Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

“Ms. Designer, if you’re sincere about your

“I’ll bring my A–game, ma’am. You’ll be dazzled, I promise!” Whitney assured, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Claire, the formidable lady of the Lutz household, simply huffed. “That’s more like it. And as for the bracelet, it’s mine now. Bryce, show our guest out.”

Watching Claire admire the bracelet, Whitney knew she had managed to soothe her ire.

FEE FOE Sis

Outside the hospital room, Whitney turned, grateful, only to find herself locked in the warm gaze of Bryce. “Thank you for stepping in today, Mr. Lutz,” she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“I’m Bryce Lutz, the second son. I’m a few years your senior,” he said with a hint of a smile, clearly intrigued by her. “I’m familiar with you, Whitney, right?”

Surprised, Whitney wondered what she could have possibly done to catch the attention of such a prominent

family.

Seeing her confusion, Bryce explained, “I spent most of my time abroad, so it’s only normal you don’t know who I am. I saw you once at a social event and was quite taken aback by your beauty and talent. However, you seemed too young, and I thought it wasn’t appropriate for me to do anything.”

Clearing his throat, Bryce offered a charming smile. “Ms. Valentine, remember your promise. Allow me to escort you.”

“I will keep my word. But I wouldn’t dream of troubling you, Mr. Lutz!” Whitney quickly declined, inwardly thrilled that her troubles seemed to be resolving so smoothly.

As Whitney walked away, Bryce watched her go, his eyes narrowing slightly. She was stunning and talented–a rare find indeed.

:

A week later, Whitney was discharged from the hospital, alone. With a lot on her plate at Skye Gem, she returned to the quiet of the villa. The house felt colder with Natalie away at a wellness retreat and no sign of the man.

Was this his subtle way of saying he had had enough?

She knew that if this went on, the two of them would never make up again, and her heart only grew more bitter. At this moment, she regretted ever agreeing to date him. Given the current situation, it was better for them to be strangers.

Maybe it was time to move out. After all, it would be inappropriate to obstruct him from coming home. Plus, Natalie was not around, so it would make things easier.

executive office at Imperial Gem Corporation, Felix received a call from the nurse, telling him what Whitney ate and the condition of the

hospital on her own 10 o’clock in the morning today,”

behind the desk, he was just about to

by Ludwik’s imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She

face turned as cold as ice. It’s none of my business even if she

Felix realized he had

to face death, he returned to report to Ludwik. “Mr. Lippert, the driver saiti Madam drove the car out to

by

pen worth more than a

barely contained as he

inside that brain of

out where she’s house hunting!” He

exiting, having been casually browsing for future

She

been so furious he had forgotten to

the smile on her pale

Lippert, are you free now? It’s

rage was on the verge of

response was icy and cutting. “You enjoy inviting men for

shamelessly teased me last time, and now he acts like I’m his enemy?

to explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it if you

her to get lost.” Ludwik strode

not

full well Ludwik’s wrath. Whitney had inadvertently crossed a

encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did

seemed to have gone

later, Whitney returned, contentedly eating a baked sweet potato. Ludwik glared at Felix.

She’s pregnant, after all.” Felix

mood was a complex mix of irritation and concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake off his feelings for the enigmatic woman who had unknowingly

up; I’ll grace her with my presence,”

like his entire