delicate profile-it

was he

rows of cars to

called

a dark SUV, Danny's frail form tried to stay hidden, his

Elaine, damaging Mommy's

upstairs? That's why Mommy told him

his fists. He wasn't afraid of

it would only be a matter of time before Daddy learned

happen. He pressed

On that side-

of unease crossed her eyes, and she immediately dialed the maid at the Everwood Villa Estate. "Is the

upstairs, "Ma'am, the young master is indeed at home,

Elaine was