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, telling him what Whitney ate and the condition

left the hospital on her own

desk, he was just

imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She

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

Felix realized he

death, he returned to report to Ludwik. “Mr.

fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of a fountain pen shattering

that fountain pen worth

fury was barely contained as he cursed, “Damned

find out what was inside that brain of hers that could

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

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

Lippert?” She greeted

had been so furious he had forgotten

on her pale face,

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

rage was on the

icy and cutting. “You enjoy inviting men

offended, Whitney wondered, “What’s wrong with this guy? Schizophrenia? He shamelessly teased me last

explain herself, “Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it if you can

her to get lost.” Ludwik strode

could not

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

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

Felix replied, “Madam seemed to have gone

sweet potato. Ludwik glared at Felix.

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

concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake off his feelings

her with my

like his entire worldview