Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 821

"Elodie, can you stop harassing me already?

At the gala the other night, I made it clear in front of everyone that my heart belongs to someone else. If you had any dignity left as a so-called heiress, you wouldn't shamelessly bother a man who's clearly taken. Last time, out of respect for Ronan, I let slide what you did to me and even answered your calls.

But there won't be a next time, alright? Get a grip."

Ludwik rarely minced his words, but each one he spoke cut deep into Elodie's heart, even subtly warning her that he knew all about her antics at the gala.

Elodie was blindsided by his bluntness!

After all, since the night of the gala, when he had managed to escape despite being drugged, she just hadn't been able to get in touch with him.

She thought there might still be a chance...

Her voice softened, "Ludwik, I have no idea what you're talking about.

What did I supposedly do at the gala? Wasn't it you who got seduced by Whitney, that cougar, hiding in my bathroom doing God knows what, making me the laughing stock of the party?

I don't get what you see in her. Is she prettier or younger than me?

Don't you want to see the Lippert family rise again?

Cross me, Elodie, and you're crossing the Miller family, the senators, the whole nine yards!

I won't let you get away with this.

I saw how you defended Whitney, even releasing that fake diagnosis to let people mock you online.

They might believe it, but do I?

You were clearly up to no good with Whitney in that bathroom! If I speak out with my status, do you believe the public opinion would turn against you again? I won't let Whitney off easy!" Ludwik's brows furrowed, Elodie stirring up trouble now was the last thing they needed while dealing with Bryce.

This woman really had too much time on her hands.

His face stern, he was about to respond-

When Whitney snatched his phone, shooting him a silent glare to zip it, then with a smirk, she laughed, "Elodie, I'm right here next to Ludwik, hearing every pathetic word you're saying." "You..." Elodie hadn't expected them to still be together after all that had happened online!

Envy consumed her, she spat out, "Ludwik, why would you let me speak in front of Whitney? You're trying to humiliate me? You'll regret this."

"The only way Elodie can make us regret is by running to the press about the gala, right?" Whitney played with her nails nonchalantly, gripping the phone tight, "Elodie can leak whatever she wants, but so can I. Everyone knows what really happened to Ludwik at that gala.

A perfectly healthy man, drugged at Elodie's own party? That's the story needing a rescue.

Once the netizens dig out the truth, I'm sure Ronan will be thrilled to deal with Elodie's mess again. A high society darling drugging people-if she can still get married after that, I'll change my last name to yours." "Whitney... you vile woman, do you really think you can outplay me?" Elodie fumed.

Whitney glanced down, a playful smile on her lips, "Of course, I can't outplay Elodie, but people with their own skeletons should think twice before airing dirty laundry.

That's all I'm saying. No matter what Elodie does, Ludwik won't fancy you, because you're just not his type!"

After hanging up, Whitney tossed the phone back to him, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the conversation, now even redder. Annoyed, she glared at him, "I was just sick of Elodie, nothing more. Who cares about your type?"

"I like your type just fine-fiery and fierce, able to fend off those relentless admirers. You know there are always women out there who can't take a hint."

"Self-praise much, Ludwik? You think you're still that charming?

With your history, the nerve!" Tiana joined in, her mood soured by the thought of Elaine and Florence, those troublesome women, instantly losing any semblance of a good mood around men. Ludwik's deep eyes flickered, worried Whitney might dwell on the past and get upset, shooting Tiana a warning glance.

Tiana, not wanting to upset Whitney further, quickly changed the subject, "But Whitney, was all that really for Ludwik?" She leaned in, whispering, "You seemed kinda jealous there. You're not thinking of getting back with Ludwik, are you?"

"...What nonsense." Whitney instantly denied, her bright eyes annoyed at the suggestion, "Isn't it obvious I was just stopping Elodie from causing more trouble? Who said anything about fighting for him?"

"But you did shut her down beautifully, Whitney." Ludwik's deep voice carried over, full of unspoken allure.

Whitney blatantly ignored his gaze, storming upstairs, "Great, now with Elodie playing for Bryce, I'm sure she'll find a way to get back at us."

"..." Ludwik watched her go, still visibly upset, as Parker came over, patting his shoulder with a sigh, "Tough road ahead, buddy. With your looks, it's no surprise you're a magnet for trouble. Maybe a face-ruining accident? Nah, what if Whitney stops liking you too?" "...Parker, you're definitely overeating," Ludwik shot back with a cold look.

Parker tried to stifle his laughter as he stepped back, waving his hands dismissively. "Since we've got a plan to deal with Bryce, there's no need to rush things. I've got some personal stuff to handle anyway. I'll make myself scarce."

Ludwik glanced upstairs where his two sons had followed Whitney.

It was a rare moment to have the family all together, and he wasn't too keen on having Parker and Tiana around like third wheels.

So, without a shred of mercy, he said, "Go ahead with your things. In fact, it'd be best if you didn't come back tonight."

"Seriously?" Parker thought. What ever happened to brotherly love?

With an exasperated look, Parker stretched his long legs and walked to the door, catching up with Tiana. "You're leaving just like that?"

"Yeah... Cherry's still at home, and there's only the babysitter with her."

Tiana touched her nose softly, speaking in a hushed tone. Now that they were alone at the doorway, the atmosphere became oddly charged. She couldn't help but avoid looking directly into his flirtatious eyes.