Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 227

“Listen, girl,” Bryce declared, his voice a blend of solemnity and tenderness. “I only plan to walk down the aisle once in my life, and I want it to be with one woman only.”

“Mr. Lutz, please, can we not talk about this?” Whitney’s heart hammered in her chest, fearing their relationship might sour.

Fortunately, he soon released her, sighing with a sense of resignation. “You’re too guarded when it comes to love. Guess sweet–talking you isn’t going to cut it, huh? Looks like I’ll have to win over your heart the old–fashioned way. Good thing I’ve got plenty of time. Consider all the perks of having me as your man.”

Whitney could not help but chuckle, the tension easing.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Everything okay with the Lutz Group these past few days? And you? Anything out of the ordinary? Make sure there’s extra security at the engagement party tomorrow, okay?”

Bryce narrowed his eyes in thought. “What’s worrying you?”

She recalled Ludwik’s threatening words at the bridal boutique and could not shake off a sense

of unease.

“Nothing specific, just… be careful, that’s all.”

“I know what’s got you spooked. Don’t worry, I’m not defenseless. The Lutz Group has clout here in Banyan City. I haven’t done anything illegal. If anyone wants to start trouble, they’d need a damn good reason,” Bryce said with steady confidence.

Whitney let out a small sigh of relief and yawned. “It’s getting late, Bryce. You should head

home.”

He seemed pleased with her use of his name, squeezing her hand. “I’ll pick you up in the morning, my lovely fiancée.”

With his bodyguards stationed at the door, Whitney closed it behind her, feeling secure. Yet, sleep eluded her that night, her eyes wide until dawn.

The engagement party was set at the Hilton Hotel near Bryce’s mansion for convenience’s sake.

early, but Tiana called unexpectedly. “Whitney, I found the girl from TriMed Hospital! I have to

behind Elaine’s kidney donation

was the picture of composure as she followed Bryce into the

the Lutz family’s preference for privacy, though a few

shareholders were present due to the company’s influence.

with the formidable Hunter

of honor.

her preference for simplicity. “Still, we need to promote it

was light, and her smile

replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness. As the soft music played, they walked down the aisle together. The

each step toward the end of the aisle, her smile remained, but inside, a tearful storm raged.

man she once loved–his elegance, his stern affection, the things he’d done for her, and those that had hurt her. She bid farewell to that

anew, as Valerie had suggested–perhaps even find peace away from the turmoil of

more of him. Whitney had to get used

handed Whitney a teacup, pulling her from her reverie. She met Hunter’s imposing gaze

just call him ‘Hunter,“”

Claire,” Whitney said, raising her cup with

their gazes eventually settling on her stomach. “You must be due in a couple of months. If it were not for that video you two leaked, I’d have thought Bryce was just fooling around. We didn’t realize he had jumped the gun! You’ve been through a lot these

Bryce wrapped an arm around

them

Lutz relatives gasped in shock, turning to the elders. “Mom, Dad,

turned to see what caused the commotion.

saw the intimate photo of her

plastered across the screen–a photo she had taken only for Elaine, showing them

ago,

is going on?”

air grew heavy with the elders‘ disapproval.

turning to disbelief. He quickly barked orders to shut off the screen,

followed the photo, showing a ‘prenatal paternity test‘ with Whitney