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.

a call from the nurse,

new. “Madam left the hospital on her own 10

a sneak peek at the man behind the desk, he was just about to speak when Ludwik said, “Why? Has she done

Ludwik’s imagination, Felix said bitterly.

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

he had

Ludwik. “Mr. Lippert, the

eerie silence, broken only by the sound of

at that fountain pen worth

contained as

what was inside that brain of hers that could enrage

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

casually browsing for future reference.

She greeted

had been so furious he had forgotten

on her pale

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

was on the verge

response was icy and cutting. “You enjoy inviting men for meals? Can’t live a

and offended, Whitney wondered, “What’s wrong with this guy? Schizophrenia? He shamelessly teased me last time, and now he acts like

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

lost.” Ludwik strode

not believe

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

still reeling from his encounter with Whitney, asked Felix, “Where the hell did she go?

“Madam seemed to have gone to the ladies‘

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

she was simply hungry. She’s pregnant,

afar, unable

her with my presence,” the man

like his