Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 469

"Your call," Ludwik said, softening his tone upon catching the mist in Whitney's eyes.

He felt a mix of frustration and resignation bubble within him. "Do you have any idea where I've been all day?"

"I don't want to know. Just leave," she replied, her voice firm.

Ludwik, visibly irked and not taking her dismissal lightly, stared at her defiant face for a moment before lighting up a cigarette, blowing the smoke directly at her. She coughed, her lungs protesting, anger rising.

But then, Ludwik gently lifted her chin, his voice softening. "I got news about Sammy. Been wanting to tell you since dawn, but you wouldn't listen. Kept lashing out at me!" "So now, I'm here, swallowing my pride to step into your hotel. Get it?"

Whitney paused, a mix of confusion and urgent concern flitting through her eyes. "What about Sammy? Did you find a clue?"

He didn't reply, letting the smoke curl around him.

Whitney tugged at his sleeve, looking up at him with a vulnerability that seemed to smooth his ruffled feathers.

Ludwik moved closer, his voice low and commanding, "We'll talk later. Cook something first."

"You..."

Her protest was cut off by a suspicious grumble from a stomach - definitely not hers.

Looking up at him, she saw the discomfort on his face, the wound on his forehead adding to his weary look. "You haven't eaten, have you?"

look that said, 'Isn't

been dining in blissful romance with Florence? Ah, right, he had met with Parker for Sammy's

mood further, a hint

Florence for Sammy, yet couldn't spare a moment

he really looking out

he even realize

his sharp profile, his forehead bandaged, a reminder of his altercation. Their eyes met abruptly, causing Whitney to avert her gaze, her throat tightening. "Did you get that wound while searching

was astounded by his casual

slight smile to Ludwik's lips.

he inched closer, his usual stern demeanor

back in Banyan City, when life was simpler, despite their constant bickering over Elaine, finding brief moments of

seemed distant, his familiar presence, doing the usual chores,

proximity affect her. "As if I

had deluded himself, feeling a

Banyan City, to avoid the turmoil of his feelings. But Whitney wasn't one to back down easily. His determination turned cold. She had

well just blow up," he

wanting to silence his morbid talk. After all he had done, how could she offer any

She decided not

noticed him

she

"Ludwik?"

man before her was

you been