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?"

me. Anyway, she insisted I remind you that Natalie's spinal deterioration isn't that straightforward. Whitney said,

Could she have uncovered something about her mother's

mother's illness. Could it

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

hard,

---

Meanwhile.

sight of Tiana and Cherry. She was pleasantly

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

realized Tiana was here to stay with Whitney. Clearly, this would 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.

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

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 gotten around

curiously, feigning jealousy. "You've got a

Whitney explained. "Of course, no one can shake Tiana's place in my

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. Since Ms. Melford

when Danny was the first to object. "I'm not going! Mom, if you wanna go, go without me." The

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

disdain, eyeing Bryce as if he was the