Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 538

At the hospital, with the window by Whitney's bed cracked open just a bit, a loyal aide reported to Dr. Ryan, "I don't know how he knew, but when his mom arrived at the hospital, he bolted here from the operating theater... Luckily, we're on the first floor, so climbing through

the window wasn't dangerous. Dr. Ryan, we can't let Florence replace out he's still running around. You need to take him back, stat."

"Little rascal!" Ryan muttered under his breath, frustration lacing his voice. He scooped up the boy from the floor, hiding him under his lab coat, and stealthily made his exit through a side door.

In the neighboring building's patient ward, Ryan unceremoniously dropped the boy back onto the bed. To his surprise, the action roused the previously unconscious youngster. Lifting his head, the boy's usually soft gaze sharpened as he grabbed Ryan's coat, his voice weak, "What have you done to my mom?!"

Ryan was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Quiet down!" he scolded. But the boy's eyes, dark and intelligent, remained fixed on him. With a softer tone, Ryan tried to placate him, "Don't stir up more trouble. Right now, you're 'the kid who had surgery', so keep quiet. If it weren't for your high IQ, I would have been harsher. Remember, you're practically a prisoner now. Ms. Sheldon's plans are beyond your interference. Stay out of trouble, and don't eavesdrop on my conversations. Your time under my protection is running out!"

With a firm hand, Ryan ensured the boy drifted back into unconsciousness, his eyes defiant till the end. Ryan sighed, instructing his trusted aide, "Keep a close eye on him. If Ms. Sheldon replaces out he saw Whitney, it's over for him. Continue the pretense with his medication. We can't let her suspect anything."

The aide nervously replied, "Dr. Ryan, I'm afraid we can't keep him hidden for much longer. Ms. Sheldon is planning to move him."

Ryan's mind raced with the threat of betrayal looming over him. Could he turn against Ms. Sheldon before she transferred Sammy?

---

"Ah..."

Whitney slowly came to, her head foggy, feeling like she had slept abnormally long and had a dream. Sammy came to see her! Her precious boy had come. She tried to recall his words amid the throbbing headache, "Sorry, Mommy, I'm late..." What did he mean by that? Whitney's heart raced, panic rising from within. As sensation returned to her fingers, she touched the corners of her eyes to replace traces of tears. Was it just a dream, or had Sammy truly been there? Why was he so sad?

Attempting to rise, she was met by a nurse, "Miss, you've just had an endoscopy. Try not to get too worked up. How's your throat? Have some water."

"You've botched the anesthesia. I'm holding you accountable," Whitney rasped, pushing the nurse away, "How long was I out?"

"I'm sorry, the anesthetist mixed up the orders, mistaking your standard endoscopy for a more common general anesthesia procedure. You remained unconscious for an extra forty minutes."

"Fetch the anesthetist!" Whitney demanded, still groggy. Then, urgently, she inquired, "While under anesthesia, did a child enter the examination room?"

The nurse hesitated, then assured, "No, that's not possible. Our facility strictly adheres to protocols. Children are always accompanied by adults here." Yet, the image of Sammy lingered in Whitney's mind. Desperate for a glimpse of her son, she scoured the hospital, opening doors and questioning faces.

---

Florence, supported by Myra,

discreetly left the hospital. A sleek, black limousine awaited them in a secluded alley. Once inside, Florence relaxed, shedding her disguise, her voice tinged with anticipation about the embryo now growing inside her a secret tie to Ludwik he'd never expect. Her mother, Holly, shared her excitement, praising Florence's flawless plan. Florence inquired about Whitney, only to hear she remained clueless in the

hospital.

---

Whitney's search throughout the hospital bore no fruit. It seemed only a dream fueled by her longing for Sammy. Her discomfort growing, she wondered if her frantic search had aggravated her condition. Her phone buzzed relentlessly with calls from the hospital's guidance desk, urging her to return for a resolution.

Exhausted, Whitney found her way

back to the emergency room, where Dr. Bill and the nurse awaited. However, the anesthesiologist who had sedated her was nowhere to be found need to see that anesthesiologist!" Whitney insisted, recalling how she had pulled down his mask before going under. It was a man she didn't recognize, and he had rushed the sedation process! Very strange indeed.

At that moment, the Deputy Director walked in, his demeanor apologetic as he addressed her, "Ms. Valentine, due to the negligence caused by the anesthesiologist, we have had to let him go! He was just an average anesthesiologist, temporarily drafted to our hospital, possibly lacking in expertise. I'm deeply sorry for his mistake in administering general anesthesia for your endoscopy. If you're considering seeking compensation for this mishap, we are prepared to discuss an appropriate settlement. How does that sound?"