Love beyond the mask1-100

Novel Catalog

Chapter_61

The man’s gaze was sharp, almost as if it could slice through the air. Elaine’s heart skipped a beat, her attempt to feign indifference faltering under the intensity of his stare.

In his hand was only half a ring—a clear sign that he had given the other half to someone else as a token of commitment. This small piece of evidence was something Elaine sorely lacked.

She hesitated for a moment, leaving Ludwik to his wandering thoughts, before finally handing back the ring with a resigned smile. “Never mind, Ludwik,” she sighed softly.

Ludwik pocketed the half-ring and glanced in the rearview mirror. The red sedan had resumed its journey. Was she talking to her best friend?

A slight curve formed on his lips as his large hand spun the steering wheel. Just as the car ahead made a sudden turn, Whitney ended her call with Tiana.

Tiana, who had infiltrated Imperial Gem Corporation, had just spotted someone in the executive elevator—possibly Ludwik himself—and needed to confirm it.

There was still a ten-minute drive left to Alpine Springs Resort.

Out of the blue, Elaine spoke, her tone carrying a touch of melancholy. “Ludwik, I must admit, I’m a bit envious of Whitney. You’ve been making her laugh so easily.”

Ludwik’s expression stiffened. Before he could respond, Elaine quickly backtracked, offering an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Ludwik. I didn’t mean to speak out of turn. I just couldn’t help feeling a little envious…”

Ludwik frowned but remained silent, his gaze distant and indifferent. He didn’t spare her a glance, his words cold and firm. “Elaine, I believe I made it clear a long time ago— I only see you as a sister.”

“I know, I know,” Elaine said quickly, trying to conceal the pain in her eyes. She forced a carefree laugh. “Ever since you and Whitney made it official, I’ve let go of those girlish dreams. Now, I see you as a brother, Ludwik. I’m working hard, not causing you trouble. But please, don’t send me away, okay? I swear, I’m looking for a boyfriend, but it just hasn’t happened yet. You can’t expect me to rush into marriage, right?”

Her words left Ludwik with little room to continue the conversation.

Although he could ignore her stance and lowered demeanor, he knew that, for the sake of family interests, he couldn’t dismiss her just yet.

After parking the car, he spoke in a chillingly serious tone, “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 been worried about you and Whitney’s relationship, just like Nolan. Are you doing this because you had a conflict with her?”

Ludwik regarded her coldly. “That’s none of your business.”

He stepped out of the car, and Elaine followed him, trailing behind as he walked toward the resort entrance.

As they neared the area where Whitney was searching for him, Elaine suddenly hooked her arm through Ludwik’s.

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

But Elaine leaned closer, gesturing slyly behind them. “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. I’m just being helpful.” Her smile was warm and empathetic.

Ludwik’s first instinct was to refuse, but when he noticed Whitney’s shocked expression as she saw him with another woman, his lips twisted into a smirk. Whitney had been pushing him away, even locking him out of the bedroom. He was curious to see if she would remain indifferent.

He glanced at Elaine thoughtfully and decided, perhaps this wasn’t such a bad idea after all. He didn’t push her away.

Whitney’s eyes widened in shock as she saw Ludwik step out of the car, his arm linked with Elaine’s. A pang of betrayal shot through her.

Had he not noticed her following him? Was he 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 seemed to have a bevy of women around him!

A mix of anger and disappointment swelled in her chest. It felt as though a fishbone was stuck in her throat, but she didn’t hesitate for a second before storming up to them.

With a wry smile, she raised an eyebrow. “What a coincidence, Ludwik. Who’s the lady? To an outsider, it might look like you’re still on the market.”

“Whitney, what brings you here?” Ludwik asked, his brow furrowing as if he had just noticed her.

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

She glanced at Elaine, sizing her up. The woman was undeniably beautiful—her gentle demeanor and delicate features made her no less attractive than Whitney herself. And there was an air of sophistication around her that hinted she was more than just a subordinate. Professional and stunning—this woman could easily be a threat.

Elaine, sensing the tension, 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 nonchalantly, “A house worker from my residence, currently on an annual contract. Elaine, go ahead and purchase the tickets.”

“A house worker?” Elaine chuckled lightly.

Whitney’s lips twitched in a faint smile as she watched them.

As Elaine went off to buy the tickets, Ludwik stood there, his hands casually resting in his pockets. Dressed impeccably in a white shirt, black trousers, and a waistcoat, he exuded an undeniable presence. His commanding aura attracted the attention of several female tourists, making the surroundings seem even more vibrant.

However, Whitney was too agitated to appreciate it. Her mind was a whirlpool of confusion.

“What, a house worker?” she managed to say with a tight smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. Ludwik sure knows how to play around, calling his wife a hired hand. You’re quite something!”

His expression remained impassive. “Considering your desire to clarify that we’re only here for a year, 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?”

Whitney felt as though the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She hadn’t expected him to be so callous. Why tease her like this? Why keep playing with her emotions?

His cold indifference felt like a slap to her face, and she was left spinning in a whirlpool of confusion and anger. Her small hand clenched at her side, a bitter feeling slowly building up in her heart.

Ludwik watched her closely, noticing her bowed head, the soft tendrils of her hair spilling over her delicate shoulders, and the tiny ears flushed with vexation. A small smirk tugged at his lips.

He raised an eyebrow and, with a hint of mischief, introduced her. “The woman you saw earlier is one of my employees, a branch CEO. Quite the achiever!”

“Is that so?” Whitney said, her lips curling into a restrained smile. She had been a manager once, so hearing him praise another woman in front of her felt pointedly intentional.

“What do you think of her?” he asked casually.

“What about her?” Whitney replied, her voice stiff.

Ludwik’s 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 let out a dry chuckle. “Indeed! Very pretty. Though I’m curious about the qualities that have Mr. Ludwik so impressed.”

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

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