Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 63

That smirk plastered on his smug mask face nearly left her breathless with anger.

Suddenly, it hit her – she was behaving like a drama queen, lashing out without any filter, throwing shade at every turn. Wasn't she just proving how much she cared, how jealous she was?

No, she needed to remain cool and detached. After all, she had insisted on them keeping their distance. Why on earth was she so riled up?

She fought to contain the fury bubbling inside her, her face set in a mock display of serenity as she laughed it off, “Why would I be angry? It's just a sham marriage, right? Mr. L, you could even take your lover to a motel right now, and I'd be the first to applaud your departure!”

His warmth froze in an instant, his gaze piercing as he studied her defiant expression. “You mean that?”

“Absolutely,” Whitney replied with a light chuckle.

“Then no regrets!”

At that moment, Elaine gracefully approached, “Bro?”

“Elaine, join me for a soak in the hot springs!” he said coldly, taking Elaine's hand and leading her away.

Elaine responded with a bashful and soft-spoken, “Alright, I will go with you. No rush.”

As Whitney looked down, feeling suffocated, she stuffed her mouth with food, trying to drown out their flirtatious banter.

Abruptly, a waiter cleared away the grill and skewers from her table.

Her face turned pale with frustration as she watched the two share a coy smile before disappearing.

She cursed silently, wishing them a watery grave!

Elaine glanced back at Whitney, feigning concern, “Is Whitney alright?”

Ludwik cast a brief, icy look at Whitney, his lips curling into a cold smirk, “She's just playing hard to get. Needs more stirring up.”

Elaine teased, “Then we better keep at it.”

…

Tiana's call came through, and Whitney picked up absentmindedly, “Hello?”

“Whitney, Ludwik just showed up in his signature CEO suit and walked into the office, but I haven’t seen his face yet,” Tiana excitedly whispered, disguised as a janitor.

“Okay,” Whitney responded, devoid of spirit.

“He's coming out! Great, he's heading to the washroom. I'll get a look at his face.”

“Okay,” Whitney muttered, her legs leading her unbidden into the lobby, her eyes fixed on the 'Coed Soaking Pool' sign.

...

Tiana ended the call, clutched onto her broom, and stealthily entered the men’s room.

The men's room was empty, and Tiana's pretty eyes scanned the area. Suddenly, a tall figure caught her eye.

The man's side profile was sharp and lean, dressed in Ludwik's typical suit, tailored to perfection. His long legs were the epitome of elegance. As Tiana's gaze traveled upward, a blinding shock made her scream, and she quickly covered her eyes!

“You... you...”

The man turned, seeming surprised.

“Turn around, Mr. Lippert!” Tiana stammered, feeling like she was seeing stars. In that moment, she questioned herself repeatedly - was this her first taste of ‘meat’ in 22 years? Why couldn't it have been Gunner!

“Who are you?” the commanding CEO demanded, “What are you doing in the men's room?”

“I...”

“What did you see?” he pressed, stepping closer.

Blushing furiously, the panic in Tiana's wide eyes grew as she stumbled backward, “Stay back, Mr. Lippert! Mr. Lippert!”

She bolted like the wind, leaving behind a chill in the restroom.

Parker raised an eyebrow, watching the fleeing figure, then zipped up his pants. A sly smirk slowly emerged, concealed behind his glasses. Swiftly, he returned to his businesslike demeanor, switching off the voice recorder in his pocket.

His suit clung to his frame, and standing at 6'2", he could easily be mistaken for Ludwik, who was just an inch taller.

Tiana needed three bottles of ice water to cool her flushed face.

Chewing on her fingernail, she called Whitney back.

“Hey Whitney, that was definitely Ludwik himself.”

Whitney's senses began to return, “You saw his face?”