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.

dialed his number. “Mr. Lutz, this obfuscation isn’t good

or your company.”

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

of helplessness and warmth.

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, let’s get you to the hospital

thought of the man who caused it, and her empty ring finger chilled her to

bone.

up at noon.

the stairs to the empty living room, devoid of the woman who had once fallen there. The polished floor

10:35

Chapter 210

flickered across his face.

divorce agreements and a simple yet exquisite engagement ring.

has left. She returned the engagement

her.”

at the ring in

mind – he had presented it on New Year’s Eve

designed the ring himself.

forced her to sign the divorce papers

her supposed infidelity with Bryce, she couldn’t pretend any longer and took it off.

chuckled mirthlessly, picking up the delicate ring, noting the faint bloodstain on the inside – a

darkened, then quickly reverted to scorn. She couldn’t possibly care, he thought. she must have been eager to be

from his palm as he clenched the diamond, the

and began to smash

face remained eerily

waiting for Mr. Ludwik’s rage

exhausted from the destruction, Ludwik sank into the sofa, massaging his temples. “Bring me my phone. What’s

“The stock has rebounded,

3/5

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Chapter

looking forward to your engagement announcement with Elaine.”

Ludwik’s lips curled

Ludwik really wanted to ask but diverted to another topic. “I’ve traced the video’s origin a careful release from an overseas

—

outside the living room, Elaine smirked inwardly. She