Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Parker: "What if you just came clean to Whitney? Told her you were only with her for Florence's sake? Maybe she wouldn't hate you this much?" Ludwik chuckled and shook his head, "It's not as simple as you think. If it were, I'd have told her. Did you know? My mom's leukemia, Dr. Ford diagnosed it might be due to the pills Whitney's been giving her for the past three years. They contained something toxic. If Whitney ever found out it was her pills that made mom sick, or worse, led to her death, do you think there'd be any chance left for us?"

His cold smile floored Parker.

What?

Ludwik looked down, "Three years ago, because of a feud with Keegan, she sought revenge. It left us both scarred. If we add familial hatred into the mix, what's left for us? I'm scared, Parker. Scared I can't get past it, but even more terrified she won't get past her mom's illness. Our relationship is already shattered. But if we get through this misunderstanding about Florence, once mom gets better, I can spend plenty of time fixing things with her. But if mom dies and she learns the truth, she'll spend her lifetime staying away from me."

Listening to Ludwik's bitter confession, Parker's heart shattered, his eyes reddening slightly.

He realized the depth of Ludwik's turmoil.

So, that's why he was so desperate for Florence's procedure, to cure Natalie, and to bridge the gap between him and Whitney.

He had never given up on Whitney; he was bearing it all alone.

Parker, visibly moved, said, "In the end, you're taking on all this blame, all her misunderstanding and hatred, just to spare Whitney the guilt and self- blame. She'll never know you did this to protect her, for the slim chance... If it were me, I'd rather have the woman I love misunderstand me for being unfaithful than let her know she almost killed my mom. The former can be resolved with the truth. The latter is a thorn that stays forever."

He understood Ludwik now.

"But you can't keep this to yourself, you should've told me, at least. I could've helped carry the burden, made it a little less painful for you!"

Ludwik shook his head, "I brought this upon myself. I underestimated Florence, thought the donation process would be simple. I provoked Whitney by using Florence against her; her hatred is justified. Besides, Florence wanted the donation to be confidential; I couldn't say anything. Just... don't tell Whitney. In a month, it'll all be over, and I'll make sure Sammy is safe with her."

Ludwik gripped his wheelchair, his expression turning cold.

Parker, seeing the guilt in his eyes, said softly, "We never saw Florence's kidnapping of Sammy coming. You can't blame yourself for Sammy's disappearance. Blame your charm, Ludwik; it's too enticing for women. Did Florence make any demands? She looked so smug. Regardless of your response, I understand why you're keeping her close. Her spinal cord is of utmost importance, and without any leads on Sammy, Florence is our best clue."

Ludwik nodded, his thoughts aligning with Parker's as a chill spread through him, "If she wants to play, I'll play along!"

Parker was frustrated. It was easy for Ludwik to deal with someone, but Florence had preemptively seized two trump cards. How formidable she was! He shivered at the thought.

"You better go, keep an eye on Florence, start digging into her background. If Whitney asks about Sammy, tell her our progress, don't let her get too heartbroken."

Ludwik took a sip of water.

Felix, concerned, urged, "Mr. Lippert, you need to go to the hospital.”

"No need for the hospital, I'm heading back to the Lippert estate first. Thea's plot against Whitney in that car accident isn't over yet."

Ludwik pushed his wheelchair forward, his tone icy.

Parker watched him leave, sighing. No matter how you looked at it, he truly cared for Whitney.

He cherished that woman above all else.

Unable to help himself, Parker texted Whitney, "Don't hate Ludwik. He let you bear the brunt for Florence's sake because he thought you could handle it. The unbearable burdens, like accidents and kidnappings, he wouldn't let you face alone. He's confronting the Lippert family head on. He really does love you."

Whitney sensed Parker knew something. Her heart skipped a beat.

She immediately replied, "Did you talk to him? Did he tell you the truth?"

Parker panicked, "There's no truth. All I can say is Natalie's really sick, and if she's not saved, she might die soon. That's his mother, put yourself in his shoes; you wouldn't watch your own mother die either. Besides..."

It's about you, Whitney.

Parker hesitated, "Just rest, Whitney. Clear your mind. I know you're worried about Sammy. I'm already looking into Florence, that's what Ludwik wants, he's not out of his senses!"

Whitney took a deep breath, finally hearing something she'd hoped for.

Did Ludwik trust her and Danny's evidence?

Her eyes moistened as she hung up and booked a flight to Banyan City.

Late at night, Whitney called Hudson, "Dad, are you still awake?"

"With everything that's happened today, how could I sleep?" Hudson replied with a weary laugh. "I thought Holly was the only one against but suspecting Florence of

yeta

kidnapping... I find it hard to believe, Florence seemed so kind."

"I understand, I don't have solid evidence that Sammy is with her. Dad, I was thinking of taking a few days off, going back to Banyan City."

After that, I'm planning to join the headquarters of Sheldon Enterprises. If Holly tries to turn the Sheldons against me, you just need to show them the evidence of her bullying.

The Walkers are under Ludwik's thumb now; Holly won't be able to stir up any trouble."

"That's just perfect," Hudson snorted with disdain. "Dad's arranging for you to join Sheldon Enterprises in a week. I've been so enraged lately, my heart can't take much more.

As for Holly, by tomorrow morning, she'll be out of the Sheldon household, officially separated!"

Whitney had no objections.

Hudson's divorce was the best

outcome for her. Once she joined Sheldon Enterprises, she would have

the resources to deal with the

Walkers and uncover the truth about her mother's death.

At the Sheldon Mansion.

Holly overheard Hudson's phone call, her eyes twisting in rage and trembling with anger.

She returned to her bedroom and immediately made a call, "Hudson's kicking me out tomorrow, making our separation official. And in a week, he's letting Whitney join Sheldon Enterprises!

Father and daughter sure know how to play their games!

Well, let's see if he survives the week?"

A sinister determination flashed in her eyes.

The next day.

Whitney quietly, accompanied by Danny, flew back to Banyan City.novelbin

Having left Banyan City just half a month ago, her reunion with her uncle, Yael, Tiana, and Valerie felt like a long-awaited one. After having lunch with her uncle and friends.

In the afternoon, Whitney made her way to Skyfaith Hospital, where Natalie was being treated. Ludwik refused to divulge any information, and Parker seemed to be deliberately hiding something.

She had to see Natalie and find out the truth about her illness, to understand why it was so serious.

Moreover, if Florence's kidnapping of Sammy was true, then she must have abducted him from Elaine's custody.

She needed to see Elaine in person.