Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 837

"Tiana, that backstabber, actually spilled everything about her escapades in Banyan City?"

"Parker, it's not what it looks like, please, let me explain! I had no choice," Endora pleaded, clutching his wrist with tears streaming down her face as she wrapped herself in the sheets. "Those men, my parents forced me to meet them. I wanted nothing more than to wait for you, but our family business was in trouble, and I had no other option..."

"Oh, so you had no choice but to book a hotel room to 'solve' your family's business issues?" Parker's tone was laced with sarcasm, his gaze cold and dismissive as he pulled his hand away from her grasp.

Standing at a distance, his demeanor frosty and his words concise, "Let's get one thing straight, Endora. You did me a great favor three years ago, and out of gratitude and responsibility, I agreed to marry you. The support the Doonan family has provided to the Melford family over these years is undeniable. But if you can't remain faithful, I doubt your love for me holds much weight. I, Parker, cannot marry someone who's opportunistic and unfaithful. That's my bottom line. Name your price to settle this debt of gratitude for the rest of your life. How about a billion? That should be more than enough for the Melford family business to thrive!"

"What, you think you can shut me up with money? What are you implying, Parker?" Endora's face went pale.

"I'm talking about calling off the engagement," Parker clarified, removing his elegant gold-rimmed glasses. The revelation in his eyes made Endora shiver.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Parker, known for his honor among men of principle, had never mentioned breaking up before. Endora had almost convinced herself that she was destined to be Mrs. Doonan, believing she could easily replace anyone else in that position. And now he was having second thoughts?

Her voice mixed with desperation and a hint of unwillingness, "Parker, I sacrificed my purity to save your life! How can you discard me over a misunderstanding?"

"This isn't a misunderstanding; it's undeniable evidence. I've no desire to repeat myself. Your debt, I intend to settle with material wealth," Parker responded coolly.

"But I don't want that, I want you to marry me!" Endora's tears flowed freely as she scornfully looked at his handsome, devilish profile. "All these accusations are from Tiana... You never believed her before. Why now? Did you develop feelings for her while I was forced to return to Banyan City? Let's not forget, she was with your brother first, even had a daughter. Not to demean her, but imagine what your father and mother would say. They would never accept her, saying Tiana went from seducing the brother to the younger one. Do you want her to be doomed?"

Endora's strategy was to use reverse psychology, but Parker's eyes flashed dangerously. He knew, pursuing Tiana would be challenging, but he had finally recognized his feelings. For once, someone had stirred his stagnant life, and he didn't want to let go, regardless of her past with Barclay.

Parker, keeping his thoughts to himself, retorted coldly, "The evidence is irrefutable. You think I'm blind? We've been together for three years, Endora. I don't want to make this ugly. A billion is generous. As for my affairs, you need not worry. Tomorrow, I'll send you back to Banyan City, and I'd appreciate it if you kept my return a secret, especially from my parents for now."

"You're sending me away?" Endora's eyes widened, her heart racing.

She knew once Tiana exposed those damning photos, Parker's perception of her plummeted.

But wait... his request for secrecy about his return? Why?

As her mind raced, she remembered Parker's warning against contacting Barclay and began piecing things together. If Parker revealed himself, it would ruin Barclay's scheme with the Patrick Group against Ludwik for alleged murder. Yet, Parker chose silence. What was he planning against Barclay... or the Patrick family behind him?

Endora, grasping at straws, attempted to negotiate, "I won't go back to Banyan City! And you can't make me... You're ditching me for Tiana and now forbidding me from telling your parents? Fine, I'll go straight to Barclay. He's your brother, after all. I refuse to believe no one can rein you in."

Parker's expression turned icy at her threat, "I've warned you, stay away from Barclay. As for my return, keep it to yourself, Endora."

"So, you're scared your resurrection news might leak through me? Ha, judging by your reaction, I guess I'm right. Let's make a deal then. Forget about calling off the engagement, and I'll keep your secret. If not, I'll find a way to inform Barclay, and whatever mess it creates will be on you," Endora said, her tears drying as she calculated her next move.

Looking at her, Parker felt an overwhelming sense of disgust and alienation. Over the years, he thought he knew Endora, but now, it seemed he had been utterly mistaken.

No wonder Tiana always accused him of being blind and favoring Endora over her.

He really had been blinded by gratitude and had misjudged so much.

A chill flashed in his eyes, "Endora, don't test the consequences of threatening me."

"What could be worse than breaking off our engagement?" Endora wasn't fearless, but she was ready to risk it all. Her eyes darted around as she feigned heartbreak, "If you don't want me, who's going to be responsible for the mess that's my life? Parker, you probably don't know, but that night, I was actually pregnant. I miscarried by accident and couldn't get pregnant again.

I was afraid you'd reject me, so I kept it to myself.

Now that you're pushing me, I might as well lay it all out. You need to take responsibility for the wreck my life has become!"

Parker was taken aback, his gaze narrowing dangerously as he grasped her throat, not believing a word, "You think you can fool me just as I'm about to leave you? You were never pregnant three years ago."

Endora was nearly choking under his grip, his piercing gaze sharp as a knife.

Yet, she still bluffed, "Just because you didn't know doesn't mean it didn't happen. I have the medical records, black on white - don't make me go public with them!"

Parker glared at her coldly for a moment, his mind in turmoil, teeth clenched as he pushed her away.

He couldn't believe she had actually been pregnant and lost the baby.