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.

brow furrowed

shouldn't see me as a threat... Maybe it's my fault, maybe I did something to upset her." Ludwik,

glance at Whitney, leaned closer into Ludwik, her

Whitney without lifting a finger, letting Ludwik force her to

not so simple

resting room, she quickly texted her mother, Holly: "Is everything ready on your end? It's time to make a

flared. Tonight, she would

-

were made of glass, Whitney's eyes darkened

Florence and stood up to Ludwik? See how much he treasures her? He'd offend all these nobles just for her. You can't even begin

Miss. I've told you to smarten up, but it seems some lessons

you dare drive a wedge between me

further. She simply walked away,

of the dinner,

unnoticed by

flirty voice called out, "Whitney, hey! I'm Justin

taste. His gaze lingered on her dress a tad too

Whitney nodded politely.

the dining hall in silence. The table was elegantly set, the atmosphere warm but Whitney quickly realized she was

Whitney's questioning eyes turned to Justin, wondering how she ended up

winked mischievously at her, oozing what he thought was suave charm. "Babe, I brought you to the Lippert family's feast. Your folks? They're dining out, just

would be too awkward, so she

briefly before looking away with disinterest. He wasn't the type to sweat the small

father, a tall and striking figure, exuding an

began to arrive, he