Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1000

Parisa cleared her throat and began in a polite tone, "Mr. Wilson, my reaching out to you this time isn't about work. It's about some personal matters that happened to me in Germinia. Once I'm done with my current commitments, I'd like to take some time to discuss them with you. I need your help to verify a few people back home."

Everything she learned that morning came from Florence's revelations.

As for who Whitney and Ludwik really were and what they had done to Florence—whether they were truly beyond redemption—Parisa intended to investigate personally before making any decisions.

In doing so, she also gained a comprehensive understanding of Florence.

Parisa was far from being judgmental without reason.

After ending the call with Phineas, Parisa took a moment to gather her thoughts, which had been scattered throughout the day. That's when Erik reminded her, "Chairwoman, it's almost time for your flight to Francalia. We can't afford any more delays."

"Right." Parisa gracefully picked up her trench coat and briefcase, pausing for a moment before casually asking, "How's Florence doing at SanctumMary Medical? Has she settled in alright?"

"I've arranged a private villa for Miss Florence, and she seems quite pleased with it. The head of the clinic is also arranging for the necessary maternity check-ups. Miss Florence was wondering if you could visit her today? She's eager to know when she can move into your place and be with you every day."

Florence wants to live at her place?

Parisa paused, not having considered bringing her daughter home so soon.

Perhaps she hadn't emotionally prepared for that step yet.

"Tell her I won't be able to visit today. I'll go straight to the hospital to see her once I'm back from my trip," she instructed.

Erik nodded and followed her to the car, heading to the Berlidon airport.

-

As night fell over SanctumMary Medical, the caretaker brought in a delicious spread of comfort food, while the nurse made sure Florence had everything she needed for dinner.

Noting the time, Florence requested a walk around the villa.

The hospital's courtyard boasted a large garden, with roses climbing the European-style walls. It was deep into the night, and the place was deserted.

Squinting her eyes, Florence dismissed the caretaker, "I need a moment to rest here. Come back for me in half an hour."

Once the caretaker and nurse had left, Florence looked around before sitting down on a carved bench and pulling out her phone to dial a number.

Bryce answered almost instantly, his voice filled with anxiety, "You've been out of touch for days. Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Florence, how's everything going?"

Florence's lips curled in amusement, "I had my encounter with Parisa planned out for the past few days, couldn't risk exposing us. Calling you now, obviously, I have good news!"

"..." Bryce exhaled in relief, excitement in his voice, "Parisa has acknowledged you as her daughter?!"

"Yes! Three days ago, I staged a car accident to leave a lasting impression on her. I pretended not to know her and ran away. Her assistant took a hair sample from my hospital room, and sure enough, she sought me out!

With the DNA results confirming our relationship, she shouldn't have any doubts.

I've spun a tale, blaming everything on Whitney and Ludwik.

Mr. Lutz, you owe me one. I made sure to mention your 'great favor' to me, to make a good impression on Parisa on your behalf. I haven’t forgotten your instructions; I’ve been working hard for you."

Florence made sure to show her loyalty, well aware that by impersonating Whitney, she was the one to benefit.

Bryce knew this all too well.

Taking down Phineas meant the Inko Group, a titan of Emperor City, would be headless. With Phineas out of the picture, Florence could easily manipulate Parisa into going after Ludwik and his crew, making their downfall inevitable.

The more Bryce thought about it, the more electrified he became, almost visualizing the day he'd rise from the ashes.

Soon, very soon!

"Just do what you think is best. But let me remind you, Parisa didn’t climb to the top of the corporate ladder by being simple-minded. You're playing a dangerous game by impersonating someone in her inner circle. Watch your back and make sure she doesn’t catch on to anything. And what about the baby? Did you intentionally lose it?”

“It survived, unfortunately,” Florence replied with a huff, clearly irritated by the resilience of the unwanted life within her.

Bryce, however, saw an opportunity, “Keep it. That child could be your leverage over Ludwik and the Lippert family in the future!”

Florence remained silent.

She wished the crash had ended everything then and there.

But fate had other plans, and the child survived against all odds.

Now, with Parisa, the wealthiest 'mom' in her corner, Florence wasn't worried about her future prospects. What use did she have for this reminder of a past mistake?

Better to get rid of it!

Florence curtly cut Bryce off, "I'll handle it!" Her tone left no room for further discussion.