Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65 

Ludwik frowned and turned to look over. 

Whitney stared into Elaine’s eyes, and now, Elaine gazed back with nothing but friendly warmth in her smile. The provocative coquettishness of the afternoon was nowhere to be seen. 

Whitney looked at the man with suspicion, “L, what exactly is your relationship with Elaine? Why is she calling me Whitney?” 

Elaine glanced at the man with a blink and a teasing smile. 

Ludwik glanced at Elaine, and after a barely noticeable pause, he introduced her to Whitney, “She’s like a sister to me!” 

“Like a sister?” Whitney raised an eyebrow, her expression inquisitive. 

“Yeah,” the man said indifferently, “what did you think?” 

Hearing his dispassionate introduction, a tightness formed in the back of Elaine’s eyes. Her fingers curled slightly, yet she flashed a bright, broad smile, “Whitney, I’m sorry about this afternoon. I was just playing along with Bro in a little act. It was all to help him out. I hope there are no hard feelings. Can you forgive and forget?” 

Elaine’s demeanor was playful and seemingly harmless. 

Whitney’s eyes shifted, and she laughed off the awkwardness, “So, you’re like a sister, huh? Well, Elaine, it’s nice to meet you! L has never mentioned you so I didn’t recognize.” 

A sly glint crossed Elaine’s eyes, but she kept her tone light and smiling, “I guess I’m not worth mentioning. His heart is all for you, a true example of placing love before friendship.” 

“Nonsense,” Ludwik scolded with a frown, but his eyes smiled at Elaine as he said softly, “Elaine, thank you for today.” 

“It’s nothing, glad I could help you both,” Elaine said sweetly, then added, “Whitney, I was really worried about your belly when you pushed me. Everything’s okay, right?” 

Whitney, feeling a bit embarrassed by the concern, replied, “I’m really sorry about earlier.” 

The man wrapped an arm around her waist and looked her over closely, “Elaine was only trying to protect you. She was even falling to the ground, and there you were, pulling her hair out. Why you had such fierce combat skills?” 

Whitney’s face flushed with embarrassment. 

Elaine smiled generously. The man knew that she was helping him out, that she was careful with Whitney and his unborn child, seeing her as an understanding and harmless woman. 

All of this was so good. 

Elaine’s almond eyes curved playfully, “Alright, I’ll make my exit now. You two enjoy your time together!” 

Just then, an assistant knocked on the door urgently, “Sir, the matriarch is back from the spa and is having some difficulty breathing. You should come quickly!” 

What? 

Natalie was here too? 

Ludwik quickly took Whitney’s hand. Noticing her concerned look, he reassured her with a smile, “I was with my mother at the spa this afternoon, Elaine didn’t even go in. Are you relieved now?” 

Whitney’s expression softened. She was feeling a bit more at ease indeed. 

Following Ludwik out, they found that Natalie’s room was just next door. The room was so close that nothing untoward could have happened between L and Elaine. 

12:12 

Chapter 65 

As Whitney entered the room, she saw the old lady leaning on a couch, clutching her chest and gasping for breath. Her face was pale, her forehead was beaded with sweat, and her lips were tinged with purple. 

Whitney immediately went to her, checking Natalie’s wrist and recognizing the signs of oxygen deprivation and cardiac distress in the old lady. 

She turned to retrieve her medical bag from her room when she caught Ludwik’s eye and remembered she had kept her knowledge of medication a secret from him. 

After hesitating for just a moment, Elaine walked in briskly with a first–aid kit, “Step aside, everyone,” 

Ludwik’s furrowed brow relaxed as he pulled Whitney away, “Elaine, check my mom carefully.” 

“I’m more anxious than you are,” Elaine said with a smile, quickly kneeling down to check the old lady’s eyes and lips. She then took out some medication and, with efficient grace, began administering treatment. 

Whitney watched Elaine work and was surprised that Elaine was also skilled in curing diseases. 

The old lady’s breathing started to ease, and slowly her eyes fluttered open. 

“Are you awake now?” Elaine asked, holding her hand with tender care, “I haven’t visited you in so long. Although you are still looking young and beautiful, I should really start calling you ‘Auntie‘ now with all the years we’ve shared!” 

Natalie watched Elaine for a long moment before smiling, “Elaine, what brings you here?” 

“I accompanied Bro on a business trip today. I am usually busy fulfilling my duties at the company,” Elaine explained. 

“Don’t ask so many questions. Elaine is saving your life,” Ludwik interjected gently; his brows were knitted together as he reminded his mother. 

Natalie pouted at her son but her demeanor towards Elaine was cool and polite, “Thank you, Elaine.” 

“It’s the least I can do!” Elaine replied cheerfully while soothing the old lady’s hand. 

Whitney noticed that Natalie withdrew her hand imperceptibly. 

Natalie looked up. When she finally noticed Whitney, her face lit up with a smile, “Whitney! Are you here at the spa resort too?” 

“Yes, Mom, didn’t he tell you?” Whitney glanced at the man. 

The old lady also shot her son a look before beckoning, “Whitney, come here. Has this rascal taken you out for dinner yet?” 

“Mom…” Whitney walked over with a laugh. 

Natalie pulled her down onto the couch, chattering away. 

And Elaine, who had been kneeling in front of the couch, began to pack up her kit with a smile after a while. 

She stayed, listening and occasionally chiming in, and though the old lady responded to her, she would quickly. turn back to engage Whitney with a beaming smile. 

Whitney sensed something subtle in the air. 

Elaine was like L’s little sister and also calling Natalie ‘Auntie, suggesting they should be close. Yet, it seemed Natalie preferred talking to her. There was a hint of estrangement mixed in her gentleness when she faced Elaine.