Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 381

Two days later.

Ludwik stood by the hospital bed, holding Natalie's hand.

With each passing day, Natalie was showing signs of recovery. Her gaze had cleared, and she could now recognize faces.

She could smile at Ludwik, blink, and even show displeasure through subtle gestures.

The doctor even remarked, "The lady is gaining some mobility in her limbs. She could, with effort, manage to walk a few steps now."

Ludwik's smile broadened, radiating warmth.

"Mom, did you hear that? You'll be back on your feet in no time."

Natalie responded with a smile and a playful wink.

"Can you try to speak?" Ludwik leaned closer, gently stroking her hair.

His gaze deepened as he held Natalie's hand, attempting to delve into the past, "About that night three years ago, when Keegan and Whitney took you, can you tell me what happened?" The unexpected question startled Natalie.

Her expression shifted to one of fear, and her frail hand trembled in Ludwik's grip.

She began to squirm in bed, her hand reaching towards her left kidney area.

With a desperate look, she opened her mouth as if she had a world to tell but could only produce simple sounds like "ah" and "is."

"Mr. Lippert, not now," the doctor intervened, alarmed by the soaring vitals on the monitor. "Her emotional state can severely impact her recovery, and her vocal cords aren't ready for speech yet." Ludwik, filled with concern, could only guess that the terror of that night three years ago was far from ordinary.

"What do you mean by 'is'? Were you trying to say someone's name?"

He reassured his mother, "Mom, don't rush. If words fail you, rest now."

Under his calming presence, Natalie slowly drifted back to a peaceful state.

her eyes open. As Ludwik stepped out to speak with the doctor, she clung to

you want to see Danny?"

slightly; she longed to see both her grandsons,

mean by two?" Ludwik

a realization dawned, "You only have

remembered hearing two names, Danny and Sammy, in her semi-conscious state. She was sure she had two grandsons. Why didn't

over," Ludwik

arranged for the maid

discussion, Ludwik was briefed by the

few sounds today, but we must proceed with caution. She's still in a precarious state, awaiting further tests and dealing with complications from her old ailments. Stability is our priority." Understanding the gravity of his mother's condition, Ludwik

time for your flight to

-

awaited Lyra's return

we must act now. I've learned that Mr. Lippert had a specialist consult this morning and even brought up that night three years ago. Although his mother couldn't speak, she managed to make some sounds..." "Elaine, there's no time to waste!" Delphine urged, a

move. She quizzed Lyra, "Did you

half a million. She disclosed the guards' shift change..." "This time, we cannot

-

about Natalie's condition. "Grandma couldn't speak. And something Dad asked her this morning nearly made her pass out," Danny recounted. Whitney's worry deepened, fearing for Natalie's wellbeing and the secrets she held about that night three years ago. "Sammy, if you wish to visit Grandma, now might be a good chance. With Dad away

She could indirectly examine Natalie through

visit Grandma. You've seen me treat patients for three years.

Sammy nodded in understanding.

cords was feasible with precise acupuncture, targeting specific areas

and Elaine's threat loomed large. Unbeknownst to Ludwik, Natalie was in

-

in

revealing a glimpse of a maid serving food

a shift change,"

An afternoon shower had just passed, leaving the luxurious, tightly sealed

behind a mask,

towards the IV

understanding it was

nurse adjusted the needle and moved closer to hang the