Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 514

Three days later.

Whitney had everything arranged in Hudson's hospital room-she hired a caregiver and personally interviewed a few bodyguards to ensure round-the-clock protection. Her acute gastritis had flared up but was now under control and no longer painful. The doctors assured

her that there were no other health issues. Whitney felt the same and was discharged from the hospital.

That morning, Parker rushed to the hospital, planning to drive her back to the hotel. But Bryce had arrived first. As soon as he entered the room, Parker saw Bryce packing Whitney's bags. Parker's eyes narrowed fiercely as he walked in. Whitney smiled at him, but it was a polite, distant smile. Silently cursing Ludwik under his breath, Parker realized Whitney wasn't too keen on dealing with him anymore.

"Ms. Valentine, all set to go? I can drive you back to the hotel," Parker said, a hint of a smirk on his face as he glanced at Bryce, mocking his attentiveness.

Whitney looked at Parker and declined, "Mr. Doonan, that won't be necessary."

"It's no trouble at all; Ludwik himself insisted!"

Bryce turned around, a deep smile in his eyes, "I'm afraid that makes Whitney even less inclined to accept Mr. Doonan's offer."

Whitney's silence spoke volumes. She walked over to Bryce, grabbed her bag, and said, "Really, Mr. Doonan, it's okay." She calmly walked out of the room. Bryce gently supported her slender waist as they left. Parker felt a surge of annoyance bubble up inside him and let out a long sigh.

to catch up, "I've got something to say to you. You

here just wants to put in a

her. She paused, turning slightly, "Bryce, could you please wait for me

approached, he once again glanced at Bryce, whose mood seemed off, "You're quite formal with him,

jaw. Whitney walked to a quieter spot in the corridor, "Mr. Doonan, if this is about

caught the light as he spoke, "I just want to point out some truths you're probably already aware of. You were willing to come back to Banyan City to investigate Natalie's condition for Ludwik's sake. Whitney, can't you see his engagement to Florence is just a strategic delay? His goal is simply

Florence, waiting for her to slip up. And the reason he hasn't acted against Florence yet is that

of his foolish decision to sacrifice his marriage. He was a man used to going his own way, with his own plans and strategies. Why should she forgive his so-called difficulties? Why should she play along with his games, allowing him to

He's especially guilty about Sammy, wanting to give you back a

understand mine?" Whitney's cold question cut through. She scoffed, "He makes decisions without consulting anyone. Let him taste the consequences alone. Besides, he and Florence make a perfect match, don't they? I didn't see him unhappy." She added, "He can save his Sammy and mother. I'll find my own way. We have nothing to do with each other. I won't foolishly

her limit. Parker stepped back, understanding her stance, "I

Doonan, don't make it

Natalie would endanger her daughter. All she could do was warn, "Natalie's spinal decay isn't simple. I don't know why Dr. Ford barred

unaware of the full story, only knowing of Whitney's pills causing Natalie's leukemia from what Ludwik had told him. Frowning, Parker's phone buzzed with

had just finished a meeting. Lately, he had been at odds with the senior board member, Jarvis, putting the Lippet Group in a tight spot. Jarvis's under-the-table dealings with the Patrick Group had been cut off

looked up as Parker walked in, his expression darkening, "You

City?" Parker strolled in, teasing, "Why not

"I'd love to, if she'd