Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 567

In the office.

Ludwik's gaze was glued to his phone, scrolling through the trending news: she and Bryce, cozy in the mall, hugging and caressing each other's faces, her cheeks flushed with a rosy tint, trying to hide her wide, sparkling eyes.

Their affection was on full display, like a couple madly in love, both intimate and ostentatious. It wasn't a staged photo but rather candid shots. She looked genuinely happy!

Clenching his phone tightly, Ludwik abruptly stood up, his knee knocking against the table with a resonant thud. Parker, hearing the cold collision, knew it was too late but walked in anyway, raising an eyebrow in concern.

At first glance, he saw Ludwik, standing rigidly before his desk, eyes filled with a frosty chill. The bright blues of the skyline through the large floor-to-ceiling windows behind him seemed miles away, unable to soften his brooding demeanor, making him appear even colder. Without thinking, Parker blurted out, "Maybe it's just Skye Gem Ltd. drumming up some publicity, creating a buzz with Whitney."

"Do you believe that?" Ludwik tossed his phone aside and sank back into his chair, his large frame making a muffled sound. His voice was chilling.

Parker thought to himself, it didn't matter whether he believed it or not, what mattered was Ludwik's belief. But the look in Ludwik's eyes was intimidating.

He had grown to resent Whitney after a misunderstanding but that didn't mean he had let her go. Whitney was his, a possessive thought deeply ingrained in him.

Parker, seeing him tormented and unsure of what to do, ventured again, "Ludwik, regardless of how Whitney feels about you, she doesn't seem like someone who would just move on to someone else. Her and Bryce... it's not real."

"Then bring her here, I want to ask her myself!" Ludwik demanded, his Adam's apple bobbing with a mix of cold fury and desperation.

talk about whether I can actually

helplessness seeped from his clenched fists. Was he just supposed to watch as rumors about her spread online? Bryce hugging her, what would they do

expensive pen, trying to divert his attention, unwilling to further damage office documents, "These photos online are an eyesore.

someone's deliberately framing Whitney. Look at these comments online; it's polarized. Some are mocking you for being a sore loser, and others are shaming Whitney, calling her shameless, accusing her of meddling in your engagement with Florence... Ah, there are even accusations of Bryce

At the mall.

was amiss. She rushed to Whitney, "Ms. Valentine, it's

while showcasing jewelry to customers, the angles all quite suggestive, with shots

reported, "Your past

intention to marry you just days ago. Now here you are, looking cozy with Mr. Lutzdnitially, the comments were tame, teasing Ludwik

won't buy.' There are also comments mocking Mr. Lutz as a kept man... This could very well

joined in, "Who's behind this sneak attack?

Whitney, let's

wind of the trending news, so they won't react. For any jewelry sold today, we'll handle refunds privately if there's trouble. We

staff. Start winding down as customers check

attempted to leave swiftly, a swarm of reporters blocked their exit, bombarding them with

is Whitney,

relationship with

the Lippert Group? He was engaged to your sister, Ms. Sheldon, before.

company, do you think your colorful private life

Whitney in a tight spot. Several female customers who