Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 792

The two little rascals were momentarily stunned.

A guilty shiver ran through Danny, as if he had a premonition that Mom was about to settle scores come fall.

"Mom, what are you... no, no, nothing!" Danny immediately stammered, shaking his head.

His look of utter cluelessness was something Whitney couldn't bear to witness; lying just wasn't in his nature.

Sammy, on the other hand, gave his brother a look that screamed 'really?', clearly unimpressed by Danny's attempt at deceit. Their secret was out.

Whitney, trying her best to look stern, said, "I'm giving you two troublemakers one more chance to tell me the truth."

Danny, completely at a loss, turned to Sammy for help.

Sammy, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else, reluctantly admitted, "Mom, we're sorry... it wasn't on purpose. We just wanted to find out who hurt you. And then Danny decided to call Ludwik to... you know, get back at them."

Whitney wasn't sure how much the kids had overheard and suddenly felt a pang of nervousness. Annoyed, she asked, "What exactly did you tell him? You didn't repeat everything I said last night, did you? About me not loving Bryce anymore, that marrying him was just to save Sammy or out of gratitude, and that I don't even want to be close to him..."

"Nothing like that!" Danny was quick to assure her, shaking his head vehemently. "I definitely didn't tell Dad that you don't love Bryce anymore, that you married him just to save Sammy or because you were grateful, and that you don't even want to be close to him..." "Shut it," Whitney cut him off, her face flushed with embarrassment. These little eavesdroppers missed nothing.

If Ludwik got wind of these conversations, there would be hell to pay.

She said firmly, "You mustn't repeat any of this to him."

more relentless in his pursuit

winking mischievously and leaning closer to Whitney. "Mom, you don't love Bryce because

on, her cheeks burning even brighter. "Stop talking

but then added, "Well, it's okay. Sammy and I will make sure to ruin any chance of a girlfriend for him. Not even a mosquito will get close to him, leaving him a bachelor for life." Sammy nodded

was at her wit's end

matters. Go on, you should be heading

time, and I want to talk about Bryce," Sammy

in Sammy's big eyes, she began to understand.

is what he's done to you. Last night, I could tell you suspect there's more to Bryce than meets

Bryce had to Tiana's disappearance. She had to investigate Bryce.

think I could help you. I'm good with computers. If you're trying to investigate Bryce, being too close to him could

you do something so risky," Whitney said, her

you need my help, we'll work together, Mom. Anyone who tries to hurt you won't get away with it. On this, Ludwik and I are on the same page." Whitney's expression softened at the mention of Ludwik... he had been so angry the night before, all because

"I understand. But the situation with Bryce is complicated. Ending the marriage isn't as simple as just saying

Shane is a true friend of yours. I'll get in

taken aback, this kid had her social circles all figured

his head, somewhat resignedly, "Alright, you and Danny better head on in.

dropping the kids off, Whitney headed straight to

"Whitney, please, I'm begging you not to be mad anymore. I was wrong that night. I shouldn't have raised my hand to

control like that before... I guess I was just so scared of losing you,"

Whitney remained silent, torn.

might have been moved by his display of remorse. But now, doubts clouded her judgment, making it hard

pained appearance startled her. "Bryce, are you alright?"