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.

Corporation, Felix received a call from the nurse, telling him what

left the hospital on her

just about to speak when Ludwik said, “Why? Has she

by Ludwik’s imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She discharged

none of my business even if she left the face of earth! Who told you to

he had

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

an eerie silence, broken only by the sound

looked at that fountain pen

contained as he

find out what was inside

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

to find Whitney exiting, having been casually browsing for future reference.

Lippert?” She greeted

had been so furious he had forgotten to

the smile on her pale face, he

However, having recalled something, she approached and smiled apologetically, saying, “Mr. Lippert, are you free now? It’s lunchtime, and

was on the verge of

response was icy and cutting. “You enjoy inviting men for meals? Can’t live a day without one?

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

“Mr. Lippert, I’d really appreciate it

her to get lost.” Ludwik

not believe

crossed a line, seeking companionship with “Ludwik” while

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

replied, “Madam seemed to have gone to the ladies‘

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

She’s pregnant, after

watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake off his feelings for the enigmatic woman who had unknowingly captured his

I’ll grace her with my

felt like his entire worldview had