Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 88

Nolan's jaw practically hit the floor, and his cheeks flushed with a rare shade of red from the audacity of Whitney's comment.

"Bold words, Whitney," he stammered, trying to mask his surprise with a chuckle.

Ludwik's gaze darkened, taking in the sight of the petite woman before him, her cheeks aflame with indignation. Her delicate hand, soft as a feather, pinched his jawline, a gesture so light it only tickled him. But the itch spread to his throat, a subtle Adam's apple bobbing with a sensual threat.

Just like the smoldering look in his eyes.

Whitney turned to him, only to catch him watching her. Repulsed, she released his chin and shot him a fierce glare.

Ludwik's lips curved into a sly grin.

His feisty little kitten was back.

"Big Bro! Look at her, shameless and insulting me. Make her leave," Hannah complained, leaning closer to Ludwik for support.

His cold gaze swept over her. "Get out," he commanded with an icy sharpness.

Whitney froze, her heart sinking.

"Did you hear that? He said get out, Whitney!" Hannah sneered with malicious satisfaction.

"I’m talking to you." Ludwik's handsome face was stone-cold, his patience wearing thin. He pushed Hannah away with disdain.

"Nolan!" He growled, his brows knitting in disapproval. "How did this woman get in?"

Nolan glanced at Hannah, clearly exasperated. "How was I supposed to know? I heard Whitney was here and immediately came to fetch you."

Whitney looked up at Elaine, who seemed to have excluded herself from all this mess. "Seems like Hannah arrived with Elaine," Whitney mentioned offhandedly.

Ludwik's eyes snapped to Elaine.

Caught off guard by Whitney's sudden accusation, Elaine smiled innocently. "Oh, Whitney, that's not fair. I just bumped into Hannah at the door, right, Hannah?"

Hannah, who had promised not to involve Elaine, nodded in agreement. "This vindictive woman is slandering others. I've been at the club for a while now."

Whitney's smile held a tinge of innocence. "Look at you guys getting all worked up. I just mentioned it. I didn't say I was certain Hannah came with Elaine. Besides, it wouldn't be a big deal if she did, right?"

Ludwik's gaze lingered on Elaine, his brows furrowing slightly.

Elaine's heart sank as Whitney expertly turned the tables on her. She had worked hard to maintain an image of kindness and harmlessness in front of Ludwik.

"Enough, Hannah, stop causing a scene. Let's focus on mending things between Bro and Whitney," Elaine urged, helping Hannah up and portraying herself as the voice of reason and gentleness.

Whitney's lips curled slightly. Suddenly, she felt a warmth behind her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw L's strong arm assertively reaching over, resting on her seat as if embracing her.

Whitney stiffened, immediately scooting away, but the man quickly caught her wrist.

In the dim light, his eyes gleamed with a warm intensity, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble, "Do you remember that I'm your husband?"

A shiver ran through Whitney. With his mask of shadows in the dim light, he resembled a handsome demon dangerously appealing.

She was holding back so much anger. "Not for long!"

Yet he seemed unaffected, his heart feeling as if a kitten's paw had brushed it, ticklish and stirring. He clasped her small hand firmly, sighing softly, "Will you come home with me?"

Home...

Whitney's heart felt like a warm blade had pierced it – comforting and bitter. He still knew they had a home. He even talked about creating a real home together.

After days of neglect...

A tear threatened to escape as she abruptly stood up and darted out of the club.

Ludwik's brows knitted together, but his lips curved into a sly smile. With his long strides, he caught up to her in no time, scooping her up effortlessly and heading to the Bentley parked out front.

Felix, ever the eager assistant, swiftly opened the car door.

Under the brooding night sky, Elaine watched the scene unfold from the club window.

Whitney was tenderly helped into the car by Ludwik. Elaine's heart twisted in pain, her eyes narrowing. It seemed this woman now saw her as an enemy.

Good. It would make executing her next plan all the easier.

"I can't stand it, Elaine," Hannah seethed with jealousy.