Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1070 Bryce's eyes flickered with a hint of cunning as he forced a smile. "Ms. Tennyson, I'm really not as wealthy or influential as you might think. Those bodyguards? They're not mine. I've only got a secretary left with me now."

Florence couldn't hide her surprise. "Mr. Lutz, you actually went to Wade Patrick, that sly fox, for help?" "The Patrick family?" Parisa was puzzled, unfamiliar with the power dynamics in Emperor City.

Florence quickly filled her in. "Mom, Mr. Lutz borrowed those bodyguards from the Patrick family. Wade Patrick isn't exactly a saint; he's probably got his eyes on Inko Group now that Phineas is out of the picture. This city is a real shark tank. The Patrick family and Ludwik might end up fighting over Inko Group, like dogs over a bone. In all this chaos, the only one genuinely helping us seems to be Mr. Lutz. Thank you, Mr. Lutz!"

Bryce waved it off with a friendly grin. "We're friends, no need for thanks. If you need me, I'm here to help. I won't hesitate to stand up to Ludwik to restore justice."

He was clear about his intent-to battle Ludwik head-on, with Parisa being a crucial ally. Parisa

understood the underlying message: Bryce had no designs on Inko Group or her.

She looked at him steadily and replied politely, "If I need your help, Mr. Lutz, I'll certainly ask."

"Please, don't hesitate! With Ludwik after you, I suggest taking the initiative to strike first. If you wait until

he and Parker take over Inko Group, it'll be too late to save it," Bryce urged earnestly.

As Parisa stepped into the elevator, she glanced at Bryce. "You mean to cut off Ludwik's partnership with Inko Group?"

"Exactly! Show him who's boss. Once you end his aerospace tech collaboration with Inko Group, he won't have a leg to stand on. Plus, Parker won't have the guts to topple Inko Group," Bryce explained confidently.

Parisa nodded, noncommittal. Once they were inside the apartment, she asked Erik for the latest stock market data on Inko Group.

Erik quickly handed over some figures. To Parisa's surprise, the company's plummeting stocks had bounced back a little that morning. The negative press was waning, and a couple of big orders had been salvaged. The inner turmoil at Inko Group seemed to be subsiding. What was going on? She'd just returned, and things were stabilizing?

Florence, unable to read her mother's expression, asked anxiously, "Mom, are Ludwik and his cronies driving Inko Group to bankruptcy?"

the stocks are climbing," Parisa remarked, glancing

added, "It's peculiar. With all the recent turmoil, who's

quick glance at

Parisa over now? He wouldn't let that happen.

head modestly, smiling. "I'm embarrassed to say, I'm bankrupt and my help is limited. But I did my best. I visited a few

these past few days?" Parisa

only do

ambiguously. "Mr. Lutz, your capabilities are

Group's situation is improving, there's no rush. But strongly advise against you going there yourself. Ludwik is out for blood. For safety's sake you should disguise yourself. Otherwise,

with Parisa. Her gaze turned icy; Hudson would recognize her instantly. If they truly intended to kill her and she exposed herself, her chances were

hadn't seen Hudson or Ludwik, just the assassins from tonight's

had a lot

decisions, test the waters a

test Ludwik, but

good way to

this, Florence let out a sigh

be able to recognize her own mom! And Ludwik wouldn't find out

shot a sharp glance at

Bryce nodded seriously, "Disguising

crucial

mentioned, cutting off ties with

Inko Group will make it much safer

UAS