Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 958

Elaine fled back to Empire City, a place she once called home, now a shadow of her past glory. The Bartels Pharmaceutical, her family's pride, had crumbled under Ludwik's relentless vendetta, leaving her family in ruins. Her mother's desperate attempt to collaborate with

Mrs. Sheldon of the Sheldon dynasty ended in cold rejection, throwing Elaine into the depths of despair.

Her life became a living nightmare, akin to a rat scurrying in the streets, hiding in the filthiest corners, harboring a raging storm of vengeance against Whitney and dreaming of reclaiming Ludwik's affection. But Florence Sheldon, a wolf in sheep's clothing, outmaneuvered her at every turn, even resorting to medical treachery to sabotage Whitney.

The final blow came when Ludwik himself fell from grace, a victim of Bryce Lutz's cunning, forcing Elaine to abandon her obsession with him. Nearly a year of destitution fueled her hatred, transforming her grief into a burning desire for retribution. She was ready to reclaim her throne, to make Whitney, Ludwik, and their ilk pay for their transgressions.

Her plan hinged on the gullible Endora, a pawn in her grand scheme to infiltrate the upper echelons of society once again. But Endora's incompetence at a crucial moment, a botched attempt to ensnare Fabian at the altar, left Elaine's plans in ruins. Yet, even as Endora's fortunes waned, Elaine saw an opportunity to exploit her one last time, orchestrating a daring kidnapping of Cherry, aiming to extort a fortune from Parker.

But even the best-laid plans falter. Parker's resolve remained unshaken, his influence and resources turning Empire City upside down in search of Cherry. Knowing her time was running out, Elaine devised a desperate escape, abandoning her pawns and stepping into the light under the guise of a rescuer.

Now, with her sights set on Ashton, a man of unique significance, Elaine plotted her next move. Behind the scenes, she ensured her tracks were covered, leaving Endora voiceless, a silent accomplice in her twisted game.

As dawn broke over Skyfaith Hospital, Parker carried Cherry into the emergency room, where a team of specialists awaited. Despite his stoic exterior, the concern for his daughter was palpable, each passing moment an eternity.

Finally, the prognosis brought a glimmer of hope; Cherry's injuries were serious but not life-threatening. Yet, her continued unconsciousness raised alarms, prompting urgent consultations and tests.

Parker, barely holding onto his composure, demanded answers, his rare display of vulnerability a testament to the love he had for his child. The medical team scrambled, their efforts focused on unraveling the mystery of Cherry's condition, each second ticking by a reminder of the fragility of life and the lengths to which a father would go to protect his own.

"Please, stay calm. Comas can vary in severity. Let's wait 24 hours and see if she wakes up."

"And if she doesn't wake up? What, are you just here for show?"

Parker was fuming, clearly dissatisfied with their response.

Cherry lay there, lifeless, her usually vibrant face now pale and bloodless.

He was longing for the moment she would open her eyes, see him, and more than anything, call him 'Dad'.

After being kept in the dark for three years, he yearned for that long-lost 'Daddy'!

"How can she not wake up?" Tiana said, her voice cracking. She saw his icy demeanor and restless emotions, fearing he might lash out at the doctors. She looked down at her daughter, "Let's just wait a bit longer. Since there's nothing wrong with Cherry's brain, there's no life-threatening danger, right, doctor?"

"Yes, the prolonged unconsciousness is due to the child's frailty, unable to cope with the trauma of the kidnapping," the doctor confidently stated.

Seeing this, Whitney stepped forward, checking the little girl's pulse. It was weak but steady. She turned around, "Alright, Parker, let's not make it hard for the doctors. Let them treat her injuries."

Parker's brows were tightly knitted, his eyes filled with sorrow. He couldn't bear seeing Cherry like this.

With long strides, he headed out, "I'm going out for a smoke and I'll grab something to eat for us."

Dawn was breaking.