Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 471

Separated by just a wall, the chill wind made Ludwik tighten his jacket as he sighed, his long strides taking him into the elevator.

Inside the house, Whitney leaned against the door, her hand covering her eyes as if to shield herself from the emotional storm within. Anger nearly choked her breath.

Their discussion had been about Sammy, but a single call from Florence and Ludwik was ready to dash to her side, breaking any resolve he had.

What was it about that woman that so captivated him?

Sammy's well-being had been brushed aside so hastily.

Whitney's gaze faltered, drifting unfocused to her phone as a new notification pinged. Opening Twitter, she wasn't surprised to find Florence's post from a minute ago: "His whereabouts during the day don't matter; every night he returns to snuggle beside me Mr. Lippert, my love."

Whitney scoffed; the message was clearly a jab at her.

Yet her eyes still burned, misty with the harsh truth that, time and again, Florence was prioritized over his own son. That was the reality!

Foolish Whitney... those wandering emotions of yours only highlight your naivety. Stop letting him play you... Tossing the phone aside, she took a deep breath, steadying her emotions before heading to Danny's room, hoping to offer some solace.

The little guy was bundled up in bed, his face the only thing colder than ice, but otherwise, he seemed okay.

"Mommy always said, don't let him ruin your mood. Daddy is Daddy, and you are you," Whitney said softly, caressing his head.

"Let's forget about that jerk. He's gone. Mommy, I wanted to tell you about something I saw at the Sheldons' place."

her son managed to avoid

and then, there were books on hypnotism!" "Hypnotism?" Whitney frowned. The bottles could be explained away by health reasons, but hypnotism? Was Florence dabbling in something sinister behind the scenes, as Sandy

was kicked out before I could. Then I sneaked around to

that." Whitney recalled a rundown cottage on the Sheldon estate that Hudson mentioned was used for storage. At the far end of the Sheldon

I got close, my heart started racing, reminding me of the connection I have with Sammy. But I got dragged away by Molly before I could investigate further. The cottage is covered

you save the

"I didn't, why?"

was uncertain, trying to match the embroidery on the

I think I saw it

embroidery seemed unique, not

it clearly. Let's find out where that flower comes

three-year-old son's imagination was running wild. But if the uncommon flower, intricately embroidered on a piece of fabric, was indeed planted at the Sheldon Mansion, could Sammy's disappearance be linked to the Sheldon family?

mentioned Florence's odd look at him-a theory formed

dad

glimmer of hope, Danny settled down, "Mommy, let's sleep. Hopefully, Sammy is somewhere safe too, eating and sleeping. We'll find

welled up as she kissed his forehead, "You're amazing, Danny. Sammy would be proud of how hard you're

"Mommy, are you asleep?"

the darkness, Danny's muffled voice

""What is it?"

blackmailed by

her son, feeling a bitter cold mix with sorrow.

seems miserable. He hasn't laughed in a long time... except when he's with grandma and you. Earlier, when he saw us eating, I noticed a smile, hidden but there. I think, deep down, dad cares

at justifying Ludwik's actions, Whitney smiled bitterly. Her son was too innocent to see through the