Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



He was determined, vowing to make Ludwik experience the bitterness of a downfall from grace! Unfortunately, his capabilities were limited, but at last, he found a powerful ally! Jarvis and his crew were itching to see Ludwik shattered to pieces. Heh, Ludwik was on the brink of losing everything.

Clutching his fist tightly, Bryce couldn't help but furrow his brow at Wade's words, though. While his ultimate goal was to take revenge on Ludwik, he genuinely wanted to marry Whitney. If the wedding turned out to be too extravagant, causing Ludwik to lose control, could he possibly crash the wedding? He couldn't afford any mishaps...

Seeing his hesitation, Wade clapped him on the back, straightforward as ever, "Mr. Lutz, it's clear you're a man who knows how to weigh his options. Between a woman and your career, you should know which is more important. Like it or not, Ludwik might just show up at the wedding. Can you really stop him? Don't worry, on that day, I've got your back. You can count on my support to face him head-on! With the support from our Patrick Group, the Lutz Group is destined to become a leading enterprise in Emperor City. Your future is limitless!"

Bryce's concerns melted away, his eyes glinting with a cold light as he offered a flattering smile, "With your assurance, I have no worries about my wedding. Ludwik, under your watch, will soon be a crushed skull. I eagerly await his downfall."

Wade squinted as Bryce walked away. Jarvis stepped forward, "Uncle, your foresight is unmatched. Bryce's hatred for Ludwik runs deep. When did you find such a valuable pawn?"

"Long ago. Remember, even a mere pawn can turn the tide in West City. Bryce is ambitious, and Ludwik's downfall will be due to his emotional weaknesses. Any ambush must be well-planned and executed early."

Thea smirked, "Uncle, you're the master of ambush. You'll catch Ludwik and Jason completely off guard."

At the Lutz Group's opening ceremony, Whitney attended as promised, Bryce holding her hand, proudly posing for the photographers. He knew Ludwik was overseas, while Jarvis monitored his every move. After the party, Bryce, slightly drunk, refused to let go of Whitney's hand. Under the moonlight, Whitney walked out of the banquet hall into the garden, intending to head home.

Suddenly, Bryce pulled her into a greedy embrace. Instinctively, she stepped back, looking at him with a hint of resignation. It was evident he had been in high spirits recently, an emotion hard to conceal.

"Bryce, congratulations on establishing the Lutz Group in Emperor City, securing a firm footing."

Bryce looked at her tenderly, "That's not what I'm celebrating."

"What then, has made you so happy?"

What? Ludwik's downfall was imminent, of course, that was reason enough! Unfortunately, it wasn't something he could share with Whitney just yet. Bryce caressed her hand gently, longing to kiss it but fearing he might startle her. He squeezed softly, "Whitney, the wedding dress will arrive in Banyan City in a couple of days. We couldn't have it custom-made, I'm sorry. Despite the rush, I believe you'll be the most beautiful bride. Today, my parents said they won't interfere with the wedding details. Do you prefer a grand celebration or a low-key affair?"

Whitney lowered her gaze, preferring to avoid drawing attention, especially from Ludwik. She smiled, "Let's keep it low-key. After all, this is my second marriage."

"Who dares say this is a second

marriage? You are the most beautiful wife in my eyes." Bryce looked at her affectionately, casually mentioning, "I would have loved to have Danny as our ring bearer if he wasn't so wary of me. You're so beautiful, and with genes for twins. I'm confident after our wedding, we'll add a pair of baby girls to the mix. Together with Danny and Sammy, we'd have a perfect basketball team, don't you think?"

Caught off guard by the mention of having children, Whitney was momentarily stunned. Bryce lifted her chin gently, his voice deep and tender, "What are you thinking about? Whitney, these issues, even if we avoid them, our elders might pester you. You're so young, don't you want to have children with me?"

Whitney's brow tensed, hidden by her hair. She knew the wedding night was inevitable, and she had openly stated she wasn't marrying Bryce for convenience. After much contemplation, her expression softened, a gentle smile forming, "I'm not avoiding it. Bryce, let's take things about children one step at a time."novelbin

"That's all I ask!" Bryce stroked her hair tenderly, "You said you'd truly be there for me."

"...Of course." Whitney took a deep breath inwardly, shifting her demeanor to look him squarely in the eyes, "Bryce, I intend to make a real go of this. Once we're married, you'll be my husband, and my focus won't stray from us."

Bryce's emotions surged, his smile broadening. Though aware she married him to save Sammy, it was clear she was ready to leave Ludwik in the past. Whitney, too, reminded herselDinternally. Bryce was worth trusting. After enduring so much, she longed for a lasting union with him, determined not to dwell on

Ludwik anymore.

In a blink, half a month passed. Hudson was finally wheeled into the operating room. Whitney and Bryce waited in the hospital, enduring the eight- hour surgery until Dr. Ivan emerged. Bryce comforted Whitney before approaching the doctor, "How's my father-in-law?"

Dr. Ivan removed his mask, nodding at both Bryce and Whitney, "The surgery went smoothly. Mr. Sheldon's cerebral hematoma and damaged nerves have been repaired. His recovery now depends on his body's healing capabilities. After a 24-hour observation period, if he passes the critical phase, you may visit him."

Whitney had hoped for a miracle but was prepared for this outcome. She was naturally disappointed yet hopeful for a breakthrough.

"Whitney, don't beat yourself up. Didn't Dr. Ivan say your dad's nerves have been mended? Maybe after a bit more time in a coma, he'll just wake up on his own," Bryce consoled Whitney.

Tiana also came over, whispering, "Our goal was to stop Hugh from acting rashly, and now that Uncle has safely made it through the surgery, his chances of recovery are quite high. It's just a shame he won't be able to see you get married. Unless, of course, we push back the wedding date..."

"Ms. Melford, our wedding is in three days. Are you trying to jinx it by saying that now?" Bryce chuckled, but there was a coldness in his eyes.

Tiana felt the chill in his words and

et

realized, somehow, that Bryce seemed to have lost his old charm and generosity. He had become more edgy and sharp. Feeling slightly uneasy and even a bit cold, Tiana, out of consideration for Whitney, stuck out her tongue in jest and laughed it off, "Mr. Lutz, you know I'm always a bit

scatterbrained. I just meant it would

be wonderful if Mr. Sheldon could

witness Whitney getting married."