Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 110

Whitney emerged from the restroom, rubbing her eyes as Hannah's familiar shriek echoed through the hallways of the grand estate. It was a sound uniquely hers, piercing and high-pitched, like an off-key violin screeching through the night.

She was about to ask what was going on when she caught Felix in mid-conversation with L. "Miss Hannah is causing a commotion," Felix explained. "All those involved in the soiree the other night, Mr. Wendt and Dante, they’ve already been..."

He made a slashing gesture across his throat, unaware that Whitney was within earshot.

Her heart skipped a beat. In the time they had been together, she had seen his ruthless side. That man harbored a devil inside, and she feared Dante and Mr. Wendt might have paid the ultimate price.

"Hannah masterminded the whole affair and instructed Mr. Wendt to kidnap Madam," Felix continued. "You've blacklisted her from the entire entertainment scene, and with her father's position at The Fuller Group now in jeopardy, she and her mother have come to plead their case. But Nolan won't give her the time of day."

"Show them out," Ludwik interjected with an icy brevity that sent shivers down Whitney’s spine.

She blinked, stunned. Had he discovered that it was Hannah who had set her up that night?

A mix of emotions churned within her. She had thought him indifferent during her days of confinement, but he had been investigating the gala, seeking vengeance on her behalf, punishing Hannah.

But was Hannah truly the mastermind?

...

Meanwhile, Elaine accompanied Natalie to Ludwik's hospital for a check-up, seizing the opportunity to access areas where Parker would otherwise bar her.

As the neurologist examined Natalie, Elaine overheard the commotion caused by Hannah outside Ludwik's room.

A flicker of concern crossed her eyes, but she quickly masked it with indifference. She had not orchestrated Hannah's actions and, thus, felt no worry.

But Hannah's presence reminded Elaine of the cold, piercing gaze Whitney had given her at the gala.

Whitney surely suspected her.

Now that Ludwik had pinned the blame on Hannah, Whitney would surely disagree. What would Whitney say to Ludwik?

A smug smile crept onto Elaine's lips. This was why she had spent the previous night 'caring' for Natalie at the mansion. Her 'all-night vigil' must have reached Ludwik's ears by now.

The neurologist expressed surprise at Natalie's recovery. "Madam Natalie is doing remarkably well. Was acupuncture administered during her episode?"

Elaine looked down at the still-confused elderly lady and smiled. "That was my doing. I have medical knowledge and tended to my Natalie all night."

The neurologist praised her. "You are quite attentive to Mr. Lippert's mother. Madam Natalie, do you remember how you fell ill?"

Natalie's gaze was hazy as she struggled to recollect.

Elaine's smile deepened. She had tampered with Natalie's memory with her needles the night before. How could she remember her phone call?

As expected, Natalie shook her head, bewildered. "I don't know. I just had a seizure out of nowhere."

The family doctor said, "The lady has had her share of ailments. It's likely a complication. It's my fault for taking a day off."

The neurologist nodded, gathering the medical records. "I'll brief Mr. Lippert on Madam Natalie’s condition later."

Elaine released the wheelchair and flashed a smile. "I'll accompany you. I was about to visit him myself."