Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 449

In the quaint powder room nestled within the Sheldon family's sprawling estate, not far from the dining hall, Whitney leaned heavily against the ornate vanity, splashing cool water on her face before looking up into the mirror, her eyes tinged with discomfort and the faintest hint of red.

Ding-dong-

A text from Bryce interrupted her solitude, "Whitney, are you okay? I'm just outside."

With a wry smile, Whitney replied, "I just need a moment to myself, Bryce. Why don't you head out to the garden for a smoke..."

Crash!

Her phone plummeted into the sink as a sudden, stormy presence enveloped her from behind, pinning her slender hands against the vanity.

Ludwik, having caught a glimpse of the message, seethed with rage. "Exchanging sweet nothings in the bathroom now, are we?" His voice was a dark, menacing whisper, his breath hot against her ear. "Are you deliberately flaunting your little romance with Bryce in front of me?" Whitney, startled by his sudden appearance, turned pale and whirled around, her gaze darting to the door, which was firmly shut, with Bryce standing just outside.

But how did Ludwik get in?

Then she saw the open window...

man out of

with an indescribable discomfort, morphing into unreasonableness. Hadn't he humiliated

he had the audacity

a Sheldon, Ludwik. Who I bring home is none of your business. What right do you have to police

known Ludwik would be here today. And why should she

a terrifying fury. "You think I

move, he pushed her against the wall, his grip on her face fierce as he forced a kiss on her, her lips instantly giving way under the assault. His dark eyes burned with a ferocious anger, as if the very flames could consume Whitney whole. For the first time, she realized how truly frightening

do this to me!

has the right, then? Bryce?" Ludwik's fury

all control at the mention of Bryce, transforming into a beast driven by

scandalous footage that leaked... it's all coming back, isn't it?" he sneered, bringing up past grievances that Whitney thought

his voice dripping with mockery. "You and him, disgustingly intimate, and you expect me to bless this union? Never. Even if I discard something, it's not for another man to enjoy. Understand

trembled, her voice barely a whimper, her eyes swimming with tears and fury. "How can you do this to me,

for Bryce over me?" His voice

think of her reason for enduring all this to uncover

him! And what about Florence? How can you justify your actions towards me when you

pierced through him.

more aggressive, a terrifying mix of possession and humiliation. "Since you're so fond of him, let's