Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 497

Ludwik's gaze was stiff, almost accusatory. "Who told you all of this?"

"Don't worry about that. Just answer me."

Her stare was unyielding and fierce, those hazel eyes swirling with a depth that seemed to drown him. It gave him the illusion that speaking the truth might lead to her forgiveness, to a reconciliation of sorts.

His throat worked, voice hoarse, as he leaned in closer to her. "Whitney, would it have made any difference? If things were different between us, could there have been a chance for us after all this is over?"

Whitney was momentarily speechless, caught in the earnestness of his deep-set eyes. Her heart fluttered into chaos, yet the cold, lingering pain was hard to ignore.

She managed a wry smile. "I want to know the truth because I believe I have the right to. It has nothing to do with you. I never considered getting back together with you—not in a million years!"

The hope in his eyes vanished. Her cold rejection silenced any attempts at probing further. His mood chilled to the bone.

He too forced a smile, closing off his heart. "If that's how it is, then my reasons don't matter. Why I was with Florence is none of your business, and you shouldn't meddle in my mother's recovery."

He chose silence over disclosure.

Whitney frowned inwardly. Was it as Parker had speculated, that his reasons involved her, hence his silence?

She decided she needed to visit Banyan City.

After bandaging him, Whitney packed away the medical kit and returned it to the room. By the time she came out, Ludwik had already left without a word. Was there some emergency?

The couch was empty, the lingering scent of his blood unique, heavy on her heart. Remembering he hadn't once asked about Sammy made her heart squeeze with sorrow. Finally, she couldn't resist calling Parker.

Meanwhile, Ludwik had left to meet Florence after receiving a message from her, insisting on discussing his mother's situation in detail.

Sitting in his car, Ludwik's expression was icy as he ordered Parker, "Catch that Lewis guy immediately. Is he the same Drew Lewis that's been hanging around Florence? A little pressure, and he'll talk."

Parker seemed relieved. "You believe Whitney and my evidence, even if we haven't found Sammy with the Sheldons. You're starting to doubt Florence."

Of course, Ludwik trusted Whitney, though he didn't say it outright. He instructed Felix to drive him to see Florence.

Shortly after, Parker received Whitney's call.

She was distraught. "Did you tell him about Sammy? He didn't mention Sammy at all! He doesn't trust us, doesn't care about Sammy!"

Parker sighed. "Just because Ludwik didn't speak of it doesn't mean he's not thinking about it. How could he not care about his son? Whitney, you need to have some faith in him. He's not confronting Florence outright for a reason. She just asked to meet him; he's going now. After Sammy's incident today, Ludwik won't stay with her. If Florence is involved in Sammy's kidnapping, Ludwik won't let her off!"

Could this man truly not disappoint her again? Whitney felt anxious and lost. Was it because of Natalie's illness?