Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Hudson listened quietly, then sighed, impressed by her quick thinking. After a moment, he ruffled his daughter's hair, his voice calm but firm, "Alright, we'll do it your way. When it comes to people who treat you badly, don't bother being polite."

He gave her a big bear hug, then turned and walked away, carrying a weight of exhaustion and disgust in his step.

Whitney couldn't help feeling sorry for her dad. The Sheldon family might look simple from the outside, but inside, it was a whole different story-full of secrets and tension.

She remembered back when her parents split up. That old lady had definitely played her part in all the drama.

A chill ran through her as her gaze drifted toward the back of the hospital room. After pulling herself together, Whitney pushed open the door gently. "Mom?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a playful lilt.

Parisa glanced up right then, and her eyes lit up at the sight of her daughter, her smile warm and loving.

She, too, had managed to tuck away all the tangled pain in her heart.

the bed, Parisa beamed. "Whitney, you're back?

a chair over as she replied in a singsong

then burst out laughing, her heart full. "Of course I

over and hugged her tight, careful of her mom's injuries but needing the comfort as much as she gave

like the luckiest, most loved daughter in the whole world. It

being really

up, worry

fear of

have the President's support here, the only person I really trust is Mr. Lippert. He promised to help me track down Bryce. Once I've got him, can start unraveling the Inko Group mess and take

to deal with Bryce. That'll take at least a month or two, even

a little.

Mom. Just resting

a month.

handle it.