Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 534

Ludwik left Whitney's mansion, his sleek Bentley cutting through the city streets. During the drive, his phone rang, interrupting the tense silence inside the car. "Ludwik, about those capsules you handed me this morning," the doctor's voice trembled on the line, "I've run some tests on the powder... It's not amoxicillin." "It's... a kind of sedative."

Fear laced the doctor's tone. "Who would dare use such a prohibited substance on you?"

Ludwik's imposing frame stiffened against the leather seat, his gaze sharp. "Turn the car around, Felix!"

Felix slammed on the brakes, swiveling the Bentley in a swift motion. "Mr. Lippert, what's the plan?"

"Get Parker on the line. We need to have a word with Dr. Ryan."

His words were ice cold, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.

At 2 p.m., Ryan found himself in a nondescript house, hands bound, courtesy of Parker's 'invitation.'

As he stumbled in, he was greeted by the sight of two men in sleek, dark suits, the embodiment of intimidation in the dim light.

"...Ludwik?" Ryan's voice was laced with confusion and fear.

Ludwik signaled Parker to cut him loose. Now free, Ryan didn't dare to stand, his oppressor's dark aura pinning him to the spot. He attempted a weak smile. "Ludwik, what brings me here?" "Just a little chat," Ludwik said, playing with his lighter, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "About the 'amoxicillin' you prescribed. Made for an... interesting night."

Ryan's face paled.

tracks, Ryan tried to bluff. "You're

eyebrow, presenting a medical report. "This says

report at Ryan, his grip tightening on his collar. "You drugged Harmonia Country's top bachelor with a sedative? Dr. Ryan, do you realize what this means for your career?" Ryan, drenched in cold sweat, could only stammer in denial.

Ludwik said slowly, his eyes growing colder. "I left a bit of powder

drug me, and you think I'll

a sedative; it won't cause much harm

lighter, the flame reflecting in his unfathomable eyes. "Let's cut to the chase. You've treated my

heart sank, his denial faltering under

him asthma medication. You've seen him. Where's Florence

know nothing about this!" Ryan's protests were weak, his fear

your own daughter, Dr. Ryan. How would

he knew nothing,

to reconsider, Dr. Ryan. Betray Florence, tell

was escorted

alone, Ludwik contemplated his next move, the extinguished cigarette between his fingers a testament to his simmering

etched on his face. "Ludwik, can Dr. Ryan really lead us to

carefully; we can't afford to spook Florence, not with my mother's

rescue Sammy quietly, or wait until Florence revealed herself, whichever came