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.

from TriMed Hospital! I have to see

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

the picture of composure as she followed

befitting the Lutz family’s preference for

were present due to the company’s influence.

Lutz family, along with the formidable Hunter and Claire, were seated

of honor.

whispered gently, noting her preference for simplicity. “Still, we need to

his family, Whitney felt grateful for the modest setting. Her makeup was light, and

pleasure getting engaged to you, my dear,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness. As the soft music played, they walked down the aisle

the end of the aisle, her smile remained, but

of the man she once loved–his elegance, his stern affection, the things he’d

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

Whitney had to get used

master of ceremonies handed Whitney a teacup, pulling her from her reverie. She met

him ‘dad,‘ just call

Claire,” Whitney said, raising

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

stiffened slightly, but Bryce wrapped an

large screen behind them suddenly flashed with

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

elders, confused, turned to see

raised her head and saw the intimate photo of her and Ludwik in

across the screen–a photo she had taken only for Elaine, showing them under a blanket, their nakedness barely concealed.

a week ago, and

earth is going on?”

air grew heavy with the elders‘ disapproval.

He quickly barked orders to shut off

paternity test‘ with