Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 963

Parker was about to inquire further when he noticed Cherry's anxiety mirroring her mother's. He swiftly interjected, "The kiddo just woke up, let's not bombard her with questions and risk confusing her. Just to be on the safe side, doctor, I'd like my daughter to undergo a gastrointestinal screening." "No, I don't want to be checked," the little one protested, visibly scared.

Parker felt a pang of sympathy, but given the possibility that Elaine, that malevolent woman, might have fed her something harmful, he had to rule it out. He scooped his daughter up in his strong arms, "Sweetie, there's nothing to fear, daddy's right here with you. It'll be over before you know it." With his daughter wrapped snugly in a blanket, he followed the doctor to the examination room.

Tiana trailed behind them, seizing a moment to call Celine, "Mom, is Whitney in the operating room? How's dad doing?"

"The deputy director approved Whitney's presence! The surgery is still underway. God help us, I pray your dad makes it through." Celine's voice was laced with worry. "Has Cherry woken up?"

"Yeah, she's awake. Parker's taking her for a check-up."

Watching Parker's towering figure from a distance, with his daughter perched on his shoulder, making her seem even more delicate, Tiana felt a bittersweet warmth. The closeness between Parker and Cherry was evident, a mutual affection that existed long before. "Parker? How come he's looking after the child?" Celine was puzzled, aware of Parker's connection to her granddaughter, but considering Cherry was believed to be Barclay's child, it seemed unlikely Parker would harbor any affection for her, if not outright disdain. "Tiana, make sure Cherry doesn't suffer any injustice with Parker. If he's forcing you, that's one thing, but you must protect Cherry..."

"Mom." Tiana blinked away her hesitation, deciding to reveal the truth, "Actually, Cherry is Parker's biological daughter, not Barclay's. We just found out about this."

"What?! How could she be Parker's?" Celine gasped in astonishment.

Tiana managed a wry smile, "Fate plays strange tricks. Neither Parker nor I realized. I was foolishly deceived by a paternity test from Barclay, but thanks to Whitney, who first doubted Endora, she secretly conducted a new test between Cherry and Parker, leading to an ironic revelation.

That night, it was Parker, not Barclay.

We were both unaware, a plot by Endora that lasted three years."

"Oh my goodness." Celine covered her mouth in shock, her emotions rollercoasting. "So, Cherry is his child... I don't know if that's good or bad, but Parker is certainly better than that scoundrel Barclay... At least Parker has a good heart. How did he react to finding out about Cherry?"

"He... He's always been fond of Cherry, I guess. So, realizing the truth, he seemed quite regretful for not recognizing her all these years."

"That's good to hear, my poor granddaughter... She won't be looked down upon anymore!"

"No, Cherry's charming and lovable."

"And what about you and Parker?" Celine couldn't help but steer the conversation towards her daughter, a mix of concern and hope, "Now that your child is his, for the sake of giving the child a complete family, Tiana, you..."

"I don't want to talk about that now," Tiana cut her mother off, her mind overwhelmed by the rapid changes, seeking refuge in denial, unable to process her relationship with Parker so quickly.

"He can't just get away with it, after all the turmoil he caused you, the ridicule you faced... He must take responsibility!"

"Mom, please, let's not discuss this now. Dad's still in surgery. Why bring this up?" Tiana's voice carried a hint of helplessness.

Celine paused, her mood slightly uplifted by the thought of Barclay being replaced by Parker, the distinguished young head of the Doonan family, whose nobility she had witnessed.

Having such a man as Cherry's father might mean brighter days ahead for the Melford family.

Feeling somewhat consoled, she quickly added, "Alright, I'll stop. I'm just waiting for your dad to come out. You take care of Cherry. Maybe our family's fortunes are about to change. Justice will be served to those who wronged us!" "Yeah, I'll make sure of it," Tiana's eyes hardened with resolve.

Soon after hanging up, Cherry's test results came back, thankfully showing no traces of harmful substances. Parker, with a cold snort, said, "Seems like Elaine didn't manage to meddle in time, or perhaps she knows better than to harm my child." Tiana, still shaken by the ordeal, recalled, "When she kidnapped Sammy and Danny, Whitney exposed her.

Now, she's locked up, and given her connections to Endora and those kidnappers, they're bound to turn on each other."

"As long as Ashton doesn't protect her, Elaine won't escape justice!" Parker's voice was icy.

His gaze hardened at the sight of Cherry's bruised face, filled with a raging storm of protectiveness.

-

Back at the hospital room, the Doonan family's loyal butler awaited them, flanked by two servants.

Upon seeing Parker, the butler bowed respectfully, bringing news from Winston, "Young master, the old master has heard that you've found the child. He requests you bring her home, wanting to see her in person.

Also, he insists on a new paternity test."

The butler's gaze drifted towards the little girl cradled in the arms of the towering man, noticing the bruises marring her otherwise round and delicate face. Despite her injuries, it wasn't hard to see the inherent cuteness, her features finely chiseled. The resemblance she bore to young Master Parker left the butler astonished.

Rumors had previously circulated that she was the daughter of Mr. Barclay, a prominent figure.

Yet, now, placing her face beside Master Parker's, it was as if looking at a carbon copy!

The likeness was uncanny!

Parker's eyes met those of the aging butler.

The old man had dispatched a veritable army to aid in the search for the child, ensuring Parker would be among the first to know of any developments.

In this matter, the old man had offered his support without hindrance, clearly indicating his desire for Parker to witness Cherry's appearance firsthand.

Moreover, the old man was known for his stubbornness and depth of thought, clearly not fully convinced by the tampered paternity report presented by Whitney.

However, now that Cherry was safe, conducting additional paternity tests would be a simple matter.

Parker's lips barely moved as he spoke in a chilly tone, "I understand. You may return first, butler."

The butler responded, "Master, I've also brought along a maid who can take care of the young miss on her way back to the Doonan Mansion. The old man insists that you make haste.

He has little patience for uncertainties and delays.

I've already inquired with the doctor; the child's injuries are mainly external. The Doonan Mansion has a well-equipped medical room where she can be immediately attended to upon discharge." "Now? Discharge her now?" Tiana couldn't help but interject. Were the Doonans planning to whisk Cherry away?