Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1072

Parisa's voice was as calm and cold as the wind off a winter sea, and just as unreadable. Erik, however, felt a storm brewing behind his eyes at her suggestion of "staging a performance."

"Staging a performance... Are you implying Bryce? Why would you think that?" Erik's voice dropped to a hushed whisper, tinged with disbelief.

Parisa, seated on the couch, gazed out the apartment window at the unfamiliar skyline of Emperor City, her brow furrowed in thought. "I've been away from the Homeland for decades, with no memory of this place or its people. In such a situation, anyone could easily sway my thoughts. It's crucial that I trust my own judgment."

"Bryce seems perfect—chivalrous and kind—but maybe too perfect, almost like he's playing a role. After tonight's attack, I have to consider every possible angle. Sometimes the most unlikely theory is the truth. I'm worried... Florence might be falling for his act. He claims he has no designs on my conglomerate, but how can I trust someone after just one meeting?"

Erik nodded slowly, realization dawning on him. "So you've been playing along to test him?"

"Returning to such chaos, I trust no one and question everything," Parisa replied with a steely resolve, her brow knit in concentration. "Tonight's events have shown me that I must regain my memory. I can't just rely on what Florence tells me, especially if Bryce has deceived her into feeding me lies."

"You mentioned heading to Maplewood tomorrow?"

Parisa nodded reluctantly, her eyes revealing a flicker of pain she couldn't ignore. "I hope going back to Maplewood stirs something in me, helps restore my memory. Once that happens, I'll know the truth of past events. No one will cloud my judgment again. I'll discern who's lying and who's genuine."

Erik nodded again. "And Mr. Lutz?"