Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 535

"Ms. Sheldon, you want to transfer the embryo from Whitney's womb into yours..." Ryan glanced at Florence's abdomen, his mind racing. Was the child Whitney was carrying Ludwik's? Otherwise, why would Ms. Sheldon harbor such venomous thoughts towards her half- sister?

But he had seen Ludwik's ruthlessness firsthand just earlier that day. Ryan's heart trembled involuntarily. Beyond the moral implications, the procedure of live embryo transfer itself seemed fraught with danger... Shaking his head in fear and apprehension, Ryan protested, "I know. That's why I've come to you." Florence cut him off with confidence, narrowing her eyes, "Dr. Ryan, don't play coy. Your research in IVF is groundbreaking, including techniques that others might not dare to touch. Am I wrong?"

"Ms. Sheldon, this kind of transplant... it's not straightforward."

Cornered with no excuse, Ryan was painfully aware of the secret research he had been conducting for years, supported and leveraged by Florence herself! Their findings had ventured into some dark places, making them a fortune. Obsessed with the forbidden realms of medical science, Florence was the only patron willing to finance Ryan's research endeavors.

Facing him, Florence continued, "Now, we need to confirm whether Whitney is indeed pregnant and if so, how far along she is. Time is of the essence. Once the embryo implants in her uterus, it'll be much more difficult to transfer, won't it?" Ryan nodded, voicing his concerns, "Ms. Sheldon, Whitney isn't naive. If she knows she's pregnant, she won't let anyone just... extract her embryo!"

Florence fell silent, then narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "What if she doesn't know?" Ludwik's behavior that night, his constant evasion. What if Whitney was unaware of her pregnancy? Was Ludwik hiding it, fearing she might terminate the pregnancy?

If Whitney would reject the child upon knowing, why not take it? After all, genuine offspring of Ludwik, once in her womb, would signify a bond formed on that night with Ludwik! This child could be her trump card in securing her place within the Lippert family. Florence's thoughts grew increasingly wild, her cheeks flushing with a feverish intensity. She was determined, her intentions dark, "First things first, we need to confirm Whitney's pregnancy.

The day my father had his accident, Whitney fainted at the General Hospital, probably around the time Ludwik realized she was pregnant. It won't be hard to get her back into the hospital... I'll arrange everything... Then, you can have someone perform the examination, which will also reveal if she's aware of her pregnancy! If she's oblivious, then you can proceed. I'll ensure I'm in optimal health these coming days."

this before. I don't know if it will be successful. What if the embryo transfer is too complicated? We might end up sacrificing a small embryo, a life. And Ludwik...

her pale face tightening with a cold threat, "Do you know your flaw? Compassion.

"But Ludwik... His methods

fearing Ludwik before. Why

me on edge," Ryan lied. Florence scrutinized his changing expressions, skeptical, her voice softening, "If Ludwik did approach you, I trust you're smart enough to handle him, Dr. Ryan. You've

face turned ashen, mumbling, "Yes, the child's lost some cognitive functions and memory,

"Serves him right," Florence

approved, satisfied, "You've already

Dr. Ryan, you're in too deep, and the evidence I hold against you isn't minor Ludwik might make your life

"Concerned about Ludwik's retaliation? Why not secure a lifeline for yourself? Transferring Whitney's embryo to me gives you leverage. Afraid of Ludwik's

of merely changing the guardian of the embryo, allowing it a chance at life... Ryan's silence was all the confirmation Florence needed

to the General Hospital

my instructions. With those final words, Florence discreetly left the Sutton residence. As soon as she got into the car, Myra handed her a steaming cup of tea. Florence took a sip, her voice icy

Myra frowned, "You mean, Ludwik