Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1044

"This is exactly why he's playing these games!

But if he thinks he can use this trick to dig around for who's backing us, trying to expose Parisa, he's living in a fantasy."

A sly glint of calculation flashed in Bryce's eyes as he smirked, strategizing in silence. "I have my ways. Parisa insists on going back home? Fine. Just follow my lead and stop trying to block her path. We don't want to overdo it and end up burning ourselves. Florence, before you head back, zip it. Keeping quiet and eliminating her doubts is our top priority. Got it? You need to learn to read the room, be a bit smarter about things.

As for Ludwik, since he's asking for it, why not deliver him a nice little surprise?"

"What kind of surprise?" Her voice suddenly calm and scheming, Florence's tense nerves relaxed slightly, her interest piqued.

Bryce scoffed, "Do you know what's most crucial once Parisa lands in Harmonia Country?"

"Come on, Mr. Lutz, you're the brain here, spill it."

"Use your head."

With disdain and a dangerous gleam in his eyes, Bryce continued, "The most important thing is to fuel her hatred for Ludwik. Once she's viewing him through that lens, she won't give him the time of day. Leave that to me.

Florence, I'm much better at this game than you. I need to prepare a 'warm welcome' for Parisa.

We need to make her feel that in the unfamiliar Harmonia Country, we are her only true allies.

That will make our job a whole lot easier.

Understand?"

His tone was patronizing, and although Florence found it irritating, she couldn't deny Bryce's knack for devious schemes. She wondered what he had up his sleeve to take down Ludwik.

if Parisa was hell-bent on returning, Bryce seemed

was his plan,

sounded outside the

the device back into her pocket. She composed herself and rose to

been a constant in the mansion, living alongside Ms. Tennyson for over a decade. After the chairman's

new face had appeared in the mansion

return, Florence had rushed to her room, leaving the butler puzzled. Then, a call from Erik conveyed

behind her. Seeing nothing amiss, he smiled, "Miss, I noticed you seemed upset upon your return, so I had the staff prepare some afternoon tea for you. Anything wrong? I heard

sudden interest in her activities, unlike his usual demeanor, made her suspect Parisa's influence - was

chill ran through

smile, shaking her

l.ne

up with a friend back homedt's pretty boring here, not knowing anyone. The argument? Oh, we were just joking

for the tea,

about to watch a movie but it gets lonely by myself. Butler, if

back into the living room, inviting them with a warm smile. "Please,

gesture took the old butler

tasked him to keep an eye on Florence's actions and communications. Yet, everything seemed normal... Deciding to observe her

eight in the

from her office

living room, illuminated by Baroque chandeliers, exuded a calm glow, with the dining

continued her cheerful

and the maids chatting away, seemingly discussing some food item with genuine laughter on Florence's

gaze remained fixed on her, not

butler approached, whispering, "Miss was on the phone with a friend earlier. Then, she didn't confine herself to her room but invited the maids to watch a movie with her. I've