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.

Parisa beamed. "Whitney, you're back? Come sit

She grinned goofily, moving a chair over as she

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

her mom's injuries but needing the comfort as much as she

the luckiest, most loved daughter in the whole world. It was so good, it almost

happy tears welled up, and she sniffed, asking quietly, "Mom, how did things go with Dad? He said you're being really rational and thinking about finally putting the past behind you.

up, worry

the fear of losing her shining

She squeezed Whitney's hand and shook her head, "No rush, sweetheart. Ludwik is still recovering, and while I do 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

That'll take at least a month or two,

relaxed a little. "You're

Just

a month. As

Ludwik handle it.