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.

didn't invite you either. What are

Whitney. Recalling their intense encounter just the night before, a fleeting expression crossed

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

linking arms with Orion and walking away. Ludwik's gaze lingered on

you keep looking at her, I'll start to wonder who you're

auspicious time is nearly upon us. Elaine must be getting anxious inside. You've decided to marry today, so focus on

responded coldly, "I never intended to marry Whitney. It's impossible. I know I'm getting married today, and my

wedding march and a shower of petals, Elaine, in a diamond-studded dress

every angle, a gift from the gods. His imposing figure was mature and muscular. Marrying someone like Ludwik, future ruler of Emperor City

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 deep, captivating gaze of the man

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 else, but not his own

godmother could see us

Elaine coldly glanced at Whitney, who still managed to unsettle Ludwik even at his wedding. Just wait.

Ludwik, do you take Ms. Elaine to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her as long as you both shall live?" All eyes turned towards the

partner's romantic journey flickered, and the imagery shifted unexpectedly. Elaine, caught off guard, furrowed her brows in confusion, wondering about the competence

among the audience, a mix of elites and common folks alike.

was pinned beneath a man, his identity half-hidden, not her groom but

that's

Mr. Lippert, the