Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 1020

sure of.

She was the epitome of kindness, grace, and warmth, always able to discern right from wrong. Even when faced with situations that left her startled and initially resistant, she would eventually come around, especially if a child's welfare was at stake. That much he was Yet, the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat, never making it out.

"What do you mean by actually?" Whitney eyed him suspiciously, trying to decipher the unspoken thoughts behind his evasive gaze.

"Nothing, let's just get dinner started, I'm famished." Ludwik's slender fingers rested elegantly on his knee.

Whitney pursed her lips, sensing his reluctance. She had seen him return home, looking rather out of sorts. Frowning slightly, she probed, "Are you sure it's nothing?"

The man paused, a faint smile playing on his lips, "I was just about to compliment you on being a great mother. What, want to hear more?"

Whitney brushed off his comment with annoyance and turned away, her slim figure heading towards the kitchen.

Ludwik leaned forward to grab his glass, his gaze darkening.

A small figure approached, Sammy, having finally managed to send Danny upstairs to get dressed.

Sammy came to his dad's side, catching Ludwik's attention.

He had already noticed Sammy's unease.

Almost in sync with Sammy's worried glance towards the kitchen, Ludwik wrapped an arm around his concerned child, his voice somber, "She's back, daddy brought your sister home, but..." "But what?" Sammy looked up, his eyes reddening, "I want to see her. Daddy, I want to see her!"

"It's complicated."

Ludwik sighed, gripping his son's trembling hand, placing a finger to his lips to keep him quiet, "We can't let mommy hear."

"Why is it bad?" Sammy couldn't accept it, a tear rolling down his cheek, "How can my sister be in a bad state?"

"She's been through a lot, and daddy is sorry." Ludwik stroked his head, his expression unreadable, finally promising, "I'll take you to see your sister."

Unable to hold back his tears, Sammy buried his face in his father's shoulder.

When Whitney came out with a bowl of oatmeal and some side dishes, Sammy quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve and looked complicatedly at his unknowing mother before pretending to walk away. Ludwik watched his son with a heavy heart.

As breakfast time arrived, members of the Lippert family began to gather.

From the side wing, Riley Lippert and his wife, accompanied by a bewildered Justin Lippert, made their appearance.

Camilla, assisted by her caretaker, emerged from her bedroom on the ground floor.

Seeing Ludwik, Camilla paused, then shouted upstairs, "Whitney, Whitney... look, Ludwik's back! I told you not to worry, Ludwik isn't a disobedient child. See how much he cares about his twins, he's home now!" "Grandma." Ludwik lifted his dark eyes, signaling her to look towards the kitchen, "Whitney knew I was back. She even made breakfast for me."

"Huh?!" Camilla immediately felt embarrassed by her loudness and rushed to peek into the kitchen.

Whitney poked her head out, flustered by Ludwik's suggestive words, she explained, "I got his message in the morning, brought the kids down. He hadn't had breakfast and looked tired, so I just made some oatmeal."

The implication was clear; she was merely obliging, not positioning herself as a devoted wife and mother.

"You don't need to explain. You're just concerned about me, worried I hadn't eaten and would harm my health."

Ludwik's words were slow and deliberate, utterly self-assured.

Whitney was speechless, handing over the kettle to a servant, "You guys go ahead, I've got things to do."

She left the kitchen, unwilling to spare Ludwik another glance.

Camilla, amused by the couple's awkwardness, couldn't help but smile.

She was happy, and it showed, teasingly grabbing Whitney's hand, "Ludwik's just got a sharp tongue. Men, right? If they weren't thick-skinned, how would they ever win over a wife? Whitney, don't take him too seriously. I saw how happy he was with your loving breakfast!" "Camilla..." Whitney was at a loss for words. As long as she was around, Camilla never ceased playing matchmaker, endlessly praising her grandson, urging her to reconsider their marriage.

Whitney tactfully changed the subject, "Why don't you sit over there and read the paper? I'll let you know when breakfast is ready. By the way, where's Mr. Lippert?"

Ludwik also glanced upstairs towards his father's room.

At that moment, he realized Whitney, busy caring for the family, bore a striking resemblance to the lady of the Lippert household, which filled him with a sense of joy. "Father?" Ludwik inquired about his whereabouts with the household staff.

The butler hurriedly reported, "Mr. Lippert, the senior has been working late at the company. With you away, the Lippert Group needed someone to hold the fort, so he stepped up, very cautious."

"Father's efforts are appreciated." Ludwik nodded, acknowledging the critical stage of their aerospace technology project with Inko Group, where no mistakes could afford to be made. The competition, particularly from the Patrick Group and Bryce, was fierce, looking for any opportunity to see the Lippert Group falter.

Remembering Bryce brought thoughts of Florence and the mysterious assailant to Ludwik's mind. With Phineas attacked, the underlying plots against Inko Group or others remained a concern.

Feeling the weight of these responsibilities, Ludwik's gaze hardened.

Standing up, he messaged Parker: I'm back. Which hospital is Mr. Wilson in?

Stowing his phone, he glanced at Whitney, "I'm going upstairs to shower and change."

Whitney was completely taken aback by his sudden remark, standing there like she'd lost her mind. With Camilla shooting her a sly glance, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of embarrassment, muttering under her breath, "...What's that got to do with me? You expecting me to run your bath next?" She glared at him, a mix of annoyance and shame coloring her tone.

Her words were spoken in a whisper.

But Camilla, ever the mischief-maker, heard her nonetheless, "Whitney, Ludwik's had a long day. It wouldn't hurt to lend a hand, you know!"

"Camilla!" This family really wasn't the kindest bunch.

Ludwik gave his grandmother a side glance, a hint of amusement in his deep-set eyes. He decided not to push Whitney further, fearing she might just walk out on them today, "I wasn't asking for a bath. Just help finding some clothes."

His voice seemed to echo right above Whitney's head.

Biting her lip, Whitney felt outnumbered by the cunning duo. She went upstairs, all business, "Aunt Camilla, I don't know which closet his clothes are in. You better look for them. I've got other things to handle. Now that the Lippert family's pillar of strength is back, I'll pack up and leave." "Where will you go?" Ludwik's mood instantly darkened.

Whitney tossed a casual look over her shoulder, "My uncle called, wants me to swing by Delight Mansion. I suppose I'm allowed to leave for that."

Her uncle. That wasn't an issue.

Besides, Ludwik was planning to take Sammy to meet his daughter soon, and it was better for Whitney to be away.