Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1313

Tiana heard the man behind her dodging the question, so she just kept quiet.

Under her breath, she muttered, "Such a classic straight guy. If I ignore Winston, maybe I'll end up with a broken arm or leg."

"It's not that dramatic," Whitney said, chuckling at Tiana's 'tough on the weak, scared of the strong' attitude.

"You're not exactly helpless. Back in the day, if anyone in Banyan City ticked off the Melford heiress, you'd roast them alive, wouldn't you?

Parker's got his issues with his old man, that's obvious. If you ever marry into the Doonan family, just play it cool and follow Parker's lead. No need to go looking for trouble."

"Sounds easy when you say it. But families like the Doonans? They're knee-deep in everything-rules, power plays, secrets. If I'm not careful, I'll end up blindsided by one of their enemies."

"What are you two whispering about?" Parker glanced over, catching Tiana's lips moving.

He actually had perfect hearing and caught every word, but the last thing he wanted was to start a fight-especially not now, with Tiana pregnant. He figured he'd just play dumb for now.

Tiana clamped her mouth shut, shooting an unmistakably 'over it' look about the Doonan family-equal parts annoyed and serious.

Whitney just grinned, not saying anything. She knew Tiana liked to talk big, but if push came to shove, she probably wouldn't have the guts to walk away. Parker always had a way of handling her.

wasn't worried

next evening, after dinner, Cherry dragged Tiana outside to

He'd actually built her a mini playground out back.

help but feel a twinge of envy for

Ludwik, her husband, to step up his 'fun dad' game. She even encouraged Cherry to video call Sammy and

minutes into their call when Whitney's

at

recognizing the number instant/et

realizing it she smiled ar walked to a quieter spot. After a few seconds, she

long enough to pick up came a deep, steady male voice There was a calm authority to it no anger, just

rolled her eyes, barely hiding a smirk. “Ludwik, you really missed your calling in

sarcasm made him laugh—a low, rough sound that

the phone back from her ear, rubbing it. Then his voice dropped, suddenly softer, "Whitney, did you

infamous, ice-cold

11

felt a rush of embarrassment. The

his usually stoic exterior

couldn't