Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 874

Sammy blinked in the dim light.

As Whitney spotted the father-son duo standing together, they both instinctively quieted down, their expressions hinting at the awkward tension from the night before. It was clear that there was more between Sammy and his dad than just a simple fatherly lecture. With a slight frown, Whitney, holding Danny's hand, approached them. "What are you guys whispering about over here? How come you stop talking the moment Danny and I show up?"

"Oh, nothing at all," Sammy quickly clarified. "We don't want to start any macho showdowns in front of you. We three gents need to maintain a peaceful and serene vibe around our lady." Ludwik nodded in agreement, glancing at his clever son before turning his attention to Whitney, "From here on out, it's all about pampering you, Whitney. Your best days are yet to come." Whitney was enveloped in a sea of sweet nothings, utterly at a loss for words.

The more they acted this way, the more she doubted their sincerity.

Were they just pulling the wool over her eyes?

There was definitely something Sammy and Ludwik were hiding from her, and possibly even from Danny.

Casting a glance at Danny's smiling face... Danny, looking so innocent yet clueless, spilling secrets as easily as breathing, it's no wonder they'd keep things from him.

She squinted her eyes, planning to send Danny on a little fact-finding mission about Sammy's antics soon.

Seeing the father and son engage in their cryptic conversation, Whitney didn't press any further.

"Dinner's over, so it's about time we headed home. Danny, Sammy, come over here, let's go." Whitney gave Ludwik a businesslike smile, "Thanks for picking up the tab."

"I'll drive you guys home!" Ludwik stepped forward, his gentle aura enveloping Whitney. He effortlessly lifted Danny into his arms and reached for Whitney's purse, his luxurious watch scraping against the fabric, its cold metallic touch briefly making his fatherly figure seem all the more charming.

Whitney watched his towering figure, momentarily captivated by the night's tender warmth and the sense of security it brought her.

These days, with him around, childcare seemed almost effortless. His strength, his attentiveness, his mix of dominance and chivalry, and his all-around thoughtfulness...

What was she thinking? Snap out of it, Whitney.

This man was cunning, performing for an audience of one - all to win her back.

She wasn't about to fall for the same trap twice.

For now, she'd let things be. She wasn't looking to remarry, nor was she considering getting back together with him.

With the Sheldon Group recently reclaimed, she needed to focus on strengthening the company in her father's honor.

Whitney quietly gathered her thoughts, the ride back to Delight Mansion passing quickly. Before she knew it, Ludwik had parked the car, displaying astonishing strength as he carried both boys from the vehicle.

His tall frame against the night breeze, he came around to open her door, his eyes deep pools in the darkness, "Whitney, since I paid tonight, you owe me a dinner."

Whitney, faced with his mature yet playful dodging, found herself speechless.

His finger gently brushed her lips, his gaze fixated on her, "You've got a bit too much lipstick on. Let me help you with that. This Friday, the Lippert Group is hosting a celebration with a large light show I've designed especially for the kids. Make sure you bring them along. It's also a chance for the Sheldon Group to network with some valuable business partners."

Whitney's retort was effectively silenced.

Despite the Sheldon Group's instability, she couldn't deny the opportunity to leverage his influence for potential collaborations.

Admitting her pragmatic approach, she realized that in the business world, utilizing available resources was key - and it wouldn't really be taking advantage of him without his consent.

"Don't overthink it, sweetheart. I'd love for you to make full use of me and the Lippert family for your own gain. We could be a powerhouse duo," Ludwik said, reading her like a book and wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her from the car. Whitney, caught off guard, found herself enveloped in his embrace, his scent reassuringly masculine.

Her cheeks flushed, she quickly stepped back, asserting, "What powerhouse duo? Don't tag me with your labels. I'm accepting your help for now, but once the Sheldon Group is back on its feet, I'll repay you through collaboration."

"No need. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is still yours! In the future, you'll be the lady of both the Sheldon and Lippert families," Ludwik joked with unabashed boldness.

"I can't even with you." Whitney, feeling her resolve melting away in his hold, hurriedly stepped back. Noticing her sons looking on curiously under the porch light, she blushed even deeper, quickly heading towards the mansion, "What are you staring at? Get inside." Danny, starry-eyed, commented, "Mom, you and dad looked like a TV drama just now. Both of you are so good-looking, like those main characters. And dad's got that whole commanding CEO vibe. Quite the eye-candy."

Whitney cringed, "Danny, how about you lay off those silly soaps, okay?"

"It's not me, it's grandma who's into those! Great-grandma prefers crime documentaries."

Whitney realized then how much Danny's habits had changed under the Lippert family's influence.

She turned to Sammy, "Try to be a good role model for your brother, would you? Let's not have him grow up too naive."

Sammy chuckled softly, "Mom, don't we all just have it together in this family? Having a brother like Danny who's a bit of an adorable goofball is pretty great, isn't it? We gotta preserve his natural charm."

"Sammy! Don't you dare call me an adorable goofball behind my back. I am the cool and aloof type. When have I ever been 'adorable'?"

Danny chased after Sammy, shouting his protest.

At that moment, their uncle opened the door for them, a smile playing on his lips. He glanced at the Rolls-Royce still parked outside the mansion's gate, then sneakily looked at Whitney, "All done? Did Ludwik drop you off?" Whitney, a bit embarrassed, looked down as she changed her shoes, "Oh. Uncle, have you had dinner? Where's Yael?"

"I've eaten. Yael went next door to drop off some pumpkin pie. Cherry mentioned Tiana seemed a bit under the weather."

"Tiana's feeling unwell?" Whitney furrowed her brows. She had stayed at the Lippert family's place yesterday but hadn't contacted Tiana.

There hadn't been anything amiss when she left work the day before either.

After bathing her son, it was already ten o'clock when Yael came back, working late in the study.

Whitney tried calling Tiana but couldn't get through, so she went to ask Yael.

Yael looked up from his work, "Tiana said she's fine, just some stomach ache and vomiting. She thinks it might have been something she ate. Told me not to worry you and suggested you could call her to go to work together tomorrow." Whitney paused, a bit puzzled. Stomach ache and vomiting? Tiana was usually so healthy...