Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 874

Sammy blinked in the dim light.

As Whitney spotted the father-son duo standing together, they both instinctively quieted down, their expressions hinting at the awkward tension from the night before. It was clear that there was more between Sammy and his dad than just a simple fatherly lecture. With a slight frown, Whitney, holding Danny's hand, approached them. "What are you guys whispering about over here? How come you stop talking the moment Danny and I show up?"

"Oh, nothing at all," Sammy quickly clarified. "We don't want to start any macho showdowns in front of you. We three gents need to maintain a peaceful and serene vibe around our lady." Ludwik nodded in agreement, glancing at his clever son before turning his attention to Whitney, "From here on out, it's all about pampering you, Whitney. Your best days are yet to come." Whitney was enveloped in a sea of sweet nothings, utterly at a loss for words.

The more they acted this way, the more she doubted their sincerity.

Were they just pulling the wool over her eyes?

There was definitely something Sammy and Ludwik were hiding from her, and possibly even from Danny.

Casting a glance at Danny's smiling face... Danny, looking so innocent yet clueless, spilling secrets as easily as breathing, it's no wonder they'd keep things from him.

She squinted her eyes, planning to send Danny on a little fact-finding mission about Sammy's antics soon.

Seeing the father and son engage in their cryptic conversation, Whitney didn't press any further.

"Dinner's over, so it's about time we headed home. Danny, Sammy, come over here, let's go." Whitney gave Ludwik a businesslike smile, "Thanks for picking up the tab."

"I'll drive you guys home!" Ludwik stepped forward, his gentle aura enveloping Whitney. He effortlessly lifted Danny into his arms and reached for Whitney's purse, his luxurious watch scraping against the fabric, its cold metallic touch briefly making his fatherly figure seem all the more charming.

Whitney watched his towering figure, momentarily captivated by the night's tender warmth and the sense of security it brought her.

with him around, childcare seemed almost effortless. His strength, his attentiveness, his mix of dominance

was she thinking? Snap out of

for an audience of one - all to win

to fall for the same trap

looking to remarry, nor was she considering getting back together with

Sheldon Group recently reclaimed, she needed to focus on strengthening the

it, Ludwik had parked the car,

the night breeze, he came around to open her door, his eyes deep pools in the darkness, "Whitney, since I paid tonight, you owe

with his mature yet playful dodging, found

her lips, his gaze fixated on her, "You've got a bit too much lipstick on. Let me help you with that. This Friday, the Lippert Group is hosting a celebration with a large light show I've designed especially for the kids. Make sure

was

the opportunity to

resources was key - and it wouldn't really

to make full use of me and the Lippert family for your own gain. We could be a powerhouse duo," Ludwik said, reading her like a book and wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her from the car. Whitney, caught off guard, found herself enveloped in

powerhouse duo? Don't tag me with your labels. I'm accepting your help for now, but once the Sheldon Group is back

you'll be the lady of both the Sheldon and

the mansion, "What are you staring

you lay off those silly

it's grandma who's

Danny's habits had

Sammy, "Try to be a good role model for your brother, would you? Let's not have