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.

Bryce's eyes

a lady to inquire inside, but Whitney was nowhere to

had lied to

also conspicuously absent

Perhaps, they had met...

a chat with Ronan; he asked about you, admiring how you've become a businesswoman at such a young age. He's invited us to

using her charms for business success three years ago, which had

well, she wasn't eager for relentless networking but

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

found herself amidst encouraging toasts, drinking more than

to rest, offering her a warm cup of tea. "Whitney, you've done well, I didn't expect them to

his demeanor gentle yet adept

here tonight mainly

stiffened. How did she

unaware, but The Lutz Group's auditing, tax, and foreign trade companies all require insider information. We've been slow to

responded coolly, managing a faint smile but added, "Next time, you can just tell me straight. I won't mind, but I do mind if you beat around the bush, Bryce... you should understand, I

I was careless, my apologies,

smile, but as he turned to leave, his refined facade concealed his

a slap for his

obvious in his intentions

encounter with Ludwik

That damned man.

the politicians but instead met up with Jarvis in

was chewing on a

about to seek you out for advice. I need to settle the score with Ludwik tonight,

was taken aback,

"Nolan, what's got