Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 972

"Ashton, you're a lifesaver. My chest, ah..." Elaine's eyes brimmed with tears as she clutched her chest and suddenly bent over, crouching down. "Elaine, what's wrong?" Ashton frowned deeply, concerned.

"My chest is killing me, and there's this sharp pain on the left side of my abdomen. I think it's a kidney infection flaring up." Elaine shivered, her face a picture of misery, hesitating to speak further, "You know I had one of my kidneys removed..." As she spoke, she cast a fearful glance towards Whitney.

Ashton, looking at her weakened state, sighed deeply, "Don't talk anymore. I'll take you to the hospital to get checked out."

He gently lifted her by the arm, turned around, and was met with Whitney blocking the way.

"Ashton, I won't let you take her away. Her crimes can't just walk out of this police station. If you insist on this, then we're through!" Whitney dropped the ultimatum, her voice icy as she stood in their way.

Ashton glanced back at Elaine's pale, sickly face, his brows knitting together, "Whitney, I know you're holding a grudge, but in her current state, do you really think it's okay to let her faint at the police station's doorstep?

I'm just repaying the last bit of kindness she showed me. Don't make me out to be the villain here; I haven't cut any corners on this case!"

"I can only say you're going to regret this!" Whitney glared at Elaine, her determination clear as she slowly pieced everything together, a cold smirk playing on her lips, "Elaine, all this scheming to clear your name, isn't it just to win Ashton over, to use this man for your comeback? It's all there in your eyes."

Whitney's sharp words made a glint of malice flash in the depths of Elaine's eyes.

This cunning woman, Whitney, had seen through her plans so easily.

But, she would never admit it.

Elaine looked towards Ashton with a mournful smile, "I'm not that confident, Ms. Valentine. And I don't believe Ashton would still be interested in me. Please, don't insult me like that, it's like you're smearing Ashton too."

The tension in the air, coupled with Whitney's accusations, made Ashton uncomfortable.

no romantic

Valerie, he couldn't help but lash out at Whitney, "Can't you stop assuming the worst in

she says; what can I do?

eyes darkened with

not fight, Ashton. I don't want to cause you any trouble. I'll just leave

the hospital!" Ashton, spurred by

knew she couldn't physically stop Ashton, a

wanting to make a scene at the police station's entrance, she stood back, coldly calling after them, "Elaine, I'll be speaking with Endora about

last

a witness, and justice

have this naive man defending you. Even if you get out today, I'll

resolve faltered under Whitney's threats, deeply unsettling her. She looked back, her gaze dark and threatening as

and walked into the police

her leave,

her hesitation, looked over, his gaze full of inquiry, "What's wrong, Elaine? If you're innocent,

not afraid!" Elaine realized Ashton mostly believed her, but

weak smile, "Ashton, the truth will prevail. I'm just amazed at Ms. Valentine's hostility towards me. But I can't blame her. In the past, my obsession with Ludwik blinded me. Looking back, I regret hurting her." Ashton glanced at her, somewhat approvingly, "Elaine, your remorse shows you've changed. Do good from now on and prove to everyone

everything. After facing death, I truly understand that one should live by kindness. I shouldn't covet what's not mine, as it only brings harm. I'll

on a weary face,

the girl who once saved

that act, he felt a responsibility towards

Elaine down on her luck, he couldn't

for Elaine were platonic; his heart was entangled with thoughts of Valerie, his missing wife. He

drifted far

ignored, twisted in pain and collapsed, "Ashton,