Love Beyond the Mask novel 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?"

But Elaine 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. I'm just being helpful!" her smile was empathetic.

Ludwik'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 at Elaine and thought, perhaps this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

He didn't push Elaine away.

…