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.

too quickly, and she stumbled

"Oops..."

armful, looking down 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

a moment, Parker almost thought

"daddy" surged

you gotta get

hold me!" Cherry clung

stunned at the

furrowing slightly. He'd seen

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

doorway, his gaze searching the room for Whitney. He took his son's hand,

to see you!" Danny's tone

I want to see her," Ludwik

like this, especially after he'd just managed to send Bryce packing-not to help Ludwik, but because he simply couldn't stand

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

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

young to understand. "Okay, I'll keep an eye on

ruffled

Ludwik could handle his clever son like

door

hands, approached. "Danny,

man's presence

turned cold, her brows knitting

distance, his eyes lingering on her indifferent expression. "Don't get me wrong. I'm here

herself speechless, unable to ask

to her midsection, and she instinctively turned away. "Danny! Your guest is here. I'd suggest talking in the

see him, but Ludwik's mood darkened

stepping

in a corner

crowded here. What do you