Ludwik was oblivious to the chilling change in her demeanor. Leaning in, captivated by her presence, he couldn't resist brushing aside her hair to seek out her cheek for a kiss. "Whitney..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Startled, Whitney turned, her gaze icy as she struggled to distinguish between the memory captured in a photograph and the reality before her. Her chest felt tight, as if trampled by a hedgehog leaving behind a trail of painful pricks.

The photo, sent by Elaine with today's date-3 PM. Now it was 5. Looking at Ludwik, so impeccably dressed, she scoffed at the thought that he had been drowning in work at Skyfaith, fasting in guilt as Danny suggested. She had hoped he'd share her concern for Sammy, feel the loss as deeply... But clearly, he didn't. While she was hanging on a thread after an argument with Elaine, he was out, meeting new women? Was he always this stranger she never truly knew?

Tears welled up in Whitney's eyes, overwhelmed by a surge of anger. "Whitney... what's wrong?" Ludwik's confusion was palpable as he noticed the coldness in her stare, his brows knitting in concern. Whitney, her anger turning cold, slammed her phone against his chest. Trying to stay calm, despite the rage fueled by Elaine's betrayal, she forced a smile, "And where were you this afternoon, having fun?" "I..." Ludwik started, caught off-guard by her accusation.

He couldn't tell her about his mother's illness, the only donor they found, and the negotiations that had gone south, especially not the conditions they'd proposed... His instinct to conceal was stronger, his lips curving into a casual smile, "Why such a question? I was at the office. Are you checking up on me?" Whitney's laughter was sharp as ice. She offered him a chance to explain, but he chose not to. Lies, then. Confirmation of his betrayal.

Picking up her phone, she waved it in front of him, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Next time you sneak around, Mr. Lippert, at least wipe that smirk off your face. Oh, but considering our current situation, it's hardly sneaking around. More like taking a bite out of life while your son is missing and your mother's in the hospital. How delightful!" Ludwik's expression froze as he saw the photo, his features hardening. He hadn't expected a simple outing to be twisted into a scandal.

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