Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 266

-

"Sammy, where are you?!" Panic clawed its way up Whitney's face in an instant.

Just as she was about to dash out in search, the wardrobe door creaked embarrassingly open, revealing a defiant little head. "Mommy... I'm here."

Whitney stared at the double-tiered wardrobe, baffled as to how her child had managed to climb up there. Why on earth would he hide so high up due to fear?

Her face darkened slightly as she grabbed a chair to stand on, lifting her son down. Her mouth twitched as she said, "Buddy, how did you get up there?"

Daniel glanced at the towering wardrobe, a flash of embarrassment crossing his little face. It was Ludwik's bellowing outside that had scared him. He'd only been reunited with his mom for a few hours and hadn't even had his fill of hugs. He didn't want to be dragged back! But when his old man showed up and then left without even noticing his lost little treasure, he could only pout slightly and cling to Whitney's legs, resorting to a little white lie, "I got scared because you weren't in the room!"

Whitney paused, Sammy usually wasn't this timid. He was often the first to run to her side and protect her. Could it be he was still adjusting to being back home?

Sensing his mommy's questioning gaze, Danny straightened up and huffed, "Is that guy gone? Do you want me to handle him?"

Whitney was momentarily speechless - you were hiding way up there. She smiled and laid her son back on the bed, "I've already handled him. Let's get back to sleep."

"Who is he, anyway?" If daddy came to see mommy alone, that meant they weren't completely out of touch. Danny was curious.

"Just a garbage man," Whitney lied without a hint of courtesy.

had arranged to meet with Bryce, the

please come in," Whitney invited him into her home to discuss the case. "I've had a look at the case, and the judgment

I've investigated, and he's always followed the rules, participated in rehabilitation programs, and got along well with others. A month ago, the victim, Lyle, was sentenced to five years and was placed in the same cell as your uncle. The crime took place in the prison shower room. Other inmates said there was serious friction between Keegan and Lyle. One night, they suddenly heard fighting and cries for help from the showers! When they ran over, they found Keegan holding a sharpened toothbrush, while Lyle's carotid artery was punctured, and he had bled out, dead on arrival. Subsequently, several witnesses testified, and your uncle was convicted

suddenly gets jailed and then 'killed' by

and wasn't in good health,

to serve his time positively, and I would get him out. It makes no sense for

is a scholarly man; how would he craft such a weapon? And why was Lyle his

prison's explanation was that the original cellmate was in solitary confinement, and Lyle

this case; Keegan's testimony might be tampered with. We need to interview him personally to break through the details, which could be the turning point of the case," Kelvin urged. Whitney furrowed her brow. Unfortunately, she couldn't see her uncle right now. The Bartels family had too much influence. If there was anyone who could stand up to the Bartels family, it

clenched her fists, "I'll figure something out to see my uncle

Kelvin nodded and left.

the kitchen and made two breakfasts: sunny-side-up eggs on toast. Turning around, she saw the little guy standing barefoot in the bedroom doorway, rubbing his eyes in confusion. "You're up this early, kiddo?" Her son was notorious for sleeping in when

Danny wondered if he'd given himself away. Under Ludwik's strict upbringing, Danny had rarely slept in past

him on her knee with a sigh. Used to being pampered, Danny stretched out his arms, expecting to be dressed as

he wouldn't even glance at such a breakfast. Yet here it was, surprisingly delicious! Danny's little stomach, which rarely saw such action, was suddenly ravenous, and he finished not only his egg but

good, huh?" Whitney

said coolly with

tone sound just like a young

headed for the bathroom and stopped dead in her tracks. There was toothpaste splattered everywhere, and the little stool by

resigned herself to the fact that her son, in the throes of adjustment, was

business suit, Whitney tried to negotiate with her son, "Mommy has to step out for a bit and I'll be back around noon. Can my Sammy stay home and be good for a few