Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 

The more Elaine pleaded Whitney’s case, the more it implied a harsh truth: Ludwik had his heart on his sleeve yet was cast aside by Whitney while Bryce, the man who never clicked with him, effortlessly stepped in. 

Was she not acting exactly like a social butterfly, skirting just shy of scandal? Yet here she was, lying through her teeth! 

Ludwik’s inner fury was stoked, the seeds of doubt tumbling into an abyss. 

Staring through the window at the woman on the phone, lost in a daze. 

She hastily returned to the booth. Perhaps it was feigned clumsiness, but suddenly she stumbled forward, her cry cut through the air as Bryce played the hero, catching her delicate hand. She looked up, bashful in profile, while Bryce’s eyes held a deep, melting gaze. 

Ludwik watched, an icy chuckle escaping his lips. 

His phone met the wall with a shattering force. 

The man turned, his expression frosty, slamming the car door behind him. His Bentley roared away, leaving nothing but dust in its wake. 

“Bro, wait for me…” Elaine called out desperately, but a sly smile crept across her face as she turned. 

“Whitney, you’ve dug your own grave splendidly.” 

Back in the booth. 

Whitney entered, still shaken by L’s call. A misstep twisted her ankle; pregnant and cautious, she reached for a chair to steady herself. 

Bryce was quick to lend a hand, and as she found her balance, she immediately put space between them, “Thank you, Mr. Lutz,” she said, and he quickly withdrew his hand. 

Outside the open door, waitstaff bustled about. 

Whitney let out a sigh, settling down to finish the half–drawn design. Despite her unease, she powered through the rest of it. 

She was eager to finalize the necklace design, so once Bryce reviewed the entire draft, they discussed the details and decided on a precious emerald; the deal was set. She could start crafting it. 

The rest was a matter of earrings, studs, diamond rings, a few bracelets, and brooches. 

“My mother adores your style,” Bryce said. “I’m afraid I’ll need to impose on you a bit longer due to this personal matter. But there’s no need to rush like today; my mother can wait.” 

His ulterior motive was clear: he yearned for more time with the woman who stirred his heart. 

Yet Whitney was oblivious to his intentions. Their conversation had been strictly business, and Bryce had impressed her with a gentlemanly demeanor. Her guard was lowered, especially when he considerately handed her a wrapped piece of velvet cake as she left. 

“Perhaps you’ll enjoy this?” he offered with a smile. 

Surprised and delighted, Whitney recognized the cake from her favorite bakery–a detail L had not even known yet. 

Of course, it was only because they had just started dating. She never intended to keep it a secret from him. 

“Thank you, goodbye,” she said, parting ways. 

Exiting the Lotus Clubhouse, the chill of December’s approach was biting, darkness falling early in the suburbs. 

A yearning for L’s broad chest, towering presence, and inherent warmth bubbled within her. 

Whitney’s lips curled into a smile as she drove toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in the heart of Banyan City’s bustling center. 

Upon arrival, she entered the imposing building, its grand lobby a beacon of light amid the late hours, its staff a flurry of elite activity. 

Yet at the front desk, a haughty secretary stopped her, “May I ask who you’re here to see?” 

“…” Whitney stuttered, realizing she had yet to learn her husband’s name, and offered, “I’m here to see your president” 

The secretary eyed her skeptically, accustomed to women seeking Mr. Lippert’s attention. “Sorry, our president isn’t in. Without an appointment, you can’t see him.” 

Not in? Impossible. L had asked her to come to United Realty Corporation, promising to show her his world. 

Frustrated, Whitney dialed his number. 

No answer. 

Persistence won on the third attempt; a chilling voice crackled through the line. 

Before she could speak, background revelry betrayed his location–a bar. 

Her brow furrowed. “L, why did you hang up earlier? You said to come to the office, and now I’m here.” 

Silence, then a mocking laugh. 

Was he laughing at her? 

A cold shiver ran down her spine. She softly pressed, “Where are you? Sorry, I got held up tonight. Did I make you wait? I’ll come to you.” 

His scornful laugh was a dagger to her ear. “Why don’t you spend the night at the Lotus Clubhouse?” 

“What?” Confused, Whitney heard a woman’s cooing voice, followed by Elaine’s tender tone, “Bro, don’t drink their toasts. Whitney will be heartbroken. Here, let me help you…” 

A sudden silence fell over Whitney, her mind going blank. 

He was at a bar, with women, with Elaine. 

” 

A fiery surge of indignation rose within her, “L, are you playing around? You stood me up, made me come here for nothing, you…“” 

“Since when do you have the right to question me? Who do you think you are? Do you really think you’re my wife?” His voice was a drunken, icy deluge, “A woman full of lies…” 

The call ended before she could grasp his last words.