Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 806

Whitney struggled against his grasp, but the more she fought, the tighter Bryce held her. Her heart pounded like a drum, and she tried to maintain her composure, "I'm not unwilling... Bryce, I just need a little more time."

"More time?" Bryce wasn't placated by her explanation.

Instead, the thought that she'd prefer to hide in a bathroom and be touched by Ludwik, a eunuch of sorts, rather than let him close, ignited the anger that had been simmering for days, making it uncontrollable.

He almost couldn't suppress it and fiercely grabbed her wrist.

"What... are you going to start domestic violence now?" Whitney showed a pitiful, aggrieved face, her voice trembling with tears.

As if her words were a wake-up call, Bryce narrowed his eyes, realizing this woman wasn't fully his yet.

He swallowed his anger, his body stiffly relaxed as he let go, then pulled her into a tight embrace, apologizing with deep affection, "Silly girl, how could I bear to lay a hand on you again, Whitney? Don't misunderstand me. My love for you is so strong; I just want to be close to you. Can't you feel it?"

Whitney stiffened, her whole body shaking with revulsion and rejection.

She had felt it, a wave of disgust and rejection flooding her heart. His demands were now laid bare, utterly unmasked.

Thankfully, she had been aware and had already sent Ryder to prepare.

She didn't want to play this game any longer, to stay under the same roof as him. She was in constant danger. Whitney feigned a shy bitterness, "I don't know what's wrong with me, Bryce. Can you give me a few more days, please?"

"Every time I try to get close, you push me away. What are you resisting?" Bryce self-deprecatingly mocked himself, his gaze tightening, "I'll wait until this Friday. I have to go on a business trip the day after tomorrow. Whitney, don't disappoint me again."

Whitney clenched her hand; time was running out!

But she heard he was going on a business trip...

Lost in her thoughts, Bryce released her with disappointment, "Fine, you should sleep in the guest room tonight."

"Okay." Whitney felt like she had been granted a reprieve, hurrying upstairs.

Bryce watched the dinner table in disarray, his irritation growing. He was about to head to his study when his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and narrowed his eyes before moving to a quiet spot to answer, "Clive, what's up?"

It was his confidant on the line, "Mr. Lutz, I have bad news. During the office cleanup today, the cleaning staff found a little gadget hidden in the bookshelf. I checked it thoroughly and discovered it's a surveillance bug."

"A bug?" Bryce's expression changed, a shadow passing over his otherwise calm eyes, "Who placed it there? How long has it been?"

"Mr. Lutz, that's unclear."

"Keep looking! See if my office has been bugged elsewhere!"

Bryce hung up the phone in a rage, his gaze slowly shifting, suddenly darting towards the upstairs, his eyes narrowing, a dark light flickering within.

-

On the waters of Saltland Island.

Parker Doonan was back.

He had met with Ludwik in Emperor City to secretly discuss cooperating with Inko Group, planning to play a trick on both the Patrick family and the Lutz Group. He hadn't forgotten about Tiana Melford, whom Phineas said was still on the island, recovering.

After inquiring about the situation in Emperor City, Parker hurried back.

He was there to take Tiana away.

Upon disembarking, the news of the young master's return quickly spread throughout the villa.

In the central mansion on the island, Tiana, locked in her room, trembled slightly upon hearing the news, immediately stopping a maid, "I need to see Parker, take me to see your young master!"

That man had disappeared for five days straight after leaving her room that morning.

Phineas had locked Tiana in her room during these days, forcing her to recuperate.