Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 114

“No way, I appreciate him too,”

Bryce had no idea she was undercover when he saved her, and his chivalrous spirit was truly genuine.

Right then, Tiana snagged a call, “Got a gig, gotta jet. Oh my, Whitney dear, you do have a knack for romance-husband and lover in the same hospital ward. I’d love to dip my toes in your dramatic love life with two hunky dudes!”

Whitney smacked her playfully. “Shut it. Have you ever heard of loose lips sink ships“?”

Tiana covered her mouth, “True, Lis just too possessive.” She waved goodbye, reluctance in her eyes.

Whitney rolled her eyes, and soon Bryce emerged, his shirt sporting a fresh slash sewn up with several stitches. She felt sincerely sorry.

Bryce looked at her tenderly. “I chose to save you. You owe me nothing, and I don’t expect a reward.”

Whitney could not help but chuckle at his tone.

Compared to Bryce’s genteel generosity, that other guy was all about the life debt, narrow–minded, petty, cold, and domineering.

Whitney internally ranted, oblivious to her daydreaming.

Bryce gazed at her as she was lost in thought, gentle and delicate. She was not hurt; she cared for another man–which he had investigated.

A flicker of hesitation crossed his mind, but his eyes grew more intense as he solemnly called out, “Whitney

Valentine.”

Startled by her full name, Whitney looked at him curiously. Their relationship had not reached such familiar grounds.

He spoke in a low, frowning voice, “I knew about you long ago, probably when you were twenty. You were pitching for investments at a cocktail party for Skye Gem Ltd. I saw you from upstairs–you seemed so young yet bold. I wanted to ask for your business card but did not dare, fearful of being the old guy hitting on the young girl.”

Whitney was taken aback; at twenty, she was corporation and attending many functions.

just starting Skye Gem Ltd, helping Preston with the family

because

looked into what you’ve been through these past six months, and frankly, I don’t buy the gossip. I think you’re a good girl… But at that dinner, I

realizing he misunderstood, thinking she was kept by a wealthy man like L

I

quite fancy you.” His towering figure radiated warmth, standing not far

pulled away, stepping back and cutting him off, “Mr. Lutz, I think you’re mistaken. The man with the

how to explain her fake marriage, Whitney was blunt, “I’m carrying his child,

shocked, looking at her

lie to you. If I’ve disappointed you, I’m sorry. But I don’t want to cause any misunderstandings. Our

to your mother’s jewelry designs as

slight his gaze cooling as he was still in shock

expected that he would be so late after three

up in the Valentine family’s turmoil,

could she

sat silently, and Whitney did not leave until his assistant Cooper arrived

medical expenses, politely saying goodbye. “Mr. Lutz, Im sorry, but I’m a bit busy 1 might not be able to visit while you’re recovering

was crisp, her tone

it seemed like

her leave, wordless.

was upstairs, ready to misunderstand again. Taking a deep breath, she

the time and gasped–it was already six in the

had

out, and he had not called once. Was he holding back? Did he not know how to sweet–talk her?

was it because she ‘slandered Elaine, and he was concerned?

reception and caught a familiar gaze.

assistant, but he disappeared quickly.

her eyes flickering. She had rushed

lips; she was

shopped at the nearby farmers‘ market, picking

of meat

buzzed in