Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 743

Whitney slammed the door in his face! Oh, how she wished she could give him a couple more kicks, but the opportunity had passed.

She didn't dare stay any longer; who knew if he would try to lay a hand on her again.

Biting her lip hard, she looked around and, seeing no one outside the study, quickly made her escape. Ludwik leaned against the wall, rolling a cigarette in his throat, watching her cautious, thief-like retreat. He took a drag, chuckling softly.

She was gone, but a trace of her feminine fragrance lingered, softly echoing in Ludwik's heart.

He savored the memory of their kiss behind the narrow partition, involuntarily licking his lips.

This sneaky thrill made him wildly infatuated, his heartbeat unstoppable.

-

Whitney didn't dare approach Bryce and instead sought refuge in a restroom.

Ludwik had smudged her lipstick in their hurried encounter; she needed a makeup touch-up.

After fixing herself up, she took a deep breath and returned to the party.

"Whitney! Where have you been? I've been calling you, searching everywhere for you."

The sight of her made Bryce rush over, concern written all over his gentle face.

Whitney felt a twinge of guilt.

She hastily adjusted her hair. "Bryce, sorry, I just saw you chatting with Ronan and the others, so I went to the restroom. My dress was uncomfortable, so I took a while to adjust it." She scrambled for an excuse.

so?" Bryce's

the restroom earlier, even asking a lady to inquire inside, but Whitney

had lied to

Ludwik was also conspicuously absent

Perhaps, they had met...

hand tightened around his wine glass, but he maintained a smiling face, "Glad you're okay. I had a chat with Ronan; he asked about you, admiring how you've

charms for business success three years ago, which had hurt her pride.

for relentless

wishes clear, seemingly wanting her to be present for appearances, making it hard for her

amidst encouraging toasts, drinking more than she

you've done

his demeanor gentle yet adept

"Bryce, you came here tonight mainly to connect with Ronan,

palm stiffened. How

was unexpected, so I thought why not make an acquaintance. You're unaware, but The Lutz Group's auditing, tax, and foreign trade companies all require insider information. We've been slow to develop because we missed out on such information from officials before. Meeting

me straight. I won't mind, but I do mind if you beat around the bush, Bryce... you should

careless, my apologies,

as he turned to leave, his

rebuff felt like a slap for his excuses the

obvious in

with Ludwik had spurred her

That damned man.

Bryce didn't return to schmooze with the politicians but instead met up with Jarvis in a secluded

was chewing on

for advice. I need to settle the score with Ludwik tonight, make him

taken aback,

"Nolan, what's got you so suddenly against