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Novel Catalog
Chapter_285
Whitney’s thoughts were sharp and dismissive as she walked through the cool air, her mind focused solely on the matters that mattered to her. She had no interest in people who offered nothing of value. Those who couldn’t contribute didn’t deserve her time or attention.
As dusk settled into the sky, she approached Bryce’s SUV, parked just off the road near a forgotten warehouse. A surge of warmth flowed through her as she approached. “I knew it,” she muttered to herself. “How could Nyx ever afford such heavy security? It had to be you.”
Bryce leaned against the vehicle, offering her a proud, knowing smile. “Here’s to Ms. Valentine, the powerhouse herself, single-handedly becoming the majority shareholder of Skye Gem Ltd.”
Nyx let out an amused cheer. “Those leeches never stood a chance. They kept trying to suck up to Elaine while betraying Whitney. But today, Ms. Valentine showed them who’s boss. One word—badass.”
“Quit the flattery,” Whitney replied with a laugh, feeling a gentle stir in her arms. She looked down at her son. “Awake, sweetheart? Look, Uncle Bryce is here.”
Sammy, who had been lying quietly, greeted Bryce with a polite nod. “Bryce,” he said, his tone calm, showing that despite everything, he’d come to enjoy their video calls and interactions.
Bryce, slightly taken aback by Sammy’s politeness, turned to Whitney for confirmation. She nodded subtly, giving him the green light. Bryce’s smile softened, his eyes filled with warmth. “Sammy, may I give you a hug?”
Sammy hesitated for a moment, the thought of being embraced by anyone other than his father awkward. ‘Dad hasn’t even hugged me,’ he thought bitterly. ‘But I can’t let another man be the first.’ Still, he appreciated Bryce’s help and kindness towards his mom. Reluctantly, he climbed down from the SUV and took Bryce’s hand. “I’m a bit of a germaphobe,” he added with a wry grin. “Hope you don’t mind.”
Bryce laughed heartily, ruffling Sammy’s hair. “Our Sammy, truly a prince among men.”
As they climbed into the SUV, Sammy observed the warm interactions between his mother and Bryce. Their dynamic was undeniable, and a thought crossed his mind. ‘They make a striking couple. Meanwhile, Dad couldn’t even bother to help.’ His irritation toward his absentee father grew as the car made its way toward their apartment building. They hadn’t even had the chance to celebrate their victory properly, as Bryce had arranged a confidential visit for Whitney to see her uncle in prison.
“Sammy,” Whitney said as they neared the building, “Bryce’s staff will take you up. Mom has to visit your granduncle tonight. You’ll be okay, right?”
Sammy, always mature for his age, nodded. “Of course, I will. Give my best to Granduncle. I hope he gets out safe and soon.”
Whitney smiled, touched by his words. She couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast to the Sammy who had clung to her only a few days ago. But something in her stirred. ‘What’s happening to me?’ she wondered, as the warmth of her son’s maturity mingled with a strange sense of loss.
Bryce, catching the moment, grinned. “Are you falling for both sides of Sammy’s split personality?” he teased, catching Whitney off guard.
“As his mom, I love every bit of him,” she replied, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
She leaned back, reflecting on the strange but perfect balance she now had between her son’s two distinct sides. She had everything she needed—two treasures in her life, each irreplaceable in their own way.
Meanwhile, in the mansion, Elaine was plotting in the privacy of her room. She had sneaked in to make a call to her mother, Delphine. “Mom, buying that medicine through regular channels could leave a trail. Can you get some from Bartels Hospital? It’s for Ludwik…” Elaine trailed off as she stepped into the hallway, only to freeze at the sight of Danny standing in the dim light.
The boy’s gaze, sharp and piercing like Whitney’s, met hers. Elaine, startled, quickly covered her phone, her eyes scanning for anyone else. “Danny, what are you doing lurking here without making a sound? Spooking people like a ghost?” she snapped, her irritation growing.
Danny didn’t respond, merely walking past her without a word. Elaine, taken aback, was confused by his coldness. The boy who would have sassed her back just days ago now walked past her with a deliberate indifference that sent a chill down her spine.
Something wasn’t right. She followed him to his room, only to trip over a pile of sports clothes strewn about. “Ah… Why are all these sports clothes lying around? Are you trying to make me trip on purpose?” she huffed.
Danny, irritated, snapped, “You should watch where you’re walking.”
A maid entered, explaining that Danny had refused to buy the clothes and suggested they be stored for later. “He still prefers his suits,” the maid added.
Elaine’s mind raced as she scrutinized Danny. Now impeccably dressed in a suit, he looked every bit the little version of Ludwik, a sharp contrast to the sports gear scattered around. But why wouldn’t he acknowledge it?
Suspicion gnawed at her. She watched Danny, who was now brushing her off, and her eyes narrowed as she sensed a deeper shift in him. “What are you looking at? You’re not welcome here,” he said flatly.
Elaine pressed closer, feigning concern. “Danny, why the sudden coldness? You were so sweet to me just the other night.”
Danny faltered, remembering Sammy’s recent presence and the reminder of his own behavior. “Damn, they must’ve been inconsistent,” he thought, trying to brush it off. “I just don’t like talking much!”
Elaine, still pressing, felt her suspicions grow. “But you were so warm to me before. Remember how sweetly you called me after the auction?” she asked, her tone more insistent. Danny, caught off guard, stumbled as Elaine suddenly searched his pockets.
“Can you tell Mommy why you had an inhaler with you that day?” Elaine demanded. “Asthma isn’t one of your quirks. Is it one of your friends?”
But as she searched, there was no inhaler. Danny, remembering that it had been for Sammy, stayed silent. Annoyed and defensive, he clenched his fists. “What inhaler? Are you sure you weren’t seeing things? I want to sleep now. Can you stop bothering me?”
With that, he climbed into bed, sitting upright with a cool, aloof air that was all too familiar. Gone was the cuddly, playful boy from the past few days. This was the Danny of old—aloof and hard to read.
Elaine stared, her confusion deepening. His behavior had changed drastically. One moment, he was asking for new clothes, and the next, he was denying everything. He had an inhaler in his pocket just a short while ago, but now he denied it. Something was definitely off.
Suspicion grew in her gut, but realizing there were more pressing matters at hand, she decided to leave it for later. As she exited, Danny quickly jumped off the bed and shut the door. He then sent a quick message through his smartwatch. “Sammy, the wicked lady seems like she’s up to something bad with Dad!”
