Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 493

In Banyan City, Florence was anxiously waiting in the hospital lounge for Ludwik to wake up. After donating 500cc of blood to Natalie, she knew she had some leverage to discuss with him. Suddenly, a call from Holly turned her world upside down.

"I told you to be careful, not to transfer any money, and to be wary of Whitney's tricks, didn't I?"

"It's your father who wouldn't listen to me. He was watching me like a hawk. When I sent money to your aunt, he actually followed your uncle..."

Holly was both frantic and furious. "He's determined to get a divorce now, already drafting the agreement with a lawyer at home. Florence, you need to talk to your grandma!"

"I won't let Dad leave you like this!" Florence assured, though her eyes darkened with concern.

Myra had quickly packed their bags. "Leave a note for Ludwik. We're heading back to Emperor City first."

After nodding, Myra went to carry out her task, while Florence left the hospital.

Four hours later, Ludwik awoke in the emergency room and immediately went to see Natalie.

Outside the intensive care unit of the hematology department, Dr. Ford discussed a new treatment plan with him.

"Mr. Lippert, our initial plan was to strengthen Natalie's condition for a bone marrow transplant in six months. However, after the harrowing experience with the blood transfusion, I believe waiting for monthly transfusions is risky. If Ms. Sheldon decides to cancel last minute again, and Natalie has to endure another night waiting, her body might not withstand it. Her condition is deteriorating rapidly due to chemotherapy and her spinal marrow's failure to produce blood. She might not make it another six months. I suggest we take a risk and move the transplant up to next month. I believe we have a 50% chance of success..."

Ludwik closed his eyes tightly. Florence's last-minute withdrawal had nearly cost his mother her life.

"A month it is, then," Ludwik agreed after a moment of consideration.

Dr. Ford looked concerned. "The situation is dire, and Natalie might not last till the planned date. You should discuss this with Ms. Sheldon back in Emperor City."

"Florence?" Ludwik turned to ask Felix.

"Florence rushed back to Emperor City four hours ago. She didn't say why, and you were still unconscious," Felix informed.

Ludwik frowned but remained silent.

Inside the room, Natalie's eyes fluttered open weakly.

Ludwik stood up from his wheelchair, ignoring the pain from his surgery wound, and took slow, determined steps towards her.

"How long have I been out? Ludwik, why are you back from Emperor City already?" Natalie asked, struggling to breathe.

Ludwik had returned once before the transfusion to check on the arrangements. Now that the transfusion was complete and his mother's condition slightly improved, she was unaware of the recent events.

Ludwik pressed his lips together, holding onto her frail hand. "Mother, you need to focus on getting better."

"Am I dying, Ludwik? You lied, saying it was just organ failure. But I'm not a fool; my health has only worsened, and now I've been unconscious. Tell me, what is my illness?"

Ludwik remained silent, unwilling to reveal her leukemia might be linked to the medicine Whitney had provided over the last three years.

"It's not a severe illness. You've been sick for years, and recovery won't be easy," he reassured her.

Natalie looked into his dark eyes, sensing his deception. "If it's a terminal illness, I can accept it. I'm not afraid of dying. It's just... I have unfinished wishes. You and Whitney... I wanted to go to Emperor City to see her. She must be upset and refusing to visit, right? Why did you fall out of love? Are you going to abandon your sons too? In my life, Whitney was the only daughter-in-law I acknowledged. Don't bring any other woman before me!"

Ludwik felt bitter, realizing his mother might have heard rumors around the hospital. Yet, she was far from knowing the truth.

He explained softly, "Whitney didn't refuse to visit. In fact, she asked Tiana to bring you medicine. I was the one who kept her away from the hospital."

Natalie wanted to question his harshness towards Whitney but saw only silence in response.

Ludwik knew Whitney cared, despite her tough exterior, secretly sending medicine through Tiana. However, he hadn't given it to his mother.

"Regardless of what happens between Whitney and me, you need to get better. Otherwise, you won't see anything. Keep fighting, understand?" Ludwik implored, urging her not to give up hope.

Natalie sighed, moved by her son's persistence. "If Whitney ever expresses a desire to visit, please don't stop her. She's been through a lot with you, and I want to make amends."

Ludwik paused, "Once you're fully recovered, you can see her."

"And when will that be?" Natalie asked, clinging to a newfound hope for her 'illness.' "Soon," Ludwik assured just before Felix appeared at the door with urgent news. "Mr. Lippert," Felix called out, indicating a pressing matter awaited in Emperor City.

Ludwik released his mother's hand and wheeled back to Felix, feeling utterly drained.

"Danny, the young master, just contacted me. He's urging you to return to Emperor City immediately. He says it's important and you need to be informed!"

"What could be so important?" Ludwik muttered, checking the time. It was two in the morning.

Felix held up his hand, stopping the conversation in its tracks. "Master Danny must already be asleep by now. There's no rush. You still have some treatments to go through, otherwise, you might just faint on the flight. How about we head off first thing tomorrow morning instead?"

Ludwik's injuries were throbbing painfully, leaving him no choice but to agree.

-

The next day at the Sheldon Mansion.

After landing in Emperor City, Florence made a beeline for the family estate and had Emma summoned.

In the morning, Hudson and his divorce lawyer were caught red-handed by the matriarch of the family.

Holly's face, which had been the picture of despair, lit up with its former glory and arrogance. She glared at Hudson, her back straightened with indignation.

Hugh, who had come along, tried to mediate. "Big brother, are you really going to throw away over two decades of marriage over an illegitimate daughter? Is it worth it?"

Holly shot Hugh a withering look.

The matriarch cut in firmly, "Hudson! Your mother will never approve of this divorce. Imagine the scandal it would cause for the Sheldons! Besides, Holly has been nothing but dedicated inside and out over the years. What exactly is your grievance that you want to divorce her?"

Hudson's face was an icy mask as he laid bare all the things Holly had done to Whitney.

The matriarch retorted with an air of haughtiness, "So Whitney claims Holly harmed her, and you just believe her? What about the bond between you and your wife?"