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.

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

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

as she followed Bryce into the

Lutz family’s preference for privacy, though a few

some shareholders were present

along with the formidable Hunter and Claire, were seated

of honor.

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

the pressure Bryce faced from his family, Whitney felt grateful for the modest setting. Her makeup was light, and her

replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness. As the soft music played, they walked down the aisle together. The ceremony was a local tradition, so

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

elegance, his stern affection, the things he’d done for her, and

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

more of him. Whitney had to

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

about calling him ‘dad,‘ just call him ‘Hunter,“” Bryce joked

Claire,” Whitney said, raising her cup

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

stiffened slightly, but Bryce wrapped an arm

large screen behind them suddenly flashed with an image,

relatives gasped in shock, turning to

to see what caused

raised her head and saw the

for Elaine, showing them under a

timestamped just a week ago, and her pregnant belly

on earth is going on?” the Lutz relatives demanded.

with the elders‘ disapproval.

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

test‘ with