Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Bryce's gaze was more crimson than ever as he yanked Florence toward him with a menacing quickness.

Florence had no choice but to endure his rough handling, a cold sneer playing at her lips. "Bright and early, Mr. Lutz is in such a festive mood. Could it be that your sister didn't satisfy you?"

"Don't talk about that... woman." Bryce scoffed coldly. "She ran off to Ludwik's place last night, lied to me about having work, and didn't come back all night."

"Tsk, your sister is a wolf that can't be tamed, despite all the years you've fancied her. And now, she dares to betray you. But, you said Ludwik was finished, didn't you? I wonder what she sees in him now, Ludwik's nothing compared to what you can offer. She really doesn't know how good she has it."

Florence's words struck a chord, hitting Bryce right where it hurt.

He snorted, his features twisted with hatred. "It's her own fault for being deceitful. I'll make her wish she was never born."

Florence's face lit up with a wicked smile, pleased by the turn of events.

"Just make sure you keep your word, Mr. Lutz. No going soft on her in the end."

"That's exactly what you're hoping for, isn't it?" Bryce narrowed his eyes. "By the way, Hudson's awake. When will you give me that medication?" "Find a time to meet with my dad, slip it into his food, and he'll be under your thumb."

Bryce smirked, patting her head. "Be good to me, and once I take over The Sheldon Group, you'll be well rewarded."

"You're terrible..."

Their conversation quickly led to them becoming entangled.

Sammy managed to sneak away to see Natalie.

Sitting upright in her villa, the young boy awaited his grandmother. “Grandma, did you need me?"

Natalie brought him a bunch of snacks, lovingly opening a carton of milk for him. However, her expression was tinged with worry. "Sammy, grandma has run into a bit of trouble and might need your help."

"What kind of trouble?" Sammy asked, though his eyes betrayed his sharp intuition. "Is it about that new family in Brew Hill, the Inko Group, planning a big party? The Lippert family wants in on their business but can't get an invite. You're worried because dad can't go, and now Jason's been contacting you, wondering whether to keep hiding or to come forward as the buyer?"

Natalie was taken aback by his insight.

She admitted, feeling embarrassed, "Yes, Phineas gave every household in Brew Hill an invitation, including me. But I don't know how to approach Ludwik with this. He doesn't know I've spent all his two hundred billion emergency fund! And your grandfather has been calling the fake number I gave him. I'm worried if I don't show up at Everwood Villa Estate, Ludwik might miss out on a huge opportunity."

"If you're this conflicted, it means you've already made up your mind. Grandma, what's there to be nervous about?"

Sammy chuckled confidently. "You're the impressive buyer. March right up to grandpa with that invitation and dazzle him.”

Natalie sighed, “Don't talk about your grandfather like that. He's not looking down on me."

"Really? Then why wouldn't he thank you after you cared for him during his stroke, if not for his pride, afraid you'd cling to him?"

Natalie felt disheartened. "Sammy, don't think that way. Your grandfather isn't arrogant; maybe he's just embarrassed. After all, it's awkward considering my position."

Sammy seemed to understand more than he let on.

"If you're too scared to show up at The Lippert Resort, I'll go with you. If dad dares to give you trouble, I'll blast him."

"Little devil.” Natalie affectionately nudged his nose, her mind made up.

She decided to hand the invitation to Jason, ensuring Ludwik could attend the gala.

Meanwhile, Tiana was fuming as she stormed out of the villa where Parker had been staying, running without direction until the scent of the sea air became unmistakable.

It dawned on her that she was trapped on an island, likely Parker's uncle's private island.

Recalling the geography of Emperor City's surrounding waters, she guessed she might be on Saltland Island, a private property rumored to belong to a wealthy dynasty, off-limits to outsiders.

So, she was on Saltland Island?

That explained why Ludwik and she couldn't find Parker before he was hidden away on a private island, inaccessible without permission.

Despair set in as Tiana kicked stones along the shore, feeling utterly lost. Even if Whitney noticed her disappearance, finding Saltland Island would be impossible.

The idea of escaping seemed far-fetched as she shivered in the cold evening breeze, vowing never to return to the villa and face Parker again. As she sat there, cursing Parker and drawing circles in the sand with a stone, a sudden light approached from the darkness ahead.

"You guys check over there for her... Parker, what are you dawdling for, go find your antidote, pronto!"

Parker: "..."

"How many times do I have to say it? She's not my antidote. Last night was just a fling, a mere one-night stand."

"Shut up, will you? If the girl is hiding nearby and hears you, she'll hate your guts.

And here you are, scared she's going to be so upset she'll jump off a bridge or something."

"

." Tiana.

She was fuming. Why should she be the one to jump off a bridge?

Was it her fault? Was it really?

A wave of anger surged through Tiana, and she couldn't help but throw down a stone, stand up, and roar, "Get this straight! If anyone's going to jump,

it should be him, the jerk who sleeps with someone and then blames them for not being pure!noveldrama

And look at what he did to me, like I'm some kind of chew toy. You Doonans have lost your humanity, haven't you?

Let me tell you, I won't be driven to despair!

But I'll be damned if I let you drag me back. If you're so capable, throw me into the sea yourself!"

Parker and Phineas exchanged a glance.

Then, they both looked toward those crimson, wide-open eyes in the dark.

Phineas said, "This girl's got a screw loose, revealing herself like that. Alright, everyone! No need to look further, our runaway is right here!" Tiana: "..."