Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Florence had verified everything herself. Even after Ryan performed brain surgery on Sammy, the kid just became a bit slow, unable to recognize people anymore. But to her, Sammy was still dismissive. When had he ever shown her affection or treated her like his boss? Florence had even instructed her bodyguard to train the boy to follow orders without question. Could it be that the surgery had tamed him so quickly? Myra mentioned that Sammy refused to leave with Ludwik and wanted to stay by her side. Something felt off to Florence. But right now, having Sammy obey her seemed to work in her favor.

"Ludwik, I've told you everything I know! No matter how much you press me, I don't have the answers. Whether it's Ryan's surgery or Sammy just being traumatized after being with me for a while, it's all possible. I don't usually interact with him... I've always meant well, you're barking up the wrong tree."

"Hah. You think I don't know what you did to him while you had him kidnapped? Without cameras, your word counts for nothing. Whatever suffering he endured at your hands, I will repay in kind. For starters, let the child in your womb be the first to pay."

Ludwik's voice was steady and forceful, his gaze cold as he grabbed her hair, ready to throw her downstairs.

"No! Please! Ludwik, the child, it's..."

"Ludwik, what the hell are you doing?" With Florence's shrill scream, Jason burst in, lunging towards the window to grab Florence's dangling body. Thankfully, she was light. Jason turned, his face livid, and slapped Ludwik, "Have you lost your mind? Do you want blood on your hands? Get out! And don't you dare enter her bedroom without my permission."

Ludwik turned his head, wiping the blood from his lip, emotionless, "Father, do you know she secretly kidnapped my other son, hiding him for a month?"

Jason's face was stern as he glanced at Florence, who was pale as a ghost, "The feud between you, Florence, and Whitney, I don't understand it. If you have evidence, present it. But for now, we prioritize the child she's carrying. Murder is a crime, even for you, Ludwik. Do you understand?" Jason's priorities were different; he simply wanted a grandson he believed had a pure bloodline. Whitney's status was not suitable for Ludwik, and her child would be recognized by the Lippert family but not considered an heir. Ludwik, understanding the warning in his father's eyes, realized it was nearly impossible to target Florence now. With his father's protection, Florence could breathe easy for a while longer. She had maneuvered her way into the Lippert family, executing her plan to perfection. Now, Ludwik's priority was Sammy's condition, which was concerning. Having extracted from Florence that Sammy had undergone brain surgery, likely contributing to his drastic change, the surgeon was Ryan.

He was determined to find the cause of Sammy's condition and cure him! He couldn't let his son remain this way; when with Whitney, Sammy was healthy, warm, lively, and adorable. Not like this... He had promised that woman countless times to return Sammy safe and unharmed.

At Ryan's place. Parker had stayed, watching over everything. He witnessed Sammy's uncooperative return, causing havoc at home until calmed by Ryan. As Ludwik's car arrived, the man stepped out with determination. Parker briefed him, "Ludwik, forcing Sammy back now is nearly impossible. He only accepts people from Florence's side, even reluctant here with Ryan. Keeping him here is already an achievement. It's a chance to pressure Ryan to treat him properly."

Ludwik, lips tight, nodded gravely, "If he's willing to stay with Ryan, let him. I won't rush to bring him back, risking him threatening us again. I can't stand to see him hurt anymore. Call Ryan out."

Parker smiled wryly, "Don't take it to heart, Ludwik. Sammy's confusion isn't about not wanting to see you."

Ludwik remained silent, his first meeting with Sammy far from what he hoped. Could he ever get his son back?

Ryan approached, nervous, "Mr. Lippert, what can I do for you?"

"Florence said you performed brain surgery on Sammy, changing him for the worse."

"I... I didn't," Ryan stuttered, afraid to reveal the truth about not performing any surgery, worried about Florence's retaliation.

Watching his pained expression,

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Ludwik's gaze sharpened, "Whatever you did or agreed upon, I want my son back as he was. Fix what you've done. I'm giving you time, whether it's soothing his emotions, counseling, or physical therapy, I want results. If you fail, your family will pay."

Ryan turned pale, at a loss on how to 'treat' a boy pretending to be sick just to be close to Florence and uncover secrets. Ludwik wouldn't believe Sammy was just a good kid, seeing his own distress.

"Mr. Lippert, I'll do my best..."novelbin

Ludwik's cold stare pinned him, "Succeed, and you might redeem yourself. I promise, Florence won't touch you in retribution."

Parker glanced at his watch, "In an hour, make sure Dr. Ryan's daughter is back with him, and bring Sammy along for company."

"Please, just take my daughter straight to the hospital, Mr. Doonan. I'm begging you. Her severed finger is in my fridge," Ryan said, desperate to retrieve it.

Parker just smirked, shaking his head slightly, "Her finger's fine. Do you really think Ludwik is the monster you've made him out to be in your mind?" Ryan froze, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Ludwik's tone was stern as he

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issued a warning, "Ryan, I expect your cooperation in return for my leniency. Decide where your loyalties

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lie. Any more tricks, and I swear, I'll personally take care of all tenof her fingers."

"Yes... Yes, Mr. Lippert," Ryan said, his head bowed and eyes brimming with tears. Ludwik's blend of mercy and menacé was a shock to Ryan, a stark contrast to Florence's

underhanded tactics. He knewel.ne

where his loyalty had to lie,

promising himself he'd do whatever it took to protect his daughter from Florence's clutches.

Wiping away a tear, Ryan spoke with genuine sincerity, "Mr. Lippert, I'll do my best with Sammy's 'treatment', ensuring he's as receptive as possible for your meeting."