Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 517

"Sure thing," Parker replied, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel-a giveaway to his reluctance. "Going to check on Tiana?" Parker's expression stiffened at the mention.

"Who's going to see her? If I'm visiting anyone, it's my little niece."

The image of Cherry's chubby cheeks popped into Parker's mind, but the term 'little niece' seemed to choke him up.

Ludwik slid into the passenger seat, his deep-set eyes half-closed, saying nothing.

As Parker drove out of the underground parking, he handed Ludwik a cigarette and glanced at the towering headquarters of the Lippert Group through the car window. "I heard Florence was looking for you at the office today. You left as soon as she arrived and gave her the cold shoulder in front of everyone. What are people going to think about your engagement?"

Ludwik looked up, unbothered. "What others think is none of my business. Is her embarrassment my doing?"

Parker got the hint, raising an eyebrow. "She pushed you into an engagement deal and now you're getting back at her? Fair enough. Florence always did have a taste for power, let her swallow the bitter pill. I thought you were engaging her as part of some scheme to lure out Sammy. But tearing into her like this, what's your real plan?"

With a cold glint in his eyes, Ludwik said, "Let her sweat it out. When she's desperate enough to salvage our relationship and comes begging, that's when I'll make my move."

Parker nodded in agreement, giving a thumbs up. "She's kept Sammy well-hidden. We need to catch her off-guard to get any information."

"Right," Ludwik agreed, leaning back and checking the time, frowning. "Speed up."

Parker chuckled. "Dude, we're in the city! That eager to see Whitney?"

He closed his eyes, not denying it.

---

Bryce took his leave.

Whitney was helping Tiana pack her bags when the doorbell rang. Unsure who it might be, she sent Danny to answer it.

Cherry sprinted ahead of Danny, climbed onto a stool, and unlocked the door.

swung open too quickly, and she stumbled forward into

"Oops..."

His heart skipped a beat. "Daddy!" Cherry recognized the handsome uncle she'd seen in Banyan City, on TV, and now in

Parker almost thought

call of "daddy"

gotta get

hold me!" Cherry clung to

Tiana was stunned at

girl, his brows furrowing slightly. He'd

through Ludwik's thoughts. "What are

room for Whitney. He took his son's hand,

see you!" Danny's tone was icy,

matter. I want to

up like this, especially after he'd just managed to send Bryce packing-not

a way to make him leave," Ludwik said, lowering his voice to speak to his son. "Has your

her stomach was still upset. Tiana suggested getting some stomach medicine, but I stopped her. Mama said she could endure it, so she didn't take any of her own meds. But, Ludwik, why shouldn't Mama take her medicine?" Ludwik's expression was serious. "Taking medicine carelessly isn't good

skeptical but too young to understand. "Okay, I'll keep an eye

ruffled

was silently amused. Only Ludwik could

the door

hands, approached. "Danny, is it the hotel's

The tall man's

face turned cold, her brows knitting

lingering on her indifferent expression. "Don't get me wrong. I'm here to see

herself speechless, unable to ask him to

midsection, and she instinctively turned away. "Danny! Your guest

him, but Ludwik's mood darkened

Ms. Melford staying here?" he asked, not stepping any further, trying to engage her in

noticed Tiana's luggage in a corner

What do you think,