Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 470

The ominous black SUV that had kidnapped him was finally tracked down in Empire City.

“I bet Sammy's probably in Empire City, held captive. His fingerprints were on the car, along with another adult’s - they were partial, but I’ve got the police on it for a match. This piece of fabric, Sammy must've torn it off someone!”

Ludwik presented the fabric clearly, as Whitney and Danny leaned in closer to inspect.

The man spoke gravely, “This looks like it could be from a woman's dress, maybe Elaine's. If that's the case, then this clue might not mean much, because Sammy... he's no longer with Elaine.”

Whitney zoomed in on the fabric, suddenly asking, “But what if it isn't Elaine's? Does she usually wear this kind of embroidered clothing?”

“I never paid attention.” Ludwik tried to recall, but realized he couldn't remember Elaine's usual attire; he never cared about her.

Whitney scoffed at his response, “And to think you were with her for three years.”

“...” Ludwik gave her a cold look, ignoring her sarcasm.

Whitney frowned, “Regardless, Sammy left us this for a reason, he's smart! I believe this fabric is a vital clue, we should check its material, craftsmanship, or maybe the pattern?”

“This flower pattern is peculiar, Mom.” Danny's sharp eyes were fixed on the embroidery. “I haven't seen this flower design anywhere else, but it feels familiar...” He scrunched up his face in thought.

“Where have you seen it?” Ludwik asked, bending down.

Danny was momentarily lost, “I can't pinpoint it, but it struck a chord the moment I saw it.”

“No worries, think it over,” Whitney said, looking back up at Ludwik, “If you're heading to Banyan City, could you confront Elaine about whether this fabric is from her dress?”

“I'll be in Banyan City in the next few days,” Ludwik said with a furrowed brow, when suddenly, his phone rang.

Caller ID flashed: Florence.

Danny and Whitney both froze, then Danny pursed his lips, his warm attitude due to Sammy's situation suddenly turning icy. He declined Florence's call.

“That vixen, calling so late! Hmph!”

Whitney watched her son's actions silently, her thoughts drifting away, as if a cold wind had swept through her heart.

Ludwik glanced at her, his handsome face stiffening. The atmosphere, just moments before harmonious, now felt shattered, sinking into silence. His lips tightened unconsciously, hesitating to call back, but then, the phone rang again...

---

At the Sheldon family home.

Nine o'clock, amidst the dense night, Florence met with Drew before driving back from the Sheldon family's back hill to the front yard villa. She hadn't even taken off her gloves when entering her bedroom.

“Hmph, I know how to get Ludwik back.” Florence's lips curled into a cold smirk, redialing the phone.

Ludwik stepped away to take Florence's call, hearing her rushed coughing, she said in a whimper, “Ludwik, the doctor checked my blood pressure, and it's not looking good. It's already ten, aren't you coming back to check on me? The doctor insisted I take this herbal concoction, but without you here, I just can't stomach it. My heart rate's all over the place too, I'm such a klutz…”

Her voice was feeble, a soft plea for comfort.

Ludwik's brow furrowed as he checked the time; indeed, it was ten, the usual time for her nightly check-up. He had promised to be there, to stand by her side. How could her blood pressure be off again?

Taking a deep breath, Ludwik hurried back, only to find Whitney standing there in silence, desolately alone. His heart twitched at the sight. Avoiding eye contact, his expression grim, he headed towards the suite's entrance. “I... got something urgent to tend to. You guys should head to bed early.”

Danny glared coldly, fists clenched. Without a word, he suddenly stormed off, slamming the door to his room shut behind him!

Ludwik froze in place.

Whitney, trying to hide the flush of anger because of her son, scoffed in disappointment. “If you can't be there for him, don't pretend like you care. Kids aren't like adults; they get hurt easily.”

“Whitney…”

“Don't keep your sweetheart waiting, Mr. Lippert!” Whitney sneered, cutting him off without a chance to explain, and forcefully shut the door.