Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 99

The sting at the core of her chest was impossible to suppress.

Elaine nudged the brawny arm of the man beside her, "Bro, look who's here—Whitney!"

Ludwik's face stiffened, his deep-set eyes quickly turning cold and eager as they swept over the diminutive figure approaching them.

His gaze narrowed slightly, a flicker of astonishment passing through.

Whitney had not dressed up, simply wearing a black V-neck evening gown, no high heels, her hair soft and cascading down her shoulders. She stood there like a fairy, her delicate features stunningly beautiful, her skin smooth and almost translucent. A subtle pink blush adorned her cheeks, probably from her blusher.

Just standing there, she had already drawn the attention of numerous men.

Ludwik's expression turned to ice. He had not seen her for days, and the image of her had thinned considerably.

Taryn mentioned she had not been eating well.

Seeing Ludwik transfixed, Elaine swallowed hard, her hand tightening into a fist.

"Bro, did Whitney come to see you? I'll go check on her," Elaine offered with a conspiratorial wink, suggesting she would help him gauge Whitney's mood.

Ludwik’s approval was evident in his satisfied nod.

Elaine quickly approached Whitney, concern lacing her voice as she said, "Whitney, you finally made it. I was starting to worry about you and Bro. What's going on?"

Whitney's brows knitted in concern, but a hidden triumph gleamed in her eyes—she had not missed a thing.

Moving closer, Elaine continued, "Don't worry, Bro’s been working these past few days with me. That night, he got drunk; it was me who took care of him all night. No other woman took advantage of him!"

Elaine's playful smile was sharp, her eyes gleaming.

Whitney could hardly miss the hostility. Elaine was finally dropping her harmless facade, her provocations becoming more overt.

Whitney glanced at the cold man in the distance. She would not be fooled. Elaine was trying to incite a fight.

Her eyes narrowed into a chilly smile as she said, "With you taking care of him, I'm quite at ease. After all, L himself told me I needn't be jealous of anyone, especially you. He sees you as a sister. Besides, you might look after him for a day, but I'm the one who'll be caring for him for a lifetime. We have endless moments of affection to count."

Elaine's face tightened, but she maintained a placid smile. "That's wonderful, Whitney. No misunderstanding, then. Bro’s over there; shall I take you to him?"

Her offer seemed kind but was laced with insinuation—'take her to him.' Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling inside her. "Couples meet when they wish; no need to trouble you, Ms. Elaine."

Elaine got the message loud and clear.

She walked away with a smile, her fists clenched. Whitney was proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney had just slapped her, Ludwik would definitely give her hell tonight.

Nevertheless, Elaine had other plans. Returning to Ludwik, she urged with feigned concern, "Bro, Whitney seems upset, unwilling to talk to me. Maybe you should go and charm her?"

At the suggestion, Ludwik's gaze snapped to Whitney's solitary figure. His face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. "Am I out of my mind? That kind of fickle woman is better off gone!"

Pride and possessiveness burned fiercely in him, especially for someone of his standing with an ego so formidable.

He could not tolerate any hint of flirtation or deceit.

Elaine's spirits lifted at his response, her eyes shifting to Hannah, signaling her with a glance.

Hannah immediately slipped into the crowd, intent on Ludwik, having also spotted Whitney. Elaine whispered slyly, "Hannah, I'm only Big Bro's date tonight to keep an eye out for you, but Whitney's here, and his heart seems preoccupied with her. So, you might want to..."