Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1066 Parker squinted, gauging the distance between the little boat he had commandeered and the massive cruise ship looming ahead.

At least five hundred yards, he guessed.

Rowing there by hand, especially fighting against the sea breeze, would take him a good few minutes.

If Bryce was here, then the "mystery man" must be on that cruise ship!

He was so close to uncovering the truth.

Parker's brow furrowed with impatience as he recalled the gunshots he heard earlier. He reached for his waistband only to realize he had forgotten to bring his gun in the haste of pursuit.

"Damn."

As he bent down to row, the gunfire from the cruise ship abruptly ceased, and soon the sounds of fighting faded as well.

Clutching the oars tightly, Parker's hawk-like eyes tried to pierce the night, but he couldn't make out what was happening on the ship. Gritting his teeth, he rowed harder, pushing through the waves with determination.

Inside the grand lounge of the cruise ship—

The floor was drenched in blood.

Bryce's crew, outnumbering the black-clad assassins, swiftly wiped them out.

was pulled from the clutches of

deep, contemplative eyes stayed fixed on Bryce, seemingly trying to piece together tonight's chaos: first a group of assassins

shifted her gaze to

tell Mr. Lutz about our change in plans. He had no idea you were coming

messaged me an hour ago saying that Ludwik's men were waiting at

spot! He had run

was terrified, so I had no choice but

he arrived

been done for,

's cruel schemes. They're

lengths to get rid of you!"

Get rid of?

ran through Parisa's

her hadn't searched for her all these years, but

blood. Did he think she was

and Ludwik

sent by Ludwik? I never disclosed my return plans, and he couldn't have

Bryce glanced at Florence.

stepped forward, pulling out

voice calm and earnest, "Ms. Tennyson, I apologize for Florence telling me you were coming back, but she