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."

legs closing the door behind them, trapping

his sudden, overwhelming scent as 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

leaned closer, continuing

next year, rumored to be already chosen. That's the real reason Bryce came tonight!" Whitney

Bryce was just networking for

as the next

but Ronan and Phineas are tight. And Phineas has more influence than Ronan. By getting close to Ronan, Bryce naturally

really

uncertain how to respond, "You're making assumptions. Maybe Bryce knew

before? With what

likely heard this and became overly attentive.

was taken aback, gazing into Ludwik's penetrating eyes, suddenly

believe

I still think he's just paving the way for his company. We're all in the 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 secure a deal, trying to win

"Not entirely."

is 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

shamelessness, yet found her cheeks heating up uncontrollably, glaring back, "Do you

one word I said was a lie, may lightning strike

her flustered state, he suddenly smiled, "Whitney, thanks for getting Shane to save me.

Would you

never asked Shane to save you. I wish

Ludwik's voice grew softer, laced with a hint of flirtation, "Is it so hard to admit you've got a

his suggestive gaze, Whitney

against him, but he was like a wall, immovable and