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.

at her before hoisting Florence into his arms to prevent her fainting, his brow furrowed in concern. "This isn't your fault. I made her change. Just calm

family's pillar. She shouldn't see me as a threat... Maybe it's my fault, maybe I did something to upset her." Ludwik, moved by her supposed condition, couldn't help but spare her a glance of

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

a finger, letting Ludwik force her to change gowns, thereby isolating her. Instead, Whitney turned

not so simple after

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

Whitney's public mockery, Florence's anger flared. Tonight, she

-

Ludwik fuss over Florence as if she were made

her senses after witnessing the entire ordeal, pointed an accusing finger at Whitney. "Think you've won just because you mocked Florence and stood up to Ludwik? See how much he treasures her? He'd offend all these nobles just for her. You can't

scoffed, her gaze icy. "Nor can you, Miss.

Don't you dare drive a wedge between me and Florence. She's kind,

knowingly, too drained to entertain further. She simply walked away, leaving

the commencement of the dinner, leading everyone

by the

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

for Whitney's taste. His gaze lingered on her dress a tad too long, reminding her

step away, Whitney

set, the atmosphere warm but Whitney quickly realized she was at the wrong table, surrounded by the Lipperts, not seeing Hudson

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

brought you to

be

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

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

to arrive, he stubbed out