Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 270

Taryn shushed the air once more, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't go blabbing, okay? We don't want Elaine's little spies to overhear. It's our little secret!"

Good ol' Taryn, always the heart of gold, watching over her comatose granny.

Sammy made a quick mental note.

So, Granny in her vegetative state needs Mom's experimental new drug?

Her fingers twitched, and Sammy gently prodded the old lady's index finger.

He rose to his feet and quietly made his way out, his little legs carrying him back to the main yard. No, he had to do something—he needed to tell Mom.

He was going to step out of this mansion!

"Danny?"

Elaine was back, checking to see if the little rascal was home. Her eyes settled, and she reprimanded, "I heard from Lyra that you've been causing a fuss all morning, skipping preschool and mouthing off to Lyra and the bodyguard. You're getting too bold, young man. I might just have to discuss this with your daddy tonight."

Sammy rolled his eyes inwardly, fearless.

A sweet smile plastered on his face, "Sure, Mommy, go ahead. Let's see who Daddy believes—Lyra, who jumped to scold me, or your false accusations."

Elaine's mood, previously uplifted, chilled at his words.

Lyra quickly poured poison into Elaine's ear, "Miss, see? I told you something's off with him. He never talks back like this, acting all sly."

Elaine found the kid's behavior odd but chalked it up to a sudden streak of rebellion.

Seeing that the duo had run out of steam and with his deadbeat dad not around, Sammy didn't bother keeping up the act.

He stomped upstairs, tugged at his little blazer, then, struck by inspiration, turned back down, "Mommy, I want to go shopping!"

"What?" Elaine objected outright. "No way. You tried to run away last night, and you think your daddy will let you out to gallivant? Stay put."

"Why not ask him?"

Sammy wasn't having any of her nonsense. He approached the landline, dialed a familiar number smartly.

Ludwik picked up swiftly.

"Daddy," Sammy's voice was syrupy sweet, "I want to go out and buy some new clothes. All I have upstairs are suits, and they've become so uncomfortable lately."

Ludwik was puzzled, "But didn't you always say you only wear suits? Black and white are your favorite colors, Danny."

"..."

Sammy stuck out his tongue, quickly adapting, "People change, Daddy. Can't I like sportswear now? Or are you too stingy to spend a few bucks on your son?"

"..."

Surprised by the newfound assertiveness, Ludwik was actually quite impressed. He liked this version of his son who was willing to engage in conversation.

"Should Mommy go with you?" Ludwik considered. Going out wasn't out of the question, but he feared the boy might run into Whitney.

"No." Sammy swiftly declined, shooting a glare at the wicked woman, then sweetened his voice, "Mommy just got back and she looks tired. If Daddy worries, just send a few extra bodyguards with me. I'll be really good."

Ludwik's mood lightened, "Alright, just come straight home after shopping!"

Elaine frowned in the background.

Upon hanging up, Sammy glanced coolly at her and marched out the door, bypassing her.

Lyra was livid, warning Elaine, "Miss, this little tyke's suddenly charming the Boss! He's getting closer to him. If he starts to turn the Boss against you with your own words, that won't be good for you."

Elaine squinted, a cold laugh escaping her lips, "What can a three-year-old possibly do? If he wants to play games with me, I've got plenty of tough lessons waiting for him!"

Before Whitney could get wind of this little brat, Elaine would take care of both of them!

Upbeat, Elaine climbed the stairs for a nap, waiting for Ludwik.

Her phone buzzed with a text. After a glance, she swiftly deleted it, but the message lingered in her mind: "Elaine, it's been years, and I'm still thinking of you."

Elaine closed her eyes, memories of passionate moments with that man flooding back.