Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 420

In that moment, the tension in the air was almost palpable, pressing down like a heavy weight.

Sienna looked up at Ludwik's striking features, her eyes widening in fear. "Why are you taking her side? She's just a bastard."

"I'm a bastard too," he replied, his lips curling into a half-smile.

His gaze was icy, and he lounged in his chair with an air of casual arrogance. Sienna's heart sank. It felt like Ludwik was defending Whitney, which felt like a slap in her face.

The grandmother spoke up, her tone displeased, "Sienna, stop harping on about her being a bastard. Ludwik doesn't appreciate it."

"Indeed, I don't. Let's not hear that again," he said, his casual demand cutting through the air.

The grandmother mistook his irritation as a dislike of being reminded of his own illegitimacy. "Apologize this instant."

Sienna, pale-faced, quickly said, "I didn't mean any offense, Ludwik. It won't happen again."

"Apologize to the person you should be apologizing to," his gaze drifted away from Whitney, his expression unreadable.

Florence, however, knew exactly why he was angry. On the surface, she played the peacemaker, standing up to apologize to Whitney, "Sis, Sienna just speaks without thinking. Please don't be mad at her."

Ludwik's expression darkened, and the grandmother stiffened, both turning their attention to Whitney. "Florence is apologizing on Sienna's behalf. She always thinks of others first. As their sister, don't make this ugly."

apology meant

me seem petty if I don't accept, doesn't it? Being called a bastard isn't a big deal. I don't care about titles as much as Ludwik does. What matters is living truthfully, not how many layers of pretense we wrap

jab at everyone present, including Ludwik. His gaze hardened, feeling personally attacked even though he was trying to protect her feelings. Was she really this angry with him? He thought, recalling their past conflicts

hurt him the most. He looked away, his heart

to

Florence's gesture, protested, "Why do you always

peace,"

be so sarcastic.

without thinking. Please don't be mad,"

caught in Whitney's

out, trying to ease the

away, leaving the others to

smug and sharp-tongued," Sienna complained to the

to herself. Why should she aim to please them? Her priority was winning

she approached the dinner table, Ludwik caught her eye, a cold smile on his lips. She was more than just sharp-tongued;

Hudson warmly as he ushered her to the

but Hudson dismissed the formalities, "Let's not fuss over seating

coy, "Oh, did I sit in the wrong spot? I'm not familiar with your customs. But if we're

gave her a knowing look; she was clever,

hair, "That's my point. Let's just enjoy

feeling sidelined, reluctantly took