Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1316

The curve of his lips never faded. "You made two mistakes in those files earlier- entered the wrong numbers."

"What? No way!" Whitney stammered, half convinced but already grabbing her phone to check.

It was the Sheldon Group's bid proposal—if she'd screwed up those numbers, that was millions on the line.

Ludwik watched her, amused by her startled, laser-focused look.

He didn't say another word, just raised an eyebrow, strode through the front door

on his long legs, and called out in that deep voice of his, "Danny! Sammy! Come help your mom."

"Whitney's back?" Camilla called from the second-floor balcony, having just finished checking on the little one.

Whitney quickly fixed the two numbers, bolted inside, and looked up at the beaming older woman. "Hi, Camilla. I'm back."

"Still calling me Camilla?" the old lady teased, drawing out the words like she was gently scolding a grandkid.

Whitney knew by now that Camilla was a total sweetheart. The first time she'd met her was at the Everwood Villa Estate ball, and it was obvious-amidst the Lippert family's shark tank, Grandma Camilla was one of a kind.

She didn't have the heart to ruin the old lady's fun, so she just hung her head and pretended to be shy, saying nothing.

Under the porch light, Ludwik stood tall and imposing. A housekeeper helped him off with his coat and handed him a glass of water.

a sip, he answered his grandmother upstairs, "Grandma, you

a little something in my purse. But my Whitney

replied

just stepping inside, almost tripped-seriously? He was flexing in front of his

night, Whitney was showering in her guest

a fluffy robe, when the door

let out a startled squeak and clutched the robe tighter. Ludwik strode in, his chiseled face shadowed by the dim light, looking even more rugged and handsome than usual-maybe even a little

to admit, the guy

to be impressed. "Ludwik, what the hell are you doing barging into my room at

calmly shut

Whitney rolled her eyes.

her long,

fluffy folds

daylight, she could be all business, all cool edges

she was full

The contrast was... obvious.

down at her, his

bobbed as he swallowed. "What, did you know I

dolled up

Oh, please.

Out. Now." She jabbed a finger toward

in his, gave her finger a quick, playful bite, then pulled