Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Before Ryan could even utter a response, Ludwik, with his mother in tow, strode into his home.

At the top of the stairs, Sammy made an appearance.

Natalie, standing midway up the staircase, had her eyes widen in shock. "Danny... no, wait!"

She had met Sammy before, even been kidnapped alongside him. In that ordeal, she had lost her bright and heartwarming grandson!

Natalie couldn't forget Sammy's face - every frown, every smile, every gesture!

"Sammy? Ludwik, Ludwik... is this child Sammy?" Tears fiercely fell from Natalie's eyes, her gaze turning fierce with emotion, "Sammy, is he back?!" "Yes, mother," Ludwik confirmed to Natalie.

"Sammy, you were kidnapped trying to protect your grandma, weren't you happy to see her? She underwent a spinal surgery and has recovered," Ludwik's gaze pierced through to Sammy.

The corners of Sammy's eyes reddened with suppressed emotion.noveldrama

Ludwik, that cunning man, knew exactly how to play his cards, using the grandmother to test him.

Sammy almost lost his composure.

Tightening his grip, Sammy averted his gaze from his grandmother, his expression turning indifferent, "Ludwik, I'm here for you."

With that, the little guy turned and retreated back into his room.

Ludwik, trying to soothe his overly emotional mother, glanced at Ryan, "Help her downstairs. Mother, I'll have the driver take you home."

"But Ludwik, why is Sammy here? Why doesn't he acknowledge me, he..." Natalie was bursting with questions.

Rubbing his temples, Ludwik had decided on a whim to bring his mother today, partly to trigger Sammy's memories.

And partly because he was done hiding Sammy away.

Today was Whitney's wedding.

A storm of emotions whirled in Ludwik's eyes, chilling and tumultuous, yet as calm as a frozen lake.

Pushing open Sammy's bedroom door, the room was neat and tidy, with Sammy sitting alone on a chair by the bed, his posture upright, his gaze meeting Ludwik's.

Unlike the Sammy Ludwik remembered, his face showed no signs of dullness or fear.

But nor did he show any recognition.

"Sammy, my boy... have you regained your memory? Do you know I'm your father?" Ludwik's voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

He approached Sammy, bending slightly to see into the child's clear eyes.

"I know who you are."

Sammy's lips curved into a cold smile as he looked up, scrutinizing Ludwik's attire.

Dressed in a formal black suit, Ludwik appeared too solemn and imposing, his eyes shadowed with unspoken emotions.

His trousers were tailored, his jacket sharp, with a hint of formality in its design.

And around his neck, a Windsor knot.

Such formality wasn't needed unless attending a significant event.

In front of Sammy stood a gentleman in black, elegant yet cold, a devil ready to wreak havoc.

Sammy had his suspicions confirmed. Taking a deep breath, he directly addressed Ludwik, "Dad, are you heading to Banyan City today? Go. I hope you go. I hope you bring mom back."

Because Sammy intuitively felt that the story between his dad and mom wasn't over yet, involving Florence Sheldon and the child she carried.

But Sammy hadn't pieced everything together yet, so he couldn't show his hand. Recognizing his dad was risky enough.

He needed to stay.

Ludwik's gaze hardened at Sammy's words. 'Dad, mom,' he articulated so distinctly.

Had Sammy truly regained his memory?

Crouching down, Ludwik's large

hand grasped his son's slender shoulder, intending to pull him close, "What did you just say? Sammy, repeat it for me! Your dad wants to hear it!"

But Sammy allowed the grip, remaining silent, his clear eyes returning to an indifferent state as he quietly observed Ludwik.

Even moving his father's hand away and looking elsewhere.

Sammy knew, regardless of today's confrontation, his dad had made up his mind.

He had never given up on mom, and he would surely go.

Sammy felt at peace.

"Sammy! Say something... talk to your dad again."

"I'm not fully recovered, Ludwik. I can't leave here," Sammy spoke, gazing outside the window, "Make the most of your time."

His response, tone, and logic deepened Ludwik's breathing, confirming his suspicions.

Sammy was regaining his memory, moving beyond his previous confused state.

With that realization...

He found a reason to confront Whitney.

Even without needing a reason, he would appear at Whitney's wedding.

Alive or dead, reduced to ashes, he would take her away.

These past weeks, living in agony, working tirelessly didn't ease his pain.

His feelings for Whitney were beyond salvation.

His woman, he would rather destroy everything than let her marry another.

It was an unwavering conviction etched into his bones, her name carved into his marrow.

As his hand's warmth left Sammy's head, Ludwik, without looking back, walked out of the room.

Sammy took a deep breath, his eyes moist, puzzled by Ludwik's last words, 'Take care of yourself.'

Was his dad going to find mom and stay away for a long time?

"Mommy would never agree, and with Bryce in the mix, can you even imagine the kind of arguments and battles that would break out at the wedding?"

Sammy couldn't bear to think about it!

His little hand reached under the pillow, where a smartwatch, swiped from Ryan's daughter, was hidden.

He had Danny's number memorized.

Sammy held his breath and decided to reach out to Danny, sending him a message!

"Ludwik..."

Outside Ryan's mansion, Parker hurried over.

Leaning against the Bentley, Ludwik exhaled a cloud of smoke, his eyes murky and unprable, not even the gentle morning light could reach him.

"Parker, I need a plane, and all your guys in Banyan City."

Parker's temples throbbed tightly, wanting to persuade, but dared not to say a word. At this moment, Ludwik, with a chilling aura surrounding him, made it clear he was not to be trifed with.