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.

in his executive office at Imperial Gem Corporation, Felix received a call from the nurse, telling him what

there was something new. “Madam left the hospital on her own 10 o’clock in

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

by Ludwik’s imagination, Felix

even if she left the face of earth! Who told you to report her situation to

he had touched

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

silence, broken only by the sound of a fountain pen shattering on

Felix looked at that fountain pen worth more than a million

barely contained as he cursed, “Damned

out what was inside that brain of

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

exiting, having been casually browsing for future reference.

She

so furious he had forgotten to put

her pale face, he was

smiled apologetically, saying, “Mr. Lippert, are you free

was on

men for meals? Can’t

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

Thus, she tried to explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it if you can agree to have this meal with me, there’s

lost.” Ludwik strode

could not

Ludwik’s wrath. Whitney had inadvertently crossed a line, seeking companionship with “Ludwik”

from his encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did she

to have gone

Ludwik glared at Felix. “She was buying a

was simply hungry. She’s

irritation and concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake off his feelings for the enigmatic woman who had

grace her with my

his