Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 264

Ludwik paused for a moment before curling his lips into a smile, "Really now?"

He watched as his son tiptoed to climb into bed, a surprising change from his usual reluctance to sleep in his own room. "Maybe he's suddenly matured," Ludwik thought, feeling a sense of pride mixed with the weariness of a seasoned parent.

The sweet call of "Daddy" echoed in his mind, and Ludwik felt that the past three years hadn't been in vain. He picked up his son's scattered sports jersey from the floor. Suddenly, a small bottle fell out of the pocket. Ludwik squinted at it in the light: an asthma inhaler?

Elaine noticed it too, her eyes flashing with concern, "Ludwik, what is Danny hiding? Why would he have an asthma inhaler with him?"

Ludwik was just as puzzled. He didn't dwell on it, placing the inhaler on a shelf, "I'll go ask him."

The man hurriedly left the bathroom, leaving Elaine with a heavy feeling in her chest. It seemed he didn't want to stay by her side, but he was all too indulgent with that little brat. She had nearly blown her cover tonight and, for the first time, hadn't managed to get her way with the little guy...

How had he suddenly gotten so cunning?

The thought left her fuming. Elaine turned back to the inhaler, her gaze darkening... How strange, whose could it be?

Without a second thought, she tossed the inhaler into the trash.

-

In the children's room, a small lamp was aglow.

Moonlight streamed in through the large bay window, bathing the room in a serene light.

The little one in bed was already fast asleep, cheeks rosy with youth.

Ludwik tucked his son in and sat by the bed as the maid quietly brought in a bottle of red wine.

He poured himself a glass and sipped it slowly, his gaze deepening as he watched his son's face.

Danny's features were so much like Whitney's... especially tonight, with his sweet, obedient manner, he was the spitting image of that woman.

Thinking of her lit a fire in Ludwik's chest.

Had it not been for her games, would he and Elaine have fought tonight?

Dammit, what on earth was wrong with his own body...

"Ludwik-"

slip dress, holding a tray of late-night snacks, "Danny's asleep, right? Come and have something to eat; I made it just for you." Ludwik looked at her cool attire but felt no surge

that the next moment

Elaine's urgency, he felt

man set down his wine glass and stood up, draping his suit jacket gently over

excuse, "There's an emergency international meeting at the office. I'll have to skip

international meeting

avoiding their marital duties, but she had been pushing

alienating him, especially with Whitney's return, she had to

hate to see you so tired, Ludwik. Once I get a handle on Skye Gem

still wanted Skye Gem

say much, as it

tenderly, "I'll arrange everything for you. As for Skyfaith,

care for me, Ludwik-" Elaine's smile bloomed with sweetness,

got into his sports car and sped off into

the streets cast deep shadows across his face, adding to his brooding look and the hint of

couldn't be delayed

He needed

moment, he dialed Felix's number, his voice cold, "Find me some clean

awake,

Lippert... You mean you want me to find women for you? What-what are you

you think?" The topic was sensitive, and Ludwik,

barked, "Hurry up,

out, driving

his phone rang

he answered,

of Emperor City," Nolan's nagging voice came through. Ludwik was caught off guard; over the past three years, he had little contact with

expression darkened, "Felix

contacts? If

it true what they say, that you and Elaine have marital issues? Ludwik I heard Whitney's back tonight,

back through

we don't, he won't come to the Royal One Club." Parker took a swig of vodka, noting Ludwik hadn't set

that fateful year, many had changed, and Ludwik had become

little nephew-they weren't even

a premonition that Ludwik would slowly reconnect with

there were others...

flash of unnamed emotion passing through. He couldn't understand why that woman had suddenly developed such a deep hatred, avoiding all contact. Had he offended her? "Alaric, why are you hiding out here?" Endora slinked over, her waist supple as she fell into Parker's

never did sit well with him and his brothers. Hearing