Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 254

In the International Convention Center’s opulent auction hall, Elaine, clad in a sleek midnight blue cocktail dress, made her grand entrance, clinging to the arm of a man whose height was rivaled only by his influence.

All eyes were drawn to her–not because she was a stunning beauty, which she was, but because of the sheer power and presence the man by her side commanded.

An auction of Skye Gem Ltd., a small fry in the big pond, typically would not lure the high and mighty. But rumors had flown that Mr. Lippert was to attend, and like moths to a flame, the elite came in droves.

The Skyfaith Group had soared to the third biggest company in the world by market capitalization in just three years, and Mr. Lippert? He was the golden ticket everyone wanted to rub shoulders with, even if it meant just brushing against his coattails.

The distinguished gentleman, shoulder burdened with a child, kept the brim of his fedora low. shielding the little one’s face.

“My God, Mr. Lippert is making an appearance with his kid for the first time!”

The society ladies oozed envy. “Elaine’s got it all. Engaged for three years, and now it seems she’s got a little prince. Word on the street is Mr. Lippert spoils her rotten. She’s living the dream, the very model of a tycoon’s wife.”

Elaine tightened her grip on the man’s arm, her face the picture of grace, but her lips curled ever so slightly with satisfaction.

To the crème de la crème of Banyan City, she was untouchable, enjoying a slice of happiness that was uniquely hers.

“Ludwik, let me carry Danny,” she cooed, offering a sugary smile.

“No.” Daniel, stiff as a board in his father’s embrace, shot a cold glance at the woman, irked by her act.

Crowds made him uneasy, his voice taut and cool, “Ludwik, I wanna go home. It’s too noisy here!”

Elaine’s smile faltered, her outstretched hand moving to pretend to tuck a stray lock of hair. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice.

Ludwik gently squeezed his son’s little clenched fist, well aware of the boy’s discomfort with strangers and crowds.

He swept a protective gaze over the onlookers and shielded his son’s face, “I don’t want Danny overexposed. I’ll take him to the lounge. Go ahead and take your seat.”

Elaine saw the displeasure on his face. Bringing the little troublemaker had been her idea, but she didn’t want the kid causing a scene.

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“Sweeten our son up for us, Ludwik. I’ll be waiting,” she said, her voice loud enough for others to hear.

Ludwik, escorted by his bodyguards, took the child to the resting room, the picture of a doting. mature father.

The sight made the socialites swoon, and they showered Elaine with compliments, “Elaine, you’re such a good mom!”

Gem Ltd. as a wedding gift for you? That used to be his ex–wife Whitney’s company, right? Shows how deeply he loves

her glee. This was the music to

was a defeated rival but still the talk of the town, even in her

“Let’s not speak ill of the departed. I saw potential in Skye Gem Ltd. I just wanted to dabble in business. Ludwik, he’s all business; as long as I’m happy, that’s

crowd remarked, more sourly

into her seat, content.

his impeccable tie, and took the seat beside her.

lights dimmed, and the auctioneer took

through the crowd, “Bryce from

Ludwik tensed slightly.

too. Is he

just look at that figure! I bet she’s about to become the number one woman Banyan City men would

rose from

mention of a beautiful woman, Elaine instinctively

an eyebrow, his gaze hardening slightly, yet he made no move

the playboy he always was, bringing some low–class date to an event like this. You’ve nearly cornered the market with Imperial Gem Corporation. When do you

casually, “I’ll do that whenever I want. No need to pick a day.”

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this understated dominance, his

Intertwined, she whispered seductively, “Ludwik, I must

“Then it’s yours.”

of Skye Gem Ltd, to the room, starting the

not have been a top–tier Jewelry company, but it was once worth thirty billion dollars. Since her ‘death‘ three years ago, the company had been ravaged, reduced to a mere shell of its

Her fists tightened.

voice declared, “5 billion dollars.

Ludwik’s

erupted

Mr. Lippert really spoils you!”

into

aback, asked, “Any further bids?”

paddle, “5.2 billion.”

Ludwik’s eyelid twitched.

the back, another paddle went up,

well–known among the

his mind? His company’s been squeezed dry by Mr. Lippert. Why would he bid on a company worth just 800 million?”

“Mr. Orion, are you sure about the

course. What, you think I can’t

interest in Skye Gem, bidding on it like this?” someone in the crowd asked,

glancing at Whitney, who sat in the shadows, her face veiled, her slender