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?

-

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

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

was distracted,

Sandy teased, guessing, "Don't tell me you're jealous of Ludwik

But it wasn't jealousy - she was just concerned about her son facing yet another

a no-go, Elodie is out - who do you want

tried to set me up to be

outraged, "How dare they treat a guest like

just a friend of Shane's. The Nelsons wouldn't want to upset the

understanding the

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

care about a

-

champagne tower by the pool was drained by the

Elodie's clutches, seeking

an unfamiliar heat coursing through his body, his breath tight around his throat. It was a sensation he recognized - someone had spiked his

Elodie. Despite her young

Ludwik made his way to the exit, hoping to

Elodie's guards

leave now, Elodie would surely

that moment, a familiar voice

was Shane, holding a drink

distress, Shane approached, concerned. "You look flushed. What

drink," Ludwik managed

narrowed, "Elodie's