Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 415

Ludwik had never imagined that his business deal would morph into a marriage alliance. Indeed, Jason's proposal seemed only natural in the scheme of things. As far as Ludwik was concerned, his feelings were secondary; what mattered most was Florence's health since she was the 'donor' in question.

Evaluating the girl before him, he said, "How have you been feeling lately? I'm thinking of getting a nutritionist for you."

"Ludwik, is it time for your mom's transfusion?" she asked with genuine concern.

Ludwik nodded gravely, "It has to be done within a fortnight."

"I'm sorry! My health hasn't been the best lately, but I promise to eat more and get stronger," she said, her voice hurried and punctuated by coughs, her face pale.

Ludwik could see that her health was far from ideal. Frowning, he said, "I'm sorry to hear that, Florence. You might need to eat more, maybe have a few extra meals a day to boost your blood levels. The doctor mentioned it's important for you to stay as stress-free as possible."

"I understand, happiness is key. You know what would make me really happy? If you could spare some time to go on our first date today," she pleaded childishly.

Ludwik sighed internally, knowing he had to play the part. Asking a girl with a terminal illness to be a blood donor, he had to uphold his part of the deal. Besides, taking good care of Florence meant his mother would be well cared for too.

The man nodded coolly, "Alright. Let's start with a hearty lunch."

"Let's go!" she said, standing up slowly, "I've never dined out before. I'm so excited to pick a place."

---

As the private jet neared its descent, Hudson, seizing a moment while Danny slept, spoke to Whitney, "I've done some digging into your life, I hope you don't mind. I've grown quite fond of this little grandson of mine... You see, the reason I was so eager for you to come back to New York was to secure a marriage alliance with the Lippert family for you. Initially, Jason and I had agreed on Florence from the Sheldon family. But now that you've been acknowledged, I thought perhaps you could marry into the Lippert family instead." Whitney was taken aback by the revelation.

smiled, "The child's father, he's Ludwik, isn't

Blushing, Whitney nodded.

now?" Hudson continued, seeing the realization dawn

and daughter. It

managed, a blush of embarrassment

our fair share of

darkened at the

the plane landed, Hudson arranged for a car to take them to the Sheldon Mansion in Brew Hill, about an

I'll take Danny there first," Whitney said, preferring not to bring her son

with Danny. At six, my car will come for you. It's your first time

Whitney agreed.

---

father has brought that wretch back home with a grand entrance on a private jet! And he's planning to bring her to the Sheldon family dinner tonight, to

to do," Florence said, a hint of bitterness

to her aid, "You can't even walk back from the restroom

with a wry smile, then looked up at him, "Ludwik, would you come home with me today to meet my

hesitated but knew

think I won't live much longer, and

had no choice but to agree,

Let's go shopping for a gift for

phone buzzed, but he ignored it to help Florence into the car. When he finally glanced at the screen, his heart

---

at the hotel, Whitney settled Danny down for a nap and ordered lunch. Looking out over the unfamiliar vistas of New York, she couldn't help but feel alienated, her heart craving something familiar. In this sprawling, unfamiliar city, the only person she longed for was