Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 538

At the hospital, with the window by Whitney's bed cracked open just a bit, a loyal aide reported to Dr. Ryan, "I don't know how he knew, but when his mom arrived at the hospital, he bolted here from the operating theater... Luckily, we're on the first floor, so climbing through

the window wasn't dangerous. Dr. Ryan, we can't let Florence find out he's still running around. You need to take him back, stat."

"Little rascal!" Ryan muttered under his breath, frustration lacing his voice. He scooped up the boy from the floor, hiding him under his lab coat, and stealthily made his exit through a side door.

In the neighboring building's patient ward, Ryan unceremoniously dropped the boy back onto the bed. To his surprise, the action roused the previously unconscious youngster. Lifting his head, the boy's usually soft gaze sharpened as he grabbed Ryan's coat, his voice weak, "What have you done to my mom?!"

Ryan was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Quiet down!" he scolded. But the boy's eyes, dark and intelligent, remained fixed on him. With a softer tone, Ryan tried to placate him, "Don't stir up more trouble. Right now, you're 'the kid who had surgery', so keep quiet. If it weren't for your high IQ, I would have been harsher. Remember, you're practically a prisoner now. Ms. Sheldon's plans are beyond your interference. Stay out of trouble, and don't eavesdrop on my conversations. Your time under my protection is running out!"

With a firm hand, Ryan ensured the boy drifted back into unconsciousness, his eyes defiant till the end. Ryan sighed, instructing his trusted aide, "Keep a close eye on him. If Ms. Sheldon finds out he saw Whitney, it's over for him. Continue the pretense with his medication. We can't let her suspect anything."

The aide nervously replied, "Dr. Ryan, I'm afraid we can't keep him hidden for much longer. Ms. Sheldon is planning to move him."

threat of betrayal looming over him. Could he turn against Ms. Sheldon

---

"Ah..."

to, her head foggy, feeling like she had slept abnormally long and had a dream. Sammy came to see her! Her precious boy had come. She tried to recall his words amid the throbbing headache, "Sorry, Mommy, I'm late..." What did he mean by that? Whitney's heart raced, panic rising from within.

"Miss, you've just had an endoscopy. Try not to get too worked up. How's your throat? Have

anesthesia. I'm holding you accountable," Whitney rasped, pushing the nurse away, "How long was I

mistaking your standard endoscopy for a more common general anesthesia procedure. You remained unconscious for

still groggy. Then, urgently, she inquired, "While under anesthesia, did a child enter

accompanied by adults here." Yet, the image of Sammy lingered in Whitney's mind. Desperate for a glimpse of her

---

Florence, supported by Myra,

voice tinged with anticipation about the embryo now growing inside her a secret tie to Ludwik he'd never expect. Her mother, Holly, shared her excitement, praising Florence's flawless plan. Florence inquired about Whitney, only to hear she remained clueless

hospital.

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