Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 372

The next day at Skyfaith Group, after a long day at the office, Ludwik realized he hadn't received a single message from Danny nor any updates from Whitney about his son. To his dismay, he discovered Whitney had blocked him on her phone. His face darkened as he recalled the previous night's argument, where Whitney stormed off after throwing a recorder at him. It was clear she was furious.

Seeking to resolve the issue, Ludwik called Felix into his office. Leaning back in his executive chair, he casually asked, "Do you have Whitney's Facebook?"

Felix, with a friendly smile, replied, "Yeah, Ms. Valentine and I are friends on there." His smile quickly faded under Ludwik's intense glare, quickly amending his statement to clarify their connection was purely professional due to the Gemstone Exhibit Project. Ludwik, clearly unamused, instructed Felix to contact Whitney and inquire about her and his son's whereabouts.

Felix reluctantly made the call. Whitney, unaware of the tension, answered promptly, "Hi Felix, what's up?"

Felix explained, "Ms. Valentine, Mr. Lippert would like to have Danny back home."

Whitney's tone turned icy, "Tell him we're about to head out for dinner. He can wait until 10; I'll have someone drop Danny off then."

Felix glanced nervously at Ludwik, who snatched the phone from him, his voice laced with jealousy and anger, "Whitney, since when do you have the right to enjoy a dinner by the river? And you better not have my son tagging along with some random guy. I'm warning you, I'll be coming to pick up my son. Be ready!"

Whitney, caught off guard by Ludwik's intrusion, hung up in frustration. However, before she could process the situation, her apartment door was knocked on. Expecting Bryce, she was surprised to replace Ludwik's bodyguards instead, who apologetically informed her they were there to ensure she and Danny didn't leave, as per Ludwik's orders.

Fuming, Whitney had no choice but to cancel her plans with Bryce, who was understanding of the situation.

Meanwhile, across town at Stream Manor, Elaine received a concerning call from Delphine, warning her of potential matrimonial discussions between her father, Jason, and the Sheldon family regarding their daughter, Florence Sheldon, a known socialite often abroad for health treatments. Concerned about losing Ludwik to another, Elaine hung up, determined to reclaim his affections.

Elsewhere, Florence Sheldon sat in a quaint café, her frail form hidden behind curtains, admiring Ludwik from afar. Her companion, upon returning from a call, remarked on Ludwik's renowned good looks, which Florence seemed to be captivated by for days.

"Ms. Sheldon, your mother called earlier," the housekeeper announced with a courteous, yet gossip-laden tone. "She left a message: Mr. Lipperson of the prestigious Lippert family had a brief meeting with Jared this afternoon and hinted at a possible merger... through marriage, no less. It seems Mr. Lipperson will soon be officially welcomed back into the fold."

"Your mother wanted to know when you'll be home. If there's talk of marriage, it's undoubtedly concerning you. She's eager to know your thoughts on the matter."

The young woman's lips curved into a faint smile, "And how did you respond to mother's inquiry?"

The housekeeper chuckled, "I told her you've just returned from recuperating abroad, took a detour for some sightseeing, and made no mention of you being in Banyan City."

Following the young woman's gaze towards Ludwik, the housekeeper beamed, "That man is a catch - handsome, with an aura of nobility that screams Lippert lineage through and through. If you're to marry, he's the finest choice."

"Is he, though?" murmured the young woman softly.

The housekeeper frowned slightly, "Aside from him having a child... and with Whitney of all people... everything else is perfect."

The young woman fell silent, her long eyelashes casting shadows over her eyes, concealing her emotions as she coughed gently into her handkerchief.

She gave a light laugh, "If father brings his illegitimate daughter back, then I won't be the only Ms. Sheldon anymore."

The housekeeper's expression darkened with implication, "You are the legitimate heiress of the Sheldon family. No arranged marriage would fall to anyone else."

"Cough, cough."

"Ms. Sheldon, please take care of yourself! Don't let these matters distress you," the housekeeper said, tucking the young woman's coat around her with maternal concern.

The young woman's gaze, tranquil and shallow, drifted downwards again. The imposing man had already gotten into his car, seemingly in a hurry to get somewhere.

Yet, there was a charming curve to his lips, immensely captivating.

---

When Ludwik arrived at the apartment door, arms laden with bags full of groceries, Whitney quickly ushered her two sons inside, asking in exasperation, "Who are we hiding from this time?"

The boys deliberated, "Last time, Sammy covered for me to watch a movie. Guess it's my turn to show up!"

Sammy nodded in agreement.

Whitney hid Sammy in the small dressing room of the bedroom. With Danny by her side, she stepped outside to greet Ludwik, who stood tall, his sleeves rolled up, looking slightly annoyed with the weight of the groceries, "Whitney, could you not have come to help?"