Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 552

The Lippert family's hospital was bustling as usual, but Ludwik's stride towards his mother's room carried an urgency that cut through the everyday hum. He scanned the room, his heart sinking when he found no trace of Whitney. Natalie, fully awake and in good spirits with her grandson Danny by her side, lifted her head slightly. "Ludwik, what brings you back so soon?" she asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Ludwik's gaze briefly touched his son before returning to his mother, his voice rough with concern. "Mom, where's Whitney?"

"Oh, she was here just an hour ago," Natalie replied.

Danny piped up, "Mom said she wasn't feeling well and needed to head home for a bit."

Ludwik's heart plummeted. Whitney's absence wasn't due to illness. The news of Florence's pregnancy must have reached her... She must be devastated, he thought, to leave Danny and vanish without a word.

Turning to Danny, Ludwik fought to keep his voice steady. "Stay here with grandma, alright? The nurses will look after you. Daddy needs to find your mommy."

Danny waved a small hand as Ludwik hurried out, the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Ludwik arrived at Delight Mansion to find it ominously quiet. The door was closed, the only sign of life the faint glow of the porch light against the gloomy sky. Whitney wasn't home; she hadn't come back at all.

Whitney or Tiana, Ludwik's worst fears seemed confirmed. Whitney was avoiding him, disappearing on

Ludwik knew he was out of options. She was gone, and he hadn't even had the chance

"Whitney! Whitney, please, don't hide from me! I'm begging you, just talk to

Back at Lippert Group's

smirk on his face as he watched the chaos unfold on the screens before him. The stock was plummeting, shareholders were in panic, and Ludwik, the

threatened to

drama. "If Whitney refuses him, Ludwik's reputation is

Florence met

Lutz, a potential ally from Banyan City Despite their brief past interaction, Florence's current predicament

Ludwik's missteps and net

and Bryce intended to use

a sly gleam in them. "Florence, seeking you out, well, it's because I'm interested in

what sort of collaboration are

one, Ms. Sheldon, no need for me to spell it out. You're after Ludwik, while I've got my sights set

mere