Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 864

Jason caught Natalie's anxious gaze and quickly stepped in to ease the tension, "Mom, Natalie and I are on the same page. A happy resolution is definitely the best outcome!" "Yeah, I just want everything to be peaceful and harmonious for Ludwik's family."

Camilla sneaked a glance at Natalie, and well, she couldn't be more pleased.

She worried endlessly about Jason's future, fearing he'd end up lonely in his later years. Having a kind-hearted and understanding woman like Natalie by his side gave her peace of mind. Natalie, with her good nature, had stepped in during their toughest times to purchase the Lippert Resort.

This gesture of kindness was well known among the Lipperts.

With a chuckle, Camilla said, tapping her cane, "Isn't that the truth? All us elders want is to see our children and grandchildren happy. Ludwik, Whitney, please don't give us any more worries." Whitney, speechless, firmly clarified, "Camilla, there's really nothing between Ludwik and me..."

"Not getting back together then? Well, you're here to pick up the kids, but you might as well stay for dinner," Camilla warmly invited. "You haven't visited me in a while, and I did help you out back in the day." That was true.

From their first meeting, Camilla had shown Whitney kindness.

And over time, she'd become fond of Danny, now even embracing Whitney's two sons.

Danny exclaimed, "Mommy! You should come in. The Lipperts treat us like royalty here. Great-grandma even feeds me and Sammy herself, and Grandpa buys us snacks and toys that even Justin doesn't get to play with. And Aunt Heidi Lippert, who used to be cold to me, is now super nice."

It was unexpected. After a downfall that forced them out of their grand manor into this modest house, the once divided Lippert family had found harmony.

This new atmosphere made Whitney more comfortable leaving her kids here.

With a smile, she ruffled her sons' hair and followed them inside.

Expecting a pristine and solemn Lippert family living room, Whitney was surprised to find it cluttered with toys.

In the adjoining hall, there was even a life-sized slide and a ball pit.

Whitney was taken aback. This was nothing like the old Lipperts.

Clearly, the genuine happiness on Danny and Sammy's faces wasn't an act. The Lippert elders truly adored them, treating these two prodigies like any other beloved child.

Feeling a mix of emotions, Whitney sneaked a glance at the stern and upright Ludwik.

She remained silent, bowing her head.

"Whitney," Camilla approached with a beaming smile, "after the Lipperts fell on hard times, we went through a rough patch. But your boys have been a real joy for us. Look at them, so happy. Sammy may be the quiet type, but when he plays soccer with Ludwik, his youthful spirit shines through." "The old Lipperts were too caught up in schemes, lacking warmth and simplicity."

Jason, surprisingly in agreement, softened his tone as he turned to Whitney, "I was wrong about Florence, Whitney. I owe you an apology. You were the only one who truly showed mercy to Ludwik.

"Son, Whitney is a good woman. Her marriage to Bryce was a sham. Ever since she announced her divorce today, the internet's been buzzing, rooting for us to get back together. They say I'm the only one who truly loved her. And I believe we both have each other's best interests at heart..."

"Ludwik," Whitney warned him in a low voice, mindful of the Lipperts' presence, urging him not to make things awkward.

She wasn't in the mood for romance.

"Ludwik, that's enough. Don't make Whitney uncomfortable," Natalie intervened, tugging at her son's shirt.

Jason also turned to his son, "I've said my piece. Now, let it be."

"Fine."

"Whitney, shall we join the kids outside?" Natalie suggested, sensing her own discomfort within the Lippert household. Whitney nodded and followed Natalie to the lawn to play soccer with the kids.

Ludwik, hands in his trouser pockets, turned to face his father, raising an eyebrow, "Dad, did you invite Mom over?" Jason, guessing his son's intention, walked away from Camilla to speak privately, "Ask away."

"Did you invite her for me?"

"Yes." Jason's response was calm but firm, "Is that a problem?"

"I'm curious why you specifically invited her here," Ludwik pressed, concerned about Natalie's involvement.

Jason, caught off guard by the direct question, hesitated before replying, "I appreciate the help she gave you in the past. Plus, it makes Whitney's integration into the Lipperts less awkward. Having Natalie here means Whitney has someone she can relate to, someone to talk to during dinner, right?"

Ludwik smirked at his father's evasive answer, amused by the notion that the invitation was solely for Whitney's sake.

But he chose not to challenge his father's intentions. Perhaps, alongside gratitude, Jason had also come to admire Natalie.

After all, even the most hardened warrior can't resist a woman who offers unwavering kindness-especially after experiencing a partner like Thea. Maybe Jason now understood what he needed for the second half of his life.

Ludwik couldn't help but feel a spark of hope.

He was well aware of the deep, enduring love his mother harbored for his father. Given the chance, she'd be overjoyed to reunite.

"Alright. Then I'll make sure to bring Whitney over more often. To ease her into the Lippert family without any awkwardness, you could also invite mom over to see her grandkids more often. Saves Danny and Sammy the trouble of making trips back and forth." Ludwik raised an eyebrow mischievously as he spoke.

Jason let out a loud cough, a warning in his tone, "Enough, get to cooking!"

"Why should I be the one cooking? It's your turn to delight the grandkids today." Ludwik pointed at the calendar, "See, Sammy has a particular fondness for your shrimp scampi and creamed corn with pine nuts." Jason shot him a fierce look, unamused.

There was no helping it; to keep the little tyrants happy, every member of the Lippert family had been pulling out all the stops these days.

"Sammy, honey, mom wants to know, are you happy staying here?" Whitney whispered to her son, more attuned to the nuances of human emotions, as they sat on the lawn.

Sammy's little hand paused over his tablet, closing a tab, then he lifted his calm gaze, "Mom, if my answer would influence your decision about whether or not to give dad another chance, then I'd rather not say." "Silly sweetheart, of course, it won't influence me. I just want to know-are you happy?"