Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 418

Natalie insisted those photos were all a misunderstanding, declaring her son would never lie!

Whitney felt a wave of absurdity wash over her as she reflected on everything she had done that afternoon: foolishly romantic gestures, giving him countless chances, her heart softening for him yet again. She thought of how Natalie had persuaded her, the dim hope in Danny's eyes turning into despair. He wouldn't text back, wouldn't answer calls, just saying, "I'm swamped, got a meeting." He also said, "You shouldn't have come to New York, go back to Oakville and stay with Danny." All the chaos turned into a sharp irony, stripping away her defenses and crushing her heart into a dull ache that spread throughout her body.

How could she and her son be so naïve to believe he was just busy with work? He was indeed busy—busy dating, shopping, and dancing with someone new, too occupied to spare Danny a thought. Thinking of her sons, Whitney felt as if her heart was being crushed, leaving her gasping for breath.

"Ludwik..." Florence gently shook the man's arm.

Ludwik quickly averted his gaze, his eyes cold as ice, looking away from the pale-faced woman opposite him. The last thing he wanted was happening right before his eyes. How could she be Florence's sister, Hudson's daughter? No wonder he thought Florence looked familiar at first sight...

"Florence, is this your boyfriend? But isn't he the Ludwik from the news? Oh my God, I'm not mistaken, am I?" Sienna burst out, screaming in shock. Her outcry drew the attention of the elderly Hudson, who took a closer look at the man. Hudson, advanced in years, hadn't seen clearly before due to the backlighting. Now, recognizing the man, he was utterly stunned.

Hudson looked at Whitney with a complicated expression, his mind spinning, unable to grasp the situation fully before asking Florence, "Florence, is he really your boyfriend?"

"Father, could there be any doubt?" Florence chuckled, "Ludwik and I had love at first sight, and I only found out today that he is indeed Ludwik."

"Let's not talk about my boyfriend right now. Where's my sister?" the girl said softly, gently looking up.

Hudson sighed internally, pulling Whitney closer, "This is your sister, Whitney."

"Whitney? What a lovely name," the girl approached with a friendly gaze, "Sister, I'm so happy to meet you for the first time. I've been sick since I was little, couldn't bring much joy to our parents. Welcome to the family, you're the long-lost heiress, we've always had a place for you at home."

Hudson's wife walked over, not sparing Whitney a glance, expressing her sympathy to Florence, "Florence, don't blame yourself; you're the most considerate and caring child."

"Ha, Florence, she's just an illegitimate child, what kind of heiress is she? You're just too kind, giving her undeserved honor!" Sienna sneered coldly.

Florence, distressed, coughed, "Sienna, why would you say that? Our sister has just returned..."

"Don't get worked up." Ludwik instinctively reminded her to keep her emotions in check.

Whitney's eyes stung with pain, watching him show concern for another woman. Florence, blushing, took his hand, shyly introducing him, "Sister, this is my boyfriend, Ludwik. Sorry to spring this on you."

Ludwik's jaw tensed, his face cold. His hand was held by the girl, and he wanted to pull away, but under the watchful eyes of the Sheldon family, he was already too deep in the play.

Whitney managed a cold laugh, "Such a handsome man, acting like a scoundrel, how could he possibly offend me? His actions are 'a feast for the eyes,' 'quite the spectacle'!"