Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 728

Whitney glared at him, her frustration boiling over. "I know Bryce isn't perfect, but he's good to me. How many genuinely good men have I met in this world? Were you ever one of them?" Her words left him without a comeback, acknowledging his past mistakes that hurt her.

Dropping her gaze, Whitney spoke softly, "I've looked into Bryce's background, and there's nothing concerning. Please, stop trying to drive a wedge between us."

Ludwik narrowed his eyes, taking her hand solemnly. "I'm just stating the facts. You're being fooled by his facade, Whitney. Like this morning, you thought him reporting to the police was an act of transparency, right? But after you left, I saw Bryce meeting with the chief of police, who was all nods and bows. Does that sound like a simple relationship to you? I bet Bryce was there to ensure the chief doesn't actually look into Tiana's disappearance!"

Whitney was taken aback, confusion flashing in her eyes. "Ludwik, those are serious accusations. Do you have any proof? Why would he report it in front of me but then stop the investigation behind my back? Does he have a vendetta against Tiana?"

She remembered Tiana disliking Bryce towards the end, but there was no deep-seated hatred.

"It's all part of his scheme to win your trust! And his reluctance to investigate Tiana's case might just prove he's involved in her disappearance. He's guilty, that's why."

Ludwik's warning, paired with his cold gaze, left Whitney in turmoil.

"This isn't the first time you've said this, but do you have solid evidence?"

"If I did, Bryce would be behind bars already," Ludwik shot back, his eyes flashing with anger. "But I'll make him pay one day. And remember, he can't offer you lasting happiness. You're better off without him."

Whitney's patience snapped at his last remark.

kicked him away, infuriated. "Do you really think I married him for that? Not everyone is as shameless as you. All this sounds like your speculation. How can I trust you? And if he did go after you, maybe you deserved it for kidnapping his wife. I

mixture of sadness and resignation, realizing during their intimate moments, she had thought of nothing but harming him. Now, it

she really going to

believe me,

found. You're just selfish and tyrannical, trying to break us up because you can't stand seeing me with Bryce. It's despicable." Ludwik, accepting his role as the villain, retorted, "Yes, I'm despicable.

her temper and

her leg between his, his gaze intense. "Kick

her face turning red as he didn't let

despite the situation, Whitney couldn't help but react to his scent and proximity. Embarrassed and angry at her own response, she fell silent. Ludwik, pleased with his control, teased her

Whitney protested, her voice a mix of anger and desperation, not wanting to disturb

voice breaking with emotion. "Whitney, I

interpreted his affection as lechery, cursing

Whitney's anger eventually gave way to exhaustion, and she fell asleep in his arms, unaware

silence. If only she hadn't married Bryce, he might have let her go. But he couldn't stand by and watch her make a mistake with someone like

feather, reminding her she was in Ludwik's house, a place filled with complicated emotions and unresolved tensions. Turning her gaze towards her son's stoic little

sprightly after just one night. Decided to

came last night, huh? I'm so

"Did