Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 416

Ludwik forced his eyes shut, replying with a deliberate chill in his tone, "Whitney, you shouldn't have come to Empire City."

"What are you doing here, all strangers in a strange land? Go back to Banyan City, take good care of Danny, and don't just abandon your son like that."

He harbored a secret desire for her not to come to Empire City, fearing she might catch him with Florence...

The man gave a bitter smile, fully aware that she and Bryce had moved on, yet he clung to a fantasy. Maybe, just maybe, after his agreement with Florence ended in two years, he'd stand a chance...

Self-deception, that's what it was.

It wasn't that he didn't want to see her, but he had already promised Florence his day.

With a twist of his brow and a tone devoid of warmth, he added, "I'm swamped, got a meeting this afternoon. You should leave."

Hopefully, that would send her back to Banyan City sooner.

---

Staring at his message felt like a cold shower to Whitney.

Why was he ordering her around, shooing her away with such detachment?

Alright, since he didn't know she had come back to reconnect with family, she'd let it slide.

Her heart sunk, though. She had mustered up the courage to extend this olive branch.

"Mama..." Danny woke, rubbing his big eyes and snuggling closer.

Seeing Mama texting Daddy made him ecstatic, but his joy quickly faded, his nose wrinkling in disappointment. "What's with this deadbeat dad acting all high and mighty? Can't he see you're giving him a chance to make things right?"

Noticing his mother's dejection, Danny immediately said, "Call him!"

"You call him." Whitney, too, was irked, dialing the number before handing the phone to Danny.

Danny listened to the ringback tone, anticipation building.

---

"Ludwik—? Could you grab me..."

Florence glanced up, spotting Ludwik's phone vibrating. He was staring at it, undecided about picking up, a deep contemplation in his gaze.

Suddenly, she rose, reaching to tap his arm, "Ludwik, could you get me that glazed pot—? Oh! I'm so sorry."

The phone slipped from his grasp, tumbling into the spinning clay below.

Ludwik frowned, reaching to retrieve it, but Whitney's call went dark just then.

"Your phone?" Florence gasped, hastening to help fish it out.

The phone, now a casualty of the mud, was clearly ruined. Ludwik's gaze darkened, resigning, "It's wrecked, let it be. I'll get a new one."

"I'm so clumsy, all my fault..." The girl looked genuinely remorseful.

---

"Why won't he pick up after two tries?" Danny was visibly upset.

"Maybe he really is busy with a meeting..."

Whitney consoled her son, sending another message to explain: [I'm not leaving. I've brought Danny to Empire City too; he wants to see his dad. Message me when you're free.]

Using her son as an excuse, her heart raced, hoping he'd show up in the afternoon.

But by four, there was no reply, no sign of him coming to see them.

Danny's hope dimmed, "Dad's such a jerk. Are we not more important than his work?"

"Mama, don't be upset. When he shows up tomorrow, we'll make him kneel on durians!"

Whitney, equally frustrated, agreed, "A whole row of them."

"Let's prick him good." Danny huffed, trying to cheer his mom.

The mood lifted slightly, and by five, Mr. Sheldon's driver arrived, Whitney reluctantly handing Danny over to the nanny.

The nanny, along with two bodyguards from Banyan City, made her feel somewhat at ease.

Changing into something more appropriate, she stepped into the private car.

Holly looked at Hudson helplessly, "My mother brought her; what can I do, dear? Sienna is still young, don't be angry with a child. Right, Whitney?"

Whitney could clearly hear the snide remark was aimed at her. If she responded with anger, it would only prove their point.

She flashed Hudson a smile, "Dad, it's okay, really. Holly's right, all debutantes have their moments. I'll just let it slide, don't worry about it."

"Whitney, you're so mature," Hudson said, his voice tinged with guilt and affection.

Holly silently seethed. When had she ever said debutantes were temperamental? Whitney, with her sweet-as-pie act, was really getting on her nerves.

She thought to herself, "What a little snake."

"Whitney, come in, your grandparents must be waiting for you," Hudson said, ushering her inside.

But when they entered the villa, only a silver-haired grandmother was seated in the grand living room.

Sienna, who had been trying to trip Whitney up earlier, stood by the elderly lady, sneering as Whitney entered. "Grandma, this country girl really doesn't know any manners. Doesn't even know to bow when she sees you."

Hudson glanced over sharply, and Sienna straightened up.

Hudson frowned, "Mom, where's Dad? I told you I was bringing Whitney home to meet you guys today."

The grandmother, sitting regally, gave Whitney a once-over. Noticing the mud on her pants and her disheveled appearance, she frowned slightly, clearly unimpressed.

Whitney instantly knew why Sienna had pulled that stunt outside. It was all a calculated move to make her look bad.

With a slight lift of her lips, Whitney remained calm and greeted, "Grandma, hello, I'm Whitney."

The grandmother hummed a non-committal response, her demeanor cool.

Turning to sip her tea, she then addressed Hudson, "Your father's not been well, rarely leaves the old house. I came to see for myself. Besides, has this girl had a paternity test yet?"

"What are you talking about? Of course, she's my daughter!" Hudson said, his face darkening.

"That remains to be seen. Uncle, she doesn't look anything like you. It's best to have a test to avoid raising someone else's child," Sienna interjected, with a smirk.

Holly chimed in with a smile, "Mom, Sienna, Whitney is beautiful, and though she might not resemble Hudson much, she probably takes after her mother."

That comment made Emma remember Parisa, and her expression darkened as she looked at Whitney…