Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 898

Ashton: "I didn't just cuss you out, did I?"

"Where's Ludwik off to?"

"Eurovoria, chasing down Florence. Florence's gone and got herself all done up to look like Whitney, God knows what kind of mess they're planning to stir up next," Ashton said, the hassle of it all written all over his face.

Parker shuddered, his brows furrowing in a mix of shock and apology, "I guess that means Whitney and her kid are in your hands for the time being."

"Great, just what I needed, more crap on my plate!" Ashton let out a cold laugh, "Better hurry back before your old man skins you alive."

"Endora's digging her own grave." Parker stiffened up as he walked into the night air.

Watching him, Ashton thought, like father, like son; the Doonan family sure has a legacy.

He sighed, "Stop being such a pessimist, what if she really ends up dead?"

Parker snorted coldly. As the helicopter slowly descended, the wind ceased, and his tall, lean figure vanished into the cabin.

-

The next morning, Ashton headed to Delight Mansion to pick up Whitney for work.

Dressed in a tailored pencil skirt suit, Whitney was waiting at the door with her briefcase in hand.

The door opened, and Tiana stepped out, holding Cherry in her arms.

Seeing Cherry again, Ashton couldn't help but marvel at how much more remarkable she looked compared to Barclay. How on earth was she Barclay's daughter?

Barclay, the black sheep of the Doonan family, would have been done for a thousand times over if not for old Mr. Doonan's favoritism.

The ways of the world, utterly baffling.

"Morning, Ashton. I've told you, there's no need for you to go out of your way to protect me. You've got your own things to worry about, I've hired some bodyguards..." Whitney wasn't used to Ashton driving her around, considering their strained and distant relationship. Ashton's handsome features were marred by a frown, "You think I'm doing this for fun? Ludwik insisted. With Bryce lurking around like a snake in the grass, waiting to sort out the mess with the Lutz Group before possibly setting his sights on you."

Indeed, Ludwik's venture to Eurovoria to find Florence was bound to tip Bryce off sooner or later.

If Ludwik made a move in Eurovoria, would Bryce let Whitney and her child off the hook back home?

Ashton knew it was a complicated mess with no easy way out. His expression was a mix of disdain and seriousness.

Whitney's face fell, no pleasantries exchanged.

Tiana glanced at Ashton, her brows knitted in displeasure, especially over Valerie. She thought Ashton was even lower than Ludwik, hopelessly devoted to someone like Elaine...

"Ms. Melford, how's the baby doing?"

Unexpectedly, Ashton, having just stubbed out his cigarette, approached with a question, his tone enigmatic.

Tiana frowned slightly, puzzled, "What's it to you?"

"Just asking about the kid," Ashton said, venting on behalf of Parker, "What exactly did you do at the hospital? Parker's a wreck since his visit. Honestly, woman, you could've been more careful. And to top it off, you're carrying Barclay's child again? You're practically stabbing Parker in the heart."

Tiana paled.

Her suspicions were confirmed; Parker had indeed gone back to the hospital to question the doctor. Thankfully, she had managed to silence the chief.

But still... he must loathe her now.

As Tiana's head drooped, Whitney quickly intervened, "Ashton, maybe lay off her personal affairs, yeah?"

"I'd rather not ask, but it looks like she's intent on straining things with Parker further."

Ashton was annoyed, whispering to Whitney, "Is the child really Barclay's? You're her friend; you must know."

"Not his," Whitney denied promptly.

Ashton was taken aback, his eyes widening as he mulled over her words, "Then whose?"

Whitney's face hardened as she looked at Ashton, her smile cold, "Take a guess."

"It... it couldn't be..." Ashton's mind was a whirlwind, a name nearly escaping him.

Whitney grabbed his arm, pulling him aside to halt his speculation.

Her voice was cautious, "Ashton, we both want what's best for them. There are things that aren't ready to be revealed because I'm not entirely sure of Tiana's feelings. Making decisions on her behalf could end up hurting her more if she and Parker don't find their way back to each other, making me the villain. I want to protect this child for her until the moment is right, to reveal the truth when they're on the verge of finding happiness together. That might be when they can truly unite and forge their bond."

Whitney's words were laden with depth.

Ashton, however, caught on quickly.

Could it be that the child in Tiana's womb was Parker's after all?

But Tiana chose to keep it a secret, aiming to cut ties with Parker?

Parker must feel like a fool... Damn.

Yet, Whitney had a point. Revealing everything without Tiana's consent might not lead to a happy ending. Given Parker's temper, if he felt deceived, he might never forgive Tiana, leaving the Doonan family in an even bigger mess. Ashton squinted, his mind racing with irritation, "This Cherry, Barclay's daughter, what chance do Tiana and Parker have for a dawn of hope?"

"Who knows? Fate works in mysterious ways!" Whitney replied with a meaningful smirk.

Ashton was left puzzled by Whitney's cryptic words.

He let out a weary sigh, "Parker can't even sort his own mess, Endora tried to off herself last night. Damn, Winston had him dragged home in the middle of the night, probably to face the music."

"What?" Whitney's eyes darkened, "What's Endora playing at?"

"Suicide! That's just her way of cornering Parker into taking full responsibility."

Ashton's voice was loud enough that Tiana, a few meters away, overheard. She couldn't help but turn her gaze towards Ashton.

Whitney noticed, her complexion turning even paler, her arms wrapping tighter around Cherry.

"What suicide? Uncle Ashton, who are you talking about?" Cherry asked, clearly confused.

Tiana said nothing, quickly scooping up the child and heading for the car.

Whitney hurried after her, hearing Tiana say in a calm voice, "Ashton, just drive us to work, will you?"

Ashton gave a cold glance, unable to resist venting to Whitney, "I think she's even colder than you are about Ludwik. She didn't even flinch at the news! She mustn't love Parker at all. What kind of woman does that?" "You don't get it, Ashton. Can you please not jump to conclusions with your typical guy mentality?"

Whitney was speechless; no wonder he lost Valerie.

As she reached the car, seeing Tiana's pale, almost blue eyelids through the glass, she knew Tiana was anything but calm.

Endora's 'attempt' was a desperate move, and Parker was definitely in for a rough ride.

The biggest price? Probably having to marry Endora.