Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 440

Whitney's cheeks flushed a deep red, a mix of anger and a touch of hurt coloring her expression. The chill from Ludwik's gaze made her scalp tingle. Sure, Justin had seen her when her shirt was soaked, but that was just a glance. But this...

Biting her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, Whitney shot back defiantly, "What does it matter to you if he touched me or not? Ludwik, need I remind you that you're almost my brother-in-law? What right do you have to interrogate me like this? Don't you find it ridiculous? You..."

Suddenly, the sound of knocking and hurried footsteps came from outside. Heidi's voice called out with concern, "Ludwik, are you there? Have you seen Whitney? Can you open the door, please?"

Whitney stiffened, her gaze locked on the door, panic evident in her eyes. Instinctively, she clutched at Ludwik's sleeve, forgetting their argument, and asked with reddened eyes, "What do we do now?"

Seeing her panicked face and how she willingly moved closer, Ludwik felt a softening in his gaze. She was holding his shirt, yet to put it on, foolishly arguing with him, her figure fully exposed to his view. Swallowing hard, his voice deep and low, he said, "What to do? First, get dressed. Have you lost your mind? Or are you waiting for me to dress you?"-He raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her.

Whitney's face turned even redder, and out of sheer panic, she suddenly started hiccupping, "Hic! Hic... Uh!"

"Ludwik, who's with you in there?" Joanne's voice could be heard, sounding suspiciously high-pitched as if she was pressing her ear against the door.

Suddenly, Ludwik's large hand covered Whitney's mouth, and with a swift motion, he took the shirt from her hand, pulling her close and pinning her against the wardrobe, "Ludwik, you... jerk, what are you doing, don't touch me..."

arms wrapped around her front, slipping the shirt on her. Frustrated beyond belief, she felt

it up, and just when Whitney thought he would step back... suddenly, he grasped her wrists, pinning them against the wall, and leaned in, his lips almost touching hers in a forceful kiss. Whitney's

it," she glared, focusing on his lips. Their breaths mingling, he suddenly stopped, pressing his lips

He asked, "Hiccups gone?"

hiccups were too loud. I had to scare them away. What were you thinking?"

sight, he had been struggling to restrain himself, nearly succumbing to the urge to

his gentle assurance unexpectedly calming her racing heart. He didn't kiss her. Would he help her? Nervously, she hid at

crowding the hallway, his gaze

stepped forward, peering into his room, "We're all so worried.

hide?" Ludwik's expression darkened, his question sharp. The group shifted uncomfortably, Holly discreetly tugging at Sienna's sleeve, realizing they had

clearly another pawn sent by Jarvis to stir trouble. Any drama involving him, Jarvis wouldn't just sit back and watch. Heidi and Joanne were visibly

bedroom. She had come to Ludwik's villa on Florence's behest, but now dared not speak up, sensing Ludwik's suspicion about the night's events. Ludwik closed the door firmly, pulling the slightly bemused Whitney from her hiding spot. Soon after, an elderly servant brought a set of women's

her gaze downcast, almost like a docile wife. They left the bedroom, exiting the villa. Unbeknownst to them, someone paused a short distance away, capturing a

"They're still looking for you. Your father and mine are both involved now. How would you explain where you've been if