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, signaling

to hold his wrist in silence, and Bryce couldn't help but

Whitney said, her

What? She knew?

quickly shut his

her eyes, gently sitting him up. "Are you really going to fake being sick just to avoid going abroad? You

and subtly chastised, Danny's pride took a hit. Was

he decided to

about this?" Whitney was at her wit's end, remembering Sammy had never been this

style. He'd usually have a clever argument by now. But boys will be boys, right, Whitney?" He winked

asking, "Is it really that hard for

the muffled response from the

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

was ruthless; nothing was beyond

at Danny, torn over what

the moment, tugged at Whitney's sleeve, adding a layer of fear. "What if Dad hides

"He wouldn't dare!"

was a mask of determination,

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

pleading glance stopped him from mentioning the

but she hoped

taking care of the luggage and volunteering to make lunch. "You both must be exhausted. Don't worry, I've got everything

managed a smile.

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

ensuring Whitney was settled, Danny sneaked into

a gentle smile on his face.

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

mom for a very long time. Sammy, you must've