Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 101

Elaine could do no wrong. To L, she was the epitome of innocence and kindness, a modern-day saint draped in designer threads.

“And me, what am I? Petty, huh?” Whitney thought.

Her eyes brimmed with icy frustration, a flicker of rage igniting within. She scoffed. "So, you're blaming me all for her sake?"

"I'm just being fair and objective," the man retorted, his brows knotted in discomfort. Seeing her on the verge of tears, a sliver of softness crept into his heart.

But the next moment, Whitney’s disillusionment erupted as she pointed an accusatory finger at him. "You, with all your smarts, are nothing but a blockhead. Do you even know the hostility your precious Elaine harbors against me? Run along, then. Go to her, your darling sister!"

"Say that again? You have absolutely no decency, yet you accuse me and Elaine? It seems I've been too lenient to you for too long!"

In a swift motion, the man captured her slender wrist, his grip firm against the door frame, his fury painting her milky skin with shades of crimson.

Tears welled up in Whitney's eyes; never had she been so insulted.

She wrenched free from his grasp, her voice laced with bitter sarcasm, "So, you've decided I'm a tramp? Even though there’s nothing between Bryce, Simon, and me, you're ever so convinced I'm the problem, no doubt with a nudge from Elaine. Paranoid, much?"

"Are you not? I've seen it with my own eyes! And at the Lotus Clubhouse, Elaine spoke up for you. You really don't know what's good for you."

So, he had also been at the Lotus Clubhouse with Elaine by his side. Was it all a setup?

He did not trust her and even tracked her movements at work. Since he had already judged her, what was there left to say?

"Yes, Elaine is always right, and I'm the loose woman, happy now?" Whitney's heart turned ice-cold; she had no more words to waste.

She stormed out of his embrace, the embrace that once offered warmth, now just a cold memory.

Elaine watched Whitney storm off in the shadows, a sly smile curling her lips.

She had not gone far when Ludwik appeared, his gaze dark and mysterious.

That feeling sent a shiver down Elaine's spine.

His eyes were as cold as blades, "I asked you to recommend vendors to her. Why did you hide that it was my idea?"

Elaine had anticipated Whitney's counterattack and had her defenses ready.

Feigning surprise and hurt, she responded, "Bro, maybe Whitney misunderstood? I never meant to hide your kindness. I just thought she might mind if you interfered on her behalf, so I didn't stress that part. I guess she doesn't like me, and that's why she rejected my offer. It's all my fault, isn’t it?"

Ludwik cornered her against the wall, his icy presence almost choking her, "Nobody plays me. And if you're playing me, you better not touch her. Got it?"

A chill ran down Elaine's spine; her eyes reddened in feigned hurt, "Did my foolishness cause a misunderstanding between you two? I’ll go clear things up with Whitney!"

"No need. Stay away from her from now on," Ludwik commanded, still trusting Elaine's explanation.

Whitney's hostility towards Elaine seemed deep-rooted. If she had not known his intentions and gone to Bryce for the raw materials...

Ludwik's anger was palpable. However, he could not put down his pride and face her after the harsh words they had exchanged.

As Elaine walked away, her fingers curled into a tight fist. Despite their heated argument, Whitney's explanation had swayed him. His heart softened once again for that woman.

Unacceptable.