Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 875

Whitney glanced at the clock; it was past eleven. "Yael, didn't Tiana go to the hospital?"

"Tiana said it wasn't necessary," Yael shrugged. "You know how she is, always playing tough. Maybe you can talk to her in the morning; she's probably asleep by now."

Whitney nodded and decided against making another call.

The next morning.

To Whitney's surprise, Tiana was the first to call, her voice full of laughter. "Geez, Whitney, have you been so caught up in your lovey-dovey world with Ludwik that you forgot about the real world? It's Monday, time to get back to work.

I played a major role in taking down Bryce, you know. You gotta put in a good word for me with Ludwik, maybe snag me a little bonus.

I don't need anything fancy at the Sheldon Group, just a spot in the IT department with a decent benefits package will do."

Hearing Tiana's upbeat tone, Whitney's concern eased, and she couldn't help but smile. "Stomach's better? Yael and your uncle mentioned you weren't feeling well last night. I was a bit worried."

"What's there to worry about? A good night's sleep and I'm all better. Probably just a bad takeout. So, are you going to approve my job application?"

Whitney's eyes narrowed playfully. "For such a hero, how can I say no? You're officially the IT team leader at the Sheldon Group starting today. We're counting on your hacking skills, alright?"

Tiana laughed. "Haha, that's what sisters are for. With Bryce out of the picture, I can live peacefully under your wing. Once I'm settled and have saved up enough for my own place, I'll bring our parents over, away from all the drama in Banyan City." Whitney knew Tiana was referring to the hardships the Melford family had faced over the past three years, the rumors, and the isolation.

How she wished she could do more for Tiana.

It wasn't just about offering her a job; Whitney felt she owed her everything, though she knew Tiana's pride wouldn't allow her to accept such gestures.

With a sigh, Whitney joked, "From now on, we rely on each other, sister. Who needs men anyway?"

"Exactly. Men just slow down my gaming! And don't forget about Valerie Bartels; she's in this with us too."

Whitney paused momentarily. "We haven't been in touch with her this past year. I wonder if she went through with her pregnancy? Ashton moved to Emperor City a few months ago; they might be divorced by now.

Ludwik doesn't know much about Ashton's family matters either. After Valerie left the Fuller family, I hope Nolan Fuller has been looking out for her."

Tiana scoffed. "Valerie took off to clear her mind six months ago. Ever since Elaine Bartels was dumped by Ludwik and ended up under surveillance in a Banyan City hospital, and Ashton tried to play the caring ex, Valerie's heart turned cold. She left, cutting off contact with us too.

Honestly, I doubt she'd keep Ashton's baby. That man's even more clueless than Ludwik!"

Both sisters fell silent, before Tiana added, "Once we've settled in Emperor City, we need to find Valerie."

"Of course, we can't abandon her. But since she hasn't reached out for help, she's probably managing on her own. Maybe Nolan's by her side, supporting her."

Tiana inhaled deeply. "If she could accept Nolan, that would be wonderful. He's been in love with her for years, such a pure and loyal soul."

"We'll figure it out later. It's getting late; come on over, I'll give you a ride to work."

Whitney smiled, looking out the window.

Tiana lived in the building next door.

Suddenly, a little girl's tearful voice came through the phone, "Mommy! I wet the bed, and there's a bit of poop too. I didn't mean to... it happened when I farted." Whitney: "..."

Despite the messy situation, Cherry's innocence was endearing.

Whitney had never had to deal with Sammy having a bed-wetting incident; the child had always been incredibly independent, rarely giving her a chance to help.

"You're telling me you couldn't hold it in because you ate too much! Why did you have to eat all those dumplings Yael brought over last night? After going to the bathroom twice, your belly's still round.

Cherry, do you want to become a little chub? I bet Danny and Sammy won't like that; they don't fancy chubby kids!" Tiana's voice was a mix of annoyance and concern.

Whitney couldn't help but laugh, hearing Cherry's cries grow louder. She quickly defended her niece, "Tiana, Cherry's not even three yet; it's normal for her to eat and play. Why are you scolding her?" "I'm telling you, she's way over the weight limit for her age; she's a little chub!"

"So what if she's chubby! Mommy, do you dislike me, waaah... It's okay! Even if the whole world doesn't love me, Daddy Parker will. He told me to eat more, that his princess has to be plump and healthy, and he can afford it. I'm his little pearl, always his number one." Whitney and Tiana were momentarily speechless.

Tiana had been avoiding any mention of Parker, especially since they'd been busy dealing with Bryce and trying to move on from past mistakes.

Whitney was intrigued, "Cherry, did Daddy Parker really say all that? You're his number one?"

"Absolutely! We became father and daughter under the moonlight. He even kissed me on the forehead and said how great it would be if I were his daughter, then all barriers would just melt away. I didn't quite get what he meant, but he seemed pretty down at the time," Cherry pouted, mimicking the tone.

Tiana stiffened suddenly, her heart pounding as she processed the revelation.

Then, Whitney's voice came through the electrical buzz, low and concerned, "Tiana, did Parker really say that to Cherry behind your back? What's he thinking, wishing Cherry was his daughter instead of being Barclay Doonan's?"

"I..." Tiana was at her wit's end, trying to block out the incessant thoughts, "Look, Whitney, you head to the office first. I need to get this little rascal cleaned up and change the sheets. I'll catch a cab."

"Tiana, you can't keep running away from this..."

"It's not about running away! Parker and Endora Melford are perfectly happy now. Whitney, please stop looking for trouble where there's none. If he's interested, it's only in not taking responsibility!" Tiana snapped back, clearly annoyed. Realizing the tension between Tiana and Parker, Whitney didn't dare to push further, "Alright, just make sure you're not late for work, okay?"

"Of course."

-

At ten in the morning, after wrapping up the big meeting, Whitney returned to her office as the General Manager.

The head of HR came in, asking if she should start processing Tiana's work badge.

Whitney glanced at the clock. She still hadn't shown up?

What happened to not being late? She reached for her phone to call Tiana-

But it was Cherry who answered, her voice laced with panic, "Godmother Whitney! Mommy passed out while hanging laundry, and she won't wake up. I tried pushing her, but she's not moving." "What?! She was fine this morning..."