Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 412

Ludwik always had his reservations about Whitney visiting Natalie in the hospital. He even mentioned that there was no need for her to seek traditional Chinese medicine for Natalie's ailments. Whitney didn't want to cause any discomfort, so she had been avoiding the topic these past few days.

But when Natalie said she missed her, Whitney's heart softened, and she quickly drove to Skyfaith Hospital.

The mood in Natalie's room was lively, thanks to Danny's presence, who seemed to have shed a bit of his usual aloofness. Maybe it was because Sammy wasn't there, but he took it upon himself to bring some energy into the room, which warmed Whitney's heart. "Natalie," Whitney called out as she entered.

Natalie immediately looked over, smiling and waving despite the IV in her nose, which Whitney found a bit odd. "How have you been feeling lately?"

"Grandma's been having this weird issue, keeps getting nosebleeds. Must be the heat or something," Danny said, frustrated.

It didn't make sense to Whitney; given Natalie's condition, it seemed unlikely it was due to "heat."

Instinctively, Whitney reached for Natalie's wrist to feel her pulse, but Dr. Ford stepped in, somewhat blocking her. "Ms. Valentine, Natalie's doing just fine. It's just a minor issue, nothing for you to worry about."

Whitney wasn't born yesterday; she sensed Dr. Ford might be under Ludwik's orders to keep a close eye on Natalie.

So, she didn't push further, though she noticed Natalie seemed thinner.

"I'll be alright. Dr. Ford will take good care of me," Natalie said optimistically.

Dr. Ford gave a stiff smile and stepped out, though he stayed close to the door.

Natalie pulled Whitney aside, urging her to sit down and holding her hand. "I know about the fight between you and Ludwik."

Whitney blinked in surprise, and Danny playfully stuck out his tongue.

Natalie sighed. "Whitney, you and that boy have been tangled up for years. Can't you give him another chance? I waited to talk to you because I know you're upset. He told me those pictures of him with another girl were a misunderstanding. He wouldn't lie to me. Something tells me he's suffering... After your fight, he got so drunk he ended up with alcohol poisoning and was hospitalized. He came to me in the middle of the night, saying he didn't have feelings for anyone else and just wanted to reconcile with you, but you wouldn't have it. He said hearing you on the phone with another man while he was in the hospital broke his heart."

Whitney was taken aback. Ludwik was hospitalized?

She had been harsh on the phone that day, especially with Bryce around.

"He thinks you've moved on, feels totally defeated. My son, he's far from perfect, but he loves you. He knew how much Sammy's disappearance hurt you, so he and Parker immediately went to look for Sammy in Emperor City. Don't ever doubt his love for his son." Whitney was stunned. Ludwik went to Emperor City, not just for his family, but to replace Sammy?

At that moment, the truth hit her, and her heart was in turmoil.

Natalie held her hand tighter, as if preventing her from escaping. "Whitney, I've only ever approved of you as my daughter-in-law. Please, think of the children. You and Ludwik owe it to them to provide a complete family. He grew up without one, and I know the pain all too well. My son has his faults, but he's loyal and capable. I don't believe you've fallen out of love with him so quickly. If there's still a place for him in your heart, give him another chance. I'm sure you two can work things out because deep down, you still love each other." Whitney bit her lip, caught under Natalie's penetrating gaze, her emotions a whirlwind.

Seeing Ludwik's actions in a new light, Whitney couldn't deny the complexity of her feelings.

"Men are often clueless about women's feelings. Whitney, for the sake of our family, please, take the first step. He's longing for reconciliation. And later, if you want, you can take your time to make him pay for his mistakes," Natalie pressed on, her voice filled with hope. Whitney looked away, torn, her lips pressed tight, unable to voice her refusal. She recalled a secret Monica had shared with her.

Was there a karmic bond between her and Ludwik, entangled even before the past seven years? If he hadn't mistaken Elaine for his savior back then, would everything have been different?

Overwhelmed by a mix of sadness and longing, Whitney considered revealing this secret, letting him realize the depth of his mistake. "Natalie mentioned you're planning a trip to Emperor City. Maybe you could reach out to him for a talk?" Natalie suggested, still hopeful. Whitney hesitated, her mind racing. "...I'll think about it," she finally said, giving Natalie a glimpse of hope.

----

That evening, as Whitney and Danny returned to their apartment, Bryce's call came through, catching her just in time.

A man stepped out of the Rolls-Royce, his suit perfectly tailored, a smile gracing his lips as he looked at her. "Whitney, let's have a chat."

Whitney knew what was coming; it was about her moving to Emperor City due to her work and lifestyle needs, something she had shared with those close to her.

Bryce, who held shares in Skye Gem Ltd., was among the first to replace out.

Danny glared at the approaching man, positioning himself protectively in front of his mom.

"Sweetie," Whitney sighed, aware of Danny's animosity towards Bryce, "Mommy has some important things to discuss with him. Could you wait for us over there, please?"

Danny wanted to refuse, fearing he'd upset his mom.

With a huff, he moved aside.

"Bryce, I'm leaving," Whitney looked up at him.

"Wow, I never expected you were actually the heiress of the Sheldon Group in Emperor City!"

Bryce let out a bittersweet laugh, his gaze filled with affection. "Turns out, I'm the one reaching for the stars. I've heard from Yael that your father came looking for you in Banyan City. The Sheldon family may be complicated, but I support your decision to return. Don't worry, I'm here for you. The Lutz Group has also been setting up factories in Emperor City. We may not compare to the big families there, but I'll work hard for you. Whitney, go ahead. I'll manage to move both the Lutz Group and Skye Gem Ltd. to Emperor City to support you."

Touched by his words, Whitney shook her head, "Bryce, the Lutz family's roots are in Banyan City; you don't have to make such a hasty decision for my sake..."

"Who else would I do this for, if not the only woman I've ever loved? I may not be the top bachelor in Harmonia Country, but I'll always protect you," Bryce said humbly, a smile on his face. "Besides, Emperor City offers better prospects."

If it was about future prospects, Whitney couldn't argue. She nodded, "Bryce, then I'll leave Skye Gem Ltd. in your hands."

"Do we still need to talk like this?" Bryce said gently, checking the time. "You should get going. When are you leaving? I'll drive you and the kid."

"I don't need your ride! My grandpa will come to pick us up!"

Danny couldn't stand Bryce's sappiness any longer and interrupted, his face scrunched up in annoyance. "Mommy, are you done yet? Can we go now?"