Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 515

"Should I give Tiana a heads up?" Parker suggested.

Ludwik waved him off, glancing up. "No need. I've subtly hinted to Danny to keep an eye on his mom. Rushing to warn Tiana might just make her suspicious."

Parker thought about it and agreed, then got back to the matter at hand. "Right, Ludwik, the reason I wanted to talk to you. That doctor visiting the Sheldon Mansion, I got his name - Ryan, works in internal medicine at Emperor City Hospital. Hudson had him on retainer as Florence's health consultant once upon a time. I'm still digging into Ryan's personal life. He's got a solid resume, no red flags so far."

"Health consultant?" Ludwik, being new to Emperor City, wasn't up to speed on Florence's history.

"Look into him, every nook and cranny. Keep a close eye on this Ryan. Florence is keeping her guard up. She wouldn't let a stranger get close without good reason."

Ludwik stubbed out his cigarette, the smoke darkening his eyes. Parker, catching on, nodded in realization. "Maybe she's about to slip up."

Ludwik cleaned his fingers and opened a folder. "Let's hope so."

As Parker turned to leave, he hesitated. Ludwik, without looking up, asked, "Something else?"

"Actually, yes. There's something important. Ludwik, I think Whitney might know what's wrong with Natalie. What surprised me more was her mentioning today that you and Dr. Ford are keeping her in the dark because you think Natalie's condition is linked to her. She was so sharp, I couldn't even respond!"

Ludwik's breath hitched. "What did she say exactly?"

squinted. "It's like she wanted to tell me something but didn't fully trust me. Anyway, she insisted I remind you that Natalie's spinal deterioration isn't that

nerves taut. Whitney... Could she have uncovered something about her mother's illness? What

expected Whitney to not be shattered by her mother's illness. Could it be

you have a moment, maybe you should talk to Whitney about this. Since she's pieced together so much, perhaps she has a different take on Natalie's condition. Might as

hard, nodding

---

Meanwhile.

her hotel, Whitney was greeted by the sight of Tiana and Cherry. She was pleasantly surprised.

hugged her. "I saw the news about your dad getting shot! Then Parker reached out and said you fainted from the shock at the hospital. How could I not worry? I was just about to settle my parents down and then take Cherry to Emperor City for a bit, away from Barclay's mess. Turns out, I'm right on time to be with you.

interfere with his chance to woo Whitney. His eyes darkened, but he maintained a warm smile. "Ms. Melford, it's great you're here for Whitney. She must be thrilled. However, this suite might be a bit cramped. Whitney, how about I find a spacious apartment in Emperor City for Ms. Melford?

staying with Whitney, how am I supposed to look after her? Besides, if I need a place, Whitney will get

eyeing Cherry for touching his stuff. Between him and Sammy, one was annoyed by Cherry, the other adored her to bits. Whitney's eyes softened, determined. "Once Sammy's back, this place really won't do. I haven't

got a new bestie behind my back

"Of course, no one can shake

pouted, satisfied with the clarification. Bryce, seeing the sisters immersed in their chat, with Tiana chattering away and him unable to get a word in, cleared his throat gently. "Whitney, I've put away your luggage. It's almost noon.

when Danny was the first to object. "I'm not going! Mom, if you wanna go, go without me." The little guy coldly refused, subtly threatening Cherry by tugging

"Mommy, I don't wanna go either. I wanna play

her with disdain, eyeing Bryce as if he