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.

from the nurse, telling him what Whitney ate and the condition of the

hospital on her

behind the desk, he was just about to speak when Ludwik said, “Why? Has

imagination, Felix

It’s none of my business even if she left the face of

Felix realized he

call. With the resolve to face death, he returned to report to Ludwik. “Mr. Lippert, the driver saiti Madam drove the car out to house hunt. It seems she plans

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

pen worth more than

barely contained as

out what was inside that brain of hers that could enrage him so

Find out where she’s house hunting!” He

Corporation building, only to find Whitney exiting, having been casually browsing for future reference. The cold aura the gorgeous man emanated froze her in

She

so furious he had forgotten

the smile on her pale face,

something, she approached and smiled apologetically, saying, “Mr. Lippert, are you free now? It’s lunchtime, and I’d like to invite you to eat with me. I owe you a

was on

“You enjoy inviting men for meals? Can’t live a day

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

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

her to get lost.” Ludwik strode

not

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

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

seemed to

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

She’s pregnant, after

a complex mix of irritation and concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable

grace her with my presence,”

his entire worldview had