Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 300

At the entrance of Little Bloomers Preschool, the roar of a Bentley faded into the distance, leaving Elaine trailing behind.

Inside the car, Ludwik placed his son beside him and pulled out an ice pack, gently pressing it against the boy's bruised forehead. Withdrawing his long fingers, his gaze turned steely as he made a call, "Check on a kid named Adriel for me. Find out anything about his family and any connections they might have with Elaine."

Sammy's eyes sparkled with sudden interest. His dad was taking his words seriously, not dismissing them because he was just a kid! He had listened and wasn't going to let it slide! Smart man, too bad he'd been blinded by Elaine before.

With a slight smirk, Sammy couldn't help but tug at his dad's shirt, "Dad, I bet your search won't turn up much. The preschool's cameras by the class are probably 'out of order,' and if Mom has any dealings with Jemima, she wouldn’t dirty her hands… You know what I mean?"

Ludwik, with his sharp features, looked at his son, somewhat surprised by the boy's cunning. He saw a bit of himself in Sammy. Without a word, his gaze deepened.

Sammy scooted closer, his smile widening, "But you starting to believe me, suspecting her collusion with Jemima because of what I said, that's all I need. That's my real dad."

"When have I ever not believed you? It's just you never spoke up. If you were as chatty as today, I would've known sooner that you're not happy at school!" Ludwik's voice carried a hint of self-reproach. Indeed, Danny was too proud, too disdainful of petty scheming, allowing Elaine to drive a wedge between them.

"Dad, I won't do it again. I'll be open with you about everything, won't just tough it out alone."

Sammy smartly pledged on behalf of Danny, simultaneously strengthening their bond. Ludwik sighed deeply, feeling his son leaning in, both touched and guilty. His hand gently ruffled the boy's hair, "Sorry, Danny."

"You just trusted Elaine too much. I don't get it, Dad. Why did you trust her so completely?" Sammy probed, aiming to unravel the past between his dad and Elaine.

Attempting to take over, Elaine reached for Sammy, "Let Mommy take care of your wound, Danny."

"There's no need. For now, Danny's matters don't require your attention," Ludwik stated coldly, handing his son over to the trusted housekeeper, leaving Elaine to contemplate her actions in silence.

For the first time, he openly sided with the child over her in front of the help. If word got out, those gossip-hungry servants would surely see her standing in the household as shaky ground. Swallowed by a mix of indignation and reluctance, Elaine's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up, her voice trembling. Clutching Ludwik's sleeve, she seemed the picture of vulnerability. "Ludwik, what do I need to do for you to forgive me for not being at school today? I even had Sophie come over to explain. I had to accompany her to buy a necklace this afternoon; it wasn't like I meant to leave Danny..."

Ludwik, however, towered over her with a piercing gaze that cut through the air, his eyes narrowing. "Elaine, you seem to have been quite busy lately? You're getting on famously with Endora, aren't you? Staying over at her place last night and now shopping this afternoon?"

Elaine's heart skipped a beat. It was too much, too soon. Had Ludwik started to suspect something?