Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1006

Ludwik stood up, his eyes throwing daggers at her. His next words sent shivers down her spine, “Did you really think just because I haven’t killed you, you can find sanctuary here?

On the brink of death, and not a single truth escapes your lips.

Aide, keep a tight watch on her. I’ll take her back home and finish this myself.”

“What? You’re taking me back?” Florence’s face turned pale with fear.

A cold smile played on Ludwik’s lips. “Panicking, are we? Bryce has no idea I’ve already made it to Germinia, does he? Whatever little scheme you’ve cooked up, I’ll make sure it ends in failure!”

After he spoke, knowing he would pry no more information from her, he left without a second glance.

Florence collapsed onto the bed, the intense pain from her surgery momentarily forgotten.

She was in utter panic. Ludwik might not have believed her story. If he still suspected her involvement with the Inko Group, suspecting someone inside… he would surely investigate the Inko Tower in Berlidon.

His presence here, though not as influential as back in Emperor City, meant it was only a matter of time before he found something. And if he discovered anything about Parisa…

Moreover, Parisa was due back from a business trip tomorrow!

Erik had mentioned she’d come straight to the hospital to visit her.

…If Ludwik were to run into her then, everything would fall apart.

Florence became restless, like a cat on a hot tin roof. Ludwik showed no signs of leaving the hospital. She was incapacitated after her surgery and under his surveillance. What was she to do?

-

Outside the hospital room, Ludwik sent his aide to call Cara out.

Trembling, Cara stepped out to face the tall, menacing figure before her. Instinctively taking a breath, a bad feeling settled over her, “...Ludwik Lippert, what do you want with me?”

“You’re from the Sheldon family’s household staff? Followed Florence all the way to Germinia?”

The maid was fearful, “Mr. Lippert, have mercy! I was merely following Mrs. Sheldon’s orders, to look after Ms. Sheldon. I know nothing of their plans.”

“I noticed you showed mercy to the child last night.”

Ludwik loomed over her, a mix of menace and magnanimity, “Following Florence makes you complicit. Now that she’s in my grasp, what do you think your fate will be?!”

“Mr. Lippert, please, I didn’t mean to be complicit.”

“I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourself.” Ludwik flicked his cigarette away, “What has Florence been up to since arriving in Germinia? Who has she met? Tell me, and I might just spare your life.”

Cara whitened, clearly troubled.

“So loyal, are we?” Ludwik’s patience was wearing thin.

The maid fell to her knees, shaking her head, “Mr. Lippert, it’s not that I refuse to tell. But Ms. Sheldon was always cautious around me. Ever since we arrived in Germinia, she kept me locked in the hotel, unaware of her or the bodyguard’s whereabouts.

Her demeanor is so cold; I dared not ask. The day of the car accident, I wasn’t there. I don’t know who she met… The only thing I know is that she was constantly surveilling from the hotel. Who she was watching, I couldn’t say.”

Ludwik’s gaze turned frosty, “Surveilling? Which hotel was she staying at?”

“Bellden Hotel. Later, she dragged me to live under a bridge for a few days before we ended up at Sanctum Mary Medical,” Cara mumbled, confused.

Ludwik’s eyes chilled further. Such erratic behavior must have a cause.

He quickly set off to check the Bellden Hotel.

You could almost picture Sammy's small hands trembling as he typed that last line.

Ludwik's heart skipped a beat, yet his concern immediately shifted to Sammy and Danny. What kind of mishap?

Could Bryce be lurking, waiting for a chance to harm his children?

His eyes narrowed, a chill running through him, as he texted back: "Sammy, what exactly happened to you and Danny? Your sister's been safely born, and I've got her back. I'll bring her home as soon as I can. Try to calm your mom down, tell her not to worry!"

Ludwik's rare tenderness was reserved entirely for his family and for Whitney.

After sending the message, he closed his eyes tightly, determined to figure out why Florence had stayed here in the first place. Who was she involved with? Without unearthing that person, he couldn't begin to guess what other schemes Bryce might have up his sleeve.

Trouble was brewing; they were bound to strike back!

He had to dismantle this threat. Bryce dared to target his sons? He was courting death!

-

In the hospital room, Florence watched Cara return with a predatory glare.

The nanny had been called out a moment ago, and Florence suspected Ludwik wanted to interrogate her, perhaps even win her over. That traitorous old bat, if she spilled anything, Florence would make her pay!

Her gaze was cold and sharp as a knife as she stared down the nanny.

Cara, noticing the tension, stood beside Ludwik's assistant, too scared to move.

Suddenly, Florence's voice took on a sinister tone, "I need to use the restroom. Nanny, help me in!"