Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 901

Winston scoffed, his eyes turning icy, "You're barely in your twenties! Do you really think this is just about the Melford family causing a scene?

Their scandal of their daughter being abandoned has attracted a swarm of reporters outside the hospital. Do you know who's stirring the pot behind the scenes?

The Doonan family's old rivals, led by Kaden!

With the division of Banyan City's business territories, they're itching for a reshuffle. I've had my hands dirty in the past, and a single misstep now could end my good days and land me behind bars.

And the Doonan family? Just waiting to be devoured by these predators lurking in the shadows?"

Parker Doonan's features, devilishly handsome even in the dim light, grew cold and sharp.

Perhaps he had underestimated his opponents this time. He hadn't expected Endora Melford's suicide attempt to become a weapon for those hostile towards the Doonan family, a waiting vulture seizing the opportunity to attack at any sign of vulnerability. The Melford trio weren't simple characters either; who knew if they'd turn traitor?

Old Mr. Doonan, seeing his son's realization, took a deep breath and tapped his cane, "I've taught you, neglect the small issues, and they become big problems! To build an empire, you must first establish a home! What was your relationship with Endora? Just a fling? If you didn't care for her, you shouldn't have taken responsibility. A simple pay-off back then would have avoided this mess.

I don't care who you're involved with; marry her first. Deal with her later."

The old man's eyes were devoid of any compassion for Endora, filled instead with a ruthless pragmatism.

Parker, lips pressed tightly together, couldn't stand the idea of marrying a woman with such scheming intentions just to clean up the Melford mess.

He turned, flinging the office door open. Winston's voice boomed, "Parker!"

"What, should I marry her without checking if she's still alive?"

Parker shot back sarcastically, looking at his father with disdain.

Winston was left speechless, "Of course, Endora isn't dead."

"Oh, so you knew it was all an act?" Parker retorted, his tone laced with bitterness.

Winston swallowed his anger, his brow furrowing as his son disappeared from view. He wondered what trouble the boy would stir up before the marriage; knowing his son, it wouldn't be smooth sailing.

-

Endora was wheeled out of the surgery room, her parents, Cato and Alice, weeping as they approached.

The Doonan family matriarchs, however, hesitated to move.

Parker's mother, Carmen, eyed Endora's exposed arm wrapped in thick bandages, the stark contrast of the cherry-red bloodstains against her pale wrist.

Rushing to the hospital upon hearing of Endora's suicide, Carmen had expected severe injuries, not a mere slit on the arm.

As she pondered the sudden influx of reporters and the suspicion that arose, Parker stormed out of the office.

Seeing her son, Carmen approached, but Parker only murmured, "Mom."

"How did it go with your father? What did you discuss?"

"It went as you'd expect," Parker replied coldly.

His mother gripped his arm, "Your father is set in his ways, prioritizing the Doonan family's reputation above all. Stubborn and traditional, but... just go see Ms. Melford. She's just been saved, and you wouldn't want to give people more to talk about."

Parker glanced at the sobbing crowd by the stretcher, his gaze mocking, "I'm curious which doctor dared let her perform in the OR for so long. I've been away from Banyan City for half a year, and it seems the doctors here have lost their minds, accepting anyone's money!" He shrugged off his mother's hand, too apathetic to even look at Endora, and sauntered towards the doctors' office with a cavalier attitude.

Carmen knew her son was in a foul mood, likely to take it out on the doctors.

Was Endora faking it all along?

Carmen frowned, looking back at the weeping Cato and Alice as they pushed their daughter into the ICU. The injury on Endora's wrist wasn't as gruesome as implied.

Considering the evening's drama at the Doonan household, it was a far cry from their claims.

Carmen, standing by her son, decided against visiting the ICU. She was well aware of her son's character; like his father, he was loyal and responsible, evident from their engagement three years ago.

If Endora hadn't crossed a line, he wouldn't be breaking off the engagement.

Rumors had reached Carmen about Endora secretly returning from Emperor City to Banyan City two months prior, at a time when Parker's fate was uncertain, yet the girl was busy meeting other suitors... A look of disdain crossed her face as she turned to leave.

The maid asked if she was leaving, "Shouldn't we check on Parker? He might've clashed with his father, and it won't do if he causes a scene with the doctors."

Carmen, known for her own temper, even untamable by Old Mr. Doonan, didn't need to see the would-be bride.

-

In the ICU, Endora, having regained consciousness, looked visibly distressed.

"Mom, Dad, are you sure Parker's back? Why hasn't he come to see me?"

Cato couldn't hide his smirk. "He's back! And the first thing he does? Announces he's dumped you, didn't even check if you were alive or dead after your surgery! Ha, he thinks he can just walk away clean. Lucky for us, you're smart. We just pinned your attempted suicide on him, made it look like you did it because you were devastated and 'damaged goods' after a miscarriage."

Winston's face was a mask of displeasure throughout.

Parker was unrelenting, and I played it both soft and hard, threatening to blow things up even more.

Now, reporters are camped outside, waiting for a scoop. Even if Winston knows this is our trick, it's too late for him to turn things around. After all, with the Doonan family's countless enemies lurking in the shadows, who knows how many are watching tonight's drama unfold?" Cato said with pride.

Endora's lips curled into a sly, cold smile. She dared to fake her suicide because she knew how to play the game to her advantage.

Despite her low profile, the Doonan family's long list of enemies was no secret. If the news of Parker abandoning his fiancée got out, Winston would definitely worry about the backlash against the Doonan family.

She could use this storm to force Parker into marrying her to calm the waters.

But then, hearing about Tiana Melford's pregnancy had thrown Parker off balance. He rushed to the hospital and never came back.

Endora was worried. If Parker decided to embrace Tiana's child out of love, accepting the role of a stepfather with open arms, what then?

She had to strike first!

Yet, knowing Parker's fierce temper and even fiercer methods, she wondered if he would ever agree to marry her.

With concern, she asked, "And what about Winston? Haven't we pressured him enough?"