"Lock up your house, lock up your gold, and for heaven's sake, lock up your wife," they'd joke. But when he left so abruptly, try to see it from his side. It's all for the sake of his career, for a better life for you and the kids."
Sammy nodded vigorously, "Yeah, Mom, don't doubt Dad. He's really gone on a business trip."
That made it all the more suspicious to Whitney, who looked at their evasive expressions.
A sinking feeling grew inside her, her skepticism deepening, though she masked it with a smirk, "Does everyone in the Lippert family know about his trip? And they're all okay with it?"
"Whitney, Ludwik must have had an important reason to travel so far. I know my grandson. He wouldn't leave if he had a choice, especially since he's been trying to woo you again.
His father agreed to it. Ludwik asked us to keep complaints at bay and to look after you and the kids.
He might need a few days before he can return, so just relax and get closer to us, the Lippert family.
Ludwik's worried about your safety; he's arranged for people to protect you discreetly. Relying on the Lippert family will minimize any risks." Camilla wheeled over to add her two cents, earnestly advising Whitney.
The Lippert family's reaction to Ludwik's sudden disappearance was just as Whitney had feared.
Camilla probably didn't know the whole story, assuming her grandson was off to revive his career.
The real purpose of Ludwik's trip to Eurovoria was likely known only to Jason or Ashton.
And they would certainly not spill the beans to her.
"How long will he be away? Isn't there a schedule for business trips?" Whitney pressed Ashton for details.
Ashton was overwhelmed, uncertain how long Ludwik would be gone or what dangers he might face.
With a heavy heart, he admitted, "Ludwik said it could be a few days, or longer if things are unresolved…"
"Unresolved?" Whitney's heart skipped a beat. "He's on a business trip and can't even set his own schedule?"
"Because it's uncertain whether the deal will go through. If it falls through, Dad might stay there to sort things out, to bring your sister back home safely."
Sammy did his best to reassure his mom.
Whitney felt uneasy, guessing that Ludwik's trip might be dangerous; otherwise, he wouldn't have left without a return date.
How could he leave without a word!
She was distressed, angry, and hurt that he had left so suddenly without saying goodbye.
Ashton stepped forward, "Don't worry. Once he settles in Eurovoria, he'll find time to contact you."
Whitney scoffed, "Who said I'm worried? Let him contact if he wants. I won't be answering. It's his business, not mine!"
Sammy and Danny exchanged worried glances.
They knew their mom would be furious.
-
By ten in the morning, Felix finally remembered that Parker was still locked in the bar's private room.
He sent someone with the key.
Parker kicked the bouncer out of frustration as soon as he was freed.
His call to Ludwik went unanswered!
He was still clueless about what had happened.
With the night's concerns weighing on him, Parker splashed his face with cold water and hurried out of the bar, driving straight to the hospital from yesterday!
Arriving at the hospital, he found Tiana's room empty; she had been discharged.
Damn it.
His charming eyes darkened with fury as he stormed out of her room, wrote down 'Tiana' on a piece of paper, and marched straight to the head of obstetrics' office.
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