Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 399

Ludwik was oblivious to the chilling change in her demeanor.

Leaning in, captivated by her presence, he couldn't resist brushing aside her hair to seek out her cheek for a kiss. "Whitney..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Startled, Whitney turned, her gaze icy as she struggled to distinguish between the memory captured in a photograph and the reality before her. Her chest felt tight, as if trampled by a hedgehog leaving behind a trail of painful pricks.

The photo, sent by Elaine with today's date-3 PM. Now it was 5.

Looking at Ludwik, so impeccably dressed, she scoffed at the thought that he had been drowning in work at Skyfaith, fasting in guilt as Danny suggested. She had hoped he'd share her concern for Sammy, feel the loss as deeply... But clearly, he didn't. While she was hanging on a thread after an argument with Elaine, he was out, meeting new women? Was he always this stranger she never truly knew?

Tears welled up in Whitney's eyes, overwhelmed by a surge of anger. "Whitney... what's wrong?" Ludwik's confusion was palpable as he noticed the coldness in her stare, his brows knitting in concern.

Whitney, her anger turning cold, slammed her phone against his chest. Trying to stay calm, despite the rage fueled by Elaine's betrayal, she forced a smile, "And where were you this afternoon, having fun?"

they found, and the negotiations that had gone south, especially not the conditions they'd proposed... His instinct to conceal was stronger, his lips curving into a casual

as ice. She offered him a chance to explain, but he chose not to. Lies, then. Confirmation of his betrayal. Picking up her phone, she waved it in front of him, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Next time you sneak around, Mr. Lippert, at least wipe that smirk off your face. Oh, but considering

photo, his features hardening. He hadn't expected a simple outing to be twisted into a scandal. Snatching the phone from Whitney, he demanded,

you think, Whitney! Nothing

No joyriding while your son is missing? I thought you'd remember Sammy, that you'd care! But clearly, you haven't seen him, haven't raised him, so why would you care? He's

emotions teetering on the edge. She had only suspected an affair with Elaine, but this... She had underestimated

voice laced with anger and disbelief, "I've told you, I wasn't with another woman. These days haven't been easy for me either, Whitney. You don't need to be so bitter, so sarcastic with me. All I wanted

photos that weren't manipulated, saw no explanation, only arrogance and domination. At this point, divorced and with their son gone, their relationship was beyond repair. He had

settle over her. Shaking her head, she looked at

Sammy, my disdain for you couldn't be greater. You hurt me for Elaine, and every bit of it is lodged in my heart, impossible to remove... Our son is what separates us. What does it matter if you see through Elaine or know the truth? If anything, Sammy wouldn't be lost! I couldn't care less about you; I've had no expectations. You

for Sammy? As if everything he'd done was a joke. He

sneered, "Not forgive me? As if I'm desperate. Fine, don't. There're plenty of women out there!" With that, he turned, his heart aching, realizing he had lost more than he could bear-not by choice, but because she refused to give him even a sliver of hope. Ludwik's departure was as cold as the distance

a bit upset. She didn't really mean what she said about splitting up..." Danny frantically kicked his legs in distress. Ludwik paused, a bitter and violent emotion crossing his face,

hands holding a bouquet of flowers. As they came face to face, both men halted, a spark of anger flaring in Ludwik's eyes. Without a doubt, Bryce was here to see Whitney. Approaching with a smile, Bryce nodded in greeting. Ludwik's cold demeanor shifted as he blocked Bryce's path, "What are you