Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1083

From the moment Bryce picked her up from the airport last night, his acting had been flawless better than Florence's, even. That wasn't how it was supposed to

be.

Parisa was sharp, too sharp. She saw right through Bryce's "words." Florence watched Parisa out of the corner of her eye, a chill settling in her gut, unable to decipher what thoughts lay behind the woman's calculating gaze.

Bryce had warned her, once they reached Banyan City, to keep a close eye on Parisa. Florence still couldn't figure out why Parisa insisted on visiting Banyan City. A sense of unease prickled at her mind, but she was determined not to let Parisa remember anything.

Ha. Banyan City had little more than Faulkner Tennyson's grave. There was no one left who could remind Parisa of the past. Whitney wasn't even there. What did Parisa hope to recall? If she was going to regain her memory, she would've done it years ago.

Florence suppressed her anxiety. Bryce had already arranged everything at the cemetery; nothing could go wrong. Her lips curled into a cold smile as she reassured herself.

The morning air had a crisp chill to it.

Ludwik parked the Bentley in front of the children's hospital. As he stepped out, he lowered his head and coughed softly. Parker emerged from the passenger side, noting the sharpness of Ludwik's suit, though his face bore the telltale signs of a sleepless night. The deep furrow in his brow was hard to miss. "Ludwik, you look like you're coming down with something. Haven't stopped for days. Should we get you some medicine?"

Ludwik shot him a glance but didn't respond, heading straight for the neonatal unit.

On the third floor, he instinctively softened his steps as he exited the elevator. Parker noticed Ludwik's cautious demeanor and followed suit, lowering his own voice.

The two approached the NICU, where the door was ajar. Parker was about to step inside when Ludwik's long hand stopped him. From inside, he heard a familiar voice.

the incubator. She gently adjusted the tiny blanket and glanced at the monitor's readings. Then

swollen, a telltale sign of tears shed during her call with Tiana. She had

silence, Tiana finally responded, her voice filled with shock, "Whitney... I can't believe it. I had no idea! Ludwik kept this

didn't want to believe it either, but the DNA

you accept

"Yes, a daughter."

a touch of pity in her voice. "You

prematurely. The doctors say she needs lung surgery. I'm heartbroken," Whitney's voice

I can hear how much you care. You wouldn't just walk

the night here, learning about her condition and considering treatment options. I'm thinking of using some herbal remedies for her jaundice," Whitney said, choking

1.n

to save her. Sammy and Danny adore their sister. And Ludwik... he's done

that feeling. I was angry at Cherry, but when she was born, helpless and

wish I could nurse her, but she can barely digest a few ounces of milk. She's so tiny, just

worry! She knows you're there, her mom, along with her brothers and dad. She'll fight through this! Believe in

mind was a whirlwind, but her focus was clear: the child's recovery

sighed again, "Oh, Whitney, you wouldn't believe it!

Whitney was