Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 595

Ludwik answered the call and heard Jason's voice on the other end, "Ludwik, Danny's with me. He reached out to Grandma this morning, and I had someone pick him up. We're at the mall, just bought him some toys. Come on over, let's grab lunch together." Jason had a soft spot for Danny, having visited him in Banyan City even before he got to know Ludwik. Ludwik furrowed his brows, "Danny reaching out to Grandma means he misses her, not necessarily that he wants to see you. He's not big on talking to people he's not familiar with. You shouldn't have taken him out." "Are you blaming me for wanting to get close to my own grandson?" Jason retorted with a scoff, admitting, "The kid indeed doesn't talk much, that's why I asked you to come, isn't it?"

Ludwik didn't object, "I've got a 30-minute international call. I'll see you afterwards."

Noon. The sun was blazing. But the mall was a refuge of cool air conditioning. Ludwik, a towering figure, arrived at the children's section on the second floor, where Jason, uncharacteristically playing the doting grandfather, was chasing after Danny, insisting, "Danny, it's chilly in here, and you've always been frail. Put this on!"

But Danny wanted nothing to do with this grandfather. Back when he was just 'Grandpa' during his visit to Banyan City, Danny thought the world of him. Now, having caught wind of the news that Grandpa favored Florence and was protecting her unborn child, even pushing for his dad to marry her this year, Danny's affection had evaporated. The moment he spotted Ludwik, Danny sprinted towards his dad, standing by his side, a clear distance from Jason.

"What's with the kid? Has he been spending too much time with Whitney, picking up a grudge against me?" Jason demanded with authority.

Ludwik's brows knit tighter, "It has nothing to do with her. Let's not mislead the kid with such talk."

"What does this have to do with my mom? Grandpa, shouldn't you be reflecting on whether you truly like and care for me?" Danny shot back.

gaze hardened, his breath steady, "You're Ludwik's son; of course, I care for

icy, his thoughts betraying him. You think less of my mom, believing Florence, the true lady of the Sheldon family, carries a child

on his dad's sleeve, Danny muttered, "I thought Great-Grandma would be here. That's the only reason I left with Grandpa's bodyguard. Since she's not, and I've seen Grandpa, I want to go home now. Mom must be worried." He glanced at his smartwatch, which showed two

with the gifts." Danny didn't resist, politely saying, "Thanks for the gifts. See you next time." With that,

leave, his expression unreadable, "Isn't that girl getting married? After she's married, Danny must be brought back to us, the Lipperts.

the change Whitney

son, sighing after a moment, "Let's eat." "The meal went on with little conversation; Jason tried

somewhat comforted.

future, once it's stabilized, you can do as you wish with it." Jason slammed his cutlery down, "You're serious about this! You say you're helping me, but is it just to assist your old man? I've guarded this empire for decades. If not you, who should I leave it to? Isn't being the country's top heir a position worth holding?" "Troublesome." Ludwik thought of Florence's ambitious gaze and Elaine's scheming ways, all drawn by his status, bringing endless complications. If he had nothing, could he then have Whitney, love without barriers or hatred? But it was too late for such thoughts. Seeing his lack of appetite, Jason tried to console him, "Ludwik, you're strong enough to stand on

master strategist in power, always prioritized the family's interests above all. That's why he was pushing for the marriage with Florence, for

bear it. But how I live my life is

had suddenly darkened. Still, he stood up. "Ten minutes ago, Florence called me. Said she was at the hospital for a check-up. I invited her to meet me for lunch at the mall, thought we

were fixed on Ludwik's stern profile. The man abruptly put down