Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 499

Parker: "What if you just came clean to Whitney? Told her you were only with her for Florence's sake? Maybe she wouldn't hate you this much?"

Ludwik chuckled and shook his head, "It's not as simple as you think. If it were, I'd have told her. Did you know? My mom's leukemia, Dr. Ford diagnosed it might be due to the pills Whitney's been giving her for the past three years. They contained something toxic. If Whitney ever found out it was her pills that made mom sick, or worse, led to her death, do you think there'd be any chance left for us?"

His cold smile floored Parker. What?

Ludwik looked down, "Three years ago, because of a feud with Keegan, she sought revenge. It left us both scarred. If we add familial hatred into the mix, what's left for us? I'm scared, Parker. Scared I can't get past it, but even more terrified she won't get past her mom's illness. Our relationship is already shattered. But if we get through this misunderstanding about Florence, once mom gets better, I can spend plenty of time fixing things with her. But if mom dies and she learns the truth, she'll spend her lifetime staying away from me." Listening to Ludwik's bitter confession, Parker's heart shattered, his eyes reddening slightly.

He realized the depth of Ludwik's turmoil.

So, that's why he was so desperate for Florence's procedure, to cure Natalie, and to bridge the gap between him and Whitney.

He had never given up on Whitney; he was bearing it all alone.

Parker, visibly moved, said, "In the end, you're taking on all this blame, all her misunderstanding and hatred, just to spare Whitney the guilt and self-blame. She'll never know you did this to protect her, for the slim chance... If it were me, I'd rather have the woman I love misunderstand me for being unfaithful than let her know she almost killed my mom. The former can be resolved with the truth. The latter is a thorn that stays forever."

He understood Ludwik now.

"But you can't keep this to yourself, you should've told me, at least. I could've helped carry the burden, made it a little less painful for you!"

Ludwik shook his head, "I brought this upon myself. I underestimated Florence, thought the donation process would be simple. I provoked Whitney by using Florence against her; her hatred is justified. Besides, Florence wanted the donation to be confidential; I couldn't say anything. Just... don't tell Whitney. In a month, it'll all be over, and I'll make sure Sammy is safe with her."

Ludwik gripped his wheelchair, his expression turning cold.

Parker, seeing the guilt in his eyes, said softly, "We never saw Florence's kidnapping of Sammy coming. You can't blame yourself for Sammy's disappearance. Blame your charm, Ludwik; it's too enticing for women. Did Florence make any demands? She looked so smug. Regardless of your response, I understand why you're keeping her close. Her spinal cord is of utmost importance, and without any leads on Sammy, Florence is our best clue."

Ludwik nodded, his thoughts aligning with Parker's as a chill spread through him, "If she wants to play, I'll play along!"

with someone, but Florence had preemptively seized two trump cards. How

her background. If Whitney asks about Sammy, tell her our

took a sip

you

the Lippert estate first. Thea's

wheelchair forward,

you looked at it,

that woman above all

Florence's sake because he thought you could handle it. The unbearable burdens, like accidents and kidnappings, he wouldn't let you face alone. He's confronting the

Parker knew something. Her heart skipped

talk to him?

"There's no truth. All I can say is Natalie's really sick, and if she's not saved, she might die soon. That's his mother, put yourself in

It's about you, Whitney.

I'm already looking into Florence, that's what Ludwik

a deep breath, finally hearing something

her and

moistened as she hung up and booked a flight to Banyan

called Hudson,

you, but suspecting Florence of kidnapping... I find it hard to believe, Florence seemed so kind." "I understand, I don't have solid evidence that Sammy is with her. Dad, I was thinking of taking a few days off, going

to join the headquarters of Sheldon Enterprises. If Holly tries to turn the Sheldons against me, you just need to show them the

Ludwik's thumb now; Holly won't be able

with disdain. "Dad's arranging for you to join Sheldon Enterprises in a week. I've been so enraged lately, my

for Holly, by tomorrow morning, she'll be out of the Sheldon

Whitney had no objections.

divorce was the best outcome for her. Once she joined Sheldon Enterprises, she would have the resources to deal with the Walkers and uncover the truth about her mother's death. At the