Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"This is exactly why he's playing these games!

But if he thinks he can use this trick to dig around for who's backing us, trying to expose Parisa, he's living in a fantasy."

A sly glint of calculation flashed in Bryce's eyes as he smirked, strategizing in silence. "I have my ways. Parisa insists on going back home? Fine. Just follow my lead and stop trying to block her path. We don't want to overdo it and end up burning ourselves.

Florence, before you head back, zip it. Keeping quiet and eliminating her doubts is our top priority. Got it? You need to learn to read the room, be a bit smarter about things.

As for Ludwik, since he's asking for it, why not deliver him a nice little surprise?"

"What kind of surprise?" Her voice suddenly calm and scheming, Florence's tense nerves relaxed slightly, her interest piqued.

Bryce scoffed, "Do you know what's most crucial once Parisa lands in Harmonia Country?"

"Come on, Mr. Lutz, you're the brain here, spill it."

"Use your head."noveldrama

With disdain and a dangerous gleam in his eyes, Bryce continued, "The most important thing is to fuel her hatred for Ludwik. Once she's viewing him through that lens, she won't give him the time of day.

Leave that to me.

Florence, I'm much better at this game than you. I need to prepare a 'warm welcome' for Parisa.

We need to make her feel that in the unfamiliar Harmonia Country, we are her only true allies.

That will make our job a whole lot easier.

Understand?"

His tone was patronizing, and although Florence found it irritating, she couldn't deny Bryce's knack for devious schemes. She wondered what he had up his sleeve to take down Ludwik.

And even if Parisa was hell-bent on returning, Bryce seemed unfazed.

What was his plan, exactly?

Knocks sounded outside the ornately carved bedroom door.

Florence quickly wrapped up the call, removing the SIM card from her phone and hiding it before slipping the device back into her pocket. She composed herself and rose to answer the door with innocent doe eyes, smiling as if nothing was amiss. "Butler?"

The butler, meeting her gaze with his deep blue eyes, had been a constant in the mansion, living alongside Ms. Tennyson for over a decade. After the chairman's passing, Ms. Tennyson had stepped into his shoes, her life marked by solitude in the vast estate, with no one but the servants for company.

This was the first time a new face had appeared in the mansion - Ms. Tennyson's long-lost daughter.

Upon her return, Florence had rushed to her room, leaving the butler puzzled. Then, a call from Erik conveyed Ms. Tennyson's wishes.

Now, observing Florence, he glanced briefly into the room behind her. Seeing nothing amiss, he smiled, "Miss, I noticed you seemed upset upon your return, so I had the staff prepare some afternoon tea for you. Anything wrong? I heard some raised voices during your call."

Florence's gaze flickered with nervousness.

The butler's sudden interest in her activities, unlike his usual demeanor, made her suspect Parisa's influence - was she now under surveillance?

A chill ran through her as she forced

a smile, shaking her head. "You

l.n

must've misunderstood, I was just catching up with a friend back homedt's pretty boring here, not knowing anyone. The argument? Oh, we were just joking around!

Thanks for the tea, please bring it in!

I was about to watch a movie but it gets lonely by myself. Butler, if you and the maids aren't busy, why don't you join me?"

She walked back into the living room, inviting them with a warm smile. "Please, make yourselves comfortable!"

This unexpected gesture took the old butler by surprise.

Erik had tasked him to keep an eye on Florence's actions and communications. Yet, everything seemed normal...

Deciding to observe her daily routine a bit more, he and the maids took her up on the offer.

At eight in the evening, Parisa

returned from her office in the

net

Berlidon district to the quiet mansion The grand living room, illuminated by Baroque chandeliers, exuded a calm glow, with the dining table set and candles flickering amidst the aroma of food and wine.

Florence, dining as Parisa entered, continued her cheerful conversation without missing a beat.

Parisa observed her daughter and the maids chatting away, seemingly discussing some food item with genuine laughter on Florence's face.

Parisa's gaze remained fixed on her, not saying a word.

The butler approached, whispering, "Miss was on the phone with a friend earlier. Then, she didn't confine herself to her room but invited the maids to watch a movie with her. I've been watching; her routine seems quite mundane.

She hasn't touched her phone or contacted anyone else.

Ms. Tennyson, do you still sense something off?"

After listening, Parisa nodded, her expression still composed as she kept her eyes on Florence.

Had she been overthinking?

Parisa furrowed her brow, and

nét

across the room, Florence seemed to notice her presence for the first time, approaching with a smile bright as a sparrow's, "Mom! You're finally home after a long day could we get some dinner prepared, please?

Please, take a seat. You must be worn out from work. How about I give you a head massage?"

Parisa wasn't too fond of such displays of affection, though she couldn't quite pinpoint why.

But this time, she didn't resist. Settling into the plush sofa, she offered a faint smile, "Sure, that would be nice."

Florence diligently washed her hands before starting the massage. Suddenly, she let out a sigh, "Mom, I'm sorry! I've had some time to think since I got back, and I realized I shouldn't have snapped at you over your work."

"Really?" Parisa turned to her, surprised.