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.”

face flushed with a mix of guilt and embarrassment. She had already bought several toys, but they could

Chapter 221

felt near madness but would never let him see her

only love and want you, Ludwik. I’m willing to wait for you to recover.” “Then let’s leave it for tonight. I’m really not in the mood. Sorry to make you wait.” Ludwik took

was cool

felt like she was choking on her frustration. It looked like tonight was another bust. He seemed to be resisting her more

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

To Ludwik, as long as it was not sex, anything else

three years, he had been indulgent and generous with Elaine in

this was his

initiating requests herself, knowing that they served as proof to the world of Ludwik’s indulgence.

smile. “I heard that Skye Gem

was taken aback but

three years ago, leaving no trace, they had not finalized their divorce, so Skye Gem

courts.

he tried to interfere, but

years, and now its assets were up for auction. If not

businesslike proposal was, “I want you to buy it for me. Not for any other reason, but I’ve got my eye on the Skye Gem brand. You know I’m a talented designer, and

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

mother’s company. You

eyes softened, “I’ll make sure

sight. Elaine’s lips curled into

she was not doing this for that little brat; she wanted all of Banyan City to see how much Ludwik pampered her. With just a word from her, his ex-wife’s company would be bought and gifted to

if Whitney was dead? Running her

points with Ludwik; now, he

take 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

has never been in the

was persuasive. “We’re about to get married. Danny can’t stay hidden forever. We can travel discreetly, and I promise to take good care of the little

protecting Danny too much from a young age had contributed

then said,

all part of her mother’s strategy: bringing Daniel Lippert to the public eye for the first time, and Ludwik buying Skye Gem Ltd. for her. The significance was profound, solidifying her

preparation for their smooth