Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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Chapter 118
Whitney had half a mind to hurt a pillow at him with all her might, the scoundrel. Climbing onto her tiny bed, she resolved to give
him the silent treatment.
Ludwik licked his lips and teased her with a devilish charm, “See? It doesn’t hurt anymore. I told you, my technique works
wonders.”
“Drop dead.”
Whitney buried her flushed face into the pillow, extending a foot, attempting to push his hospital bed away
The man watched her quietly, his gaze lingering on her delicate, pale foot. He mused that perhaps he had not had his fill
But when he awoke the next morning, his wife was nowhere to be seen, and Ludwik’s expression darkened.
Felix entered, saying. “Madam went back to the villa early this morning. She wanted to check on Natalie and said she’d bring
over some of your clothes.”
Ah, she was probably too shy after last night’s intimacy to face him in the morning.
Ludwik’s lips curled into a smirk once more.
Witnessing Mr. Lippert’s mood swung that could rival the weather, Felix grimaced inwardly. Love was a no–go for him if it meant
becoming lovesick like Mr. Lippert,
Back at the villa, Whitney made sure to visit Natalie in the guesthouse.
Natalie was nearly back to her old self, her consciousness clear. Holding Whitney’s hand, she expressed her joy. “My dear
Whitney, it’s been too long. Is your little bump showing yet? That rascal told me over the phone you’re about four months along.
Once we get the ultrasound, I’ll have a good look.”
Natalie’s condition was undoubtedly deteriorating, as she was even unclear about the duration of the pregnancy.
Whitney sighed inwardly..

However, Natalie looked at her intently and added, “I seem to recall, on the day of my episode, were you there? I remember you
saying something by my bedside, encouraging me. Whitney, you’re truly kind–hearted.”
Whitney was elated, amid Natalie’s confused memories, she remembered her presence.
But there was no need to explain anything to L; she had intended to save Natalie sincerely, though Elaine had reaped the
benefits. She initially hid her medical skills, so revealing it now might lead L. to overthink.
Considering her words carefully, Whitney also reminded Natalie, “Mom, if Elaine visits you, make sure you have more servants
around or notify me immediately.”

Natalie’s eyes darkened as she gripped Whitney’s hand tighter, saying, “I don’t know why, but I feel the need to warn you too,
stay away from that girl.”
Natalie could not articulate her reasoning; she only had a gut feeling to keep Elaine at bay.
Whitney, who had already seen Elaine’s true colors, suspected that Elaine might have previously done something to Natalie.
She needed to expose Elaine to L as soon as possible, leaving him no room for doubt.
On her way back to the hospital, Whitney received a call from Valerie. She had just landed at Banyan City International Airport
and requested a pickup.
Chapter 118
Whitney had not expected her friend’s return to be so immediatel

Excited, she hurriedly got back to the hospital room, dropped off the fresh laundry, and stole a glance at the man engrossed in
paperwork. “A friend of mine has returned. I’m going to a gathering, so I might be back late,” she said quickly.
Ludwik looked up, about to respond, when his eyes caught her tight sweater dress.
Frowning, his gaze deep and authoritative, he said, “You’re going to a gathering dressed like that? Change it.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Whitney did not get it; she thought her outfit was quite casual.
*Pregnant women should dress like pregnant women,” Ludwik insisted, eager for her to start showing so that other men would
know she was taken and expecting.
Otherwise, her slender, graceful figure...
Speechless, Whitney retorted, “I’m not even showing yet. I don’t want to wear something so frumpy.”
Ludwik ignored her protests and turned to Felix, “Isn’t what she’s wearing now frumpy?”
With a headache brewing, Felix felt like he was being forced into the crossfire of a lovers‘ spat.
Under the weight of authority, Felix bowed his head, “Madam’s outfit is indeed unflattering.”
“Then find her something nice to wear,” Ludwik instructed before returning to his paperwork.
Ten minutes later, Whitney left the hospital in a straight–cut pinafore dress, her expression sour.
Banyan City International Airport.
Valerie stepped off the plane, her long legs striding towards the shuttle.

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Nearby, a man in a black coat with a military haircut stepped out of a private jet, his profile sharp and chiseled. He briskly walked
by, deeply engrossed in a phone call.
As he passed Valerie, his voice, unlike its usual coldness, softened, “Elaine, I’m back in the country. No need to thank me. It was
just a casual mention to the overseas judges. But if you really want to show gratitude, how about we meet tonight?”
Valerie felt like a gulp of icy air was lodged in her throat, unable to swallow or exhale.
Her heart ached as she focused intently on the dusk ahead, knowing she was about to meet a good friend and could not afford

to have red, tearful eyes.
A cold laugh escaped her.
At the domestic arrivals gate, Whitney immediately spotted Valerie’s figure.
Tall and striking, her face was a picture of high–class, aloof beauty. She wore a pale gray trench coat over skinny jeans and
boots.
“Valeriel” Whitney called out with a smile.
Just then, Tiana parked the car and ran over. She did a double–take at Whitney’s outfit and burst into laughter. “Whitney, what on
earth are you wearing? A bucket?”
Speechless, Whitney grumbled, “L, that damn man, forced me into it. The outfit rendered her waistline nonexistent and her legs
invisible.
Tiana gave her a once–over, her cheeks rosy with joy, and nudged her. “Spending two days cozying up with Lin the hospital has
really warmed things up between you two. Looks like he’s keeping you on a tight leash. But honestly, you seem to be enjoying it.”
Pfft, as if.
Yet, thinking about last night....
Whitney recalled their intimacy; it was her first time doing something like that, and she was utterly lost in the
haze.

The memory still made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Considering the night of the banquet when he had kept her confined and kissed her for so long, plus their recent boundary–
breaking moment...
Her relationship with L had indeed ascended to a new level.
Approaching Whitney, Valerie noticed the sweet radiance on her friend’s face. She knew about the pregnancy and the man in
Whitney’s life and smiled, “Whitney, have you finally met the right guy? It’s precious, cherish
this love.”
Her voice carried a hint of weary sophistication, causing Tiana and Whitney’s embrace to pause as they looked up at her.
Valerie’s youthful face was serene, betraying only a shadow of darkness.
She mustered a faint smile. “Let’s go. It’s been a while. We should catch up.”
Whitney signaled Tiana not to pry just yet. Tiana nodded subtly and drove Valerie to her apartment to drop off her luggage.
Then they decided to hit a local pub to relax.
But just as they arrived, they bumped into Nolan. He seemed to have come on purpose, waiting outside for quite some time, with
Parker standing behind him, nursing a drink.
The moment Nolan saw Valerie, Whitney could tell something was off in his gaze.
There was a flash of suppressed brightness in his eyes. The usually suave playboy seemed a tad nervous. He blocked Valerie’s
path, the tall man towering over her, his voice taut, “Valerie, why did not you tell me you were back from abroad? If I had not
overheard my father mention it... Where’s Ashton? Isn’t he with you? Where is he?
Chapter 119