Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 361

As the person in question, Whitney politely declined the requests for her Facebook details and stood calmly by Orion's side, fiddling with her phone. The privacy filter on her screen meant Orion couldn't see what message she was crafting. Mysterious, much?

"Look over there, Jason, that's my uncle," Orion suddenly pointed out.

Whitney looked in the direction Orion indicated and saw Ludwik standing with Jason. In that moment, something flickered through Whitney's heart.

"They look alike, don't they?" Orion seemed to read her mind and smirked, "Definitely more than he looks like my dad. Seems like Jason's laying his cards on the table now..."

Even though Whitney wasn't familiar with the ins and outs of Emperor City, she knew Jason was a high-ranking military official, a patriarch from the most influential family in Harmonia Country. Then she remembered Zane's smug expression earlier. Three years ago, Elaine had hinted that Ludwik's background was no simple affair. Turns out, she was right...

"That must be Jarvis over there," Orion nodded slightly, "Rumor has it he's my uncle's adopted son?"

Squinting, Whitney indeed saw Jarvis approaching Jason, nodding respectfully, yet his sly eyes remained defiant.

"What a day," Orion clicked his tongue, "Banyan City's so tiny, and yet, because of Ludwik, it's drawing in all these big shots from Emperor City..."

"I didn't invite you, pest." A cold male voice came from nearby.

Ludwik, having mingled with a few businessmen and elegantly holding a wine glass, cast a cold glance towards Orion. His gaze deepened upon catching sight of Whitney.

parted his lips, "I didn't invite you either. What are you doing

directed at Whitney. Recalling their intense encounter just the night before, a fleeting

me, so someone else must have. You didn't expect your ex-wife to come witness your blissful union, but I couldn't refuse such a gracious invitation." Ludwik's handsome face stiffened momentarily. He hadn't intended to put her in

Whitney didn't give him the chance, calmly linking arms with Orion and walking away. Ludwik's gaze

looking at her, I'll

auspicious time is nearly upon us. Elaine must be getting anxious inside. You've decided

tightly, a bitter smile flashing through his eyes. Rubbing his temples, he responded coldly, "I never intended to marry Whitney. It's impossible. I know I'm getting married today, and my bride is Elaine." Relieved, Nolan sighed, glad to see Ludwik was still in his senses, "Let's go. It's time to

of petals, Elaine, in a diamond-studded dress and a tiara, gracefully walked across the lawn towards Ludwik under the envious gazes of the

and muscular. Marrying someone like Ludwik, future ruler of Emperor City and heir to the Lippert family, was

ultimate winner. She knew Ludwik had spent another night with that woman, evident from his husky voice over the phone. But it didn't matter. From now on, Ludwik would be hers entirely, bearing children and sharing everything with her! Whitney would have nothing. Not just nothing. Elaine had laid her plans carefully, and today would mark Whitney's downfall. With a fleeting smile, Elaine gracefully approached the altar, facing Ludwik. Despite the

though fixed on her, didn't sparkle with emotion. His heart remained heavy, his body cold and numb. It seemed that the presence of that woman in the crowd finally made him realize, love was not something he could control or dictate. He might command everything

attention drifting to Whitney, softly said, "If only your godmother could see us

subtly reminded him of the life-saving kidney transplant. Indeed, Ludwik's attention snapped back, and he looked at her with a renewed sense of gratitude. Elaine coldly glanced at Whitney, who still managed to unsettle Ludwik even at his wedding. Just wait. Once the vows were exchanged, she'd reveal the

in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others,

behind them! Suddenly, in the midst of celebrating their love story, the big screen that had been showcasing Elaine and her partner's romantic journey flickered, and the imagery shifted unexpectedly. Elaine, caught off guard, furrowed her brows in confusion, wondering about the competence

a woman's bare form causing a collective gasp among the audience, a

was pinned beneath a man, his identity

that's

that's not Mr. Lippert, the