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.

got into her car; her excuse was genuine. Skye Gem Ltd. was indeed busy. Having recently moved to Emperor City, she needed to penetrate the local market. There were trade shows to

ready, the mall opens at ten, and customers will start coming in. You, the stunningly beautiful jewelry store owner, should be there to represent your brand!" "Okay, I'm caught in a bit of traffic..." Whitney

late. Fortunately, Bryce managed the

and paperwork, noticing a well-to-do lady unattended. She immediately approached, donning 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,

hands aren't that special. It must be the ring making them look good. How much is

suggest anything less, fearing it might not match your grace.

ring priced below thirty thousand. You really know how to pick your

with decent designs. Wrap it up for me! Are

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?

embarrassed by

closer, whispering as she turned to package the ring, "Madam, with so many questions, which

you two really match, such

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

he affectionately leaned in closer, gently brushing Whitney's ear with his hand. The soft touch of his

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

stiffly. Bryce lightly touched her jade earrings. The lady's attention was immediately captured, "Your girlfriend's earrings are nice, making her look even more radiant. What kind of jade is this? It's so

"You know, those earrings of yours could easily fetch a

lifted her gaze and smiled, "Well, aren't you

taking a dig at me? You know well enough whose heart I'm aiming

Bryce walked away, his laughter trailing behind him. Once Bryce's presence faded, Whitney found her ease again, diving into a conversation about the earrings

noticed the moment

later, Whitney,

family's heiress,