Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 566

Florence stared at his unforgiving profile, nearly dropping her chopsticks. Her lips started to quiver uncontrollably. Holly also remained silent, too afraid to speak. Jason looked stunned and vehemently objected, "You can't touch her... at least wait until the baby is three months old, so we can get a paternity test!"

"A paternity test won't change my mind. I won't marry her, nor do I want the child. Dad, it's best if you don't get too attached."

Ludwik's tone was cold, chilling to the bone. He stood up, nodded at his grandmother, and left the table. The elderly woman, noticing he hadn't touched his food, couldn't help but glance at Florence. The atmosphere at dinner was tense and uncomfortable. Florence, enduring the grandmother's stern look and recalling Ludwik's harsh words, lost her appetite completely. Her face turned pale, feeling extremely awkward, even though she had Jason as her lifeline.

Jason hardly touched his meal before setting his chopsticks down, hearing the sound of a car driving away.

The old man remained calm, wiping his mouth before standing up, "Don't worry about him. Florence, you stay here with peace of mind. As long as the child in your womb is of Ludwik's blood, the Lippert family will take care of you."

Despite the dinner ending on a sour note, Holly got the reassurance she sought. She was overjoyed. Florence, on the other hand, was deep in thought, returning to her room. She felt Ludwik's coldness stemmed from his unresolved feelings for Whitney. If he still harbored hopes, she needed to find a way to make him see the light, to turn his longing for Whitney into disdain.

Her eyes narrowed in contemplation...

---

The next day.

Danny invited Whitney to visit Natalie in the hospital, saying, "Grandma will be discharged in just over a week!"

Whitney felt indifferent but smiled, "Sweetheart, please give her my congratulations."

Danny frowned, "Won't you visit? Mom, grandma really wants to see you. She says her heart flutters not seeing Whitney." Whitney didn't elaborate, simply refusing her son, "Mommy's company is swamped. Just tell grandma, she'll understand."

Not only did grandma understand, he did too! Grandma was bound to be upset. Danny sulkily got into Tiana's car, bidding her goodbye.

Gem Ltd. was indeed busy. Having recently moved to Emperor City, she needed to penetrate the local market. There were trade shows to attend, advertising campaigns

called, "Whitney, have you arrived at Pearl Plaza? Nyx is rushing you. The jewelry display is ready, the mall opens at ten, and customers will start coming in.

Fortunately, Bryce managed the opening ceremony smoothly

black gloves, "Here, madam, your hands are slender and beautiful, perfect for this three-carat diamond ring. It's crafted from a stone imported from Dubai, intricately cut. I designed it into a heart shape because I thought it matched its unique form

the ring, "Really? My hands aren't that special. It must

anything less,

have a ring priced below thirty thousand. You really know how to pick your customers. What's the

but with decent designs. Wrap it up for me! Are you a salesperson or the manager? You sure have a way with

Ltd. She does look sweet and is very approachable," Bryce intervened, playfully ribbing Whitney with a smile and warmth in his eyes. The lady blushed upon seeing Bryce's handsome features, "Oh, the owner! You're well-maintained! How old are you? Is this

embarrassed

the ring, "Madam, with so many questions, which should I answer first? You're so beautiful; I bet you've never needed

you two really match, such smooth

tell? Because my girlfriend is naturally breathtaking. Don't believe me? Look at her face. Does it look like she's had

in closer, gently brushing Whitney's ear with his hand. The soft touch of his fingers made Whitney

partially embraced by Bryce. She wanted to pull away but reminded herself. Indeed, they were dating! This gentle contact, she had to get

"Your girlfriend's earrings are nice, making her

grin, "You know, those

finally catching onto his playful jab. Her initial restraint melted away as she lifted her gaze and smiled, "Well, aren't you quite the salesman, expertly snagging a

taking a dig at me? You

Once Bryce's presence faded, Whitney found her ease again, diving into a conversation about the earrings with the

bustling department store, no one noticed the moment

later, Whitney,

heiress,