Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 555

"Where have you hidden Sammy?!" Whitney's hands fell from her chest, pressing hard against the table.

"Does it matter where he is?" Florence let out a content smile. "The important thing is, neither you nor Ludwik can find him. You've tried everything but can't find any evidence of my kidnapping. Because back in Banyan City, I had everything planned perfectly, taking your son from Elaine. I've successfully driven a wedge between you and Ludwik! It's too late for you now. The evidence has been destroyed. Your baseless speculations can't touch me. As long as I don't admit to kidnapping your son, even if you lock me up, I'll walk free!"

"What do you really want? You wouldn't go as far as taking a child's life, would you? What do you want from me?" Whitney spoke coldly, understanding Florence had summoned her here only to boldly confess to kidnapping Sammy because she had ulterior motives.

Florence's smile widened. "Sister, you've never disappointed me with your reactions. Now, you know very well, saving your son is something you have to do on your own. Relying on Ludwik? Then you'll never save your son. A man who's indecisive, a man who got your sister pregnant, how could you count on him?"

Whitney ignored her biting sarcasm, waiting for her to continue.

Florence pulled out a photo from her bag, holding it up. Her sinister grin spread. "This is your Sammy."

Whitney's eyes widened, her vision blurring momentarily. Her beloved, her Sammy...

The face in the photo was unmistakably Sammy's! As a mother, her instincts were infallible.

Sammy had lost weight. His dark eyes were still lively but looked frail as he lay on a white hospital bed, tubes inserted through his nostrils, his head wrapped in bandages. His gaze was cold and confused, like a trapped animal unable to struggle any longer.

Whitney sprang up, her despair driving her towards Florence. "You bitch, what have you done to my child!"

Florence stepped back, her face splashed with cold water as Whitney lashed out. She endured it because she knew this would break Whitney.

The bodyguard stepped forward, pushing Whitney away and shielding Florence.

Florence's voice floated out, taunting. "I didn't do much, just had a little surgery done on him. The kind that lowers intellect, erases memories. But your son, he's too smart, a real little genius. The surgery didn't have much effect!"

"Florence, I'll kill you! I swear, I'll kill you."

Whitney screamed, her body trembling uncontrollably with rage and hurt. Her eyes, filled with a murderous fury, seemed ready to tear Florence apart.

Her heart ached as if slashed with knives; she lunged forward, her hands reaching to strike.

"Stay down!" The bodyguard shoved her hard.

Whitney stumbled against the table.

Whitney's brow furrowed deeply, her expression cold.

"Hesitating?" Florence pressed on. "Is your son's life less important than your happiness? I just want Ludwik to give up on you completely. He must despise you!"

Her voice was sharp, filled with mockery. Whitney understood Florence was deliberately tormenting her.

Florence tried to reason. "Ludwik and I are entangled because of the baby. Don't you want to be free of him? Marry Bryce, become his wife, and Ludwik's gaze won't linger on you. Once everything settles, and Ludwik and I are married, I'll release Sammy. You can take your sons and disappear from Emperor City forever. I know your pride won't allow you to endure his embraces while he refuses to let you go. I'm thinking of you, isn't my plan generous?"

Whitney's voice was icy. "You kidnap my son and then offer his freedom as charity to me? Who gave you that audacity? Florence, you will pay dearly."

"Listen here, Sammy is Ludwik's flesh and blood. If you dare lay a finger on his son, you better think twice about the consequences! Marry him? You must be living in a fantasy. Before you know it, I'll have you behind bars. So, let me give you a piece of advice. If you don't want to end up six feet under, you'll release my son right now!"

"It's me setting the terms here, not you."

Florence, undeterred and unthreatened, retorted with a chilling tone. "Do you think I'm unaware of the risks of kidnapping Sammy? But even if the outcome is grim, I won't make it easy for you. You think I don't have the guts to harm your son? You're mistaken. Before you can even think about sending me to jail, your son will suffer unimaginably. He’ll wish he was dead. Go ahead, test me. I'll start with his legs, his arms, make him wish for death. I have a lab, equipped with all sorts of devices."