Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 680

Bryce tried to hide his discomfort with a forced chuckle, "Ms. Turner certainly taught us well, Whitney. Next time, I won't have a secretary riding in my car, promise."

"Bryce, there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill," Whitney replied dryly.

It was only then that Sandy seemed satisfied, "Sis, you totally deserve Bryce going the extra mile for you. Look at you, making him upset and then rushing out to buy him a tie, and such an expensive one at that! Mr. Lutz, you really should treasure this gift." At Sandy's words, Bryce's heart fluttered, and he looked at Whitney with a tender gaze.

Whitney shot Sandy a glare that could kill, as Sandy quickly made her escape, leaving Whitney red-faced with embarrassment.

The car set off again.

When Bryce looked over for the third time, Whitney reluctantly took out a gift box from her bag.

Inside was a deep navy blue tie.

"It looks quite pricey," Bryce exclaimed happily, visibly moved, "Whitney, this is the first time you've bought me a gift. I'm over the moon.

But you shouldn't splurge like this in the future. I should be the one spending on you."

"It didn't cost much," Whitney muttered, taking out the tie and holding it up at a distance, "It suits you very well."

"I love it," Bryce said, his adam's apple bobbing slightly.

Whitney's eyes caught the movement, and her mind unintentionally wandered to another man's adam's apple. Ludwik's neck was slender, making his adam's apple particularly prominent, exuding a masculine charm that was both sexy and appealing. But she cursed herself for drifting off, thinking of the man she shouldn't be.

Whitney sighed in frustration, forcing herself to focus. "I'll put it away for you."

"Leave it out. I'm going to wear it tomorrow, and every day!" Bryce teased, holding her hand and softly apologizing, "Whitney, I was also at fault that day. I apologize.

I was too impulsive, only thought about my own anger, and forgot you have two kids to think about. I realize now, even though I despise Ludwik, I support your decision to drop the appeal."

Whitney was taken aback, feeling guilty, "Don't say that. I was being selfish, making you hold in all that frustration."

let's call it a truce,

affectionately ruffled

a

the Patrick family reach out to you? But you've just arrived in Emperor City, you don't know the Patrick family, do you?" Bryce looked down, turning off the engine, "The Lutz Group and the Patrick Group have some business dealings,

candid, "Whitney, the Patrick family is top dog in Harmonia Country now, and many don't dare cross

head-on, and it bothered me how Wade was

don't... think

Whitney shook her head.

but suddenly felt he lacked the stature

it were Ludwik's decisive

she comparing

City too, yet his backbone never bent. No matter how detestable, she had to admit, that man stood firm. Bryce,

Bryce parked

to get out, he held her slender hand, his eyes filled with emotion,

she quietly suggested, "Then I'll

-

Whitney briskly

male figure suddenly embraced

body stiffened, but Bryce didn't stop.

breath was heavy, his gaze

this. I've been holding back for too

eyes widened, her mind a whirlwind of confusion, especially when his fingers began to unfasten her nightgown. She desperately wanted to push

burst open with Danny's

chance, Whitney quickly wriggled free from Bryce's hold,

temper, probably wants me to bathe

away, Bryce's warm

wasn't a fool; he could sense

him so, yet seemed

claims of