Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 530

Ryan hurried through the night, his two bodyguards in tow, as they helped Ludwik into the Sheldon family's ancient mansion, taking him directly to Florence's bedroom on the second floor.

"What dosage did you administer?" Florence asked, laying the man on her bed, her gaze fixed on Ryan.

Ryan squinted. "Ms. Sheldon, given Ludwik's robust constitution, I had to use a heavy dose to ensure he'd be out."

"How long will he be under?"

"No more than an hour. But rest assured, the sedative won't harm his bodily functions."

Florence, looking down at Ludwik's striking features, couldn't help but smile, grateful for her and Ryan's meticulous planning. Despite Ludwik not touching the drugged meal, Ryan's concoction was foolproof.

Florence took a sip of milk, coughed lightly, and with a sharp look in her eyes, she pressed, "What did he ask you when he took you aside?"

"Ludwik was genuinely seeking medical advice for his asthma..."

Ryan glanced towards the bed before lowering his voice, "The kid has it too; it's likely hereditary."

Florence frowned. "But I've never heard of Ludwik having asthma. You don't think he was fishing for information?"

Recalling his conversation with Ludwik, Ryan concealed the fact that he had discreetly prescribed asthma medication for Sammy.

"He didn't ask anything out of the ordinary, and there was nothing probing in his tone. You can trust me, Ms. Sheldon; I didn't give anything away."

Despite her doubts, Florence had more pressing matters to attend to. She extended her hand, "Give me the aphrodisiac."

"Right away." Ryan turned to fetch it from his medical bag.

Florence remembered her meeting with Elaine, where she inquired about Ludwik's personal affairs, specifically whether Elaine had been intimate with him. Elaine's reaction was telling; she mocked Florence's ambition to secure her place by Ludwik's side through bearing his child.

Elaine's scornful departure didn't deter Florence. She believed in her own allure, confident in her vulnerability and grace. Yet, Ludwik's resolve was known to be strong.

Unsure, Florence's expression shifted as she called to Dr. Ryan, "Include a dose of hallucinogens."

She was determined to leave nothing to chance tonight.

-

An hour later, Ludwik awoke in a feverish haze, his body drenched in sweat, his shirt clinging to his well-defined torso. Disoriented, he stumbled towards the counter in search of water, just as Florence emerged from the bathroom, draped in a thin bathrobe, her skin glowing, her delicate figure barely concealed.

Ludwik's gaze fixed on her, his mind clouded and chaotic. Struggling to stand, he pointed at her, "You..."

Florence quickly closed the distance, taking his finger into her hand, her breath warm on his face, "Ludwik, it's Whitney."