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!"

Ludwik to deal with someone, but Florence had

go, keep an eye on Florence, start digging into her background. If Whitney asks

took a

you need to go to

hospital, I'm heading back to the Lippert estate first. Thea's plot against Whitney in that car accident isn't over

wheelchair forward,

how you looked at it,

that woman above

himself, Parker texted Whitney, "Don't hate Ludwik. He let you bear the brunt for Florence's sake because he thought you could handle it. The unbearable burdens, like accidents and kidnappings, he

Parker knew something. Her

replied, "Did you talk to him? Did he tell you

is Natalie's really sick, and if she's not saved, she might die soon. That's his mother, put yourself in his shoes; you wouldn't watch your

It's about you, Whitney.

Sammy. I'm already

breath, finally hearing something she'd hoped

her

up and booked a

Hudson, "Dad, are you still

the only one against 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

headquarters of Sheldon Enterprises. If Holly tries to turn

now; Holly won't be able to stir

join Sheldon Enterprises in a week.

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

Whitney had no objections.

Enterprises, she would have the resources to deal with the Walkers and uncover the truth