Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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Chapter 61
The man’s gaze was piercing, almost as if it could cut through the air.
Elaine’s heart skipped a beat, her intention to feign recognition faltering under the intensity of his stare.
He only had half a ring, a clear indication that he’d given the other half as a token of commitment to the other girl–a piece of
evidence Elaine sorely lacked.
She hesitated, leaving Ludwik to his own wandering thoughts, before finally handed back the ring with a resigned smile. “Never
mind, Ludwik,” she sighed.
Ludwik pocketed the half–ring and glanced in the rear–view mirror on the sedan, which had resumed its journey. Was she on the
phone with her bestie?
With a slight curve of his lips, Ludwik’s large hand spun the steering wheel.
Upon witnessing the car ahead make a sudden turn, Whitney promptly ended her call with Tiana.
Tiana had infiltrated Imperial Gem Corporation and had just reported spotting someone in the executive elevator–possibly
‘Ludwik‘ himself. She needed to confirm it immediately.
There was a ten–minute drive left to Alpine Springs Resort.
Out of the blue, Elaine spoke in a melancholy tone. “Ludwik, I must admit I’m a bit envious of Whitney, seeing how you’ve been
making her laugh.”
Ludwik’s expression stiffened.
Before he could respond, Elaine quickly backtracked with an apologetic plea, “I’m sorry, Ludwik. I didn’t mean that. I’ve been
speaking out of turn today and just couldn’t help feeling a bit envious...”
Ludwik frowned and remained silent. Despite her pitiable demeanor, he didn’t spare her a glance.
He looked at her coolly, his words heavy with intent, “Elaine, I believe I made it clear a long time ago–I only see you as a sister.”

“I know, I know, you were just dealing with the elders...” Elaine tried to conceal the pain in her eyes, offering a carefree laugh.
“Ever since you and Whitney made it official, I’ve given up on those girlish dreams. Now, I see you as a brother, Ludwik, I work
hard, I don’t trouble you, but please don’t send me away, okay? I swear, I’m looking for a boyfriend. It just hasn’t happened yet.
You can’t expect me to rush into marriage, right?”
Her words left him with no recourse to continue the conversation.
Ludwik could ignore her compliance and lowered stance, but he knew that for family interests, he couldn’t dismiss her just yet.
After parking the car, he spoke with a chilling seriousness, “You did speak out of turn today! I don’t want to hear any more
potentially misleading statements. Please, show some professionalism.”

“Yes, Ludwik,” Elaine responded, her posture straightening. “Actually, I’ve started to worry about you and Whitney’s relationship,
just like Nolan. Are you doing this because you had a conflict with Whitney?”
Ludwik regarded her coldly. “That’s none of your business.”
He stepped out of the car.
A red sedan parked in the distance.
Elaine followed, trailing behind him,
As she spotted Whitney searching for him, Elaine suddenly hooked her arm through Ludwik’s.
Ludwik’s mood plummeted, “Elaine, what are you doing?”
12:03

But Flaine leaned closer, quickly gesturing behind them with a sly whisper, ‘Look, Whitney’s watching you. You know, there’s a
simple way to find out if a woman is really into you. It’s foolproof, and I can help you put on a little act. Im just being helpfull‘ her
smile was empathetic.
udwik’s face was set to refuse, but upon seeing Whitney’s shocked reaction seeing another woman on his arm his lips twisted
into a smirk. She had been pushing him away, even locking him out of the bedroom. He was curious to see if she could remain
indifferent.
He glanced si Elaine and thought, perhaps this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
He didn’t push Elaine away.
Whitney’s eyes widened in shock as she saw L step out of the car, arm–in–arm with another woman. She felt a sting of betrayal.
Had he not noticed her following him? Was this jerk bringing a female subordinate to Alpine Springs Resort for a fling? The
secretary he fired last time must have been just for show. He always had a bevy of women around
him!
Feeling a mix of anger and disappointment, as if a fish bone was stuck in her throat, Whitney didn’t think twice before confronting
them.
She stormed up to them, raising an eyebrow in a wry smile. “What a coincidence, L. Who’s the lady? To an outsider, it might look
like you’re still on the market.”
“Whitney, what brings you here?” Ludwik asked, as if he’d just noticed her, a crease forming on his brow.
Felt annoyed, was he? Seems like she had disrupted his plan, huh?

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Whitney scoffed, “I’m here for the hot springs. Who knew I’d bump into you playing the happy couple!”
Looking up at the woman, Whitney stiffened slightly.
The woman was undeniably beautiful, with a gentle demeanor and delicate features. She certainly wasn’t any less attractive than
Whitney herself, and the subtle air of sophistication hinted that she might be more than just a subordinate. A professional and

beautiful woman was always alluring.
Whitney felt a sudden threat.
At that moment, Elaine playfully tugged at Ludwik’s arm. “Bro, do you know this lady? Who is she?”
Whitney clenched her dress tightly, her eyes sparkling with emotion.
Ludwik responded, “A house worker from my residence, currently on an annual contract. Elaine, go ahead and purchase the
ticket.”
“Oh, a house worker.” Elaine chuckled.
Whitney’s lips twitched, pulling a faint curve.
As Elaine went to purchase tickets, Ludwik stood there with his hands in his pockets. Immaculately dressed in a white shirt, black
trousers, and an unusual addition of a waistcoat, he exuded a striking presence. His commanding aura drew the attention of
many female tourists, making the surroundings seem even more radiant.
However, Whitney was too agitated to appreciate it; her mind was in turmoil.
“What, a house worker?” she managed to say with a tight smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. L sure knows how to play
around, calling his wife a hired hand. You’re quite something!”
His mask was impassive. “Considering your desire to clarify that we’re only here for a year and then it’s over, my analogy seems
fitting. Besides, do you even care? Weren’t you the one who wanted to maintain a distance and lead our separate lives?”
2/3
12:03

Whitney telt as if the air was being squeezed out of her. She hadn’t expected him to be so callous
So why tease her? Why keep taking liberties with her?
His cold indifference was a stark contrast to the warmth she’d once felt, leaving her in a swirl of confusion and
anger,
Her small hand clenched, a bitter sentiment slowly fermenting in her heart.
Ludwik observed her bowed head, the soft tendrils of her hair spilling over her delicate shoulders, revealing a pair of tiny ears
flushed with vexation.
His thin lips curved involuntarily.
He raised an eyebrow and introduced with a hint of mischief, “The woman you saw earlier is one of my employees, a branch
CEO, quite the achiever!”
“Is that so?” Whitney’s lips curled into a subdued smile. She, too, had been a manager once. His praise of another in her
presence felt pointedly intentional.
“What do you think of her?”
“What about her?” Whitney asked with a stiffness.
His deep eyes gleamed as he boasted, “She’s very capable, and quite attractive, don’t you think?”
A slight sting pricked at Whitney’s temples as she chuckled lightly, “Indeed! Very pretty, though I’m curious about the strengths
that have Mr. L so impressed.”
That insufferable rogue, she thought, his smugness crawling under her skin..