Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 222

Whitney fought to hide her flushed cheeks, wanting to suggest another store, but Claire had already strutted in with the butler in tow.

Left with no choice, Whitney let the man lead her to greet the formidable matriarch.

In the opulent changing room, Lyra peeked out and said to Elaine, “Bryce’s mom has arrived, Miss. This is the perfect chance to knock Whitney down a peg. Don’t you want to play some tricks on her?”

The prospect of undermining that wench was tantalizing to Elaine. A little scheming and Ludwik would undoubtedly take her side, striking right at Whitney’s heart.

But with a cunning glint in her eye, Elaine chuckled and said, “Use your head. I’ll spare her today. Nothing’s more important than my engagement to Ludwik. Once I’m the future Mrs. Lippert, dealing with her and that little mistake will be child’s play.”

Lyra caught on. “Miss, you’re always one step ahead. No wonder you’ve got the boss wrapped around your finger.”

Elaine smirked, her lips curling as she undressed to try on her gown.

In the lounge.

Bryce leaned in close to Whitney and whispered, “Don’t be nervous. I’ve squashed those nasty rumors about you. Mom doesn’t follow the tabloids, and if she asks you anything you don’t want to answer, just don’t.”

Whitney nodded.

With a fond pat on her head, he introduced, “Mom, this is Whitney Valentine. You insisted on meeting her, and here she is.”

Claire, oozing grandeur, took a seat, her gaze immediately locking onto Whitney’s belly.

Whitney nervously greeted, “Claire.”

“Sit down! Don’t stand. You’ll tire the baby,” Claire said with a strange tone, casting a resentful glance at her son. “Whitney Valentine, right? The girl who designs my jewelry. I quite liked you, although the Valentine family is a minor name, and I’ve heard you’ve had some… complications.”

“Mom, you’re prying too much,” Bryce coughed.

won’t let me dig into your past. He’s so protective of you. It’s all so improper, a child on the way,

isn’t exactly well–off, I accept it. Get engaged to Bryce quickly. It’s hasty but a double blessing, and it

at Bryce. At this moment, she finally understood what method

to object, but Bryce’s

ruin this, Whitney. After the engagement party, I’ll clear things up with them. Right now, I need

it were not for her billion–dollar loan, the Lutz Group shareholders would not be displeased with him, and the Lutz

could not afford to fail at such a

frustration, but Claire’s kind gaze on her belly made her skin

for the sake of beauty. The baby comes first.” Claire grinned, taking Whitney’s hand in hers.

strained smile in

is lovely. Bryce, you should have a few more with her,” Claire said

felt the chilling glare burning into

smile, Whitney’s expression stiffened.

closer, clearing his throat. “Don’t mind her,

losing it!” A cold male voice rang out,

her breath catching at the sight of Ludwik. Her face tensed with

as he stood, instinctively pulling

“If you’re not senile, how did you miss the red flags when choosing your son’s partner,

hands clenched tight, her face

and what do you mean by that?” Claire

could at least spare her your harsh words,” Bryce confronted

villain here. A person’s character and manners aren’t just for show; they’re

loaded remark, he downed his wine and strode past, barely sparing Whitney

son, what do you take

smile. “Claire, Ludwik has been more than respectful. But between us, she’s what you’d call ‘secondhand

shot Whitney a mocking

slightly. Given how quickly this woman had switched loyalties from his mother to the ‘new Natalie,‘ he found