Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 418

Natalie insisted those photos were all a misunderstanding, declaring her son would never lie!

Whitney felt a wave of absurdity wash over her as she reflected on everything she had done that afternoon: foolishly romantic gestures, giving him countless chances, her heart softening for him yet again. She thought of how Natalie had persuaded her, the dim hope in Danny's eyes turning into despair. He wouldn't text back, wouldn't answer calls, just saying, "I'm swamped, got a meeting." He also said, "You shouldn't have come to New York, go back to Oakville and stay with Danny." All the chaos turned into a sharp irony, stripping away her defenses and crushing her heart into a dull ache that spread throughout her body.

How could she and her son be so naïve to believe he was just busy with work? He was indeed busy-busy dating, shopping, and dancing with someone new, too occupied to spare Danny a thought. Thinking of her sons, Whitney felt as if her heart was being crushed, leaving her gasping for breath.

"Ludwik..." Florence gently shook the man's arm.

Ludwik quickly averted his gaze, his eyes cold as ice, looking away from the pale-faced woman opposite him. The last thing he wanted was happening right before his eyes. How could she be Florence's sister, Hudson's daughter? No wonder he thought Florence looked familiar at first sight...

"Florence, is this your boyfriend? But isn't he the Ludwik from the news? Oh my God, I'm not mistaken, am I?" Sienna burst out, screaming in shock. Her outcry drew the attention of the elderly Hudson, who took a closer look at the man. Hudson, advanced in years, hadn't seen clearly before due to the backlighting. Now, recognizing the man, he was utterly stunned.

Hudson looked at Whitney with a complicated expression, his mind spinning, unable to grasp the situation fully before asking Florence, "Florence, is he really your boyfriend?"

"Father, could there be any doubt?" Florence chuckled, "Ludwik and I had love at first sight, and I only found out today that he is indeed Ludwik."

"Let's not talk about my boyfriend right now. Where's my sister?" the girl said softly, gently looking up.

Whitney closer, "This

"Sister, I'm so happy to meet you for the first time. I've been sick since I was little, couldn't bring much joy to our parents. Welcome to the

she's just an illegitimate child, what kind of heiress is she? You're just too kind, giving

distressed, coughed, "Sienna, why would you

worked up." Ludwik instinctively reminded her to keep her emotions in

shyly introducing him, "Sister, this is my boyfriend, Ludwik. Sorry to spring this on you." Ludwik's jaw tensed, his face cold. His hand was held

how could he possibly offend me? His actions are 'a feast for the eyes,' 'quite the spectacle'!" Ludwik understood her sarcasm, as if pierced by invisible barbs.

Uncle, I'm not being difficult, but this kind of illegitimate child just can't stand seeing others happy!" Sienna's words were sharp.

really need to keep your eyes wide open. Of course, if after careful consideration you chose this kind

words. Holly paused, glancing at Hudson as if pondering Whitney's words, then quickly laughed, "Who would have thought Florence's boyfriend turned out to be the newly returned prodigal of

smiled shyly, "I thought Ludwik was just an

it must be fate that brought our Florence such noble luck." Hudson's wife laughed, sizing up Ludwik, a young man of outstanding appearance and stature, rare in this world. The Sheldon Group was a century-old powerhouse, but compared to Harmonia Country's wealthiest, the Lippert family, they

sycophantic smile, "Florence, why not

remember something, turning to Whitney with a smile, "Oh, sister." She took out a beautifully crafted ceramic mug from her bag, offering it with both hands, "This is our first meeting, and I didn't know what to get you. Ludwik and I made this ceramic mug on

her into an icy well. Her eyes moist with coldness. A mug they made on a date, given to her, was indeed a gift sharper than a knife, reminding her, was it offered in

eyes at Florence, getting a first real glimpse of what Holly was all about. It seemed this "stepsister" was a real piece of work, and now Whitney's mind was swirling with questions. Was Florence really as innocent as she appeared, or was