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.

Tiana called unexpectedly. “Whitney, I found the girl from TriMed Hospital! I have to see her. I’ll be

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

of composure as she followed Bryce

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

and some shareholders were present due

formidable

of honor.

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

Her makeup was light, and

to you, my dear,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness. As the soft music played, they walked down the aisle together. The ceremony was a local tradition, so they were to partake in a tea

her smile remained, but

she saw the face of the 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

start anew, as Valerie had suggested–perhaps

of him. Whitney had to get

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

calling him ‘dad,‘ just call

raising her cup with

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 past months. Once the baby is born, our family won’t let you

but Bryce wrapped

the tea ceremony concluded, the large screen behind them suddenly flashed with an image,

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

elders, confused, turned to see what

raised her head and saw the intimate

had taken only for Elaine, showing them

just a week ago, and her pregnant

is going on?” the

with

turning to disbelief. He quickly barked orders to shut off the screen, but it was too late.

‘prenatal paternity test‘ with Whitney as the patient and