Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 787

"Alright, you two can argue all you want, but I'm not giving the kids to either of you. I'll take care of them myself!"

Whitney felt the burning stares of the other parents at the school gate, embarrassment painting her cheeks as she took her two kids by the hand, turned to the teacher with a sincere apology, "I'm really sorry, Miss Johnson, for the misunderstanding today. It's been a bit of a day. From now on, unless it's me or our nanny picking them up, please don't let the kids go with anyone else. I appreciate your understanding, and the kids will be back to school next week."

"Of course, Mrs. Crawford, I understand. Sammy and Danny are always welcome here." The teacher, catching a glimpse of the drama, realized this family had its complexities but seeing the three luxury cars parked nearby, she knew they were well-off and decided not to make things difficult.

Whitney had Cody scoop up the kids into the car before she hurriedly followed, eager to leave the chaos behind.

"Whitney!" Bryce had initially used picking up Sammy as an excuse to force Whitney to show up, hoping to coax her back home. Seeing her leave, he immediately followed.

"Whitney," Ludwik, not to be outdone, also called out.

However, his sharp gaze was fixed on the mask Whitney wore throughout the ordeal. "Whitney, why are you wearing that mask?"

Whitney paused, her hand on the car door.

Bryce's expression immediately stiffened.

not upset them further," she said before getting into the car, with Cody quickly

Bryce a second glance before turning

Ludwik by his shirt, his warning icy, "Ludwik, stay the hell away from Whitney, or I swear, I'll make you and your family

showing your true colors,

could obliterate Ludwik with his stare, "Remember how you used my company to threaten me? Made it nearly impossible for me to survive in Emperor City. Tables turn, Ludwik. Remember your place, you're

Ludwik, having long harbored a desire to end him, especially

of appeal. She'll never want you. No one desires the plains after seeing

-

at dinner. Sammy, however, seemed lost in thought, gazing out the window. "Sammy, don't be upset," Whitney said gently, trying to comfort him. "Don't take to heart what Bryce said. You're just a kid; you shouldn't carry the weight of adult grievances. Follow your heart in who you want to be close to. Don't let my past burdens weigh you down." "I get it. But Mom, Bryce was partly right. Ludwik did

fault, yes, but also hurting. He did care for you and Danny

Mom's making sense!" Danny chimed in, nodding vigorously. "Sammy, you're overthinking it. What's wrong with having an extra dad? If he can spoil us, why not enjoy it?

rolled his eyes at Danny's simple logic, accusing him of betraying their mom's trust for a

a defense, "Come on, I'm just a kid

us and take care of us like a super nanny, why not?" The conversation, filled with mixed feelings of betrayal, acceptance, and childlike innocence, reflected the complex web of relationships Whitney and her children