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.

“The video leaked from the Joyful

was

now she wielded those memories as weapons to tear

heart.

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

care, my mother’s brain damage leaves her with a life expectancy of

that.” His voice was faint, his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

to stop. It’s all Whitney’s fault! New Year’s Eve, Natalie was so full

loving wife and child. All lies. Instead, I harbored a viper, and now

jail, no trial, life without parole. Hand over the rest of the evidence

Whitney to be taken away as

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

10-20

unnervingly calm since he slapped Whitney. This tranquility was

you should call a

out,” Ludwik commanded, too exhausted to

Parker and Nolan left the

o’clock that night, two officers entered Whitney’s hospital room.

jolted awake,

front of her, visibly shaken, “Officers, may I

for Whitney” The officers showed their badges and cut to the chase, “Mr. Lippert’s attorney has submitted evidence to the authorities. On the night of Keegan’s kidnapping of Natalie, you were seen getting into his assistant’s car. We

was sending her to jail;

premature labor. She can’t leave the hospital. Could you please consider this

doctor. Returning, he said, “We’ll take your statement here.

knuckles white, recounted everything without omission.

officers left, Whitney faltered, barely

sentenced tonight, life without parole. He wanted to see

make sense. Keegan hadn’t been directly responsible for Natalie’s state.

so soon.