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!”

gift for

This

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

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

remarked, more sourly this

settled into her

impeccable tie, and took

dimmed, and the auctioneer took the stage.

“Bryce

Ludwik tensed slightly.

in, “What a turnout, Orion’s here too. Is he interested in his

about to become the number one woman Banyan City men would die to sleep

gasp rose from the

of a beautiful woman,

yet he made no move to look

smirked. “Orion’s still the playboy he always was, bringing some low–class date to an event like this. You’ve nearly cornered the market with Imperial Gem

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

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understated dominance, his aura gripping her.

whispered seductively, “Ludwik, I must have Skye Gem

“Then it’s yours.”

Ltd, to the room, starting the bidding at 800 million.

was once worth thirty billion dollars. Since her ‘death‘ three years ago, the company had been ravaged, reduced to a mere

Her fists tightened.

from the VIP section, a deep masculine voice declared, “5 billion dollars. Give it to me.”

was Ludwik’s voice.

room erupted in shock.

Mr. Lippert really

into a smile.

auctioneer, taken aback, asked, “Any further bids?”

raised,his paddle, “5.2 billion.”

Ludwik’s eyelid twitched.

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

well–known among

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

equally skeptical, asked politely, “Mr. Orion, are

think

in Skye Gem, bidding on it like this?”

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