Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 718

Parker's eyes were cold, a clear sign he didn't recognize her, let alone trust her. Compassion, especially towards women, wasn't really his thing. "Look, lady, you can argue till you're blue in the face, but it seems like you're just trying to pin everything on me, right? I remember last night, I warned you not to come near me when I was feeling off.

You didn't listen, kept trying to drag me away.

And then... well, let's just say it takes two to tango. If you really weren't into it, it wouldn't have happened."

"Parker, you really don't get it, do you?" Tiana felt a chill in her heart, realizing he was nothing like the charming, loyal man she thought she knew.

Now, he was as cold as ice, distant and arrogant.

"Hey, both of you need to chill," the middle-aged man muttered, clearly disappointed in his nephew's behavior.

He thought his own harsh treatment of the girl was bad enough, but his nephew was showing potential to be a real heartbreaker, sleeping with her and then acting all high and mighty.

He whispered to Parker, "Look, Parkie, regardless of how things went down, you did sleep with her. Whether you lost control because of your condition or if she initiated it, that's up for debate. But since the doc mentioned her being able to alleviate your... condition, maybe you should take some responsibility, huh?"

"Again?" Parker scoffed, his pride evident. "There won't be a next time. I'm not interested in her. It was just to get through the night, I won't touch her again. I'm not looking to be labeled a monster."

Tiana felt her heart turn to ice at his arrogant tone, especially when he said, "not interested in her."

Not interested...

So, he didn't like her after all. It was just her misunderstanding.

Why touch her then? Why did it seem like he was into it last night? Jerk.

She bit her lip, then saw him casually flick the blanket aside, adding insult to injury, "Doesn't look like it was your first time. It was mutual, so if you want responsibility, money will do."

That was the last straw for Tiana. Furious, she stormed over and slapped him across the face, "You jerk!

Parker, I can't stand you!"

In front of everyone, Tiana felt exhausted and humiliated. She couldn't bear to stay any longer. She grabbed her jacket and stormed out, leaving a stunned crowd behind.

Parker, now without his glasses, touched his cheek where her hand had left its mark, puzzled by her anger. He remembered her eager eyes last night, her affection, her flushed, adorable face. Was she really coming onto him?

"Man, Parkie, you went too far," the middle-aged man sighed, patting his nephew's shoulder. "Even if she's no virgin, you can't just dismiss her. You better hope you don't need her help again, or you'll be shooting yourself in the foot." "Uncle, I've managed before," Parker replied coolly, stepping out of the room, "Just find her, make sure she doesn't do anything drastic."

The uncle was fuming. Now he had to clean up this mess and ensure the girl was safe and taken care of.

-

The next morning, Whitney returned to the Delight Mansion, immediately approached by Yael, "I can't reach Tiana! Cherry's getting more upset by the minute."

After a hectic night, Whitney had almost forgotten about Tiana. She quickly dialed Tiana's number, only to find it turned off. This was unusual; Tiana always kept her phone on for emergencies.

Now, three days had passed without a word from Tiana. Whitney knew something was wrong.

"Keep Cherry calm. I need to think this through," Whitney told Yael, trying to hide her concern.

Yael whispered, "Do you think Tiana ran into trouble?"

"Shh, don't scare Cherry. Maybe Tiana just forgot to charge her phone," Whitney reassured her, though her heart was racing.

She reviewed Tiana's last message, sensing something was off. It was unlike Tiana to be so cautious about not being contacted.

Whitney's instincts screamed that Tiana might be in danger. Determined, she called Bryce for help, hoping to trace Tiana's steps before it was too late.

As she ended the call, a shadow of gloom fell over his face. Whitney was heading to the beachside brickworks.

It was a surefire way to blow the whole thing wide open. He slouched deeper into his chair, squinting his eyes. At least those guys had already taken care of Tiana!

But there was no way he was going to spill the beans to Whitney about that location.

While he was waiting for Bryce to get back to him, earlier that morning,

Whitney had made her way to Skye Gem Ltd., where she found Nyx. "Nyx," she began, her voice laced with concern, "Did Tiana show up for work on time at Skye Gem Ltd. during those days, three days ago? Do you know what she's been up to lately?"