Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
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.

Why, indeed? Ludwik fell into thought. Perhaps it started three years ago, when he was continuously let down by Whitney, and Elaine was always there, supporting him. Plus, she donated a kidney to his mother, and had once saved him from a severe panic attack years ago. Such a selfless woman, Ludwik naturally wouldn't suspect her of ulterior motives. But he forgot, people change. Today, he realized Elaine wasn't as invested in Danny's matters, showing a two-faced nature. Recalling the time Danny was injured in the bathroom, it might very well have been her doing. Such scheming, especially when it involved Danny, crossed a line for him.

At the entrance of Everwood Villa, Endora waited with her bag, tension evident in her posture as a Bentley and a Maserati pulled up. Elaine stepped out, relieved to see Endora, thankful for her quick thinking in sending a message for backup at the preschool, to craft an 'alibi'.

Ludwik, a man of imposing stature, descended from the Bentley, his aura unmistakable. This was Endora's first real encounter with Mr. Lippert, having been outside his circle despite her family's efforts. Struck by his presence, she found herself momentarily lost for words, his cold gaze adding to her nervousness.

"Mr. Lippert..." she began tentatively. Ludwik, holding his son, signaled for the housekeeper to open the door, ignoring Endora's approach. Under Elaine's cue, Endora blurted out, "I heard about the misunderstanding with Elaine. It was my fault, really. I dragged her out to help me choose a necklace, and she couldn't say no..."

"Rainey, I was with you all afternoon. It's not your fault. Danny was supposed to be safe at school..." Elaine's act of playing the victim didn't faze Ludwik. His dismissal was clear, "Are you done? You can leave now."

Caught off guard, Endora looked to Elaine, her attempt at deception failing miserably. Elaine, frustrated with Endora's lack of convincing, signaled her to leave. With Sammy in his arms, Ludwik entered the grand villa, leaving Elaine to scramble for his forgiveness, unaware that his concerns lay elsewhere.

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?