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Chapter_871
Whitney stared at the man’s striking features on the screen, taking a deep, cold breath in silence.
She had never imagined Ludwik could be so ruthlessly formidable when pushing someone into a corner. A shiver of fear ran through her.
Ring, ring—
The phone rang, as if on cue.
With mixed feelings, Whitney answered, “You’re pretty harsh in dealing with Bryce.”
She couldn’t help but express her astonishment to Ludwik.
Ludwik couldn’t suppress a cold chuckle internally. You have no idea how vile Bryce can be, Whitney. He’s taken our daughter, hidden her away…
His heart heavy, he managed a cold, thin smile, “I can’t afford your kindness or the luxury of turning the other cheek! I’m doing you a favor by getting rid of him. Aren’t you pleased?”
Whitney felt a chill run down her spine, her heart turning cold and then warming up again. She murmured softly, “Thank you for avenging me against Bryce. He’s responsible for two lives, Audrey’s and indirectly, Tiana’s as well.
Such a man doesn’t deserve mercy, nor the chance to turn things around.
You’ve taken care of it all.”
What she didn’t say out loud was that without him, she really wouldn’t know what to do.
But the man on the other end didn’t need her to say it to understand.
Through the phone, Ludwik’s deep, resonant laughter could be heard, “Then, may I invite you to dinner, Ms. Valentine?”
Whitney’s cheeks warmed instantly, perhaps charmed by his voice, a stark contrast to any other teasing she’d experienced.
It was like a pleasant current flowed through her ears.
Without realizing, she bit her lip, glanced at her watch, and said, “If a dinner is all it takes to thank you, I’m all for it. How about seven? I’ll bring the kids.”
That effectively blocked Ludwik’s intentions for a candlelit dinner.noveldrama
“…” The man raised an eyebrow slightly, admiring the woman’s cunning decisiveness.
Bringing the kids along, wasn’t that just like yesterday’s gathering at the Lippert family?
Ludwik’s handsome face darkened, suddenly finding the presence of his sons somewhat inconvenient.
As Felix entered the office with a soft knock and a thoughtful look towards his boss, Ludwik waved his hand dismissively and said to Whitney, “Then I’ll book a family-friendly restaurant and wait for you, darling.”
His gentle voice faded with the call ending.
He looked straight at Felix, his gaze turning stormy, “So, Bryce hasn’t called to beg for mercy?”
Felix, holding photos just sent by the detective, shook his head, “Since Bryce’s assets were frozen by Fortu-Nova Bank, he hasn’t left his mansion. Reporters are even speculating whether you’ve pushed him to suicide in there!”
“Suicide? Impossible.” Ludwik scoffed.
His long fingers picked up a cigarette, but he didn’t light it. Instead, he crushed it ruthlessly until the tobacco shredded, then he pocketed his hands and stood by the window, overlooking the dusk with a cold, detached gaze.
After a moment of deep thought, his eyes darkened with suspicion, “Ordinary people would beg on their knees if their assets were frozen and their companies looted.
All he had to do was to disclose Florence’s whereabouts.
His silence in such desperation… something’s off, Felix.
I suspect Bryce still harbors some plan, possibly related to his urgent sending off of Florence?
Could he be waiting for a moment? He doesn’t see his downfall yet, so he’s holding on… his mind is full of schemes, he won’t let go of anyone he could use.
Maybe there’s something on Florence, aside from the child, that could benefit him.
He has to use Florence for something?
Felix, get Parker here fast. See if he found out from which dark port Florence left last night?” The atmosphere in the office soured.
Felix felt the tension, knowing Bryce was stubborn; as long as he lived, he’d remain hidden.
If they couldn’t pry his mouth open, Ludwik would have to find Florence himself!
But the child was already six months old; they couldn’t afford to wait much longer.
Felix shared the urgency, “Mr. Lippert, please calm down. You’ll surely protect your and Ms. Valentine’s daughter.”
Ludwik, leaning against his desk, closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at his watch and straightened up. Grabbing his suit jacket, he strode out, “Keep the search for Florence quiet. Whitney must not catch even a hint!
She’s suffered enough this past year under my watch. Now, I just want her to believe all is calm, that her life won’t have any more upheaval. Otherwise, she’ll only grow more resistant and lose faith in us.”
“I understand, Mr. Lippert. I’ll inform Mr. Doonan and the young masters.”
Sammy, naturally, was very understanding, while Danny… better left unmentioned.
Ludwik’s lips curved slightly as he drove to meet Whitney for dinner, only to find her already there with their sons, looking radiant in her simplicity. Danny was hugging her leg, begging for ice cream.
It was only April, and naturally, Whitney was having none of it.
Ludwik, standing at the entrance, his handsome face darkened at the sight of Danny clinging to Whitney’s bare legs. Did that fool know she was wearing a skirt?
“Whitney.” He approached quickly.
Before she could see him clearly, he draped his jacket over her.
And Danny, still clinging to her leg, was briskly set aside by Ludwik.
“Daddy? What are you doing pushing me!” Danny almost didn’t catch himself from falling.
Sammy watched, puzzled.
Whitney bent down to assist her son, “Ludwik, what’s this about?”
“Stay still!” He protectively held her waist, fearing she might expose herself.
He glared at Danny, warning sternly, “In public, don’t cling to her legs. Understand? Show some manners! It’s uncivilized!”
Danny was left bewildered, wondering what he had done to deserve the scolding.
“Ludwik, what’s the matter?” Whitney glanced at Danny, whose eyes were red, completely puzzled. If it weren’t for the fact that Danny was his son, Whitney might have suspected that Ludwik was about to kick him out.
The man glanced at Sammy, who remained silent, “Take your clueless brother with you to your side.”
Sammy, observing how Ludwik was protectively wrapping his arm around Mom’s waist, seemed to get a hint of understanding.
“…” This possessiveness left him speechless.
It wasn’t until the two sons reluctantly took their seats that Ludwik adjusted the blazer on Whitney.
His hands were casual yet forceful, making the clothing cling tightly around her, which was quite uncomfortable.
“Take your jacket off, it’s really hot, and I’m feeling warm.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Ludwik gave her a cold look, leaning in to lower his voice, maic yet icy, “Didn’t you notice? When Danny hugged your legs, you almost had a wardrobe malfunction. What’s with the mini skirt after work? Don’t wear these pencil skirts to work anymore. What, are there no other skirts for sale?”
