Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 459

A chill traced Florence's cheek as she blinked innocently, "Just three more days, I remember. I'll do my best for Ludwik's mom." "Thank you," Ludwik said.

After grabbing breakfast at the S-T Group's cafeteria, they were heading back when Florence suddenly spotted Whitney and Sandy chatting and laughing over work matters. Florence's expression darkened. She realized that Sandy was seeking Whitney's support.

Sandy had always been a tough nut, not at all like Sienna, who fawned over Florence.

Florence had never liked her, least of all because Sandy was the illegitimate daughter whom no one in the Sheldon family thought Florence was wrong to bully. Everyone blamed Sandy.

The thought of Sandy trying to escape her grasp and cozying up to Whitney, possibly spilling her secrets...

Florence narrowed her eyes and ascended the stairs quietly.

Back in his office, Ludwik began to work as Florence followed.

Seeing him busy, Florence offered, "Ludwik, it's my first day, and I'm not really sure what to do. Can I make you a coffee?"

"Sure, take it easy. You're just here to get a feel for the place. Your well-being comes first," Ludwik advised without looking up.

Florence smiled and headed to the break room.

She prepared two aromatic coffees and stood by the window, observing the office space. Spotting Sandy returning to her desk and Whitney to her office, Florence added more water to the coffees, making them dangerously full. Carefully, she chose to walk past Sandy's desk.

As Sandy bent over her drawer, Florence approached, a malevolent glint in her eyes.

She stopped, whispering venomously, "Sandy, cozying up to Whitney, thinking she can take me on?"

Startled by Florence's sudden presence, Sandy, haunted by childhood memories, turned around, her hands hesitating in the air.

of it scalded

crying out in

face whitening from the burn, jumped up, the chair clattering behind her, and yelled, "What are

It was an accident..." Florence whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes as she

drew the attention

"What's going on?"

assistant rushed over, "Sandy, are

burned!" Florence's

his office, his authoritative presence instantly silencing

the floor, coughing and unable to get

swollen, reddened ankle.

looked around, his gaze stern, "What's

and the burn on her neck made her

was walking with the coffees

didn't!" Sandy, defiant, clenched her fists, "She

see

plea not to blame Sandy, the insinuation was

and fear, knew

you should know she's frail. Was

Ludwik helped

hurts!" Florence's tears fell, "But I can't apply any medicine, right? I'll bear

"Don't blame Sandy. It wasn't

three days were for his mother's health and that Florence couldn't afford

fragile form, tears in her eyes, "Mr. Lippert, I got burned too, and I didn't push her..." Ludwik, focused on Florence, demanded an apology, his imposing stance

or else," his