Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 212

“The Lutz family is known for its stringent rules, and now Mr. Lutz is suspected for allegedly having an affair with a married woman. It seems the only way out is to legitimize your status. You know as well as I do that even if you manage to buy back the Skye Gem Ltd, building, with the company morale shaken, your shareholders would keep offloading their shares.

So why not go for a win-win? If you agree to an engagement with him, that video will be above board. He’ll stabilize the Lutz Group, and your company will be under his protection. Weighing the pros and cons, it’s the best option you have.”

Whitney held her breath, struggling to make a decision in her mind.

In the end, rationality won over her emotions.

She couldn’t let Bryce down. He had done too much for her.

And Skye Gem would crumble to bankruptcy in no time under Ludwik’s relentless pressure if she didn’t take any actions.

She was about to give birth to a baby, and Skye Gem was beyond her own capability to save.

She needed a safe harbor.

It was all Ludwik’s doing.

Whitney let out a silent, desolate chuckle. She closed her eyes and said, “I’m not heartless. Please tell Mr. Lutz that if he needs a faux engagement to get through this, I’m in-as long as he can get out of this mess.”

“Thank you, Ms. Valentine.”

The assistant hung up the phone, beaming, and turned to a man of quiet elegance, “Mr. Lutz, congratulations. But Ms. Valentine is sharp. She specified a faux engagement.”

Bryce’s eyes flickered with amusement as he took a drag of his cigarette, “She’s exactly the woman I thought she was. It’s okay; we have all the time in the world. If she steps into the Lutz household, won’t everything else be easy?”

He squinted slightly, contemplating..

News of Whitney and Bryce’s planned engagement spread like wildfire. Any rumors about the video were now seen in a different light.

The internet exploded with the plot twist, and the tide of public opinion about Bryce shifted dramatically.

Exhausted, Whitney returned to Tiana’s apartment, where a text from Bryce soon followed. [I didn’t expect my assistant to press you behind my back. Whitney, if you’re unwilling, I can clear things up again.]

[No one pressured me, Mr. Lutz. Besides, it’s just a pretend engagement. So don’t feel guilty.]

Bryce’s reply was profound. [To you, it’s pretended. But to me, it feels like-dreams coming true.]

paused mid-typing, suddenly unsure

door, and Valerie was there

the news says true? Have you thought

smile, her eyes tinged with weariness and fear, “It’s not about what I want.

situation forced Whitney’s hand and

and whispered to Valerie,

shadow. It’s hard. Maybe Bryce will be a pleasant surprise. He’s no simple

Valerie sighed.

removed her scarf and gloves, checking the time. It was

been worried about her cousin Yael. Following contact details given by Felix, Whitney nervously

for the other end to pick up, and a girl’s voice came through, “Who

Whitney, your cousin. Has your dad

cry, “I was kidnapped more than ten days ago and only released this afternoon. They didn’t hurt me,

her request, Whitney’s voice caught in

Chapter 212

sounded so

had left him, his health didn’t allow him to care

landed him

her mouth and nose, stifling her sobs, unsure how to tell

years before he can reunite with you. You stay safe abroad, and I’ll come

curled up as she spoke, eyes closed. Her uncle deserved a sentence, but life

that she was leaving Ludwik’s shadow, she would find a way to appeal for her uncle and to get him

Ltd., her uncle, her mother-the burdens on her shoulders were still heavy. Whitney took a deep breath, telling herself to stay

Ding-dong, her phone chimed.

come to pick you up. It’s more appropriate that you live with us

and quickly replied. (I’m at my friend’s place. I

to find an apartment tomorrow,

sure to

smiled, realizing she had indeed

she murmured softly, “Baby, even though your dad has left, your mom will still love you. I

coffee and

was husky and

of coffee. It’s not good for your stomach. You can deal with whatever important work you have tomorrow. Why don’t you rest

was just an excuse. Ludwik would rather keep himself busy like a machine, if