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 sleeping child in the incubator. She gently adjusted the tiny blanket and glanced at the monitor's readings. Then she took a few

sleepless night. Her eyes were slightly swollen, a telltale sign of tears shed during her call with Tiana. She had just shared the news about the

with shock, "Whitney... I can't believe it. I had no idea!

it either, but the DNA test

you accept her? A little

"Yes, a daughter."

to do?" Tiana asked, concern and a touch

was born prematurely. The doctors say

strong. I can hear how much you care. You wouldn't just walk away. Are you at the hospital

about her condition and considering treatment options. I'm thinking of using some herbal remedies for her jaundice," Whitney said, choking up as she looked at the tiny, unaware figure

1.n

she's your child. Of course, you'll do everything to save her. Sammy and Danny adore their sister. And Ludwik... he's done everything to bring her back.

can't help but love her, right? I know that feeling. I was angry at Cherry, but when

but she can barely digest a few ounces of milk. She's so

and dad. She'll fight through this! Believe in your

was a whirlwind, but her focus was clear:

it! Valerie

was taken