Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Tiana closed the room door as Valerie sat at the bedside, handing a glass of water to Whitney.

Turning around, Tiana couldn’t help but vent her thoughts. “You know, I used to think Ludwik was the epitome of charm. But now? Bryce, he’s like the George Clooney of men – mature, suave, and just as alluring. Sure, he may not have the old-money background or the clout Ludwik has, but he’s not far off.

It’s like choosing between ice and fire. If it were up to me, I’d go for the one who knows how to treat a lady right, and that’s Bryce all the way.”

She finished with a sly glance at Whitney.

Valerie saw Whitney’s distant gaze and nudged Tiana, whispering with a sigh, “After what Whitney’s just been through, you know as well as I do, the last thing on her mind is another

man.”

“But she’s a catch, isn’t she? Simon, Ludwik, Bryce… Apart from Simon, which one of them isn’t. a one-in-a-million guy? Whitney is a knockout.”

Whitney managed a small smirk at Tiana’s teasing.

Delighted, Tiana patted her shoulder. “Look at yourself, Whitney. Ludwik has turned you into a shadow of yourself. If you ask me, he’s no better than a manipulative jerk, not the only one suffering, and yet he believes every word from that bitch, time and again misunderstanding you. Let him stew in his own mess.

Now he’s set to get hitched to Elaine in four days, and you’re supposed to be getting engaged to Bryce the day after. Time to move on and stop pining over him. He wasn’t even there for his own child.”

Tiana trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

Whitney’s heart skipped a beat, still haunted by the recent events. Shaking her head, she muttered, “Maybe there’s no future for us. Ever since Natalie’s accident, it’s been one long explanation after another. He wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t believe. I’m tired. I almost lost my child. I’m scared now. It’s time to let go of him.”

Though the pain lingered, voicing her thoughts seemed to bring relief.

She wiped the tears from her cheeks, revealing a faint smile.

Valerie and Tiana came over, tenderly stroking her hair. “Whether you let go or not, you can fool others but yourself. Whitney, you still have your child to stay with you. And if you want, Bryce could be by your side too.”

Whitney gave Tiana a speechless look, shaking her head. “Let’s not talk about feelings. I’ve been hurt enough. I just want to protect my child right now. I’ll focus on giving birth and not dwell on anything else. Don’t worry, I’m not knocked down yet. There’s so much more for me to do. Oh, Tiana, any updates about that investigation into Elaine’s surgery?”

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Chapter 216

“Just about to tell you,” Tiana began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I found out that on the day of Natalie and Elaine’s surgeries, two doctors were on call, neither the top experts from TriMed Hospital’s renal department. Ludwik is a major investor at TriMed, and his mother’s surgery should have had the best resources. But Elaine claimed Natalie’s condition was sudden, and the other doctors were all unavailable.”

Tiana’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Guess where those two doctors used to work?”

Whitney understood immediately. “The Bartels family’s medical center in Emperor City?”

“Exactly. That part of their resume vanished, and it’s old history. I had to hack into the medical system multiple times to find any trace.”

Taking a deep breath, Whitney’s eyes flashed with resolve. “Tiana, check how many kidney transplants were scheduled that day, especially during the same time as Natalie’s. Find out who those patients were!”

At Whitney’s suggestion, Tiana and Valerie paused, exchanging knowing looks.

Tiana’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting Elaine might have-”

Before she could finish, Whitney nodded, a silent understanding between them. “Be careful!”

After a few hours, Bryce returned swiftly from a meeting in the afternoon. Tiana and Valerie exchanged winks and discreetly made their exit.

Whitney rolled her eyes at her friends, trying to dispel the awkwardness. “Don’t mind their looks. They’re just being fanciful and leaving us with embarrassment.”

Bryce chuckled. “I don’t find it embarrassing at all. In fact, I quite enjoy it.”

“This is the place,” Bryce said as they walked in. “I’ve checked the area, and this is the safest and most comfortable option. It’s on the fourth floor, which is good for you given you’re about to giving birth in two months. Even in a blackout, you won’t have trouble getting up and down.”