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.

received a call from the nurse, telling him what Whitney ate and

on her own 10 o’clock in the morning today,” Felix said to

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

Ludwik’s imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She

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

he had

the resolve to face death, he returned to report to Ludwik. “Mr. Lippert, the driver saiti

broken only by the sound of

at that fountain pen worth more than a

was barely contained

find out what was inside that brain

Find out where she’s house hunting!”

into the United Realty Corporation building, only to find Whitney exiting, having been casually browsing

She greeted

had been so furious he had

pale face, he was

Lippert, are you free now? It’s lunchtime, and I’d like

rage was on the verge of

men for

He shamelessly teased me last

tried to explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it if you can agree to have this

to get lost.” Ludwik strode away into

not

had inadvertently crossed a line, seeking companionship with “Ludwik” while she was quarreling

fifth floor, Ludwik, still reeling from his encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did she go? Didn’t she say she

Felix replied, “Madam seemed to have gone

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

simply hungry. She’s pregnant, after all.” Felix

concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to

up; I’ll grace her with my presence,”

felt like his