Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 740

Whitney felt a wave of irritation, though she knew she might be overreacting a bit.

After all, what businessperson doesn't sweet-talk every now and then? It's just that she rarely did it herself.

But then... her thoughts drifted back to last night when Bryce offered to accompany her to the gala, expressing his concern over Ludwik.

Yet, throughout the event, it didn't seem like he paid much attention to that concern. Instead, was he there to rub shoulders with Ronan and other influential figures?

She couldn't shake off the feeling of being used.

"Is this the so-called loving husband you always defend? Seems to me he's pretty good at kissing up," Ludwik's icy voice suddenly appeared from behind, close enough to send shivers down her spine. Whitney turned around sharply-

Meeting his gaze, filled with sarcasm, she felt a sting in her heart and retorted, "What's with the snide remarks? At least I'm living my life. Unlike you, trying to win over people who couldn't care less about you." He was the one who started with the mockery.

"Right, I'm trying to win you over, but you won't even give me a chance."

Unexpectedly, the man didn't seem angered at all. Instead, his intense gaze softened, melting like ice to water, which only confused Whitney further.

Before she could react, Ludwik grabbed her hand and led her to the study's adjacent pantry.

"Ludwik, what are you doing?"

Whitney whispered, trying to shake him off. Her eyes nervously flicked towards Bryce, afraid he would notice.

"Don't worry, his head's filled with impressing Ronan and the likes. He won't notice where you are."

the door behind them, trapping her against the pantry wall in a tight

he leaned over her, making her nearly lose her mind, pushing back in a low voice, "Let me go, I'm leaving... don't stir trouble..." "Don't you want to know why Bryce specifically wanted to get

closer,

tone, "Ronan is a hot candidate for Vice President next year, rumored to be already chosen. That's the real reason Bryce came

just networking for business

Ronan as the

you might not have noticed, but Ronan and Phineas are tight. And Phineas has more influence than Ronan. By getting close to Ronan, Bryce

"Do you really

to respond, "You're making assumptions.

from before? With what

likely heard this and became overly attentive. Ronan, thinking you're all close to Shane, let his guard down. Plus, with

penetrating eyes, suddenly recalling

believe Shane

business world, where flattery is sometimes necessary. Bryce wants to climb higher, so he needs to know people like Ronan. And you, aren't you here tonight hoping to

"Not entirely."

a task from the Lippert family. My real reason for being here was knowing you'd be invited. I just wanted to see you. I have no interest in sucking up to anyone." "..." Are you kidding

yet found her cheeks heating up uncontrollably, glaring back, "Do you think I'm

word I said was a lie, may lightning strike me down." Ludwik

"Whitney, thanks for getting Shane to

Would you

never asked Shane to save you. I wish

still arguing?" Ludwik's voice grew softer, laced with a hint of flirtation,

his suggestive gaze, Whitney protested, "Move, I'm

he was like a wall, immovable and imposing, a reminder of how unfazed she was by his physical