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."

son managed to

went to confront her today, but she had gone to work. I snooped around, almost made it into her bedroom, but Emma caught me. Mommy... there's something eerie about Florence. I saw all these weird potion bottles, and then, there were books on hypnotism!" "Hypnotism?" Whitney frowned. The bottles

I was kicked out before I could. Then I sneaked around to the back where there are several cottages,

for storage. At the far end

of the connection I have with Sammy. But I got dragged away by Molly before I could investigate further. The cottage is covered in ivy and flowers..." Danny paused,

Did you save the photo from

"I didn't, why?"

was uncertain, trying to match the embroidery on the fabric with the flowers

fabric, I think I saw it

sure?" Whitney's breath hitched. The embroidery seemed unique, not like

where that flower comes from, if it's rare. I'll try to

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? Excluding the

raced with a bold suspicion, especially after Danny mentioned Florence's odd look at him-a theory formed in her mind. But without evidence, it was

dad

Danny settled down, "Mommy, let's sleep. Hopefully, Sammy is somewhere safe too, eating and

she kissed his forehead, "You're amazing,

"Mommy, are you asleep?"

the darkness, Danny's muffled voice

""What is it?"

dad... Maybe he's being blackmailed by

her son, feeling a bitter cold mix with sorrow. Her son

seems like dad isn't happy to see her. I looked it up, and real jerks don't feel guilty about seeing their mistresses. They're usually thrilled. But Ludwik seems miserable. He hasn't laughed in a long time... except when he's with grandma and you. Earlier, when he

actions, Whitney smiled bitterly. Her son