Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 529

Jared's eyes crinkled with a smile. Ludwik's gentle demeanor towards Florence reassured him, sweeping away any doubts he previously harbored.

Rising to his feet alongside Mrs. Sheldon, he addressed Ludwik, "My dear, Mrs. Sheldon and I have some errands to run. Tonight, as you and Florence celebrate your engagement dinner, we'll excuse ourselves. Enjoy your meal and have a pleasant chat." Leaning on his cane, Jared and Emma exited the Sheldon family's living room, leaving it noticeably quieter as the staff's presence diminished.

Ludwik, unfazed, casually took his seat at the dinner table, beginning his meal with an air of detachment.

"Florence softly offered, "Ludwik, I made this dish myself. Please, have a taste."

"I don't eat chicken," he replied coldly, his demeanor changing instantly.

Florence realized then that his pleasant facade was merely for the sake of his grandfather, offering him a semblance of respect. Behind closed doors, his disdain was unmistakably clear. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Ryan, sitting awkwardly at the table, was taken aback by Ludwik's starkly different attitude towards Ms. Sheldon in private, struggling to hide his surprise.

The chilling atmosphere Ludwik exuded enveloped the table as he finally turned his attention to Ryan, "Is this Dr. Ryan?"

Noticing his undue focus on Ryan, Florence fidgeted nervously, absentmindedly nodding, "Dr. Ryan, Ludwik mentioned he's been feeling under the weather, would you mind checking on him?" Ludwik set down his fork, his gaze locked on it, revealing he hadn't touched his food. Florence realized her plan to slip something into his meal had failed.

Her eyes darted around anxiously as Ludwik approached Ryan, feigning illness to avoid eating, "I'm unwell, Dr. Ryan. Could you examine me now?"

agreeing, "Of course. It's our duty as

was conveniently close to the porch. Ludwik, his figure casting a shadow under

Ryan expressed surprise, pulling out his stethoscope and flashlight.

children, don't appear to have

on the face. It's during an episode that we

"My attacks are rare but severe. Without my inhaler, I could go into

Ryan remained professional, asking

his medication. Ludwik produced a children's asthma inhaler, leading to a brief discussion about its appropriateness and

asthma isn't typically hereditary, Ludwik decided to leave, thanking Ryan for

Ryan offered Ludwik

his

accepted, acknowledging he'd been

to his

en novelxo

with Florence limited to a brief, strained glance as he exited the Sheldon

utter grievance on her face. "Ludwik, are you

you asked of

with sarcasm as he fixed his gaze on Florence, his eyes a

his mother's battle with leukemia, the spinal tap procedures she endured, and Sammy's mysterious disappearance fueled