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.

mood sour, barely glanced 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 down, no need 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, maybe I did something to upset her." Ludwik, moved by her supposed condition, couldn't help but spare her a glance of pity,

closer into Ludwik, her eyes

her to change

woman, not

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

flared. Tonight, she would ensure

-

Ludwik fuss over Florence as if she were made of glass, Whitney's eyes darkened

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

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

wedge between me and Florence. She's kind, unlike your vile

too drained to entertain further. She

butler announced the commencement of the dinner, leading everyone to the dining

with the layout and unnoticed by the servants, couldn't find her

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

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

away, Whitney nodded politely. "Thank you,

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

turned to Justin,

was suave charm. "Babe, I brought you to the Lippert family's feast. Your folks? They're dining out, just a stone's throw

would be too awkward, so

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

next to his father, a tall and striking

to arrive, he stubbed out