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?"

Florence, perceptive as ever, recalled Parisa's earlier demeanor. "Mr. Lutz, do you think Parisa trusts you after tonight, or does she still doubt you?"

"What do you think?" Bryce narrowed his eyes, his voice laced with irritation. "That woman is all smiles on the surface, but inside, she’s a fortress! I thought risking my neck to save her would make her grateful, turn her against Ludwik. But she seemed unfazed by our story. Why does she trust Ludwik so much, despite never meeting him?"

Florence replied, "But she did agree to cut ties with Ludwik. If she falls for our trick and shuts him out, everything else should fall into place."

"Let's hope so," Bryce muttered. "But I don't feel like she trusts me completely."