Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 695

Danny couldn't help but wince at the sight of his dad, Jeff, looking nothing like the dapper gentleman he once was. His beard was unkempt, and his usual spark had dimmed. It pained Danny to see his dad in such a state. "What happened to you in just a few days, Dad?" Danny thought, trying hard to keep his tears at bay as he marched over, "Time for your medicine."

"Just leave it there, buddy. I'm sorry, I've been swamped lately, couldn't make time to see you and Sammy..."

"No need to explain. I know all about the troubles the Lippert family's been facing."

Jeff's eyes darkened with discomfort.

"You sure you won't take your medicine? Mom packed it in my backpack for you."

At the mention of his ex-wife, Jeff's defeated gaze suddenly lifted. "She prepared this for me? Really?"

With a mix of disbelief and self-mockery, Jeff hesitated. "Danny, I appreciate you coming, but you don't need to lie for her..."

"Cut the drama, Dad! Mom sent me! She said you've been down in the dumps and was worried you wouldn't last till I got to see you again."

Danny exaggerated a bit, pulling out a business card from his backpack, "She said you're hurt pretty bad. This is Dr. William's card; she thought you should see him. And take your herbal medicine unless you're planning on dying. Sure, the world won't stop if you do, and Mom might find someone else, but you're still my dad. When are you going to snap out of it?!"

Seeing his dad speechless, Danny felt a surge of anger and hurt.

Jeff was taken aback, slightly ashamed yet touched by his son's words. He reluctantly took Dr. William's card - a specialist in men's health. It was clear Whitney still cared in her own way, despite their strained relationship. "Danny, thank her for me."

"If you think Mom's just feeling sorry for you, then keep wallowing in self-pity. But let me tell you, Bryce is gaining on you. He's been badmouthing you behind your back. It's not just about you anymore. Think about me and Sammy. We're your sons. Do you want us to grow up ashamed of our dad?"

Danny's words struck a chord with Jeff. He realized how selfish he had been, wallowing in his own despair and neglecting his sons' feelings.

With renewed determination, Jeff downed the herbal medicine. "You're right, Danny. Keep telling me what I need to hear."

Danny, a bit taken aback by his dad's sudden change of heart, wiped away his tears, "Did you really listen to me?"

"I did," Jeff said with a weary yet genuine smile. "And I promise, I won't let you or your mom down."

Danny, still a bit jealous of his dad's focus on Whitney, added, "You haven't thought much about me and Sammy, have you? With all the drama around the Lippert family... Sammy said he could help, but he's been busy with something more important. If you care at all, sort yourself out. Maybe one day, you'll realize Sammy's been cleaning up the mess for you."

Thinking of Sammy, the younger son who was wiser and more introspective than anyone gave him credit for, Jeff couldn't help but smile, though he was puzzled by Sammy's mysterious endeavors.

"Danny, take care of Sammy. It's my fault for being absent. I'll make it up to both of you. And your grandma's not been well..."

"Grandma's sick?" Danny's concern for the kind old lady who'd always been good to him surfaced, redirecting their conversation towards family matters and away from the troubles that had initially brought them together.

Ludwik's eyes dimmed, "Because the Lippert family fell from grace, Great-Grandma has been sick with worry."

"Where does Great-Grandma live now? I heard from Sammy that the Lippert Resort has been sold."

"Yeah, she's not here. She's living in another property owned by the Lippert family."

"I'll talk to Mom when I get home. I want to visit Great-Grandma."

Ludwik nodded, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes, but he still took his son's hand, glancing outside at the darkening sky, "It's getting late. You should head home, don't make her worry." He appreciated that his son's mother was willing to let the boy come over, but he didn't want to monopolize the child's time.

"Ludwik, make sure you take your medicine, alright? Don't let Mom's compassionate heart go to waste.

And that doctor, you should see him too!"