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.

call from the nurse, telling him what Whitney ate and the condition of

left the hospital on her own 10 o’clock in

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

Ludwik’s imagination, Felix

turned as cold as ice. It’s none of my business even if she left the face of earth! Who told you to report her situation to

realized he

Ludwik. “Mr.

room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound

Felix looked at that fountain pen worth more than a million

fury was barely contained as he cursed,

what was inside that brain

are you waiting for? Find out where she’s house hunting!” He ordered Felix

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

She greeted

had been so furious he had forgotten to put

on her pale face, he was even more

scalp from his stare. However, having recalled something, she approached and smiled apologetically, saying, “Mr. Lippert, are

rage was on the verge of

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

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

she could not afford to offend such a powerful man. Thus, she tried to explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it if you can agree to have

her to get lost.” Ludwik strode

not believe

full well Ludwik’s wrath. Whitney had inadvertently crossed a line, seeking companionship with “Ludwik” while she was quarreling with

Ludwik, still reeling from his encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did she go? Didn’t she say she wanted to invite me to a meal?

“Madam seemed to have gone to the

a baked sweet potato. Ludwik glared at Felix. “She was buying a

simply hungry. She’s pregnant, after

complex mix of irritation and concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake off his feelings for

up; I’ll grace her with my presence,”

like his entire worldview