Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 210

Whitney clenched her fists at the dire state of her company. Exhaustion etched across her face, but she still shook her head. “Trends on social media are fleeting. They’ll die down soon. I’ll hold a press conference to clear the air then. I don’t agree with your approach.”

The PR manager of Lutz Group glanced towards Bryce, whose gaze darkened, signaling the end of the discussion.

The shareholders of Skye Gem were infuriated by Whitney’s stubbornness. “What can you possibly clarify? The video is clear evidence! You’re refusing to take the high road, and you’ll run your grandfather’s legacy into the ground sooner or later. Don’t blame us for being heartless when that happens!”

“Please give me some time,” Whitney pleaded, taking a deep breath. “Skye Gem is a jewelry brand. While my image is important, it’s the products that are our real strength. I’m confident the company will

bounce back.”

Free from her entanglement with Ludwik, Whitney now had the time to

focus on her own company’s issues.

Back at her desk, she calmed herself and tweeted from the company

account,

[Half a month ago, Ms. Valentine received a call for help from her friend, Mr. Lutz, who was drugged. Her visit to the hotel was to administer acupuncture to Mr. Lutz, not to engage in any inappropriate behavior. Please don’t jump to conclusions just over a blurry video.]

Almost instantly, Bryce retweeted the post, adding: [I was in a dire state and Ms. Valentine saved me with her timely acupuncture treatment. The fault is mine for harboring feelings for her, but she’s a kind and loyal woman who didn’t succumb to pressure even in a precarious situation. Please do not misjudge her!]

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Chapter 2

The online community was taken aback, with comments flooding in.

Among the criticisms, different voices emerged.

“Am I sensing a love story here?”

“Bryce has feelings for Whitney, calls her after taking his medicine, and tries to coerce her? Is that what I’m getting?”

“Doesn’t Whitney seem a bit innocent in all this?”

In the office, Whitney rubbed her temples, puzzled by Bryce’s protective stance. Now the internet was ablaze with criticism of him and the Lutz

Group only.

Lutz, this obfuscation isn’t good for your

your

care about you and only want to protect you. Don’t worry about my company, Whitney,” Bryce replied

of helplessness and warmth. Bryce really was a gentle soul.

tackle the backlog of paperwork when Valerie and Tiana came over, urging her to take a break. “Since you’ve issued the clarification, let’s see how it plays out. You’re still feverish, and Felix texted me that you’re injured. Come on,

Whitney’s cheeks burned, but then she thought of the man

bone.

up

the woman who had once

10:35

Chapter 210

flickered across his face.

and a simple yet exquisite engagement

Valentine has left. She returned the

her.”

the

had presented it on New Year’s Eve

designed the ring himself.

it, even when he forced her to sign the divorce papers a

supposed infidelity with Bryce, she couldn’t pretend any longer and took

chuckled mirthlessly, picking up the delicate ring, noting the faint bloodstain on the inside – a result of removing it too forcefully.

reverted to scorn. She couldn’t possibly care, he thought. she must

seeped from his palm as he clenched the diamond,

the fireplace and began to smash everything on the

face remained eerily

for Mr. Ludwik’s rage to

the destruction, Ludwik sank into the sofa, massaging his temples.

reported promptly, “The stock has rebounded, and the

3/5

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Chapter

optimistic. Everyone’s looking forward to your engagement announcement

lips curled

to another topic.

—

just outside the living room, Elaine smirked inwardly. She had