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?"

his mother's illness, the only donor 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 smile, "Why such a question? I was at the

with sarcasm, "Next time you sneak around, Mr. Lippert, at least wipe

saw the photo, his features hardening. He hadn't expected a simple outing to be twisted into

not what you think, Whitney!

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?

edge. She had only suspected

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,

explanation, only arrogance and domination. At this point, divorced and with their son gone, their relationship was beyond repair. He had no reason to explain himself to

resolve settle over her. Shaking her head, she looked at him, her voice calm, "Save your sweet talk. I've

me make myself clear. Because of 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

his heart sinking with each cold, merciless word from Whitney. Her misunderstanding cut deep-not caring for Sammy? As if everything he'd done was a

refused to give him even a sliver of hope. Ludwik's departure

want daddy to leave! Please, make up with mommy. It's normal for girls to get 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, "Stop

anger and frustration, Ludwik stormed out of the apartment. Downstairs, Bryce emerged from his car, his gentle 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