Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Natalie's voice trailed off, an evident sign that her recovery from surgery wasn't going as well as hoped. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to her usually vibrant demeanor. After all, Natalie had been battling her illness for years.

Whitney looked at the elderly woman before her, noticing the moistness in her eyes. Her hair was graying, her features softened by age and kindness, devoid of any harshness, almost pitiable. Despite her son being one of the most esteemed gentlemen in Harmonia Country, her family's wealth vast and unending, Natalie's gaze held a certain dependency and affection that Whitney found hard to reciprocate. With a heavy heart, Whitney spoke, "Natalie, I don't think it's best for you to get involved in the matters between Ludwik and me. It's best if we maintain our distance. Having you as a neighbor wouldn't be comfortable for either of us." Natalie's face fell, a deep sadness and disappointment crossing her features, yet she managed a smile, "I understand, Whitney..."

"No!" Danny suddenly stood up, wrapping his arms around his grandmother's waist, his small face looking up defiantly at his mother, "I want grandma to stay with us. Mom, can't you reconsider? Grandma looks so lonely, and with dad always busy, who's going to keep her company? Plus, you're often working late, and until Sammy gets back, who will stay with me? I really love having grandma around. We even checked out the house in Building 2, and it was perfect. It's 200 meters away from Building 4, so if you don't want to see grandma, I can go visit her without bothering you."

Danny's plea painted Whitney in an unfavorable light, making her seem unnecessarily harsh. Natalie gently patted Danny, worried Whitney might be upset. However, Whitney remained calm, though firm, "Danny, you're putting me in a difficult position."

"But I'll feel lonely, and grandma just had surgery; she needs my care. This place has great amenities - a lake, mountains, and even a sports court..."

Whitney interjected, "The villas in Brew Hill offer a much better environment than this place. This isn't a wealthy area, and grandma won't get the luxury care she needs here. Besides, with her health, she shouldn't even be climbing stairs."

"Natalie," Whitney continued, "thank you for understanding. I appreciate your concern, but it's best if we don't force this. I don't want to trouble you any further. The Lippert family owes you a lot, but Danny, remember, you and your mom are a team. You're her support." Natalie smiled sadly at Danny, then turned to the real estate agent, "Let's look elsewhere."

The agent, puzzled by the family dynamics, muttered, "Is she your daughter-in-law, Natalie? It's tough resolving mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts."

wish it were just

in her heart. But she couldn't relent. If

him home, masking her concerns with a smile, "Mommy has her reasons, Danny. Your grandma is wonderful, but that doesn't

understand, mom. You've been hurt by dad, and it's your right to refuse. I just

together. Did Natalie leave already? I was hoping she'd

Whitney understanding the complexity of inviting Natalie into their lives, especially with Ludwik potentially re-entering the picture. As they were about to eat, Whitney's phone rang. It was Nyx, informing her of a

evening.

there," Whitney said after hanging up, texting Cody for assistance. Tiana, overhearing, insisted on accompanying Whitney, aware of the dangers that lay ahead. Together, they prepared for what was to come, their evening

the Treasure Restaurant. Cody had arrived early and contacted Whitney to meet him in one of the private

the shareholders you

since Hugh ousted them from their positions. Hugh's in private room 088, negotiating a deal with the Splendor Group tonight. That's the project that once made the Sheldon Group's shareholders a fortune. These folks were close

we'll wait for