Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 699

He didn't know why he growled, staring at the woman floating on the sea, his head starting to ache, even losing control over his own actions. The sailor immediately steered the yacht in the opposite direction.

Tiana couldn't believe her luck; had someone on this cruise ship spotted her in distress?

They were heading her way.

Maybe she wouldn't have to die here after all.

But then, she'd heard tales of the frequent pirates at sea. Could this be a robbery?

She shivered, huddling into herself.

Yet... as the cruise ship drew nearer, she peered over eagerly, her eyes widening, the man standing on deck against the sea breeze... looked familiar. Could it be... Parker?!

Was she hallucinating?

But... this was the old brick factory where he had vanished, and the sea below was outside the territorial waters of Emperor City.

Could it be...

Tiana was stunned, her heart beating wildly as she stared at the approaching yacht.

"Parker... is it you?"

-

At Delight Mansion, Tiana's villa.

Whitney had come home early to wait for Tiana while keeping Cherry company.

Tiana had something important to share, her tone over the phone was unusually urgent.

But as night fell, Tiana was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, Whitney's phone buzzed with a message from Tiana: "Whitney! I've stumbled upon some clues about Parker's disappearance. I have to make a sudden trip to the old brick factory, it's quite far from home, might take several days. Don't worry about me, and don't try to contact me, the signal by the sea is poor. Please, take care of Cherry!"

??

For a moment, Whitney doubted if the message was really from Tiana.

But the number was indeed hers.

But... hadn't she promised to share something crucial?

Why the sudden change of plans? Now off to chase after Parker?

Whitney, speechless, called back immediately.

"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later."

After two attempts, the result was the same.

Really bad signal?

"Aunt Whitney, why isn't mommy back yet? It's getting dark."

Cherry, done playing with her Barbie dolls, came over looking dejected.

Whitney picked her up, frowning, "Cherry, did mommy call the nanny during the day to say she would be going away?"

"Nope."

Cherry shook her head, "But mommy has been busy lately, often coming home late at night."

Was she busy looking for Parker?

Had a sudden lead prompted her urgent departure?

What was she planning to tell her?

Whitney was puzzled by Tiana's uncharacteristic behavior. Yet, considering the phone was personally managed by Tiana, the message must have been from her.

With no way to reach her now, they could only try again tomorrow.

Whitney, feeling helpless, took Cherry by the hand, "Your mommy's gone to find Parker for you.

Let me try calling her later; even if she doesn't come back, she should at least say goodnight.

Come on, Cherry, you'll stay at my place tonight, play with the boys."

"Okay... I hope mommy finds daddy Parker soon!" Cherry's eyes sparkled.

Well, Parker... daddy? This kid really was stubborn about seeing Parker as a father.

Wondering how she got so attached to Parker...

As they walked across the villa's lawn, Whitney's phone rang again.

It was Shane.

"Ms. Valentine, your husband Bryce doesn't seem suspicious."

Shane reported from the other end, "My investigator says following Bryce is pretty dull. He's punctual for work, maintains distance from female colleagues, and ignores any advances at parties. He doesn't smoke or drink, and though he occasionally visits clubs for business, he stays clear of any women. He's also quite charitable; the Lutz Group has donated a significant amount to disaster areas.

The investigator even inquired at his company, and the feedback on him is positive, saying he's gentle and approachable.

Basically, this man is perfect, no one has anything bad to say about him."

Whitney was at a loss for words. Had she been overthinking?

"Your investigator wasn't bribed, right?" She asked, half-jokingly.

"Highly unlikely, he's my guy," Shane chuckled softly before lowering his voice, "Aren't you just worried because of that video? Are you sure he actually saw your... video?"

Whitney fell silent. What if Ludwik had lied to her, never showing Bryce the video?

Was Ludwik just trying to drive a wedge between her and Bryce by exaggerating?

Shane added, "While I don't know Bryce well, I admire how he manages to be so flawless. It's almost unreal.

But the investigation is solid. Do you need me to look into anything else?"

Whitney pondered Shane's words. Bryce was nearly always calm, a man so perfect, charitable, and gentle. Was it even possible?

Admittedly, Bryce was good to her.

But with the investigation showing no issues, it wasn't right to keep doubting him.

She shook her head, "No, call off the investigator. That'll be all."

After thanking Shane, she hung up.

Approaching her villa with Cherry, she saw Bryce through the living room's large window, already home from work.

Under the night lights, he sat on the sofa, explaining an economics book to Sammy.

Sammy listened passively, while Danny, clearly unimpressed, was busy hammering away at something on the wall.

Bryce looked over, setting the book aside to help Danny stabilize a block.

Danny, annoyed, refused his help.

Bryce sighed but said nothing, embodying the patience of a good father.

Watching this scene, Whitney felt a twinge of guilt. She had doubted Bryce, even had Shane investigate him.

Yet, here he was, taking care of her sons upon returning home.

Was she being unfair?

Uncle Dave and Yael, they're pretty fond of Bryce, but Tiana seems to blow hot and cold with him.

Suddenly, Whitney had a hunch. The thing Tiana wanted to talk to her about this afternoon... could it have something to do with Bryce?

As the LEGO castle was completed, Bryce turned around, caught sight of her, and with a smile, opened the window, "Whitney, you're back?

Why are you just standing there looking lost? Come on in."

Whitney, holding Cherry, stepped inside.

Keegan, maneuvering his wheelchair, came over to open the door and shot her a look, "You're the mom of two, yet you're always out early and back late. Meanwhile, Bryce here is playing the parent role even better than you." "I'm sorry, Uncle. I'll do better next time," Whitney said earnestly, acknowledging her lapse.