Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 435

Whitney's voice held a hint of feigned grievance, increasingly laced with lazy amusement.

She stared at Florence, whose face was finally betraying hints of panic, turning a sickly shade of pale.

Confronted with Ludwik's fiery, thunderous glare, Whitney managed a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry, Ludwik. My bad, really. Guess I'll steer clear of red dresses from now on. Or maybe Florence could give me a heads-up on her outfit choices daily. That way, I won't accidentally twin with her and ruffle her feathers. And let's not forget, folks, Florence here is Ludwik's pride and joy. Cross her, and well, you won't know what hit you."

Her last words were directed at the audience around them, causing the socialites who had been flocking around Florence to shift uncomfortably.

Whispers of discontent started amongst the other gentlemen and ladies present.

"Isn't that a bit much? Only she gets to wear red? Whitney looked better in it anyway, and now she's got Ludwik making people change their outfits?"

"Never pegged Ms. Sheldon for the petty type. Thought she was all delicate and sweet. Guess rumors can be deceiving."

"And Whitney's dress is torn. She must've been pressured into changing. Men don't care about fashion faux pas; must've been Ms. Sheldon whispering sweet nothings."

The crowd exchanged knowing looks, some snickering, "Thought Ludwik was above this love-struck foolishness, dictating women's wardrobe choices."

"Better steer clear of this 'Golden Couple' from now on, unless you fancy getting caught in the crossfire like Whitney."

"Whitney, what nonsense are you spouting!" Ludwik's face darkened with anger as he overheard the crowd's murmurs.

Whitney just stuck out her tongue and sauntered off, leaving Florence in the most awkward position. She had cultivated an image of being pitiable, and now, the elite were starting to suspect her of being jealous of Whitney, spiteful, even... Clutching her handkerchief tightly, Florence scrambled to compose herself, knowing she needed to regain Ludwik's trust more than ever.

"Ludwik, why would she say such things about me? I never forbade her from wearing red, I never..."

Tears choked her words, her frail body nearly collapsing.

fainting, his brow furrowed in concern. "This

want to get along with her. I won't be around much longer, and she'll be the family's pillar. She shouldn't see me as a threat... Maybe it's my fault,

glance at Whitney, leaned closer into Ludwik, her eyes downcast, seething

Ludwik force her to change gowns, thereby isolating her. Instead, Whitney

woman, not so simple after

safely in a resting room, she quickly texted her mother, Holly: "Is everything ready on your end?

Florence's anger flared. Tonight, she would ensure Whitney's

-

if she were made of glass, Whitney's eyes darkened with unspoken

stood up to Ludwik? See how much he

gaze icy. "Nor can you, Miss. I've told you

you dare drive a wedge between me and Florence. She's kind, unlike your

entertain further. She simply walked away, leaving

the dinner, leading

with the layout and unnoticed by the

next move, a flirty voice called out, "Whitney, hey! I'm Justin from the Lippert

on her dress a tad too long, reminding her

Whitney nodded politely. "Thank you,

elegantly set, the atmosphere warm but Whitney quickly realized she was at

situation, Whitney's questioning eyes turned to Justin, wondering

thought was suave charm. "Babe, I brought you to the

up now would be too awkward,

way only briefly before

seated next to his father, a tall and striking figure, exuding an air of quiet strength as

he stubbed