Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 774

Her eyes, sparkling like twin flutes of champagne, locked onto his with an intensity that captured Ludwik's heart in a single glance. His lips, usually a straight line, couldn't help but curve into a smile, charmed by her gaze.

Their flirtatious exchange didn't sit well with Elodie, whose jealousy was almost palpable in the air. She felt like smashing the champagne tower to bits but managed to hold back, batting her eyelashes at Ludwik instead. "Uncle, huh? I was actually looking for someone just

like that - mature and caring, straight out of those TV dramas."

Ludwik's response was a cool, detached smile. "Unfortunately, that's not me."

"No worries, there's always time," Elodie shot back, ever so boldly. "Afraid a young girl like me can't melt your heart?"

She didn't bother to hide her feelings anymore, making it clear she was all in.

When she passed Ludwik a drink, her enthusiasm seemed to spark envy among the other young elites.

"Cheers, Ludwik," Elodie approached with a glass of champagne, her eyes shimmering. "Thanks for coming to my welcome party. It's been the happiest day for me."

All eyes were on them, making them the center of attention.

Despite Ronan's presence, Ludwik couldn't outright dismiss them. He accepted the champagne with a nod, sharing a brief toast with Elodie before taking a sip.

But when he turned around, Whitney was nowhere to be seen, her glass untouched.

Ludwik frowned, wanting to follow her, but Elodie and her entourage were in his way. By the time he could get free, Whitney had vanished.

Was she upset?

-

looking for Bryce. Sandy approached, "Looking for Bryce? He went off with Ronan and a few senators to look at

simple. Among all the tycoons here, only he got close

was distracted, barely

thinking about?" Sandy teased, guessing, "Don't tell me you're jealous of Ludwik and Elodie's flirting by the

Elodie and Ludwik's closeness. But it wasn't jealousy - she was just concerned about

then with a mischievous wink, "So, Florence is a no-go, Elodie is out - who do

even tried to set me up to be embarrassed earlier," Whitney

treat a guest like that! Mr. Nelson should

go," Whitney urged, calm yet firm. "I'm just a friend of Shane's. The

understanding the

like Elodie as a stepmom for Danny and Sammy," Sandy concluded, then playfully added, "You better keep an

a man who only brought

-

the pool was drained

clutches, seeking solace away

breath tight around his throat. It was a sensation he recognized - someone had spiked his drink. Damn

have been Elodie. Despite her

to the

Elodie's guards

now, Elodie would surely

a familiar voice

holding a drink under the

distress, Shane approached, concerned.

spiked my drink," Ludwik

eyes narrowed, "Elodie's