Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 515

"Should I give Tiana a heads up?" Parker suggested.

Ludwik waved him off, glancing up. "No need. I've subtly hinted to Danny to keep an eye on his mom. Rushing to warn Tiana might just make her suspicious."

Parker thought about it and agreed, then got back to the matter at hand. "Right, Ludwik, the reason I wanted to talk to you. That doctor visiting the Sheldon Mansion, I got his name - Ryan, works in internal medicine at Emperor City Hospital. Hudson had him on retainer as Florence's health consultant once upon a time. I'm still digging into Ryan's personal life. He's got a solid resume, no red flags so far."

"Health consultant?" Ludwik, being new to Emperor City, wasn't up to speed on Florence's history.

"Look into him, every nook and cranny. Keep a close eye on this Ryan. Florence is keeping her guard up. She wouldn't let a stranger get close without good reason."

Ludwik stubbed out his cigarette, the smoke darkening his eyes. Parker, catching on, nodded in realization. "Maybe she's about to slip up."

Ludwik cleaned his fingers and opened a folder. "Let's hope so."

As Parker turned to leave, he hesitated. Ludwik, without looking up, asked, "Something else?"

"Actually, yes. There's something important. Ludwik, I think Whitney might know what's wrong with Natalie. What surprised me more was her mentioning today that you and Dr. Ford are keeping her in the dark because you think Natalie's condition is linked to her. She was so sharp, I couldn't even respond!"

Ludwik's breath hitched. "What did she say exactly?"

Parker squinted. "It's like she wanted to tell me something but didn't fully trust me. Anyway, she insisted I remind you that Natalie's spinal deterioration isn't that straightforward. Whitney said, the night Natalie was taken by Elaine, someone tampered with her spine! What does that mean?"

Ludwik put down his pen, nerves taut. Whitney... Could she have uncovered something about her mother's illness? What she meant, he wasn't sure.

"I understand." Ludwik pondered. He hadn't expected Whitney to not be shattered by her mother's illness. Could it be that she doesn't feel responsible for her mother's leukemia? She showed no signs of guilt.

"Ludwik, when you have a moment, maybe you should talk to Whitney about this. Since she's pieced together so much, perhaps she has a different take on Natalie's condition. Might as well clear the air," Parker advised before leaving.

Ludwik swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

---

Meanwhile.

Upon returning to her hotel, Whitney was greeted by the sight of Tiana and Cherry. She was pleasantly surprised. "Tiana, what brings you here?"

Tiana came over and hugged her. "I saw the news about your dad getting shot! Then Parker reached out and said you fainted from the shock at the hospital. How could I not worry? I was just about to settle my parents down and then take Cherry to Emperor City for a bit, away from Barclay's mess. Turns out, I'm right on time to be with you. Ah, Mr. Lutz is here too."

Tiana glanced over, noticing Bryce, who was helping Whitney with her luggage. Bryce saw Tiana and Cherry, luggage sprawled in the living room, and realized Tiana was here to stay with Whitney. Clearly, this would interfere with his chance to woo Whitney. His eyes darkened, but he maintained a warm smile. "Ms. Melford, it's great you're here for Whitney. She must be thrilled. However, this suite might be a bit cramped. Whitney, how about I replace a spacious apartment in Emperor City for Ms. Melford? If she's planning to stay long- term, she could even look for a job."

"No need to trouble Mr. Lutz!" Tiana missed Bryce's subtle hint. "If I'm not staying with Whitney, how am I supposed to look after her? Besides, if I need a place, Whitney will get it for me." She affectionately linked arms with Whitney.

Whitney smiled. "Not rent, buy." Thinking it over, she glanced at Danny, who was eyeing Cherry for touching his stuff. Between him and Sammy, one was annoyed by Cherry, the other adored her to bits. Whitney's eyes softened, determined. "Once Sammy's back, this place really won't do. I haven't gotten around to buying property in Emperor City yet. I'll have Sandy help me look into villa options."

"Who's Sandy?" Tiana asked curiously, feigning jealousy. "You've got a new bestie behind my back and Valerie's?"

"Not a bestie, but she's a nice kid," Whitney explained. "Of course, no one can shake Tiana's place in my heart."

Tiana pouted, satisfied with the clarification. Bryce, seeing the sisters immersed in their chat, with Tiana chattering away and him unable to get a word in, cleared his throat gently. "Whitney, I've put away your luggage. It's almost noon. Since Ms. Melford is new in town, how about I treat everyone to lunch?"

Whitney was about to agree when Danny was the first to object. "I'm not going! Mom, if you wanna go, go without me." The little guy coldly refused, subtly threatening Cherry by tugging on her arm.

Cherry, wanting to appease this new 'big brother,' chimed in. "Mommy, I don't wanna go either. I wanna play with Danny."

Danny glanced at her with disdain, eyeing Bryce as if he was the enemy.

"Danny," Whitney gave a sheepish look, signaling with her eyes. "Bryce helped Mom get discharged and brought her home. It's only right that I offer him a meal as a thank you."

"Uncle Parker offered to drive you home too, but you refused him. I just don't like it when you're with Bryce, it makes me unhappy!" Danny was stubborn, replaceing his own ways to resist the intrusion of Bryce, the unwelcome guest!

Whitney was taken aback. "You shouldn't keep in such close touch with Uncle Parker. Your mom and dad are no longer together."

"But how come I don't have many friends in Emperor City? Uncle Parker has been really nice to me." Danny's lips quivered, on the verge of tears.

Instantly, Whitney's heart softened, guilt washing over her. She had, to some extent, been neglecting Danny in her quest to replace Sammy. The little guy had been so understanding, adapting to life without the coddling of his former lavish lifestyle with Ludwik. Now, he had learned to brush his teeth, dress himself, and spend time alone, all in an effort to minimize his presence.

She sighed softly. "Honey, Mommy isn't trying to take away your right to make friends. Since you don't want to go out to eat..." She cast an apologetic glance at Bryce.

Bryce just smiled, not at all upset. "If the kid doesn't want to go out, we'll stay in. I wanted to properly host Ms. Melford, but Danny's happiness is more important. Let's just order room service! Also, Whitney, you owe me an answer."

Whitney's gaze was locked with his, suddenly feeling the pressure. "What... answer?"

Bryce stepped closer, his gaze tender and filled with warmth. In front of Danny, he flashed a charming smile. "What answer do you think? The answer to let me take care of you, perhaps?"