Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 413

Whitney couldn't help but roll her eyes and wave goodbye to Bryce, quickly wrapping up their conversation.

She strode toward her apartment, a storm brewing within.

Danny suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked up at Bryce, letting out a sarcastic snort, "Cut the good guy act, Bryce. You probably knew from the get-go that my mom is from the prestigious Sheldon family, didn't you? Saying you support her is just a line to lure girls. What you really want is a shortcut to riches by marrying her. Dream on, man. My mom is taken, by none other than the country's top bachelor!"

With that, he stuck out his tongue and left.

Bryce stood still, his usually warm eyes darkening for a moment. He hadn't expected this kid to hit the nail on the head. When Keegan was released from prison and mentioned Whitney's background, Bryce had started paying attention.

His fists clenched slightly. He had thought after Whitney and Ludwik split, he'd smoothly step in. But Ludwik turning out to be the country's most eligible bachelor was a game-changer.

Bryce's eyes grew cold. We'll see about that.

-

The night before she left, Whitney met up with her two best friends, Tiana and Valerie.

"Man, everything's changed so fast. You're moving to Emperor City, Whitney. I'm gonna miss you like crazy," Tiana said, her eyes welling up. "And the Sheldon family, that's a major league. It's tough enough without adding in the high society drama. Who knows what you're walking into?"

Valerie, however, smirked, "Come on, Whitney's not someone to mess with. Aside from that dog Ludwik, who else could possibly cross her?"

That was spot on, and Tiana nodded in agreement. "Seems like women can't escape heartbreak, huh?"

stepmother and sister? That's

get there," Whitney said, sipping her drink with a sigh. She turned to her friends, "Don't worry about me. Emperor City is just a two-hour flight away. If you miss me, I'll come back. It's you two I'm worried about. Tiana, I'm scared Barclay will whisk you off

drained from both Tiana and

heat messing with my appetite. Ashton and I have been trying for years without luck. It can't be that coincidental. You worry too much about us. If Elaine tries anything with Ashton, I've got

family status, you two are a

Whitney glared at her.

mad anymore.

said nothing, still reeling

-

tow, arrived at Banyan City Airport, only to find Hudson waiting for them in his private

eyes, a softness flickered

unfamiliar yet comforting. She took a deep breath and smiled at

come around. Let's go home. And this must be my

-

City's

sun bathed the grand plaza in light, with a row of luxury cars parked in front of the company. Three Audis led and followed

a sleek black suit, exuded a cold, commanding presence. His gaze alone brought a hush over the

corporate politics within the Lippert Group, a conglomerate where even the lowest employee

gush, "He's even more handsome than Jarvis and

company's chief

private elevator' button, ignoring the chief secretary's attempt to

some rules," Ludwik declared without a hint of doubt in his voice,

no-shows grew longer, it became painfully clear to everyone gathered outside to welcome Ludwik that the only ones who had bothered to show up were essentially