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."

would only become more relentless in his pursuit

it, got it," Danny said, winking mischievously and leaning closer to Whitney.

on, her cheeks burning even brighter. "Stop talking nonsense. I've moved on from

it's okay. Sammy and I will make sure to ruin any chance of a girlfriend for him. Not even

her wit's end with

adult matters. Go on, you

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

a glint of resolve in Sammy's big eyes,

him or not isn't important. What matters is what he's done to you. Last night, I could tell you suspect there's more to Bryce than meets the eye. What are you planning to

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

with computers. If you're trying to investigate Bryce, being too close

something so

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

with Bryce is complicated. Ending the marriage isn't as simple

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

kid had her social circles

patted his head, somewhat resignedly, "Alright, you and Danny better head

kids off, Whitney headed straight to

He looked genuinely remorseful as he spoke, "Whitney, please, I'm begging you not to be mad anymore. I was wrong that night. I shouldn't have raised my hand to you. I'm

so scared of losing you," he said, his

Whitney remained silent, torn.

display of remorse. But now, doubts clouded her judgment, making it hard to see him

pained appearance startled her.