Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1293

Everyone was tiptoeing around her feelings—Whitney could see it clear as day.

But it was Sandy, right beside her, who couldn't hold back her frustration. "All this mess started with Ludwik, and now the Lipperts think they have the moral high ground? They have no right to accuse you of not being a good mom!"

“Grandma didn't mean it like that,” Whitney murmured, tugging at Sandy's sleeve.

Sandy wasn't having it. She scoffed, “Oh, please. They want their grandkids, and they want you back with Ludwik. They act all grateful and sweet, but really, they're just waiting for you to cave in because they know you're soft-hearted."

Whitney shot her a sideways glance. “With that attitude, I'm surprised you didn't fight tooth and nail when the Nelsons tried to marry you off. Didn't peg you for such a rebel, Sandy.”

Sandy blushed. “I just don't get it. Why do these big families always have to play so many games? Why can't we just be ourselves around these guys?"

Whitney paused, her eyes shifting. She leaned in, whispering, "Still such a kid. Being yourself is great, but you're a mom now, honey. Life's about figuring out the balance between freedom and compromise.

What do you want me to say to Grandma? That I don't want this kid?

That's not true. And if I said that out loud, don't you think Sammy and Danny would be heartbroken? My kids come first. Always.

Men are way down the list—Ludwik's not even the point here. You've got your priorities mixed up, Sandy.” Sandy seemed taken aback, staring at little Tina, who was tugging her hand and looking up with big eyes. “Mommy, Danny and Sammy are going back to their room—I wanna go play too!"

for

heart melted. She nodded, and the kids all stampeded out, leaving

to Whitney's side, casting a tall shadow over her petite frame—though Whitney

looked at her pale, delicate profile, his mind stuck on what she'd just said: Ludwik's not

him hard, right where his

eyes darkening as he brooded, not letting anyone see how much it

the room, Shane

He couldn't

had said to her, but Sandy definitely didn't look

and whispered, "What did you say to Sandy? She looks like

gave him an exasperated

Before

Could answer, Ludwik

noxeaned

Shane a glare that could freeze lava “If your hearing's that bad, go buy

"...What the-?"

for something other than annoying us," Ludwik snapped. “Disappear!" What the heck was his problem? Shane thought. This guy's mood swings are worse

tie, muttering under his breath,