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.

who had been quietly observing, coughed lightly, signaling his understanding of

his wrist in silence, and Bryce couldn't help but cough more pointedly, Danny couldn't resist

said, her

What? She knew?

his eyes

to fake being sick just to avoid going abroad? You used

a hit.

a stubborn pout, he decided

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

breaking into a soft chuckle. "Doesn't quite seem like Sammy's style. He'd usually have a clever argument by now. But boys will be boys, right, Whitney?" He winked at her,

asking, "Is it really that hard for you

the muffled response from the little figure on the

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 racing with the implications

ruthless; nothing was

down at Danny, torn

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

"He wouldn't dare!"

mask of determination, laced

close for now and watch for Ludwik's moves. If he tries to fight for custody, remember,

him from mentioning the painful past in front of

flaws, but she hoped Sammy

and volunteering to make lunch. "You both must be exhausted. Don't worry, I've

managed a smile. "Thank

head affectionately, telling Sammy to keep her company, Danny pondered

settled,

gentle smile on his

I don't know what you're up to? You're not fooling anyone. You're just trying to keep my mom here because you think if I go to Maelstrom Country, she'll be gone too much. You're after her, aren't you?" Bryce raised an eyebrow, impressed yet caught off guard by the accusation. Sammy was insightful, but he wouldn't confront him like

for a very long time.