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?

-

for Bryce? He went off with Ronan and a few senators to look at

been watching Bryce; he's not simple. Among all the tycoons here, only he

distracted,

tell me you're

deny feeling annoyed by 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

much cunning. She even tried to set me up to be embarrassed

guest like that!

yet firm. "I'm just a friend

paused, understanding the

stepmom for Danny and Sammy," Sandy concluded, then playfully added, "You better keep an eye

she care about a man who only

-

champagne tower by the pool was drained by

Elodie's clutches, seeking solace

he felt an unfamiliar heat coursing through his body, his breath tight around his throat. It was

Elodie. Despite her young age,

made his way to the exit, hoping to escape the

Elodie's guards

tried to leave now, Elodie would surely

familiar voice called out,

was Shane, holding a drink

concerned. "You

spiked my drink," Ludwik managed through

eyes narrowed,