Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 798

The scent was thick, the kind that hinted at seduction and secrets.

After Audrey's tragic end, had Bryce already sought comfort in the arms of a new secretary? It seemed so... convenient, keeping her close by.

Whitney's mind raced with speculation...

Had Bryce been entangled in a clandestine affair, locking his office door to keep their secret hidden? Was the woman now sneaking out of the lounge, having hidden there while Whitney used the restroom? And then, as if on cue, Bryce followed her into the restroom, probably fearing Whitney's discovery of his illicit activities.

The thought struck Whitney like lightning.

It wasn't unheard of - bosses and their secretaries embroiled in affairs. But Bryce? He had always presented himself as the epitome of grace and devotion, claiming his heart belonged to Whitney alone. But then again, how many men truly remain faithful?

If he couldn't, so be it. An open playboy was still better than a deceitful heartbreaker.

But Bryce? He played a dangerous game, juggling an affair while portraying the loving husband to Whitney.

The more she thought about it, the more she saw through his facade. A man of dual natures, his secrets well hidden.

Lost in thought, Whitney barely caught the sound of movement from under the bed, followed by the soft click of high heels making a silent escape.

Had she not been eavesdropping, she would have missed it entirely.

A cold smile played on her lips.

Moments later, Bryce's voice softened at the door, "Whitney, I'm heading back to work. Join me for some dessert when you're ready."

"I'm not feeling well," Whitney feigned flushing the toilet.

Seizing the moment, she quietly emerged from the restroom, scanning Bryce's lounge, and discreetly planted a mini camera into the socket near the bed. Ryder had shown her the ropes, and now, determined to confirm her suspicions, she had made a special trip here.

Satisfied with her handiwork, Whitney left the room.

As she pretended to admire a potted plant while Bryce was distracted by a colleague, she quickly placed another camera within a book on his shelf. After a brief chat, Whitney excused herself from the Lutz Group.

Spying was a heart-racing affair.

Back at the Sheldon Group, she called Shane, "The cameras are set. Have Ryder keep an eye on them daily. I suspect Bryce is having an affair with his secretary." Shane sounded surprised, "Really?"

"After Audrey's sudden death, Ludwik investigated her new mansion and found ties to Bryce. It was just a suspicion, but my gut feeling today..." Whitney's expression remained calm, "I've placed a camera in his bookshelf, but it might be found soon. Hopefully, we'll uncover something useful." Shane promised to have Ryder monitor the footage.

Hanging up, Whitney didn't expect to uncover Bryce's secrets so soon.

But that afternoon, Ryder reached out, "Ms. Valentine, can we video chat? I've got something explosive to show you."

Explosive indeed.

On the screen, Bryce and his secretary were entangled in a repulsive display on the very couch Whitney had sat on that morning.

The sight of Bryce, stripped of his gentlemanly facade, left Whitney speechless.

Was this the man who had declared his love at her eighteenth birthday party? His actions now were far from the gentle, refined image he had always portrayed.

"Don't rush, Ms. Valentine, there's more," Ryder switched the feed to the lounge.

Under the gaze of Whitney's camera, the scene was chaos. Bloodstained garments littered the floor, and Bryce wielded a whip...

Whitney could barely watch, closing her laptop, fearing she might actually vomit.

Her face drained of color, she took a gulp of cold water.

She had never imagined the man she shared a bed with could harbor such vile desires.

The screen now showed Shane's complex expression, "Damn! Even as a guy, this makes me sick. Bryce's debauchery is beyond imagination."

"I suspected as much when you asked me to investigate him. He knew, didn't he? That's why he played the perfect gentleman, avoiding any suspicion." Whitney was almost certain now. Bryce had been ready for her investigations, never confronting her, allowing her to believe in his innocence. It was chilling.

Their marriage was a sham from the start, a game of mutual distrust.

Whitney shivered, "I wonder... Did Audrey reach out because she knew something? Was she trying to warn me before Bryce silenced her?"

Shane pondered, "It's possible. To stop Audrey, could Bryce have gone that far?"

Whitney stared at the cold marble table, "We won't know until we find proof. But if it's true, Bryce is a monster."

"The mystery behind Audrey's death isn't simple. She was investigating me and Tiana, indicating a connection. I need to find Tiana. The answers lie with Bryce." Shane sighed, "I know you're anxious."

But now, the Lutz Group has grown too vast, and Bryce, I fear, is far more cunning than you'd imagine.

Trying to dig up anything useful from him... I think you're more likely to find yourself in danger first.

Whitney, you should really think about getting away from Bryce, better yet, move out of that mansion of his.

From what I saw on the surveillance today, the man's a real piece of work, with a personality that flips like a pancake. You've known him for years, have you ever seen this dark side of him? And let's not forget, he laid his hands on you last time. Who's to say when his patience will run out?"

A chill crept up Whitney's spine, not that she wasn't scared, but she shook her head, "If I leave now, I'll be walking away with nothing, no information at all. I can't just abandon Tiana, she's still missing. Besides, Bryce won't let me go without a fight, a divorce won't come easy with him."