Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 791

Whitney spun around, eager to get away. "I'm done dealing with you. If my uncle sees me not back soon, it'll be trouble.

And lay off Bryce, will you? If you stir things up, it'll only get messier between us."

No sooner had she been roughed up, Ludwik was already plotting to confront Bryce. That would just scream to Bryce that she had snitched.

That was the last thing Whitney wanted.

"Whitney, do you really think things between us can ever be clear again?" Ludwik's voice was soothingly warm. "We're way past that point. You keep defending me, throwing harsh words but always siding with me in your heart. I don't buy that I'm not in there somewhere."

"Ludwik, shut up!" Whitney snapped back, her patience worn thin.

But her retort pulled at the cut on her cheek, sending a sharp pain across her face. "Ah, ouch..."

"What's wrong, does it hurt? Stop shouting," Ludwik said, concern lacing his voice as he thought about dashing to the mansion's entrance to grab some first aid.

Whitney grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Do you want my uncle to see you?"

At least his SUV was blocking the view.

The man looked at her, visibly distressed by her facial injury, unsure of what to do. "Then how about I blow on it to ease the pain, Whitney?"

He leaned in close, his breaths warm and teasing against her skin amidst the chilly night air.

Whitney's lashes fluttered under his gentle breaths, slightly amused and irritated by his awkward attempts to comfort her. "Are you treating me like a kid? Stop, that’s not going to help with the pain. If you really want to make me feel better, just stop getting on my nerves."

"When have I ever upset you? I'm just speaking the truth. And as for Bryce, don't worry about him. He hurt the woman I love. If I don't teach him a lesson, what kind of man would I be?" Ludwik's tone was calm, but his gaze was icy.

Whitney glared at him, at a loss for words.

She tried to change the subject, casting a glance towards his midsection with a teasing edge, "Well, you're hardly a man now, as far as I could tell."

The man's face darkened, his frustration evident, yet he couldn't muster anger against her. Clenching his jaw, he pulled her close, his voice low and threatening, "Just wait, being under the weather is temporary. You saw in the bathroom that night; it's not like I'm completely out of the game... just a bit hurt. I'm getting treatment. Soon, you'll see what you've been missing, darling. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"Jerk!" Whitney blushed furiously, shooting him a glare.

"It's not like I was the first to play dirty; you were the one who said I couldn't cut it."

His lips curved into a smirk. After a moment of silence, he looked down at her gently and said, "Whitney, you're asking me not to go after Bryce because you're actually looking out for me, right? Now that I'm down on my luck and the Lippert family's standing is shaky, anyone could take a shot at me. Bryce is on the rise, and you're worried he'll retaliate, aren't you?"

Whitney was taken aback by his insight.

His piercing gaze seemed to see right through her.

But she wouldn't admit it, replying with a flustered tone, "Get over your delusions. I just don't want you messing with my husband and throwing my marriage into chaos."

"Say whatever you want; I won't believe it." Ludwik's eyebrows raised, his dark eyes trailing down her neck, "Look at you, chasing after me in such a hurry you didn't even put on a jacket or anything underneath..."

Whitney froze, following his heated gaze down only to realize her blunder. In her rush, she hadn't even dressed properly.

Now, she was just in a tank top and his coat.

His height offered him an almost complete view, flushing her face even more.

He slowed the car, replying, "Alright, I promise I won't go after him. Does that mean you'll keep talking to me forever?"

After sending the message, he got no reply. But that didn't discourage Ludwik. He knew she wouldn't respond; she was just too stubborn.

As for Bryce... it was just a matter of placating Whitney. He wasn't about to let Bryce off that easily. Without teaching Bryce a lesson, he wouldn't be Ludwik.

He feared no one.

Bryce cherished his facade of gentle sophistication too much. It was time to strip that away and show the world his true colors.

The next day, Whitney applied the ointment Ludwik had given her, and sure enough, her face wasn't as swollen.

It wasn't some kind of miracle cure, but for some reason, it didn't hurt as much anymore.

Was it all in her mind?

Whitney couldn't help but roll her eyes at herself, remembering Ludwik's concern for her last night… She immediately stopped that train of thought.

After breakfast, she took Danny and Sammy to preschool.

Even though Sammy was way smarter than the average kid, they still needed a normal education back home.

Back in Banyan City, they hardly ever attended preschool properly.

Arriving at the preschool, she got the kids out of the car. Since they were early, Whitney crouched down, a serious look on her face, ready for a little interrogation, "Danny, Sammy, last night when I was chatting with Grand Uncle in the study, did you two eavesdrop and then tell Ludwik about it?"