Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 691

"Whitney..." Ludwik's voice was low and somber, his breathing heavy as he gripped his phone tighter, "You saw everything, didn't you?"

Whitney's cheeks burned with an awkward flush. She wished she could say she hadn't.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she steeled herself, "Look... as a doctor, I don't have any other thoughts about it. And it wasn't my fault, so why are you asking me?" Ludwik felt a pang of pain in his heart.

She was so calm about it, distancing herself since it wasn't her doing.

"Right, I'm not blaming you." His voice was restrained, his thin lips barely moving, "Since you know, I guess I don't have a place in your life anymore."

Whitney was surprised, knowing his usual temperament, he'd never let her go easily.

Could it really be that bad... Had his fiery spirit softened?

She wanted to ask how he ended up like this, if someone in the detention center had targeted him.

But she bit her tongue, fearing he might think she cared.

And wouldn't that just be rubbing salt in his wounds?

"Whitney, I didn't call to cause trouble. I actually wanted to warn you... Do you know who was behind my injury?"

"You mean Bryce?" Whitney blurted out, her voice cooling slightly.

Ludwik paused, his words stuck in his throat.

Perhaps the boy who cried wolf had been too many, and she simply didn't believe him anymore.

He knew the more he tried to warn her, the more she'd suspect him of sowing discord.

But he believed the truth would come out eventually.

Ludwik smirked bitterly, "Whether it's him or not, the heavens will see. I know you'll doubt whatever I say, so let's leave it at that. I'll handle my own issues.

I just wanted to say thank you...

Goodbye, Whitney, I won't bother you anymore."

After he hung up, Whitney stood there, lost in thought, the dial tone echoing in her ear. A complex emotion flickered through her heart.

His goodbye, his promise not to disturb her again, it was so unlike Ludwik.

And his voice, so filled with a heart-wrenching softness, unsettled her.

She was used to his arrogance, his domineering presence. His sudden change, his bitterness, his seeming neglect for his well-being... Even if she resented him, she didn't want to see him continue like this.

After all, in her son's eyes, he was an indomitable figure.

Holding her arms, Whitney made a decision. She called, "Tiana, are you home? Can you bring Danny over to my office? I need to see him." "What about Sammy?" Tiana asked.

Thinking it over, Whitney realized Sammy wouldn't be the right choice for this.

"Just Danny is fine."

"Alright then."

After hanging up, Whitney grabbed her coat and headed straight to the nearest top-tier hospital, specifically to the andrology department. She quickly picked a doctor and got his contact info.

Then, at the pharmacy, she personally picked out some herbal medicines that fit the diagnosis.

Back at her office, Danny was already waiting, legs swinging on the sofa.

"Mommy! What's up?" The little guy ran over.

Whitney stuffed the medicine into his backpack, her expression complex, "Ludwik's hurt, badly. If you're worried, go see him."

"How did Daddy get hurt? Uncle Ashton didn't tell me anything!"

"Don't worry, he's still alive. It's just... he's a bit down. Here, take these medicines to him if you want. I won't stop you."

Danny, puzzled, glanced at the bulging bag of medicines, his usually straightforward mind suddenly making connections.

His eyes widened, a mix of hurt and realization dawning, "Mommy, did you prepare these medicines? You're a traditional doctor, I remember.

Do you...?"

"No, it's just the duty of a doctor. Besides, sometimes it takes more than medicine to heal a heart. Maybe a good scolding from you will snap him out of it. How he treats himself is up to him now." "Okay, Mommy! Thank you for being kind. I've been wanting to see Daddy, but I was afraid you'd be upset," Danny pouted.

"Go ahead," Whitney nodded.

Danny rushed out, "Tiana, Mommy said you're to take me."

"Where to, all secretive?" Tiana started the car.

"To Uncle Ashton's villa."

Soon, Tiana dropped Danny off, only realizing then that Ludwik was staying at Ashton's villa too.

She sighed, dialing Whitney immediately, "Girl, what's going on? Why send Danny to see his dad?"

Whitney remained calm, "Ludwik's injury is serious. I couldn't just stand by, right? We should always strive to be kind."

"Is that really all? Just out of kindness, not wanting your son to miss out on seeing his father?"

"Exactly."

"And you're not worried Bryce might get jealous, think too much?"

Whitney rolled her eyes, "I'm clear of conscience. And I'd appreciate if you'd keep your opinions to yourself."

"Whatever," Tiana grumbled, unable to argue, "I'm heading off, still early. Gonna swing by the brick factory again."

Whitney fell silent, "The police have sealed off the brick factory. Parker might not even be there anymore."

"I know..." Tiana sighed, "But Cherry's been adamant about finding him. She relies on him a lot."

"Have Barclay and Endora been bothering you lately?"

"Barclay? He's probably living it up with Jarvis, not really concerned about Parker. As for Endora, once she heard Parker was 'dead', she stopped showing up, probably looking for her next mark." "Always knew Endora and Elaine were two of a kind."

Tiana let out a snort, "Well, she had the title of fiancée all to herself, didn't she? Now that Parker's fate is up in the air, guess she can drop the act."

After hanging up the call, Tiana drove off, passing through the downtown plaza. She decided to hop out and grab something sweet for Cherry. That kid's a real sugar fiend, wonder who she got that from.

Certainly wasn't from her, that's for sure.

The plaza was a hub in the heart of Emperor City, a commercial powerhouse where many corporations had set up shop... including the Lutz Group.

Tiana eyed the Lutz Group's towering building, inwardly marveling at how, seemingly overnight, it had risen to dominate Emperor City's business landscape. Just then, she spotted Bryce, her best friend's husband, emerging from the building.

Seeing an old pal, Tiana smirked, ready to stroll over and catch up.

But suddenly, a sultry woman appeared at Bryce's side, looping her arm through his in a cozy, intimate fashion.