Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 169

In Natalie’s hospital

Elaine had been moved to the adjacent intensive care unit. Ludwik had hired the best private nurse for her.

The man himself, Ludwik, sat alone by his mother’s bedside, a silent sentinel for over four hours.

No one knew what turmoil churned behind his stoic facade.

As dusk enveloped the city, Parker and Nolan strode into the sterile room.

Ludwik looked up, his eyes weary as he extended a hand.

Parker approached, “I got the surveillance footage from the coastal villa and the intersection where Keegan snatched Natalie”

Ludwik, clinging to a shred of sanity, needed to see the damning evidence of Whitney’s betrayal, even after he had expelled her from his life

But reality was a cruel mistress. The villa’s nearby camera had captured Whitney being rescued by Keegan’s assistant and whisked away into the night.

And just a half–hour before, Keegan had kidnapped Natalie from the roadside.

After viewing both pieces of footage, a tired, hollow laugh escaped Ludwik. He waved them off, “Call Taryn in

here.”

When Taryn entered, Ludwik’s voice was low; “Did you hear the entire call Keegan made to my mother that day? What did he say?”

Taryn recounted with painful accuracy, “Keegan baited her with Whitney… said her child was at risk of miscarriage, refusing treatment. Natalie, worried for her grandchild and unable to reach you, hastily left the villa with me and a driver, only to walk into a trap.”

Why had he been unreachable? He’d been detained at the police station.

hesitating. “The video leaked from the Joyful Manor

laugh was bitter now. “Why

parties; now she

heart.

shut, “Why can women be so cruel? My mother’s frail,

say even with the best care, my mother’s brain damage leaves her with a life expectancy of three

his eyes glistened with unshed tears. In the presence of

fault! New Year’s Eve, Natalie was so full of life, laughing over the phone. She’s clung to

loving wife and child. All lies.

jail, no trial, life without parole. Hand over the rest of the evidence to the police and let them arrest whoever they need to.”

meant for Whitney to

Nolan caught sight of Ludwik’s trembling hand. His face paled, and he nudged Parker, whispering. “Ludwik’s hand is shaking, he’s about

10-20

noticed and took a deep breath. Ludwik had been unnervingly calm since he slapped Whitney. This tranquility

should

commanded, too exhausted to

disobey, and Parker and Nolan left the room, their minds heavy

o’clock that night, two officers

awake, groggy and confused.

front of her, visibly shaken, “Officers,

evidence to the authorities. On the night of Keegan’s kidnapping of Natalie, you were seen getting into his assistant’s car. We need to question you about your involvement in the kidnapping.”

He was sending her to jail; he

is pregnant and at risk of premature

stepped out to consult with a doctor. Returning, he said, “We’ll take your statement here. Please explain

white, recounted everything

the officers left, Whitney faltered, barely able to sit up straight.

being sentenced tonight, life without parole. He wanted

been directly

sentence so soon.