Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 253

“Nothing… Just some work stuff bothering me,” Ludwik said hastily, covering up his unease.

Elaine eyed him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. However, he had not been able to perform for three years, so she did not doubt that he hadn’t been fooling around.

There was no way another woman could arouse him!

She flashed a casual smile. “Here, try the steak I grilled and this bottle of Lafite I had airmailed first thing this morning. Give it a taste, Ludwik.”

She perched seductively on the edge of the dining table, her legs lightly encircling his, her foot playfully stroking him in a flirtatious gesture.

Ludwik felt uncomfortable, his brow furrowing as he forced down the steak.

Eating felt like chewing wax; he glanced at the red wine, then at Elaine’s purposeful gaze, and declined. “I have work later. No drink for me.”

Elaine bit her lip in frustration. When she was informed that Ludwik was in perfect health, she was overjoyed. She had set her sights on winning him over tonight!

Taking a sip of wine, she straightened up, wrapping her arms around Ludwik’s neck with a sultry whisper, “Then I guess I’ll just have to feed you…”

As her lips approached, Ludwik firmly grasped her chin, his eyes chilling.

“Mmm…” Elaine’s eyes snapped open to his cold stare, shivering before she adopted a wounded tone. “Ludwik, how can we talk about marriage and kids if you’re like this? All of Banyan City knows we’re getting married in a month, and my parents are expecting grandchildren. I want to be a happy bride.”

He didn’t play into her coquettish behavior but instead asked, “Why was my medical information sent to you in real time?”

Elaine hesitated, having forgotten Ludwik’s disdain for control. She had touched a nerve but played the aggrieved party. “I was just too concerned about you, Ludwik.”

“It seems to me you’re just too eager to have kids,” Ludwik said coolly.

Her eyes welled up. “Are you blaming me? I just don’t want to end up only getting pregnant at such an old age. I really want to be intimate with you, to strengthen our love.”

This woman had sacrificed a lot for him, and Ludwik’s gaze softened. Cupping her face, he said resignedly, “Why the tears? I’ll get better. Just give me some time. And if you’re in a hurry…”

He lowered his voice with a frown. “You could buy some… toys.”

already bought several toys, but they could only quench her thirst

Chapter 221

felt near madness but would never let him see her as

bashful, she snuggled into his embrace. “What are you talking about? That’s not my point. You know I only love and want you, Ludwik. I’m willing to wait

was cool and distant.

resisting her more and more. She could not tell if he genuinely lacked interest in women or if he was actually unwell.

angled for some consolation, eyes calculating as she held him. “Then you owe

as long as it was not sex,

the past three years, he had been indulgent and generous with Elaine in material aspects.

knew this was his way of

initiating requests herself, knowing that they served as proof to the world

with a sly smile. “I heard that

taken aback but

trace, they had not finalized their divorce, so Skye Gem Ltd. was legally his. He had not cared to deal

courts.

interfere, but Ludwik cut off his capital chain

for three years, and now its assets were up for auction. If not for Elaine bringing it up, Ludwik

other reason, but I’ve got my eye on the Skye Gem brand. You know I’m a talented designer, and I can run a company. I want to bring in some extra business for you.”

extra business. You couldn’t spend all my money in five lifetimes.”

into his arms, saying understandingly. “After all, it’s Danny’s mother’s company. You may hate Whitney,

kind,” Ludwik’s eyes softened, “I’ll make sure Danny

Elaine’s lips curled into a smirk.

brat; she wanted all of Banyan City to see how much

Whitney was dead? Running her company was a

Ludwik; now, he would make sure Danny respected

Danny to the auction tomorrow night. He has a connection with Skye Gem. And Ludwik, Danny’s nearly four years old, he should ses more of the world, or he’ll grow up even more isolated and introverted.”

frowned, “Danny has never been in the public eye, and

about to get married. Danny can’t stay hidden forever. We can travel discreetly, and I promise to take good care of the little guy. You can’t keep him in

from a young

moment, then

bringing Daniel Lippert to the public eye for the first time, and Ludwik buying Skye Gem Ltd. for

for their smooth marriage.