Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
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."

Otherwise, Ludwik would only become more relentless in his pursuit of her.

"Got it, got it," Danny said, winking mischievously and leaning closer to Whitney. "Mom, you don't love Bryce because you still have feelings for Dad, right?"

Whitney felt a headache coming on, her cheeks burning even brighter. "Stop talking nonsense. I've moved on from him a long time ago."

Danny pouted, clearly disappointed, but then added, "Well, it's okay. Sammy and I will make sure to ruin any chance of a girlfriend for him. Not even a mosquito will get close to him, leaving him a bachelor for life." Sammy nodded vigorously in agreement.

Whitney was at her wit's end with these two.

"Kids, don't meddle in adult matters. Go on, you should be heading to class now!"

"Mom, we still have time, and I want to talk about Bryce," Sammy suddenly said, his expression serious.

Whitney paused, seeing a glint of resolve in Sammy's big eyes, she began to understand. "Sammy, have you started to dislike Bryce?"

"Whether I dislike 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 do next, Mom?" What to do next?

Whitney had plans, but she didn't want to act hastily and scare Bryce off. Yet, she needed to quickly find out what connection, if any, Bryce had to Tiana's disappearance. She had to investigate Bryce. She looked at Sammy gently, "Don't worry about me, Sammy. I can handle my own problems."

"I just think I could help you. I'm good with computers. If you're trying to investigate Bryce, being too close to him could be dangerous."

"So, I can't let you do something so risky," Whitney said, her expression clouded with concern.

Sammy didn't push further, simply holding Whitney's hand and saying, "When you need my help, we'll work together, Mom. Anyone who tries to hurt you won't get 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 of her.

She smiled, "I understand. But the situation with Bryce is complicated. Ending the marriage isn't as simple as just saying I want to leave. We'll have to proceed carefully and in secret."

"Okay! I've heard Uncle Shane is a true friend of yours. I'll get in touch with him," Sammy said keenly.

Whitney was taken aback, this kid had her social circles all figured out.

She patted his head, somewhat resignedly, "Alright, you and Danny better head on in. I've got to get to work."

After dropping the kids off, Whitney headed straight to the Sheldon Group.

As soon as she stepped into her office, she found Bryce waiting for her, holding a large bouquet of flowers and an expensive gift box containing a pair of limited edition sapphire earrings. 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 a fool, and I'm sorry. These past few days without you, I've been living in agony, consumed by guilt, feeling like a zombie.

"I've never lost control like that before... I guess I was just so scared of losing you," he said, his eyes reddening with regret as he coughed heavily, clutching his chest.

Whitney remained silent, torn.

Once, she might have been moved by his display of remorse. But now, doubts clouded her judgment, making it hard to see him as genuinely contrite.

Still, his pale and pained appearance startled her. "Bryce, are you alright?" she asked, despite herself.

"I'm not seriously ill, just... I've been so anxious without you, and it's caused some heart inflammation. I've spent a couple of days in the hospital."

His look of misery and the sweat beading on his forehead softened her stance, even if just slightly.

Suddenly, he approached her, knelt down, and slapped himself across the face, "Whitney, I truly realize my mistake now. I swear, there won't be a next time, or I'll cut off my own hand. Please, come back home? Without you, our house doesn't feel like a home. It's so empty, I can't stand it."

Watching him, Whitney felt a mix of emotions. After a moment, she spoke softly, "Get up. I'll come back after work this afternoon."

Bryce looked up, disbelief and relief washing over him. "Really?"

"Got it." Whitney offered a knowing smile, her tone softened. "Truth is, I don't really blame you. That night...I should've been more careful myself."

"Stop, don't say another word! I know, it wasn't your choice, Ludwik forced your hand, that jerk." Bryce cut her off swiftly, his face twisting into a grimace as he tried to steer the conversation away, offering a bittersweet smile. "Whitney, I'm just glad you're back home. Hey, do you like these diamond studs? Let me put them on for you, okay?"

Whitney observed his eagerness to please and decided not to dwell on the past.

Gently, Bryce placed the earrings on her, while Whitney's thoughts were elsewhere, though she didn't let it show.

After they had talked for a while, she made up an excuse about a meeting at work that needed her attention, prompting him to leave first.

Watching Bryce's retreating figure, Whitney soon found herself dialing Shane's number. "Hey, I was wondering about your detective buddy. Is there a way to sweep the house for hidden cameras without tipping anyone off?"