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."

betrayal looming over him. Could he turn against

---

"Ah..."

Mommy, I'm late..." What did he mean by that? Whitney's heart raced, panic rising from within. As sensation returned to her fingers, she touched the corners of her

was met by a nurse, "Miss, you've just had an endoscopy. Try not to get too worked

rasped, pushing the nurse away, "How long was I

the orders, mistaking your standard endoscopy for a more common general anesthesia procedure. You

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

adheres to protocols. Children are always accompanied by adults here." Yet, the image of Sammy lingered in Whitney's mind. Desperate for a glimpse of her son, she scoured the hospital, opening doors and

---

Florence, supported by Myra,

now growing inside her a secret tie to Ludwik he'd never expect. Her

hospital.

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