Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 412

Ludwik always had his reservations about Whitney visiting Natalie in the hospital. He even mentioned that there was no need for her to seek traditional Chinese medicine for Natalie's ailments. Whitney didn't want to cause any discomfort, so she had been avoiding the topic these past few days.

But when Natalie said she missed her, Whitney's heart softened, and she quickly drove to Skyfaith Hospital.

The mood in Natalie's room was lively, thanks to Danny's presence, who seemed to have shed a bit of his usual aloofness. Maybe it was because Sammy wasn't there, but he took it upon himself to bring some energy into the room, which warmed Whitney's heart. "Natalie," Whitney called out as she entered.

Natalie immediately looked over, smiling and waving despite the IV in her nose, which Whitney found a bit odd. "How have you been feeling lately?"

"Grandma's been having this weird issue, keeps getting nosebleeds. Must be the heat or something," Danny said, frustrated.

It didn't make sense to Whitney; given Natalie's condition, it seemed unlikely it was due to "heat."

Instinctively, Whitney reached for Natalie's wrist to feel her pulse, but Dr. Ford stepped in, somewhat blocking her. "Ms. Valentine, Natalie's doing just fine. It's just a minor issue, nothing for you to worry about."

Whitney wasn't born yesterday; she sensed Dr. Ford might be under Ludwik's orders to keep a close eye on Natalie.

So, she didn't push further, though she noticed Natalie seemed thinner.

"I'll be alright. Dr. Ford will take good care of me," Natalie said optimistically.

Dr. Ford gave a stiff smile and stepped out, though he stayed close to the door.

to sit down and holding her hand.

Danny

"Whitney, you and that boy have been tangled up for years. Can't you give him another chance? I waited to talk to you because I know you're upset. He told me those pictures of him with another girl were a misunderstanding. He wouldn't lie to me. Something tells me he's suffering... After your fight, he got so drunk he ended up with alcohol poisoning and was hospitalized. He came to me in the middle of the night, saying he didn't have feelings for anyone else and just wanted to reconcile with you, but you wouldn't have it. He said hearing you on the phone with another man while he was in the hospital

was taken aback.

had been harsh on the phone that day,

thinks you've moved on, feels totally defeated. My son, he's far from perfect, but he loves you. He knew how much Sammy's disappearance hurt you, so he and Parker immediately went to look for

moment, the truth hit her, and

"Whitney, I've only ever approved of you as my daughter-in-law. Please, think of the children. You and Ludwik owe it to them to provide a complete family. He grew up without one, and I know the pain all too well. My son has his faults, but he's loyal and capable. I don't believe you've fallen out of love with him so quickly. If there's still a place for him in your heart, give him another chance. I'm sure you two can work things out because deep down, you still love each

light, Whitney

first step. He's longing for reconciliation. And later, if you want, you can take your time to make him pay for his mistakes," Natalie pressed on, her voice filled with hope. Whitney looked away, torn, her lips pressed tight, unable to voice her

between her and Ludwik, entangled even before the past seven years? If he hadn't mistaken Elaine for

planning a trip to Emperor City. Maybe you could reach out to him for a talk?" Natalie

----

to their apartment, Bryce's

the Rolls-Royce, his suit perfectly tailored, a smile gracing his

it was about her moving to Emperor City due to her work and lifestyle needs, something she had

Skye Gem Ltd., was among the first to

man, positioning himself protectively

of Danny's animosity towards Bryce, "Mommy has some important things to discuss with him. Could you wait for us

refuse, fearing he'd upset his

a huff, he