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-"

the children's room, her figure draped in a seductive slip dress, holding a tray of late-night snacks, "Danny's asleep, right? Come and have something to eat; I made it

that the next

urgency, he felt a repulsion that turned to

up, draping his suit jacket

at the office. I'll have to skip the snacks; I need to

international meeting at this

suspected he was avoiding their marital duties, but she had been pushing

return, she had to secure this man with

offered understanding, "I hate to see you so tired, Ludwik. Once I get a handle on Skye Gem Ltd., I'll be back at

wanted Skye

didn't say much, as it was already promised

for you. As for Skyfaith, don't overwork yourself. Just be the content Mrs.

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

his sports car and

of the streets cast deep shadows across his face, adding

couldn't be delayed any

to the bathroom incident... Ludwik felt an itch in his teeth. He needed to find out if there was truly something

number, his voice cold, "Find

startled awake, sounded

you want me to find women for you?

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

barked, "Hurry up, find

ripped the earpiece out,

his phone rang

he answered,

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

darkened,

get club contacts? If you

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

glanced at Parker, who was staring back through

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

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

nephew-they weren't even allowed to lay eyes on

Whitney returned, Parker felt a premonition that Ludwik

then there were

understand why that woman had suddenly developed such a deep hatred, avoiding

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