Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 297

"Mama! Can't you think it over? This decision is too hasty. I, I can't bear to leave you."

Danny's plea was a truthful echo of his inner turmoil. It had taken him considerable effort to acknowledge his mom, Whitney, on his own, making the mere two encounters they had shared all the more precious.

Whitney froze for a moment as Danny, or 'Sammy' as he was momentarily dubbed, clung tightly to her legs. The look on the little guy's face was one of deep misery, transforming back into the 'clingy' and stoic Sammy she thought she knew. With a deep sigh, driven by a fierce desire to protect him, Whitney headed towards the bedroom. "Sammy, let me pack your bags. You'll be back before you know it, and besides, life abroad suits you better."

Suits me better my foot, Danny thought. He had never been abroad in his life, a true homebody at heart.

Panic started to set in for Danny.

As Whitney began to pull out the luggage, Danny felt trapped, struggling to come up with a solution. "Ah, my head! It hurts so much!" he exclaimed, dramatically collapsing to the ground.

"Sammy?" Bryce, both surprised and concerned, watched as the little guy hit the floor but kept one eye sneakily open to gauge Whitney's reaction.

A smirk tugged at Bryce's lips as he caught on to the act.

"Sammy! What's wrong?" Whitney, completely oblivious, rushed over.

"My head, it's like it's splitting..." Danny groaned, putting on an award-worthy performance, his little hands clutching his stomach.

This confused Whitney even more, her panic rising. "What is it, your head or your stomach, honey?"

Damn, Danny thought, realizing his mistake too late.

Swallowing his pride, Danny moved his hands to his forehead, deciding to stick with the headache story.

"Could it be something serious?" Whitney murmured, her fingers swiftly checking his pulse.

After a few seconds, her expression darkened.

had been quietly observing, coughed lightly,

couldn't help but cough more pointedly, Danny couldn't resist

Whitney said, her patience wearing

What? She knew?

his eyes tighter,

fake being sick just to avoid going abroad?

chastised, Danny's pride took a hit. Was he

stubborn pout, he decided

be stubborn about this?" Whitney was at her wit's

Sammy's style. He'd usually have a clever argument by now. But boys will be boys,

softened, asking, "Is it really that hard

muffled response from the little

options aloud, "If he's so set against going, sending him away won't give you peace of mind. Plus, have you considered the risks? If Ludwik finds out he's in Maelstrom Country and manages to whisk him away, you'd be even further from reaching him." Whitney's fingers tightened into fists, her mind

nothing was

looked down at Danny, torn over what to

Whitney's sleeve, adding a layer of fear. "What if Dad hides me somewhere abroad?

"He wouldn't dare!"

a mask

for now and watch for Ludwik's moves. If he tries

pleading glance stopped him from mentioning the painful past in front of

his flaws, but she hoped Sammy would always see his

to make lunch.

but weary, Whitney managed a

Bryce patted her head affectionately, telling Sammy to keep her

was settled, Danny

smile on his

if I go to Maelstrom Country, she'll be gone too much. You're

for a very long time. Sammy, you