Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 700

"Uncle, please don’t be hard on Whitney. The Sheldon Group has just stabilized, and it's natural she's tied up with work.

I'll take care of the kids at home. As long as Sammy and Danny are okay with me around, I'm happy."

He spoke with a humility and gentleness that was touching.

Whitney watched him silently, making a silent vow in her heart to really make things work with him.

Bryce then glanced at Whitney, who was holding Cherry, a shadow passing through his eyes before he casually asked, "How come Cherry's here? Isn’t Ms. Melford supposed to be with her?”

“She sent me a text out of the blue, said she had to go to the brick factory to follow up on a lead about Parker.

But that’s not what she told me this afternoon…”

Bryce’s expression shifted subtly, trying not to seem too concerned, “What did Ms. Melford tell you this afternoon?”

“Nothing much.” It was a private matter between sisters, and Whitney didn’t pry.

Bryce, realizing Tiana hadn’t had the chance to talk, let out a barely noticeable sigh of relief, “Well, she’s got her things to attend to, and we’re here for Cherry, right?”

Whitney frowned slightly, “She left so suddenly, I’m worried. I tried calling her, but couldn’t get through.

Bryce, I have no idea where this brick factory is, could you help me find it?”

He couldn’t let Whitney go chasing after the brick factory now!

Bryce squinted, his voice laced with resignation, “Whitney, I think you're worrying too much.

Ms. Melford’s an adult. She steps out and you get this anxious? It’s not like her!

Chasing down Mr. Doonan’s trail is crucial. I think you might be holding her back instead.

Since she texted you, just wait a bit, she might come back once she’s found him.

Look, Cherry’s hungry, let’s go have dinner!”

Hesitantly, Whitney agreed, and Bryce, carrying Cherry, nudged her towards the dining table.

“I’ll try calling her again tomorrow.

Cherry, you can stay with us tonight,” Whitney said.

After dinner and playing with the kids for a while, it was past nine, and Whitney got Cherry and her son ready for bed.

In the children's room, Danny, fighting a yawn, suddenly said, “Mommy, there’s something I forgot to discuss with you.”

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“It’s about... when I went to see my dad, he said Great Grandma’s health isn’t good.

I called her today, and she said she really wants to see me, and Sammy too, to see if we look alike... I just couldn’t say no.

I’ve decided, I’ll go stay with Great Grandma for a few days.

You never know, with old people...”

Whitney’s brow furrowed. Was Camilla’s health really that bad?

She remembered the kind-hearted old lady who had helped her several times.

Turning to Sammy, Whitney asked, “Sammy, would you like to go stay with the Lippert family for a few days with your brother?”

Sammy looked up from his computer, pondering for a moment before shaking his head, “One of us going is enough.

I don’t even know the old lady, and rushing to acknowledge relatives like this isn’t right. It’s too easy for the Lippert family.

I don’t want you to feel upset, Mom.

You go, Danny. I’m kind of swamped here anyway.”

Whitney felt a warmth in her heart, her little man always thinking of her feelings first, afraid she’d feel slighted.

She was about to speak when Danny pouted, “You’re not just busy, you’re swamped, huh?” showing his dissatisfaction, “Is the computer more important than me?”

The next day, early at 7:30 a.m., before the sun had fully risen, the villa’s security came to inform Whitney that Ludwik was at the front gate.

She packed some clothes for Danny and walked out with him.

Ludwik stood tall beside the ornate gate, dressed in his usual attire of a white shirt and black trousers, but with a black vest layered on top due to the late autumn chill, making him appear as distinguished as ever.

No matter his circumstances, the inherent nobility in his demeanor was unmistakable.

Even with a cigarette dangling between his long fingers, the deep contours of his face had thinned, and his gaze seemed both reckless and untamed.

Whitney blinked, her eyes locking with his intense, dark ones.

He kept looking at her, his gaze like a whirlpool, repressed and stubborn. The corners of his eyes gradually reddened - whether from looking at her or from the smoke, it was hard to tell.

It made Whitney halt in her tracks, unsure of what to do next.

Until his husky voice broke the silence, "Danny, I'm here to pick you up."

Whitney took a deep breath and led her son outside.

Danny wrinkled his nose, "Ludwik, could you quit smoking? It's like you're on herbal tea."

The little guy's smart insinuation was clear.

Whitney felt awkward; the "herbal tea" was her concoction. She nudged her son, "Danny, hop in the car."

"Alright, I'll quit smoking," Ludwik said, snuffing out the cigarette. His long arm opened the car door, helping Danny climb inside.

Whitney put his small duffle bag into the car.

Ludwik's muscular arm pressed down on the car door, inadvertently blocking her path.

His gaze was profound, the scent of tobacco wafting towards her.

Whitney coolly stepped aside, "Danny, remember to call me if you need anything, okay? Mommy's going inside now."