Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 701

She waved her off, turning to head back to the mansion.

"Whitney." Ludwik Lippert called out, his voice sultry and rugged as if stained with nicotine, dark and dangerously sexy. "About what Danny mentioned... the alternative remedies... thank you."

"No thanks needed, it's just what doctors do." Whitney Valentine's face was impassive.

Ludwik clenched his fist, unable to hold back, "You can say that, showcasing your indifference. But I've come to know you've decided not to press charges against me. Thank you for that. Given my current predicament, it's a relief. Also, sending Danny with those remedies... it was your way of giving me a wake-up call, wasn't it? Sorry for letting you see me at my lowest. Won't happen again..."

Whitney shot Danny a glare, then calmly turned around, cutting him off, "Ludwik, you don't need to say all this. Whatever Danny has exaggerated to you, please, don't add your own drama. My decisions have nothing to do with you. I've said it before, even if I saw a beggar on the street, I'd feel compelled to help, to offer some aid. Don't project your feelings onto me; not everyone is as heartless as you."

She spoke calmly, her clear eyes meeting his handsome face.

"...," Ludwik swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. Was she really doing all this without a thought of him? Her words were like daggers to his heart. He lowered his gaze, "Fine, accuse me of being overly sentimental. Regardless, the fact you've let me off and helped me find a doctor, it means something to me. You can deny it, but it's these small mercies that keep me going..."

Whitney felt a surge of irritation. Why couldn't he understand? Yet, somewhere deep inside, she felt a twinge of sympathy. Was he really hanging by such a thin thread?

"Whitney..." Ludwik started again.

"Honey, is our son done with his errand? Time for breakfast." Suddenly, Bryce Lutz's doting voice filled the air, as he emerged from the mansion, clearly just woken up, in his pajamas.

Ludwik stiffened. Seeing Bryce in pajamas, obviously having spent the night, brought a storm of emotions. Danny hadn't said Whitney and this man were... They were wearing matching pajamas... Wasn't this cohabitation? Wife? Son? Once, she was his wife. What right did Bryce have to call Danny his son?

A rage built inside Ludwik, his gaze darkening.

Bryce, catching Ludwik's fury, smirked subtly and walked up to Whitney, standing intimately close, "Mr. Lippert, your time with my wife is in the past. We allowed you to pick up Danny today, but it doesn't mean I'll tolerate any harassment towards my wife. Also, a word of warning, you might have been someone of importance before, but now, the Lippert family can hardly compare to the Lutz Group. Keep your distance, or you won't like my response."

His tone was firm, a chill spreading from his gentle eyes.

Ludwik scoffed. A threat, then? Relying on his newfound status to play dirty. "Bryce, haven't you already played all your cards against me? How much more hostile can you get? No matter how well you act, your true colors will show eventually. And when they do, we'll settle our scores."

His eyes were icy, his frustration evident at his current impotence.

Bryce's eyes flickered. Did Ludwik suspect his involvement in his misfortune? Keeping his face calm, he replied, "Whitney, I'm only trying to protect you. I haven't even started being 'unpleasant' yet, and he's already accusing me. He's just too deep in misunderstanding."

Ludwik's sharp gaze turned to Whitney, only to see her frowning, seemingly confused and unfazed by the conversation.

His heart ached. Bryce was playing the perfect charmer, just as he had been blinded in the past. Whitney couldn't see the machinations behind Bryce's facade...