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.

Felix received a call from the nurse,

the hospital on her own 10 o’clock in the

peek at the man behind the desk, he was just about to speak when Ludwik

imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She discharged

my business even if she left the face of earth! Who told

Felix realized he

another call. With the resolve to face death, he returned to report to Ludwik. “Mr. Lippert,

only by the sound of a fountain pen shattering on

Felix looked at that fountain pen worth more

fury was barely contained as he

really tempted to find out what was inside that brain of hers that could enrage

out where she’s house

to find Whitney exiting, having been casually browsing for future reference. The cold

Lippert?” She greeted

had forgotten to put on his

her pale face, he

smiled apologetically, saying, “Mr. Lippert, are you free now? It’s lunchtime,

on the

enjoy inviting men for meals? Can’t live a day without one?

this guy? Schizophrenia? He shamelessly teased me last time, and now he acts like I’m his enemy? What

afford to offend such a powerful man. Thus, she tried to explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really

her to get lost.” Ludwik strode away into

not believe

inadvertently crossed a line, seeking companionship

from his encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did she go? Didn’t she

seemed to have gone to the

Whitney returned, contentedly eating a baked sweet potato. Ludwik glared at Felix. “She was buying a sweet potato. You lied for

hungry. She’s pregnant,

afar, unable to

with my presence,” the

like his entire worldview had