Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 344

After sending several texts that seemed to sink into the abyss, Ludwik finally realized he had been blocked by a certain woman.

Dumped with divorce papers and then blocked, all because he stole a kiss. Was she really taking it this far?

"Mr. Lippert, Ms. Valentine's assistant got in touch. Danny has been returned to the estate," Felix burst in to announce.

Ludwik's face turned to stone. She wouldn't even deal with him directly now?

"Also, Mr. Lippert, there are a couple of news stories you might want to see," Felix hesitated before handing over the tablet.

After scanning the news, Ludwik's handsome face darkened, finally understanding why he had been blocked. "Why didn't you show me this sooner?"

"You just woke up," Felix thought, biting his tongue in fear, as his eyes glanced at the news photos revealing Ludwik in an intimate moment, helping Elaine drink water.

Felix awkwardly tried to explain, "I don't know how the reporters got into the hospital or managed to snap from such angles. The media are all over your and Elaine's 'deep affection,' saying your marriage won't be affected by the Bartels Group scandal..." Ludwik's gaze swept across another headline: Zane's release after a night of interrogation, aided by an unknown benefactor.

Whitney must have thought he was behind it.

His brow furrowed in thought. Then, looking toward Elaine's hospital room next door, Ludwik's expression cooled as he ordered, "Have Whitney meet me at Skyfaith Group for the jewelry exhibition project, this morning!" Felix paused, a smirk flickering at the corner of his eye.

Ludwik walked into Elaine's room, finding her fresh-faced. "Ludwik, you're up?" she asked timidly.

"Did you arrange for the paparazzi last night and the news this morning? You know I hate these tactics," Ludwik said with an uncharacteristically cold tone, tossing the tablet on the table with a thud. Elaine's heart skipped a beat, her lips turning pale, but then Ashton burst into the room.

"Why blame Elaine? I did it!" Ashton declared, stepping in front of her. "You were ignoring her, so I called the reporters. The Bartels Group scandal needs your protection now more than ever!" Ludwik's icy demeanor didn't waver. "And her father's release, that was you too?"

"So what if it was? You wouldn't help, am I not allowed to?" Ashton retorted protectively.

Elaine, tears brimming, stepped forward, "Please don't fight over me. I'm just happy you agreed to fulfill our marriage agreement, Ludwik. I haven't been plotting anything."

looked at her, his gaze indifferent, then warned Ashton with a chilling tone, "Remember, you're married,

Valerie, Ashton stiffened, but guessed

to take

cold. She needed to

---

building, now a landmark of Banyan

his teeth in envy.

you think he called

project? He's clinging to control,

documents from Whitney and strutted into

the austere CEO's office, Ludwik received a call. "Mr. Lippert, Ms.

stood, rolling up his sleeves, his aura

front, grinning cheekily. "Bro, Imperial Gem Corporation is here for business." Ludwik's handsome face darkened at the

Ms. Valentine?" Ludwik's eyes didn't waver

her long hair aside, her demeanor icy. "I'll

an eyebrow, clearly intending to stay

a surge

him in the eye. The distance between them felt

antics, Ludwik fixed his gaze on Whitney, his voice deep,

out laughing, "Whitney, you

Ludwik's face twitched.

her gaze mocking, "Not happening. Mr. Lippert, you need to understand, you have no right to order

on, man, getting cozy with your ex on Facebook and texting? That's a slap in the face to Elaine," Orion chimed

about to tie the knot with Elaine. Don't go playing two fields. Whitney's got a line of guys waiting for her, don't block my shot,"

devilishly, turned his head to continue prodding, "Honestly, Whitney, you must be dying for him to hurry up and marry Elaine,

to themselves - better than spreading the misery around," Whitney replied, her

at her, rage boiling in his chest as if

his fist tighter, his voice dropping colder, "So, you really want me to go