Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 723

The night was deep.

Whitney waited until Hudson woke up, his eyes slowly fluttering open, and she cried tears of joy.

Hudson was weak, and Dr. Ivan had checked him several times, noting that his vision was too poor to see people clearly.

Whitney understood. She knew that someone just coming out of a deep coma would have their body's organs failing in some ways, their functions not up to normal standards.

She and Cody stood excitedly by the hospital bed. "Doctor, can we talk to dad?"

"It's possible, but it would tire Mr. Sheldon out quite a bit. I've reviewed the MRI scans, and his cranial neurons haven't recovered fully. Recognizing people, understanding objects, speaking - all of that is going to take some time." Whitney nodded through her tears, knowing that having him awake was what mattered most. Everything else could be dealt with in time.

"Dad, you've been out for nearly four months," Whitney spoke slowly, holding his hand. "A lot has happened."

Cody cautioned, "Miss, don't forget the doctor's advice."

Whitney knew she couldn't yet tell her father about the shifts in the Sheldon Group or the troubles with Hugh Sheldon and Florence. It might overwhelm him if he could understand and get agitated.

"Let's wait a few more days, till dad can talk and recognize us, and his strength is back. Maybe then, it will be easier for him to accept everything."

Releasing his pale fingers, Whitney whispered, "Dad, just rest tonight. I'll stay here with you."

Hudson's eyes, half-open in weakness, closed again after about fifteen minutes.

Whitney texted Bryce: "Bryce, dad's awake. I'm staying with him tonight. Please have someone move my luggage to your place."

But hours passed without a reply from Bryce.

Whitney frowned, wondering what could be keeping him so busy late at night. She set down her phone and settled into a chair, eventually dozing off with her head on the bedside.

-

The following evening, Whitney visited Hudson again, this time with Sammy and her uncle's family. After ensuring everything was in order, it was time for her to move to Bryce's new home.

"Sammy, mommy knows you want to stay at Delight Mansion. Just listen to Aunt Yael and grandpa, okay? Maybe Danny will be back in a few days. Bryce's place isn't too far; I can visit every day."

Sammy had his own concerns, especially after Tiana's remarks about Bryce. He was unsure about Bryce but respected his mom's feelings, given the disappointment with their dad before. "If Bryce dares to mistreat you, I'll be the first to take him down!" Sammy's tone was light, but his eyes flashed with serious intent.

Whitney was touched. "Thank you, Sammy. We'll give Bryce a trial period."

After saying her goodbyes, Whitney left with her belongings.

Sammy received a call from Danny on his smartwatch. "Sammy, did mom really move in with that Bryce?"

"Yes..."

"Why didn't you stop her!" Danny's anger flared.

Sammy calmly replied, "Don't worry. If Bryce mistreats her, I'll find a way to deal with him."

Feeling momentarily relieved at Sammy's words, Danny's frustration returned. "Dad must be devastated."

Sammy's indifference was clear. "Dad's emotions are not my concern."

Meanwhile, Ludwik was discussing a challenging business prospect with his father, Jason, related to securing a partnership with Phineas Wilson of Inko Group, a key figure with significant political connections. Despite the hurdles, Ludwik was determined to find a way into Phineas's upcoming housewarming party at Brew Hill.

As Ludwik exited the meeting, Danny approached him, upset about their mother moving in with Bryce and questioning their earlier plan to win her back.

He shot Ludwik a playful wink.

-

In Bryce's mansion, Whitney stepped in, finding herself surrounded by the pristine decor of a newlywed home.

"This is Mr. Lutz's bedroom, Ms. Valentine."

Audrey, lugging Whitney's suitcase behind her, set it down.

"Thank you, Audrey."

Whitney then took a moment to survey the bedroom. It was spacious and minimalistic, boasting a stunning 270-degree panoramic view. Yet, the thought of actually having to share it and her life with Bryce was nothing short of overwhelming. "Don't mention it. What concerns Mr. Lutz concerns me as well."

Audrey's voice was dripping with a syrupy sweetness. Suddenly, she covered her mouth, gave her chest a pat as if trying to settle something inside, and hinted, "Maybe it's because Mr. Lutz's room is so freshly done up. I'm pregnant and a bit sensitive to new smells, Ms. Valentine. Pardon my forwardness!"

This was the second time tonight that Whitney heard her referred to as 'Ms. Valentine'. She instinctively frowned, puzzled. Normally, wouldn't people call her Mrs. Lutz? Yet, Audrey seemed to deliberately avoid doing so.