Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 281

Elaine's fury was palpable as she stared at Whitney, her rage boiling over. "You shameless harlot, how dare you seduce Ludwik! I'll make you regret this!" Her scream drew disapproving looks from passersby. But Elaine didn't care about appearances anymore. She lunged at Whitney, grabbing her hair, intent on dragging her down.

Out of control, she hissed, "Shameless! He's my man! You think you can win him back with that trashy body of yours? Dream on. He's all about me now; he wouldn't stand to see me slighted even a bit. Just a word from me, and he'd wipe you out, believe it or not!" "Oh, I believe you," Whitney said, recalling the cold, harsh words from the hotel room, and she laughed.

Elaine was taken aback.

In an instant, Whitney easily restrained her, clicking her tongue in disdain. "Elaine, you used to be so cunning. What happened, resorting to street-brawling tactics now?"

Then, with a knowing smile, she added, "You must be desperate. Three years and still pining for a man, loneliness and madness taking over. Especially since I can get him excited in a second while you're green with envy. Maybe you should be nicer to me, or else, with just a flick of my finger, I could really ruin your peace!"

Feeling a surge of vindictive pleasure, Whitney recalled Orion's advice: 'First make Ludwik fall for you again, then pay them back in spades.' Seeing Elaine so flustered only made her feel more triumphant.

Elaine nearly choked with rage. "You think Ludwik would still want you? In his eyes, you're nothing but trash compared to me. And about last night, don't flatter yourself. His 'condition' will soon be cured, and your seduction will be useless!"

Whitney, amused by Elaine's confidence, teased, "Oh, Elaine, did you not know that the 'miracle doctor' you're so hopeful about has stopped practicing?"

"How do you know?" Indeed, Elaine was frustrated about Ludwik's unresolved condition.

With a feigned gasp of surprise, Whitney chuckled, "You mean you don't know that the miracle doctor goes by the name... Whitney?"

Stunned, Elaine struggled to react, her face a mix of emotions. Sneering, she shot back, "What are you, exactly? A few acupuncture tricks and you think you're some kind of miracle worker? I couldn't cure Ludwik, what makes you think you can?" Whitney laughed, "Of course you couldn't. You just don't have the charm. He's simply not into you."

in the face with every word,

and shoved it into her arms. "Here, go tear up some paper. Be careful though, hotel trash cans are

burning with jealousy over Whitney's time with Ludwik, Elaine hurled the trash can at Whitney's retreating

Elaine stormed back to

a firm press of her lips, she too

Kelvin, hinting that Ludwik had secured a visiting pass for him. This, they had to do quietly before Elaine

-

was greeted with concern. "Where were you last

question about her late night with Orion,

stark contrast to his usual aloof demeanor. Tiana, bewildered by his sudden change, shared her shock with

on his mom's neck, worriedly asked if she was alright, hinting at his concern over her well-being. Whitney, touched by his sensitivity, reassured him as they headed home, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of his condition. "Nothing to worry about, I'm just concerned that Mom might get pushed around when she's back in the States,

at her little knight in shining armor, ruffling his hair gently, "Don't

he and Danny would be right there

share the news, but did Mom even know

could stir up a whole

and his little brother cooked up: keep mum and

topic, mulling it over for quite a while before he found a way

sensing her bright son

coma, and that you're working on some miracle cure. Funny coincidence, I came across someone on the dark web willing to pay

wheel tightened as she turned to him in surprise, "Are you sure her name's

with names, so yeah,