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

Among all the

was distracted, barely

"Don't tell me you're jealous of Ludwik and Elodie's flirting

Whitney shot back, though she couldn't deny feeling annoyed by Elodie and Ludwik's closeness. But it wasn't jealousy - she was just concerned about her son facing yet another stepmother. "I'm just worried about Elodie

a mischievous wink, "So, Florence is a no-go,

girl with too much cunning. She even tried to set me up to be embarrassed earlier," Whitney shared,

they treat a guest like

go," Whitney urged, calm yet firm. "I'm just a friend of Shane's. The Nelsons wouldn't

understanding

for Danny and Sammy," Sandy concluded, then playfully added, "You better keep an eye on Ludwik then, don't let Elodie snatch him away." Whitney rolled her eyes

should she care about a man who only

-

champagne tower by the pool was drained by

finally escaped Elodie's clutches, seeking solace away from

his body, his breath tight around his throat. It was a sensation he recognized - someone had

have been Elodie. Despite her young age, she played

way to the exit, hoping to escape

guards blocked the

tried to leave now, Elodie would surely find

a familiar voice called out,

was Shane, holding a

distress, Shane approached, concerned.

spiked my drink," Ludwik managed through clenched

narrowed, "Elodie's