Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 923

"But don't you worry, even if you end up looking like a scarecrow, I'll take responsibility. And if I can't, I'll make my mom do it! If you turn into a bald eagle, she's not allowed to complain!" "Bald eagle?"

Parker frowned deeply as he glanced in the mirror, noticing the right side of his hairline had indeed decided to retreat... That little klutz.

Blessed with striking features and captivating eyes, a slight change in his hairline didn't bother him much. He didn't care.

"You actually want me to turn into an ugly duckling?" Parker pinched her cheek gently, "You're such a clumsy bean."

"Because if you become ugly and bald, then I can make Mom take responsibility for you..."

Cherry whispered so softly, Parker failed to catch her resigned tone.

"What happened just now? How did the hairdryer end up attacking my head?" the man handed her a fresh towel to dab at her cheeks. Cherry, her face flushed with anxiety, stammered, "It-it was an accident, I swear, Daddy, you gotta believe me!"

"Did I blame you?" Parker took her hand with his slender fingers, "Open up, let me wipe it."

"No, no... can't do!"

"What's wrong?"

Cherry, clinging tightly to strands of hair in her hand, trembled, "Because, because my fingers are clean, no need to wipe!" "I'm worried it burned you, let me check."

"No... you can't check." Her heart pounded against her chest, remembering Whitney's advice to never let the secret out. What was this attitude about?

Parker's sharp gaze fell on her little hand, "Why can't I check, what's inside?"

"Nothing! Can't I just dislike washing hands, Mr. Natalie's mom? I, I need to go out!"

With that, Cherry pushed past him, fleeing the bathroom.

"Take it easy, what's the rush for?" Parker frowned, his tall figure reflected in the mirror, his dark, captivating eyes catching a glimpse of his slightly singed hair. This kid was acting all sorts of odd tonight.

Cherry dashed to the living room, quickly stuffing the 'dirty item' into her backpack's secret compartment, smartly checking for cameras overhead. Finding none, she sighed in relief, hoping her antics would make Daddy Parker believe it was just an unfortunate accident. Soon after, the man emerged from the bathroom.

Standing there, all proper and apologetic, yet clutching her backpack tightly, she was about to make her escape when he spoke, "It's getting late. I'll have someone make you some hot cocoa with marshmallows, your favorite. After that, off to bed, okay?" The thought of leaving made him somewhat reluctant.

What the future held for their meetings, nobody could guarantee.

Cherry bit her lip, not wanting to leave either.

She longed for Daddy Parker's warm gaze and presence, despite worrying about Mommy's situation. Who knew if Daddy Parker would still want to see her in the future?

Considering this, she nodded, "Then I'll stay over tonight! Daddy, will you stay with me?"

"Of course." Parker led her upstairs, hand in hand.

Cherry held onto her backpack for dear life, never letting go.

Waiting outside, Ashton received a call, "She insists on staying over, come pick her up tomorrow, such a nuisance."

Ashton swallowed hard, tempted to curse. Was she really that much of a bother, just a kid!

Thinking of Cherry's plight, with a father like Barclay and now an uncle who found her annoying, was just sad.

-

The next morning, Tiana met with Barclay at a café.

Sitting across from Barclay, who wore a smug smile, Tiana remained cool and composed, "I'll agree to your terms, marry you, but you need to give me the antidote now. Endora said that poison could kill my dad in three days. If anything happens to him, you can forget about our deal."

Barclay smirked, "You verbally agreeing to marriage doesn't mean you won't back out on the wedding day. At the very least, we need to get the marriage license first, Tiana. I'm not stupid!"

Tiana's expression turned cold; she hadn't planned on actually going through with the license.

She intended to turn the tables on them on the wedding day.

Narrowing her eyes, she pretended to concede, "I don't know what you're afraid of. Aren't I at your mercy now? Do you think I have any tricks up my sleeve?

Cut the crap. Save my dad first. Once he's safe, I'll exchange the marriage certificate for the lawsuit withdrawal on the wedding day, how about that?"

Barclay looked at her disdainfully, "I doubt you have any moves left. Marrying me will drive Parker mad, and he won't care about you.

As for Whitney, her power is in Emperor City, but even a mighty dragon cannot suppress a local serpent!

Here's the deal: I'll hand over the antidote, and we get the marriage license the day before the wedding. Take it or leave it."

Tiana clenched her fists, her lips tight, "I agree."

She was ready for the wedding day, leaving no way out for herself.

Just as Barclay was about to call Endora, Tiana's phone rang - a call from the police station!

Barclay paused, watching her step away to answer, "Hello?"

"Is this Fabian's family? He's been temporarily released from custody. However, he should be ready for the ongoing murder trial." "What?! Are you serious?"

"Yes, please hurry."

"Okay, okay." Tiana hung up, her emotions running high, and rushed back to Barclay, "Where's my dad's antidote? Give it to me!"

Barclay, having overheard, wore a dark expression, his eyes flashing with surprise.

Fabian's release was unexpected. Whitney and Ashton hadn't managed it, so who did?

His suspicions soon settled on Parker... Only he could have arranged it.

With a venomous look, Barclay sneered at Tiana, "You've got some nerve. Your dad's out? Then forget about the antidote."

"What do you mean, backpedaling now?" Tiana's heart, which had just fluttered with a speck of joy, clenched tight again. Her gaze turned icy yet anxious-the life of her father hung in the balance, literally in their hands!

"Barclay, we had an agreement!" She stepped forward, grabbing Barclay by the collar of his shirt, "You were supposed to ask Endora for the antidote, and I would marry you at the courthouse the day before the wedding." "The deal was only valid as long as your dad was still locked up, you two-timer. Who did you get to help you?"

"I didn't!" Tiana was genuinely shocked. How did her father get released all of a sudden?

But she couldn't afford to dwell on that now. The important thing was that he was free!