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.

shameless as you. All this sounds like your speculation. How can I trust

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

he felt a mix of frustration and helplessness. Was she really going to wait until hitting rock bottom to see the

of man Bryce really is. But if you don't believe me, just wait for the

frowned, dismissing his curse. "Tiana will be 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. Any man

fool, dream on," Whitney snapped, losing her temper and aiming

his, his gaze intense. "Kick

face turning red as he didn't let her

brought them closer, and 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 about her reaction, only to be told to

of anger and desperation, not wanting to disturb the

breaking with emotion. "Whitney, I

as lechery, cursing

eventually gave way to exhaustion, and she fell asleep in his arms, unaware of Ludwik's tender

If only she hadn't married Bryce, he might have let her go. But

with a feather, reminding her she was in Ludwik's house, a place filled with complicated emotions

aren't you a cheeky little rascal, getting all sprightly after just one night. Decided to start

came last night, huh? I'm

asked, "Did you sleep in dad's bed last