Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 426

"Really, Whitney? After everything, you think I owe you something?" Whitney's laugh was bitter, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Ludwik, after all we've been through, after the two boys I've given you, how can you even stand there and say something like that to

me?"

Her voice was quiet, yet it seemed to shake the very air around them.

Ludwik's expression went blank. Their relationship was already shattered, yet he felt the need to twist the knife deeper. "Come on, Whitney. We're done. Over. When you were getting close to Bryce, did it not cross your mind that I might find someone else too? And now you're upset... Ha, it's no wonder you reached out today. What, are you jealous of me being with someone else?"

He grabbed her chin firmly, his dark eyes both seductive and cold.

If Whitney had the strength, Ludwik's face would be marred by her slap.

Her whole body trembled with rage. He was using her attempt to reach out as a way to humiliate her further.

Her heart felt like it was being crushed, his disdain apparent, mocking her pain.

at his shirt collar, spitting out, "Rest assured, being a jerk just once is more than enough! Falling for a loser like you is my biggest regret.

She's just another Elaine, and nothing between us has changed, Ludwik. You never learn, always falling for the same old tricks!" Ludwik frowned, "You're being unfair to Florence. She's

how well do you know her, Ludwik? After just a short time?" Whitney retorted. Through her interactions with Florence, she knew the kind of person she was. Beyond the façade of innocence, there lurked someone far more cunning and manipulative. Hudson had mentioned the Lippert-Sheldon merger, a union Whitney was initially considered for.

"Don't you find it odd how Florence just happened to appear in your life at the perfect

they'd met. He had his suspicions about their meeting being too convenient. Florence had claimed ignorance about Whitney and their

because of my status?" Ludwik

status, why bother? Besides, she's not the type to chase after power." Whitney's skepticism deepened, her intuition telling her otherwise. "So, you fell for her innocence that quickly?

frustration was evident. He couldn't reveal his mother's illness or the real reason behind his actions. "It's not what you think. And yes, Florence doesn't care about status. What I need from her... is not something I can

love turning to loathing. "You're the worst, Ludwik. You've fed our love to the dogs. Explain to Danny

were wet with unshed tears. "Leave

buried alongside what was left of their love. As she left, Ludwik remained silent,

driver before he pulled away from the curb. Instead of heading straight to find Danny as she entered the hotel lobby, her steps faltered, and she found herself veering into a

previously held at bay, now cascaded down her cheeks, her body shaking with each sob. Passersby cast worried glances her way, startled by her breakdown. A concerned concierge hurried over, asking, "Miss, are you alright? Do you need me

As if any medicine could mend a heart

you," Whitney managed to choke out between sobs, shaking her head with a bitter laugh.