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.

video leaked from the Joyful Manor party,

it obvious?” Ludwik’s laugh was bitter now.

very parties; now she

heart.

My mother’s frail, and yet,

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

His voice was faint, his eyes glistened with unshed tears. In the presence of a mother, every man

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

have a warm home, a loving wife and child. All lies. Instead, I harbored a viper, and now I’ve lost

chuckle slipped from Ludwik as he closed his eyes, his voice icy, “Throw Keegan in jail, no trial, life without parole. Hand over the rest of the evidence to the police and let them arrest whoever they need to.”

was clear he meant for Whitney to be taken away as well.

face paled, and he nudged Parker, whispering. “Ludwik’s hand is shaking, he’s

10-20

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

maybe you should call a doctor…”

too

and Nolan left the room, their

night, two officers entered Whitney’s hospital room.

was jolted awake, groggy and confused.

of her, visibly shaken, “Officers,

has submitted evidence to the authorities. On the night of

sending her to jail; he would

pleaded, “Officers, Whitney is pregnant and at risk of premature labor. She can’t leave the hospital. Could you please consider this

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

white, recounted everything

barely able to sit

without parole. He wanted to see

been directly responsible for Natalie’s state. It couldn’t be

sentence so soon.