Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 264

Ludwik paused for a moment before curling his lips into a smile, "Really now?"

He watched as his son tiptoed to climb into bed, a surprising change from his usual reluctance to sleep in his own room.

"Maybe he's suddenly matured," Ludwik thought, feeling a sense of pride mixed with the weariness of a seasoned parent.

The sweet call of "Daddy" echoed in his mind, and Ludwik felt that the past three years hadn't been in vain. He picked up his son's scattered sports jersey from the floor.

Suddenly, a small bottle fell out of the pocket. Ludwik squinted at it in the light: an asthma inhaler?

Elaine noticed it too, her eyes flashing with concern, "Ludwik, what is Danny hiding? Why would he have an asthma inhaler with him?"

Ludwik was just as puzzled. He didn't dwell on it, placing the inhaler on a shelf, "I'll go ask him."

The man hurriedly left the bathroom, leaving Elaine with a heavy feeling in her chest. It seemed he didn't want to stay by her side, but he was all too indulgent with that little brat.

She had nearly blown her cover tonight and, for the first time, hadn't managed to get her way with the little guy...

How had he suddenly gotten so cunning?

The thought left her fuming. Elaine turned back to the inhaler, her gaze darkening... How strange, whose could it be?

Without a second thought, she tossed the inhaler into the trash.

-

In the children's room, a small lamp was aglow.

Moonlight streamed in through the large bay window, bathing the room in a serene light.

The little one in bed was already fast asleep, cheeks rosy with youth.

Ludwik tucked his son in and sat by the bed as the maid quietly brought in a bottle of red wine.

He poured himself a glass and sipped it slowly, his gaze deepening as he watched his son's face.

Danny's features were so much like Whitney's... especially tonight, with his sweet, obedient manner, he was the spitting image of that woman.

Thinking of her lit a fire in Ludwik's chest.

Had it not been for her games, would he and Elaine have fought tonight?

Dammit, what on earth was wrong with his own body...

"Ludwik~"

Elaine quietly opened the door to the children's room, her figure draped in a seductive slip dress, holding a tray of late-night snacks, "Danny's asleep, right? Come and have something to eat; I made it just for you."

Ludwik looked at her cool attire but felt no surge of desire.

The night was deep, and he could almost predict that the next moment would take him back to the bedroom.

Confronted with Elaine's urgency, he felt a repulsion that turned to distaste.

The man set down his wine glass and stood up, draping his suit jacket gently over the woman's shoulders.

Rubbing his temples, he found an excuse, "There's an emergency international meeting at the office. I’ll have to skip the snacks; I need to head out."

An international meeting at this hour?

Elaine suspected he was avoiding their marital duties, but she had been pushing too hard lately.

Afraid of alienating him, especially with Whitney's return, she had to secure this man with gentleness.

She quickly offered understanding, "I hate to see you so tired, Ludwik. Once I get a handle on Skye Gem Ltd., I'll be back at Skyfaith Electronic Tech to be your right-hand woman."

Her words carried a double meaning.

She still wanted Skye Gem Ltd.

Ludwik didn't say much, as it was already promised to her.

His gaze softened, and he spoke tenderly, "I'll arrange everything for you. As for Skyfaith, don't overwork yourself. Just be the content Mrs. Lippert."

"You really do care for me, Ludwik~" Elaine's smile bloomed with sweetness, and she cheerfully saw him down the stairs.

Ludwik got into his sports car and sped off into the night.

The lights of the streets cast deep shadows across his face, adding to his brooding look and the hint of gloom.

His intimacy with Elaine couldn't be delayed any longer.

Thinking back to the bathroom incident... Ludwik felt an itch in his teeth. He needed to find out if there was truly something wrong with his body.

After a moment, he dialed Felix's number, his voice cold, "Find me some clean women from the club."