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 a

"Oops..."

to see a little pink bundle with familiar brows and eyes. His heart skipped a beat. "Daddy!" Cherry recognized the handsome uncle she'd seen in Banyan City, on TV, and now

almost thought he

sweet call of "daddy" surged

gotta

I want you to hold

was stunned

brows furrowing slightly. He'd seen Barclay before, but even Barclay didn't resemble the girl this

cool voice cut through Ludwik's thoughts. "What are

room for Whitney. He took his son's hand, smiling slightly. "Didn't

to see you!" Danny's tone was icy, his

doesn't matter. I want to see her," Ludwik admitted

he'd just managed to send Bryce

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

own meds. But, Ludwik, why shouldn't Mama take her medicine?" Ludwik's expression was serious. "Taking

but too young to understand.

softly ruffled

amused. Only Ludwik could handle his

the door

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

suddenly met Ludwik's. The tall man's presence made the spacious

face turned cold, her brows knitting

distance, his eyes lingering on her indifferent

unable to ask him

instinctively turned away. "Danny! Your guest is here. I'd

him, but

not stepping

in a corner of Whitney's

crowded here. What