Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Florence couldn't afford to hesitate in that moment, fearing if she didn't agree, Ludwik might not engage with the Sheldon family's plans. With a smile, she quickly agreed, "It's no big deal, really. Dr. Ryan? Oh, he's just someone who's treated me before. Just a doctor I happen to know quite well. I'll invite him to try, okay?"

"Sure," Ludwik said before hanging up.

Clutching her phone tightly, Florence called over Myra, "Ryan's whereabouts these past few days, any issues? Ludwik's digging into Ryan!"

Myra reassured her, "Ms. Sheldon, no worries. Our private eye has been keeping tabs on Ryan. He's been sticking to his routine, barely stepping out of the General Hospital, let alone visiting other departments. Ludwik wouldn't guess that Dr. Ryan is one of your lab guys. Besides, except for you and Dr. Ryan, no one knows where your lab is. There's no need to be overly anxious."

Florence nodded, feeling somewhat reassured. As long as she didn't admit to anything or leak any information, Ludwik and Whitney would never find Sammy. She calmed herself, "Bring Ryan over. I need to brief him on a few things."

Meanwhile, after ending the call with Florence, Ludwik asked Parker to get in touch with Whitney.

Parker raised an eyebrow, "Can't you just call her yourself? Ludwik, you won't win back your ex by saving face. Ever heard of 'winning back your wife only happens at a funeral'? Good women fear persistent men; if you keep at it, Whitney might just forgive you!"

Ludwik's handsome face darkened, "How do you know I haven't tried? I did, but she wouldn't pick up. She yelled at me over Bryce the other day, and I wasn't exactly nice either."

Parker was speechless, "You guys fought again?"

Ludwik remained silent.

Parker gave him a look of utter disdain, "She's pregnant, and you're still making her mad? With your EQ and tactics, I'm genuinely worried you'll end up alone for the rest of your life."

Ludwik snapped, "Shut it! Just make the call."

Parker begrudgingly did as told. Whitney, respecting Parker enough, picked up soon after, "Mr. Doonan, what do you want?"

Ludwik, looking intently at his phone, spoke up, "Whitney, it's me."

Immediate silence fell on the other end, the atmosphere turning tense.

Ludwik felt a headache coming on, sensing her coldness towards him. He clasped his hands together, taking the initiative to explain, "I'm calling because I have a reason, not to waste your time."

"That sentence was a waste of time," Whitney retorted sharply.

Parker silently set the phone down, turning away.

Ludwik watched his shoulders shrug, his broad back turning towards him as he leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowing, "Sammy has asthma, doesn't he?"

Whitney's breathing paused, her gaze narrowing, "Why do you ask?"

"Send me all the details about Sammy's asthma, his condition, the medication he uses. I need it."

"Have you made any progress?" Whitney pressed, her concerns for her son overriding her resentment. "If you have a lead, I'll help without hesitation!" Because she couldn't extract any useful information from Florence's side.

"I've made some progress. I've said it before, I'll bring him back to you safe and sound. Just wait a bit longer," Ludwik said, his voice deep and laden with emotion, as if trying to bridge the distance between them.

Whitney's heart raced, her eyes misting over. She remembered Parker mentioning that Ludwik's engagement to Florence was just a ploy to safely extract information about Sammy. Her mind, previously tense, relaxed slightly, then immediately tensed up again, maintaining a cool demeanor, "I'll send it to you right away. What use do you have for Sammy's medical records?"

"To test a doctor," Ludwik said, not revealing much before he was sure.

Whitney hung up.

Ten minutes later, detailed information landed on Ludwik's phone.

He grabbed his coat, his tall, slender figure moving towards the office door.

As the evening approached Brew Hill, the Sheldon family estate was lit up and festive.

Ludwik arrived alone, his long legs carrying him through the gates.

Jared and Emma greeted him, "Ludwik, you're here. I was thinking of discussing with your father about having an engagement party for you two. Florence mentioned you've been busy, but I figured we should at least have a ceremony for you young folks. We haven't prepared much, just a dinner together. Florence is in the kitchen cooking for you herself. The poor girl, frail and not much of a talker, Ludwik, I hope you'll treasure my granddaughter in the future."

Jared's speech was loaded with unspoken expectations. He had heard the high society rumors about Ludwik's coldness towards Florence since their engagement. Jared, ever ambitious and clear on gains and losses, saw Ludwik as an essential match for Florence. Their marriage would secure the Sheldon family's status in Harmonia Country, possibly even surpassing the Nelson family!

Ludwik nodded slightly, his expression cool, without making any promises to Jared.

This worried Emma, who hurried into the kitchen, "Florence, Ludwik's here. Stop with the cooking; your hands are getting rough. Let the servants handle it. Go and spend some time with Ludwik, try to get married this year! Later, make sure Ludwik has some wine, try to keep him here tonight..." The old lady was hinting at something.

Florence's eyes narrowed slightly, her face showing a flustered shyness, "Grandma, what are you saying!"

"These days, young people, you know, once the deal is sealed, his heart will truly belong to you. No chance for any other temptress!" Emma huffed. Florence smiled inwardly, "Don't be too hard on sister. Sienna's just stirring up baseless gossip."novelbin

Florence's heart fluttered with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "I believe... Ludwik still has a spot for me in his heart. Tonight... I'll give it a shot."

Her bashful demeanor was utterly charming, prompting Emma to chuckle and gently pinch her cheek. "You're the Sheldon family's pride and joy, my dear. You are the legitimate lady of the house. Whitney, that girl born out of wedlock, she'll never hold a candle to you!"

At the mention of being the 'legitimate lady,' Florence felt a pang of unease, a turmoil stirring within her.

"Darling, what are you and Florence whispering about? Get the dinner served; don't keep Ludwik waiting," Jared called out from across the room.

Florence hurried to comply, her heart

skipping a beat as she entered the

living room and caught Ludwik's gaze fixed upon Ryan, seated across on the plush sofa. His piercing look, sharp as an eagle's, had Ryan, a doctor unaccustomed to the imposing presence of the Lippert family's eldest son, feeling completely overwhelmed, barely able to breathe, let alone initiate conversation.

Just as the atmosphere turned almost suffocating, Ludwik stood up. His gaze shifted to Florence. "Florence, would you please invite the grandparents to the table? It's time for dinner."

"Of course, Ludwik. Shall I hang up your coat for you?" Florence offered, her voice laced with a sweet eagerness as she stepped closer and reached for his blazer.

Ludwik did not object to her gesture of intimacy, allowing her to take his coat.

The room filled with an unspoken

tension and anticipation as Florence navigated her role within the Sheldon family, striving to secure her place by Ludwik's side against

the backdrop of fan all

and societal norms, all the while battling the shadow cast by Whitney's existence. The dinner table, set with a traditional American feast of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce,

became the arena where family dynamics, old grudges, and budding romances subtly unfolded under the warm glow of the chandelier.