Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 779

Ludwik had popped some pills, and Whitney was being accused of being too close for comfort.

"Whitney, it's not like you haven't lured Ludwik before. You must've helped him out somehow," Elodie sneered, implying something more sinister was at play.

"Helped him? And what's this about Ludwik taking pills?" Whitney shot back, her gaze icy as she turned to Elodie. "What exactly did he take, Elodie? Your friend here seems to know a lot." The room went silent, everyone's eyes wide open.

Elodie glared at Sienna, wishing she could just kick her out for spilling the beans. She had the upper hand, and now she was suddenly on the defensive.

"Whitney, don't twist my words. We're talking about your scandalous affair with Ludwik, not about throwing accusations my way," Elodie retorted, fury building in her voice.

Whitney chuckled, her calm demeanor unshaken even as Ronan's face turned a shade paler at the mention of drugs. "Ronan, seems like your daughter might have resorted to some tricks to snag the man she likes. Mr. Nelson mentioned Ms. Miller was desperately looking for Ludwik. A young lady, barely in her twenties, going to such lengths at a party? That's bold. One might think, Ronan, that you've been encouraging her, no?"

Ronan understood the gravity of the situation. He had given Elodie his blessing to pursue Ludwik, but not through such dubious means.

"Ms. Valentine, let's not jump to conclusions. There must be some misunderstanding. My Elodie is a girl of good moral fiber!" Ronan tried to maintain his composure, offering Whitney a strained smile. Elodie, frustrated, tugged at her father's arm. "Dad, why are you being so polite to her? I haven't done anything shameful. If she spreads rumors, I'll make sure everyone knows about her and Ludwik." Before she knew it, Ronan's hand came down hard across her face.

didn't realize she had

reputation for his daughter, especially if he wanted to use her as a pawn

she pointed accusingly at Whitney. "She's the one having an affair with Ludwik,

the situation with a smile. "Elodie, let's not jump to conclusions. I was just using the restroom, and things got a

you even on my side?" Elodie couldn't

his daughter's relentless pursuit to stir trouble, wished he could silence her himself. Tonight's debacle clearly showed Elodie's handiwork,

begrudgingly apologizing on behalf of his daughter. "Mrs. Lutz, my daughter has been naive. Please

I'd think twice before attending another one of Elodie's parties. Being wrongly accused and then having one of the Miller family's maids try to push me into the pool? That's rich. And now, Elodie

wearing thin. Despite his efforts to smooth things over, Whitney wasn't making

with tonight's events hanging over them, Ronan had no choice but

her anger boiling

Whitney, for her part, merely hoped Elodie's reckless behavior wouldn't bring Ronan more trouble in the

tension in the room

out a derisive laugh, his heart burning with the desire to tear Whitney apart. A brat, trying to tarnish his reputation. Shane stepped forward to smooth things over, "Mr. Miller, Elodie's been wronged too. Why don't you go comfort her? Let's chalk tonight up to a big misunderstanding.

course," Whitney nodded in