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.

father, he's

Blushing, Whitney nodded.

continued, seeing the

and daughter. It was a warm, familial feeling she hadn't experienced in

know," she managed, a blush of embarrassment

Your mother and I, we had our fair share of arguments, but it only made

darkened

Hudson arranged for a car to take them to the

Danny there first," Whitney said, preferring not to bring her son into

agreed, "Rest up with Danny. At six, my car will come for you. It's your first time coming home, and your grandparents might be there. It

Whitney agreed.

---

that wretch back home with a grand entrance on a private jet! And he's

daughter is back in New York? I know what to do," Florence said, a hint of bitterness

table, she suddenly felt breathless, forcing Ludwik to rush to her aid, "You can't even walk back from the restroom without

up at him, "Ludwik,

but knew he

a special day, our first date, and I've never been healthy. My parents probably think I won't live much longer, and I want to give them some happiness

no choice but to

go shopping for a gift for her," Florence said,

he ignored it to help Florence into the car. When he finally glanced at the screen, his heart skipped a beat - Whitney had sent him a

---

for a nap and ordered lunch. Looking out over the unfamiliar vistas of New York, she couldn't help but feel