Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 270

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Taryn shushed the air once more, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't go blabbing, okay? We don't want Elaine's little spies to overhear. It's our little secret!" Good ol' Taryn, always the heart of gold, watching over her comatose granny.

Sammy made a quick mental note.

So, Granny in her vegetative state needs Mom's experimental new drug?

Her fingers twitched, and Sammy gently prodded the old lady's index finger.

He rose to his feet and quietly made his way out, his little legs carrying him back to the main yard. No, he had to do something he needed to tell Mom.

He was going to step out of this mansion!

"Danny?"

Elaine was back, checking to see if the little rascal was home. Her eyes settled, and she reprimanded, "I heard from Lyra that you've been causing a fuss all morning, skipping preschool and mouthing off to Lyra and the bodyguard. You're getting too bold, young man. I might just have to discuss this with your daddy tonight."

Sammy rolled his eyes inwardly, fearless.

A sweet smile plastered on his face, "Sure, Mommy, go ahead. Let's see who Daddy believes-Lyra, who jumped to scold me, or your false accusations." Elaine's mood, previously uplifted, chilled at his words.

Lyra quickly poured poison into Elaine's ear, "Miss, see? I told you something's off with him. He never talks back like this, acting all sly."

Elaine found the kid's behavior odd but chalked it up to a sudden streak of rebellion.

Seeing that the duo had run out of steam and with his deadbeat dad not around, Sammy didn't bother keeping up the act.

He stomped upstairs, tugged at his little blazer, then, struck by inspiration, turned back down, "Mommy, I want to go shopping!"

"What?" Elaine objected outright. "No way. You tried to run away last night, and you think your daddy will let you out to gallivant? Stay put." "Why not ask him?"

wasn't having any of her nonsense. He approached the landline, dialed a familiar

Ludwik picked up swiftly.

go out and buy some new clothes. All I have upstairs are suits, and they've become so uncomfortable lately." Ludwik was puzzled, "But didn't you always say you

his tongue, quickly adapting, "People change, Daddy. Can't I like sportswear now? Or are you too stingy to

impressed. He liked this version of his son who was willing to engage in

with you?" Ludwik considered. Going out wasn't out of the question, but he feared the boy

glare at the wicked woman, then sweetened his voice, "Mommy just got back and she looks tired. If Daddy worries, just send a few extra

in the

at her and marched out the door, bypassing

Elaine, "Miss, this little tyke's suddenly charming the Boss! He's getting closer to him. If he starts to turn the Boss against you with your own words, that won't

he wants to play games with me, I've

little brat,

climbed the stairs for a nap,

"Elaine, it's been years, and I'm still thinking of you." Elaine closed her eyes,

with such blandness,

arrived at Tiana's place with 'Sammy' in tow, Tiana's

gaped at the handsome

Mister... you're

was imperfect, her eyes glued to 'Daniel' as

look at me like some love-struck puppy." Danny, ever so proud, handed her a tissue, his cheeks tinting

looks-it was Ludwik

her mind racing, unable to keep calm,

Who else could he be? But please, don't breathe a word. I made sure Valerie wasn't here before coming over. I just need you to watch him until tonight." Tiana inhaled sharply, her hand over her mouth in agreement,

people know,

was too stunned to respond, her mind a whirlwind of

ago, it took her a long

Whitney bore was picked up by Ludwik. They had been trying to save the boy,

with had also survived and

silently moved. Had Whitney not known

had also learned from Valerie's speculation, after the fact, that it