Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 380

Tiana watched Whitney return empty-handed, her heart aching uncontrollably. "Whitney, all this effort you're putting in for that jerk Ludwik, it's just not worth it! You've been busting your gut trying to heal his mom, and what does he do? Doubts you, even forbids you from treating the old lady!"

Whitney clasped her chest, a bitter smile on her lips. "He misunderstands me, and it really gets under my skin. He doesn't trust me one bit. But I guess I can see where he's coming from. He's too wound up about Natalie. That kidnapping incident with his uncle three years ago did a number on him, so he's lumped me in with the bad guys."

"But the thing is, with Natalie waking up, how could Elaine not catch wind of it? Ludwik, that scumbag, is he blind to the real threat here? Once Elaine finds out Natalie's awake, feeling guilty as sin, she'll make her move. The real danger isn't you, it's her..."

Tiana was so angry she could spit blood.

Whitney looked at her sharply, sighing. "You're frantic, I'm even more so. Natalie being able to speak is key, that's why I'm desperate to get her treatment, afraid of a relapse."

"But that damn Ludwik is blocking you..." Tiana was beyond words.

"I'll find a way," Whitney said, her brows furrowing.

---

After a spell of rain.

In a high-end hotel with European flair, a young woman took off her lace hat, revealing a stunning profile. The woman beside her timely handed her ginger tea, replacing the handkerchief too. With fingers like white jade, she scrolled through her phone.

A hot news item flashed up: Photos circulating online show Mr. Lippert, post his jilted wedding, still entangled with his almost-bride Elaine. Elaine hospitalized with injuries, Mr. Lippert by her side all night. Speculation is rife that Mr. Lippert and Elaine's wedding might just get a do-over.

The young woman's eyes narrowed on the news, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Elaine..." she murmured, eyes darkening, "he really does have a lot of women around him."

The woman glanced at the news, scoffing lightly. "This heiress of Bartels Pharmaceuticals got dumped at her own wedding, not a good match for him."

Meaning, she was hardly a concern.

"But how is she still making headlines?"

Seeming intrigued, the young woman took a sip of her tea, lifting her inscrutable gaze. "Myra, call Drew for me."

Myra paused, knowing Drew was Ms. Sheldon's capable man. This meant Ms. Sheldon was about to dig into Elaine. Or rather, dig into all the women around Mr. Lippert, all the news.

A sly smile played on Myra's lips, understandingly saying, "I'll get him for you."

In no time, a middle-aged man walked in, respectfully saying, "Florence..."

The young woman coughed lightly, glancing at the clock, her lips curving slightly. "He should be finishing up at Skyfaith soon, I want to see him."

Myra laughed softly, yet shook her head. "Ms. Sheldon, Mr. Lippert hasn't been to work these past few days. Heard his mother's been a vegetable for three years and just woke up. Apparently, Whitney's to blame."

Her attention sharpened, eyebrows raising, eyes flickering thoughtfully. "Whitney turned his mother into a vegetable? Seems like there's a story there."

The young woman turned to Drew, tapping her cup lightly, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Drew, go find out everything..."

Myra kept her smirk light.

---

At TriMed Hospital.

Elaine sat anxiously in the hospital room, drenched in cold sweat, nearly losing her mind. Lyra had returned.