Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 304

Night had fallen, and Bryce sat in his car, legs crossed leisurely. He had parked at the entrance of the apartment complex when one of his subordinates approached the vehicle. After the driver stepped out, the car became a sealed-off sanctuary of sorts, and Bryce lifted his gaze contemplatively.

The subordinate handed over a few photos, reporting, "Mr. Lutz, after conducting some covert investigations, we couldn't replace any ultrasound records for Whitney from three years ago at the Lippert Hospital where she had her prenatal check-ups. It seems like Ludwik might have instructed the hospital to conceal something."

Bryce slightly lifted his arm to accept the photos.

Continuing, the subordinate explained, "The security at Everwood Villa Estate is too tight for us to get close. We've been careful to survey from a distance and did notice children entering and leaving the estate these past few days, but we could only get photos from afar. I'm not sure if you can make out the details."

Bryce nodded, his gaze fixated on the vague silhouette of a child in the photos. Though the features were not clear, the side profile and the size of the figure made Bryce's dark eyes narrow. The resemblance to Sammy was uncanny! Even the sportswear the child donned was striking!

Suddenly, Bryce looked up towards the apartment and made a call to Whitney's bodyguard, "Are Ms. Valentine and the kid at home?"

The bodyguard responded respectfully, "Yes, Bryce, they're both home."

The man's gaze returned to the photos... two children? He was certain they weren't Ludwik and Elaine's rumored offspring. Because the side profiles were nearly identical.

Taking a deep breath, a wave of realization washed over Bryce, darkening his eyes further.

Then, the subordinate mentioned something else, "On a different note, Mr. Lutz, I also discovered that there's a detective snooping around Ms. Valentine today. It seems like Elaine sent him, probably to check if there are other individuals living with Ms. Valentine?" Bryce's expression shifted subtly, a dark current passing through his thoughts as he ordered softly, "Don't stop Elaine's people, let her investigate!"

As he glanced at the night sky, his demeanor was as dark as the night until he stepped out, long and tall, into the apartment, where his gaze softened once again.

The doorbell of the apartment rang. Whitney was on a call, signaling to her little one to open the door. 'Sammy' reluctantly got up from the couch and opened the door, only to replace Bryce standing there.

Danny immediately frowned, "What are you doing here so late? Don't you know it's inconvenient for a single mother and her child?"

Bryce peered down at the kid in front of him, who was dressed in a tiny suit Sammy wouldn't wear, his expression proud. The man chuckled softly, peering into the house, "Sammy, what's your mommy up to?" "She's busy!"

Meaning she didn't have time for him, Danny hoped the man would get the hint.

"Sammy, why aren't you letting Bryce in?"

From inside, Whitney peeked her head out, still on the phone with Orion, and smiled at Bryce, gesturing for him to come in. The man leaned down to pat the little guy on the shoulder and shrugged, "Sorry, but your mommy says I can come in."

Danny reluctantly held the door open, stomping his foot softly. This man always appeared so gentle and well-mannered to everyone, but Danny just couldn't warm up to him. His mommy belonged to daddy, to him and Sammy, and no one else could take her away! Meanwhile, Orion finally picked up the call, his voice filled with a teasing tone, "Whitney, I swear I didn't mean to leave you stranded at the club that night. Ex-girlfriends can be such a hassle..."

"So you've been dealing with her for two days straight?" Whitney retorted sharply.

"Do you always talk back to your boss like this? Besides, I indirectly helped you out! I heard after your night with Ludwik, you immediately went to see your convict uncle..." Orion said with a chuckle.

Whitney's forehead creased in annoyance, not wanting to waste her breath on such a troublemaker. Cutting to the chase, she asked, "You want me to help out with your jewelry exhibition in South City, then replace out if Ludwik will be attending the summit forum." Orion thought she was worried, "At the party the other night, Mr. Tobias already handed the Imperial Gem Corporation project to us. You don't have to worry about Ludwik making things difficult for you."

"It's not that I'm worried about..."

Whitney rubbed her temples, her gaze inadvertently drifting towards Sammy. "Just replace out and let me know."

Orion didn't hang up and soon replied, "Ludwik's out of town today. There's some issue at his chip factory! He can't reach South City; at most, he'll send a subordinate to mess with our plans, but that's nothing to fear!"

Whitney let out a sigh of relief. After hanging up, she found Bryce standing behind her. Looking at her reflection in the glass, her slender and delicate silhouette was bathed in the light, her features soft yet cold in the glow. Outside, the city lights illuminated her hair, her lips a shade of light, cold beauty.

"Are you worried about Sammy?"

"Yes, I'm not at ease leaving him at home, and if Ludwik were to replace him if we brought him along, it would be even more dangerous." Whitney's brows were tightly knotted, fearing Ludwik discovering Sammy and snatching her son away. She wished she could keep Sammy by her side always.

Bryce's hand rested behind him, gently caressing as he hid his thoughts in the shadows. "I suggest you take Sammy to South City. It's safer than leaving him at home." Whitney was conflicted.

He elaborated, "I'll be tied up with work these next few days as well. If Sammy stays in the apartment, I can't look after him personally. Leaving him with the bodyguard might not ease your worries. If the bodyguard and the nanny accompany you to South City, you can focus on your work while keeping Sammy close."

That made sense. Besides, Ludwik was out of town and couldn't go to South City. The summit forum would be over in two days; it was better to keep Sammy close.

"Alright, Bryce, you should head back and get some rest. We have a flight to catch tomorrow," Whitney said as she saw him out.

The mother and son returned to their apartment to rest.

The next morning, Whitney and Tiana met up at the airport. I couldn't believe Tiana brought Cherry along too.

Tiana sighed, "My dad's been under the weather lately, and my mom's gotta take care of him. Plus, I'm worried about her managing with the kids. You know, with the young and the elderly, if they run into Barclay, I've got no idea how they'd handle it." There was a moment of silence from Whitney. She and Tiana were in the same boat, both terrified of their children being discovered by their fathers!

She picked up Cherry, trying to comfort her, "Don't worry, South City isn't under the Doonan family's thumb."

Tiana glanced at 'Sammy', "What about you? Ludwik wouldn't head to South City, would he?"

"Yeah, I've looked into it."

Cherry wriggled out of Whitney's arms and crawled over to Danny, plonking herself on his lap and happily wrapping her arms around his neck, "Brother, kissy time~!"

"No way. Don't little ladies know to be shy?" Danny, cheeks flaming, coolly lifted Cherry and pushed her away.

Cherry was stunned, and then burst into tears, crawling back to her mommy, "Mommy, mommy, why doesn't brother like me anymore? He even asked me the other day if I'd marry him when I grow up?"

Danny was gobsmacked. Realizing the absurdity, he figured Sammy must've been spouting nonsense. Surprisingly slick for a little guy. He scowled, speechless for a moment, before he solemnly clarified, "I'm not going to marry you!" "Why not?" Cherry wailed even harder, feeling utterly wronged.