Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



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?" "No, the stocks are climbing," Parisa remarked, glancing at Erik.

Erik added, "It's peculiar. With all the recent turmoil, who's been saving the company?"

Florence cast a quick glance at Bryce.

Bryce's eyes darkened. Damn Ludwik, trying to win Parisa over now? He wouldn't let that happen. He exchanged a knowing look with Florence. Florence gasped theatrically, "Could it be you, Mr. Lutz, working behind the scenes for Inko Group?"

Parisa turned to Bryce, who bowed his 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 companies that were planning to terminate their contracts with Inko Group. Some CEOs were willing to listen. If they agree to keep collaborating, Inko Group's losses can be minimized. I hoped by the time Ms. Tennyson returned, things wouldn't be too dire."

"You reversed Inko Group's losses these past few days?" Parisa narrowed her eyes.

Bryce chuckled softly. "I don't know if it was me. I can only do so much; I hope Ms. Tennyson doesn't think little of my efforts." Parisa nodded ambiguously. "Mr. Lutz, your capabilities are impressive."

"You're too kind. Since Inko 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 yourselfwise,

Hudson won't show mercy.

He deliberately mentioned Hudson to hit a nerve 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 slim.

But she hadn't seen Hudson or Ludwik, just the assassins from tonight's attack. Could she really trust Bryce and Florence's account?

Parisa had a lot on her mind.

She needed to make some decisions, test the waters a bit.

Not just test Ludwik, but also this guy Bryce.noveldrama

Nodding thoughtfully, Parisa said, "Disguising myself might actually be a good way to keep me safe, make sure they don't recognize me." Hearing this, Florence let out a sigh of relief.

As long as Parisa disguised herself, Whitney wouldn't be able to recognize her own mom! And Ludwik wouldn't find out either. Florence shot a sharp glance at Bryce.

Bryce nodded seriously, "Disguising yourself is crucial for your safety. Plus, like you mentioned, cutting off ties with Ludwik and barring him from entering Inko Group will make it much safer for you to return there!"

S

"Erik, go ahead and inform the Inko Group board. Terminate any collaboration with Ludwik and kick him out of Inko Group!" Parisa ordered decisively.

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Florence's lips.

Bryce's usually cold eyes glimmered with a hint of satisfaction. "Once Ludwik is out of the picture, you can reclaim Inko Group and steer the company back on track. Things will start to smooth out after that!"

"Let's hope so," Parisa replied, her mind still weighing the possibilities.

By terminating this partnership, she wanted to see how Ludwik would react.

After all, she'd never met this young man. Was he truly as wicked as everyone said, or were there lies being told? This move might reveal the truth.

Parisa rubbed her temples and glanced at Florence. "That's enough for tonight. Everyone's tired, so let's call it a day.

Mr. Lutz, I appreciate your help.

Before diving into Inko Group matters, I need to make a quick trip to Aspen City. Florence, could you take care of the arrangements?"

"You're heading back to Aspen City to pay respects to your grandfather?" Florence paused, clearly taken aback.