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!”

wedding gift for you? That used to be his ex–wife Whitney’s company, right?

This was the

everyone’s eyes, Whitney was a defeated rival but still the

speak ill of the departed. I saw potential in Skye Gem Ltd. I just wanted to dabble in business. Ludwik, he’s all

spoiled!” the crowd remarked, more sourly this time.

into her seat, content.

impeccable tie, and took the seat beside her.

and the auctioneer took

murmur rippled through the crowd, “Bryce

Ludwik tensed slightly.

too. Is

she’s about to become the number one

gasp rose

mention of a beautiful woman, Elaine

slightly, yet he made no move to look up. His posture exuded

event like this. You’ve nearly cornered the market with Imperial Gem Corporation. When do you plan to acquire his company?”

ahead, responded casually, “I’ll do that whenever I want. No need

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dominance, his aura gripping

whispered seductively, “Ludwik, I

“Then it’s yours.”

of Skye Gem Ltd, to the room, starting the bidding

once worth thirty billion

Her fists tightened.

a deep masculine voice declared, “5 billion dollars.

Ludwik’s voice.

erupted in

congratulations! Mr. Lippert really spoils you!”

lips stretched into

auctioneer, taken aback, asked, “Any

paddle,

Ludwik’s eyelid twitched.

the back, another paddle went up, “5.6 billion,

was well–known among the city’s elite.

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

politely, “Mr. Orion, are you

course. What, you think I can’t afford it?”

on it like

sat in the shadows,