Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 515

"Should I give Tiana a heads up?" Parker suggested.

Ludwik waved him off, glancing up. "No need. I've subtly hinted to Danny to keep an eye on his mom. Rushing to warn Tiana might just make her suspicious."

Parker thought about it and agreed, then got back to the matter at hand. "Right, Ludwik, the reason I wanted to talk to you. That doctor visiting the Sheldon Mansion, I got his name - Ryan, works in internal medicine at Emperor City Hospital. Hudson had him on retainer as Florence's health consultant once upon a time. I'm still digging into Ryan's personal life. He's got a solid resume, no red flags so far."

"Health consultant?" Ludwik, being new to Emperor City, wasn't up to speed on Florence's history.

"Look into him, every nook and cranny. Keep a close eye on this Ryan. Florence is keeping her guard up. She wouldn't let a stranger get close without good reason."

Ludwik stubbed out his cigarette, the smoke darkening his eyes. Parker, catching on, nodded in realization. "Maybe she's about to slip up."

Ludwik cleaned his fingers and opened a folder. "Let's hope so."

As Parker turned to leave, he hesitated. Ludwik, without looking up, asked, "Something else?"

"Actually, yes. There's something important. Ludwik, I think Whitney might know what's wrong with Natalie. What surprised me more was her mentioning today that you and Dr. Ford are keeping her in the dark because you think Natalie's condition is linked to her. She was so sharp, I couldn't even respond!"

Ludwik's breath hitched. "What did she say exactly?"

Parker squinted. "It's like she wanted to tell me something but didn't fully trust me. Anyway, she insisted I remind you that Natalie's spinal deterioration isn't that straightforward. Whitney said, the night Natalie was taken by Elaine, someone tampered with her spine! What does that mean?"

Ludwik put down his pen, nerves taut. Whitney... Could she have uncovered something about her mother's illness? What she meant, he wasn't sure.

"I understand." Ludwik pondered. He hadn't expected Whitney to not be shattered by her mother's illness. Could it be that she doesn't feel responsible for her mother's leukemia? She showed no signs of guilt.

"Ludwik, when you have a moment, maybe you should talk to Whitney about this. Since she's pieced together so much, perhaps she has a different take on Natalie's condition. Might as well clear the air," Parker advised before leaving.

Ludwik swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

---

Meanwhile.

Upon returning to her hotel, Whitney was greeted by the sight of Tiana and Cherry. She was pleasantly surprised. "Tiana, what brings you here?"