Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 525

"Who do you think it was?" Bryce's tone was casual, but a restrained chill masked his handsome face.

Whitney knew from his response. It was Ludwik again, meddling in their affairs to prevent her from moving her company closer to Bryce.

Her fists clenched, anger rising within her, followed by a wave of sadness. She had never escaped Ludwik's grasp...

How could she sever ties with him once and for all?

Tears began to form in Whitney's eyes as she looked at Bryce, shamefaced, "Bryce, I'm sorry."

"Why apologize?" Bryce's smile lingered, "As long as you're with me, that's all I need. Nothing can break me down. By the way, the executives from the Lutz Group are coming to Emperor City soon. How about your team at Skye Gem Ltd.? Let's schedule a meeting tomorrow for everyone." Whitney shook her head, "Bryce, I can't move the company to be with you."

Bryce froze.

Turning away to hide her tears, Whitney gazed out the window, "I've decided to purchase the golf course land for the full price of $600 million."

"Why?" Bryce asked softly, barely concealing the anger in his eyes.

"Moving in with you, I'd only bring endless trouble your way. Today it's the local business authority on your doorstep, tomorrow it could be worse. As long as Ludwik is displeased, your company could suffer."

Whitney's voice was low, "Bryce, I don't want to be your burden."

"I'm not afraid! If you don't stand up to Ludwik, you'll never break free. Whitney, don't let him control your life."

Perhaps it was the hint of sarcasm in his words that stunned her. Whitney's face drained of color, "Our companies can still collaborate, even if we're not together. You're just starting out in Emperor City, I don't want to make it harder for you."

"I've secured solid partnerships; my future isn't any dimmer than Ludwik's. I managed to acquire prime real estate in the city center, proving my worth. Whitney, be with me."

up my mind

had disappointed him, she turned to leave but then paused, "Bryce... who helped you secure

beautiful face, "Do you think there's a problem with

recalling Ludwik's words and fearing Bryce had fallen into a

in business for years; I have my resources. Don't be swayed by

bit her lip, sensing his irritation,

still support Skye Gem Ltd. as a consultant. Regardless of how you treat me, my feelings won't change." Whitney's heart ached, feeling even more guilt. At least their conversation hadn't escalated

expression darkened, and

shocked by the sudden change in

won again,

Bryce had hoped Whitney's decision to move her company signaled her acceptance

Bryce's heart,

woman he loved;

despite his

When will you finally take action against Ludwik? I'm in Emperor City, following your

patient," came a mysterious voice from the other end. "Ludwik will soon face challenges from within and without. And Florence, she could be your key to

-

away from Terravista Hotel, Whitney couldn't

sounding pleasantly surprised, "Whitney, how was

"Ludwik, you're despicable!"

pause on the line, then Ludwik's voice cooled, "Say that

her voice filled with a mixture of anger

you bribe officials to throw Bryce into jail? And him getting beaten up there, was that your

clenched her teeth,

to his turf. Just stop going after him. If

anger, she started