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.

unexpectedly. “Whitney, I found the girl from TriMed Hospital! I

news. The truth behind Elaine’s kidney donation surgery could finally come to light with

was the picture of composure as she followed

was understated, befitting the Lutz family’s preference for privacy, though

shareholders were present

along with the formidable Hunter and

of honor.

is as low–key as it gets,” Bryce whispered gently, noting her preference for simplicity. “Still, we need to

and her smile was genuine. She willingly linked her arm with his, saying, “Pleasure doing business with you, Bryce.”

music played, they walked down the aisle together. The

end of the aisle, her smile remained, but inside, a tearful

things he’d done for her, and those that had hurt her. She bid farewell to that chapter of

was about to start anew, as Valerie had suggested–perhaps even find peace away

Whitney had

master of ceremonies handed Whitney a teacup, pulling her from her reverie. She met Hunter’s imposing gaze for the first time.

him ‘dad,‘ just call him ‘Hunter,“” Bryce

Claire,” Whitney said, raising her

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 past months.

wrapped an

the large screen behind them

shock, turning to the elders. “Mom, Dad, look behind

to see what caused the

head and saw the intimate photo of her and

had taken only for Elaine,

photo was timestamped just a week ago, and her pregnant belly

going on?” the Lutz relatives demanded.

with the

orders to shut off

the photo, showing a ‘prenatal paternity test‘ with Whitney as the patient