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.

Felix received a call from the nurse, telling him what

the hospital on her own

desk, he was just

imagination, Felix said bitterly. “She discharged

she left the face of earth! Who told you to report her situation

realized he had

minutes, Felix received another 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 to… move

by the sound of a fountain pen shattering

pen worth more

fury was barely contained as he cursed,

to find out what was inside

waiting for? Find out where she’s house hunting!” He ordered Felix as he immediately left the

been casually browsing for future reference. The

She

he had forgotten to put

the smile on her pale face,

However, having recalled 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

on

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

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

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

lost.” Ludwik strode

not

crossed a line,

“Where the hell did she go? Didn’t she say she wanted to invite me to a

replied, “Madam seemed to have gone

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

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

irritation and concern, watching Whitney from afar, unable to shake

with my presence,”

his entire