Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 919

"Yeah!" Nolan chimed in, a rare moment of insight on his part, "Honey, why don't you stay in the car with Uncle Mark for a bit? I've got a ton of candy here for you. Once Mr. Doonan is ready to see you, then you can go in and keep him company, alright?"

"But..." Cherry had a mission.

But then again, candy was too tempting.

The little foodie in her chose to indulge in the candy first. "Okay then. Mr. Fuller, you have to make sure Daddy Parker sees me, okay?"

Ashton was sweating bullets, unsure of himself.

He adjusted his suit, striding confidently towards the apartment before asking in a hushed tone, "What the heck happened? Why is your boss so furious?"

His subordinate replied, "Tiana's getting married to Barclay, even before our young master's wedding.

And today, at Doonan Hospital, Tiana publicly humiliated our young master, calling him second-hand goods she's played from start to finish.

When has our young master ever faced such humiliation?!"

Ashton felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.

Tiana, this... truly reckless woman. He could almost hear Parker's pride shattering into pieces.

She's marrying Barclay? What was she thinking?!

As Ashton mused over this, since Whitney's message on the phone was entirely different...

Entering the living room, Ashton felt like he'd fallen into an ice pit, a strong smell of alcohol wafting over from the couch.

There sat Parker, legs crossed, his long, lean legs carelessly stretched out under the table due to their length. He was in a state of disarray, his shirt half-unbuttoned, using a hand to shield his eyes from the harsh light. His lean muscles peeked through under the light, some wounds oozing tiny beads of blood.

As Ashton eyed the empty liquor bottles, he confronted his subordinate, "Where'd he go to get into a fight? Why is he drinking with injuries, Parker, are you trying to throw your life away?"

In frustration, Ashton grabbed a bottle and, deciding to be ruthless, poured the remaining alcohol over his wounds.

"Ouch!" Parker slowly lifted his gaze, those eyes hazy, the corners lifting in a mischievously charming manner.

He wasn't wearing his glasses.

The subordinate quickly intervened, helping Parker and quietly said, "The young master broke a few thugs' legs this afternoon, and he got hurt himself."

"Bringing it on himself, being melodramatic." Ashton felt a mix of pain and speechlessness, kicking lightly, "Wake the hell up, Parker!"

"Not drunk." The dazed man shifted position, opening those cold eyes, a chill gleaming through, and he looked at Ashton with a smirk, "Why are you back from Emperor City?"

"You're marrying Endora?" Ashton sat down beside him.

"Tiana is marrying Barclay, why can't I marry Endora?" Parker's carefree chuckle filled the air.

"You're giving up!"

"What are you really back for?"

"To see you! Brought someone along." Ashton touched his nose, mulling over Whitney's request, and spoke solemnly, "Parker, you've always dominated both the underworld and the business world. Let's be mature when facing our own issues. That... I'm here to persuade you. If you don't save Tiana's dad today, you might regret it tomorrow."

"Regret?" Parker's eyes reddened, "I, the esteemed young master of the Doonan family, need to grovel to a nobody? What's so great about Tiana, her looks or her skills in bed? Ha, must be quite skilled, trained well.

A filthy woman, why should I save her dad? Has she not repaid kindness with ingratitude enough times?"

"You're heated!" Ashton stood, grabbing the raging man, hands framing his handsome face, looking deep into his eyes,

Ashton gulped, saying deeply, "Sometimes the harsh words she says to your face might not be her true feelings. Don't jump to conclusions."

"If it happens once, it's jumping to conclusions. What about twice, three times? I'm not so pathetic that I need to lie to myself!"

"Maybe today Tiana was just using you as a sword against Endora, saying things she didn't mean because she actually likes you!"

Parker squinted at him, then suddenly laughed coldly, "Whitney sent you, didn't she? Those two women, none of them good, will do anything to achieve their goals. Hasn't Whitney used Ludwik and others enough!" His bitter laugh made Ashton pause for a moment.

He then stared at Parker, "Yes, Whitney sent me as a mediator. Because she and I, as outsiders, see the clear truth, and we know some truths you don't!"

"Like, Tiana loves me?" Parker's eyes turned frosty, "To get me to save her dad, you all really are trying hard!"

Ashton shook his head, his gaze cooling, "Whether Tiana loves you or not, I don't know. But dude, I'd bet that kid in her belly is yours, you bastard! If you don't save her dad, how will you face your child in the future? I'm here to help you, you fool, wake up! Why believe Tiana's superficial contradictions?"

Parker was struck hard.

Ashton saying that child was his? A pang of pain flashed through his eyes; he was pathetic, wanting to believe such words, dreaming it was his child.

If only it were true!

Parker fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly flung Ashton's arm away, his handsome face twisted in extreme anger, "You think saying this now, I'd believe it?"

"It's true, Whitney hinted as much! That child is yours and Tiana's..."

Parker shook his head, resolute and angry, eyes shimmering darkly, bloodshot, "Stop lying to me. I asked her today, telling myself it was the last time.

This dirty woman, her answer hasn't changed. She said it might've been after conception that we got together.

Ashton, I really... feel as if I've swallowed a fly.

Men should never touch love. You think she's a pure lotus blooming just for you, but she's not. Behind your back, she's done it all. I've paid a heavy price for my affection. This life, I should wield a sword, seek women with money. What joy can't I buy!"

He slammed his fist down on the table, sending the beer mug flying. The crash shattered the dreadful silence and cut through the chilling tension in the room.

Ashton watched him, that once suave and dashing profile now marred by distress and disarray.

It was clear; love had wounded him deeply.

He was blinded, unable to see the truth, every perception manipulated by Tiana's every move.

It seemed like Parker was lashing out, but in reality, he was just a kite, still tethered to Tiana's hand. Who was leaving whom? How had it come to this between them?

"There's been a huge misunderstanding, don't believe what she told you. Believe me instead! Parker..."

"I've asked her over and over, and I've given up hope. Why should I believe you?" Parker wiped his mouth harshly, his handsome lips twisted into a grim, dark sneer. "Just leave!"