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!"

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

eye on Florence, start digging into her background. If Whitney asks about

took a sip

Lippert, you

for the hospital, I'm heading back to the Lippert estate first. Thea's plot against Whitney in

wheelchair forward, his tone

you looked at it,

that woman

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

knew something. Her heart skipped a

you talk to him? Did he tell you the

sick, and if she's not saved, she might die soon. That's his mother, put yourself

It's about you, Whitney.

know you're worried about Sammy. I'm already looking into Florence,

finally hearing something

her and

moistened as she hung up and

Whitney called Hudson, "Dad, are you

suspecting Florence of kidnapping... I find it hard to believe, Florence

to turn the Sheldons against me, you just need to show them the

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

snorted with disdain. "Dad's arranging for you to join Sheldon Enterprises in a

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

Whitney had no objections.

joined Sheldon Enterprises, she would have the resources to deal with the Walkers and uncover the truth about her