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

of Valerie, Ashton stiffened, but guessed Ludwik somewhat

to Elaine, Ludwik instructed the housekeeper to take care of her before heading to

gaze cold. She needed to leave the hospital and

---

Group building, now a landmark of Banyan

gritted his teeth in envy.

think he called

art gallery's jewelry project? He's clinging to

from Whitney and

66th floor, in the austere CEO's office, Ludwik received a call. "Mr. Lippert, Ms. Valentine is in the meeting

his sleeves, his aura all business as he headed to

then Orion stepped in front, grinning cheekily. "Bro, Imperial Gem Corporation is here for

project, Ms. Valentine?" Ludwik's eyes didn't waver from her. "I need to

her demeanor icy. "I'll follow Mr.

an eyebrow, clearly intending to stay

felt a surge of

misunderstanding, but Whitney wouldn't even look him in the eye. The distance between them felt even

Orion's antics, Ludwik fixed his gaze on Whitney, his voice deep, "Unblock me first. We need to

burst out laughing, "Whitney, you

Ludwik's face twitched.

"Not happening. Mr. Lippert, you need to understand, you have no right to

ex on Facebook and texting? That's a

knot with Elaine. Don't go playing two fields. Whitney's got a line of guys waiting for her, don't block my shot," Orion continued, pushing his luck. "Shut up

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

the misery around," Whitney replied, her lips curling into a cold

rage boiling in his chest as if it would pierce through those icy cold eyes of

"So, you really want me to go through with