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-"

seductive slip dress, holding a tray of late-night snacks, "Danny's asleep, right? Come

almost predict that the next moment would take him back to

with Elaine's urgency, he felt a repulsion

and stood up, draping his suit jacket

meeting at the office. I'll have

international meeting at

he was avoiding their marital duties, but she had

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

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

still wanted

as it was already promised to

you. As for Skyfaith, don't overwork yourself.

smile bloomed with

sports car and sped

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

intimacy with Elaine couldn't

an itch in his teeth. He needed to find out if there was

his voice cold, "Find me some clean women from

awake, sounded

want me to find women for you? What-what are you planning to

was sensitive, and Ludwik, known for his austerity, felt

"Hurry up, find

ripped the earpiece out, driving on

phone

answered,

but I'm afraid of getting hit by the Bartels family of Emperor City," Nolan's nagging voice came through. Ludwik was caught

expression darkened, "Felix

club contacts? If you want

"Is it true what they say, that you and Elaine have marital issues? Ludwik I heard Whitney's back tonight, are you emotionally affected..." "Are you finding them or not?

end, Nolan glanced at Parker, who was staring back through his thick glasses, "Should we really find women

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

many had changed, and Ludwik had become a recluse,

nephew-they weren't even allowed to

returned, Parker felt a premonition that Ludwik would

were others... like

couldn't understand why that woman had suddenly developed such a deep hatred, avoiding all contact. Had he offended

throat with a hint of disdain. The woman who had saved Parker that fateful night years ago never did sit well with him and his brothers. Hearing that she was Tiana's cousin only added to his contempt, especially considering the mess Tiana had