Love Beyond the Mask

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. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Ludwik’s mood plummeted, “Elaine, what are you doing?”

12:03

But Flaine 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. Im just being helpfull‘ her smile was empathetic.

udwik’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 si Elaine and thought, perhaps this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

He didn’t push Elaine away.

Whitney’s eyes widened in shock as she saw L step out of the car, arm–in–arm with another woman.

She felt a sting of betrayal.

Had he not noticed her following him? Was this jerk bringing a female subordinate to Alpine Springs

Resort for a fling? The secretary he fired last time must have been just for show. He always had a bevy

of women around

him!

Feeling a mix of anger and disappointment, as if a fish bone was stuck in her throat, Whitney didn’t

think twice before confronting them.

She stormed up to them, raising an eyebrow in a wry smile. “What a coincidence, L. Who’s the lady? To

an outsider, it might look like you’re still on the market.”

“Whitney, what brings you here?” Ludwik asked, as if he’d just noticed her, a crease forming on his

brow.

Felt annoyed, was he? Seems like she had disrupted his plan, huh?

Whitney scoffed, “I’m here for the hot springs. Who knew I’d bump into you playing the happy couple!”

Looking up at the woman, Whitney stiffened slightly.

The woman was undeniably beautiful, with a gentle demeanor and delicate features. She certainly

wasn’t any less attractive than Whitney herself, and the subtle air of sophistication hinted that she

might be more than just a subordinate. A professional and beautiful woman was always alluring.

Whitney felt a sudden threat.

At that moment, Elaine playfully tugged at Ludwik’s arm. “Bro, do you know this lady? Who is she?”

Whitney clenched her dress tightly, her eyes sparkling with emotion.

Ludwik responded, “A house worker from my residence, currently on an annual contract. Elaine, go

ahead and purchase the ticket.”

“Oh, a house worker.” Elaine chuckled.

Whitney’s lips twitched, pulling a faint curve.

As Elaine went to purchase tickets, Ludwik stood there with his hands in his pockets. Immaculately

dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and an unusual addition of a waistcoat, he exuded a striking

presence. His commanding aura drew the attention of many female tourists, making the surroundings

seem even more radiant.

However, Whitney was too agitated to appreciate it; her mind was in turmoil.

“What, a house worker?” she managed to say with a tight smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. L

sure knows how to play around, calling his wife a hired hand. You’re quite something!”

His mask was impassive. “Considering your desire to clarify that we’re only here for a year and then it’s

over, my analogy seems fitting. Besides, do you even care? Weren’t you the one who wanted to

maintain a distance and lead our separate lives?”

12:03

Whitney telt as if the air was being squeezed out of her. She hadn’t expected him to be so callous

So why tease her? Why keep taking liberties with her?

His cold indifference was a stark contrast to the warmth she’d once felt, leaving her in a swirl of

confusion and

anger,

Her small hand clenched, a bitter sentiment slowly fermenting in her heart.

Ludwik observed her bowed head, the soft tendrils of her hair spilling over her delicate shoulders,

revealing a pair of tiny ears flushed with vexation.

His thin lips curved involuntarily.

He raised an eyebrow and introduced with a hint of mischief, “The woman you saw earlier is one of my

employees, a branch CEO, quite the achiever!”

“Is that so?” Whitney’s lips curled into a subdued smile. She, too, had been a manager once. His praise

of another in her presence felt pointedly intentional.

“What do you think of her?”

“What about her?” Whitney asked with a stiffness.

His deep eyes gleamed as he boasted, “She’s very capable, and quite attractive, don’t you think?”

A slight sting pricked at Whitney’s temples as she chuckled lightly, “Indeed! Very pretty, though I’m

curious about the strengths that have Mr. L so impressed.”

That insufferable rogue, she thought, his smugness crawling under her skin.