Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 987

"Parker, Bryce is making moves in Empire City. I gotta head back now to protect the kids! Keep an eye on Elaine for me."

That sudden? If it involves Bryce, that scumbag, then it's definitely serious trouble.

Makes sense. Ashton and he both headed back to Maplewood, leaving a bunch of bodyguards behind, but who's to say Bryce won't seize the opportunity!

Thinking of Ludwik's request before he left for Eurovoria, Parker rubbed his temples, feeling a bit guilty.

Lately, his own mess has taken up so much of everyone's time, even making Whitney end up helping him.

As for Ashton... brainwashed by Elaine again. I heard Valerie vanished without a trace after their divorce, and Ashton hasn't sorted out his own mess.

Hoping for Ashton to return to Empire City is like waiting for a pie to fall from the sky.

First, gotta make sure Tiana's safe. But then, Whitney asked him to keep a close eye on Elaine...

While Parker was pondering, a tall shadow approached.

Parker, still focused on his phone, didn't notice until he saw Nolan approaching Tiana, "Parker, Nolan's here."

Parker looked up.

Nolan flashed Tiana a smile before turning back and waving at Parker.

The two men made eye contact.

Nolan looked travel-worn, as if he'd just returned from out of town, wearing a light coat that didn't match the climate of Maplewood.

It had been a while since Parker had seen Nolan.

Must be four or five months now. They had gone together to Empire City to assist Ludwik, but Nolan had to return to Maplewood midway, seemingly after Valerie's disappearance post-divorce with Ashton, Nolan had gone looking for Valerie. The brothers hadn't seen each other or had a proper conversation in a long time.

Parker was surprised, clapping Nolan on the shoulder with a half-smirk, "What brings you back, man? Did you find Valerie? What's with the hospital visit?"

"I came back a few days ago when you were in trouble, you know." Nolan rolled his eyes.

So he rushes back to lend a hand, and he's treated like he's invisible.

Parker genuinely couldn't recall. That night he was downcast, seeing Cherry, it was Nolan and Ashton who helped escort Cherry over.

Parker flicked a lighter, lighting a cigarette before passing it over, "Your sudden appearances and disappearances, man, what's the deal?"

"Today, I'm not here to talk about myself. I wanna know what the hell is going on with Ashton!"

Nolan's fury was evident, his handsome features twisted in anger, "I disappear for just a few days, and I hear Elaine's back? And that pig, Ashton, is back stirring trouble with that woman?

I just got back today, heard Elaine's staying in the hospital, can't find Ashton.

So, I came to you. I don't wanna hear Ashton's excuses, just tell me straight, what's going on?"

Seeing his friend's face turn pale with anger, Parker was a bit puzzled, "He's your brother. He messes up, but why are you this mad? Is there something else bringing you back?"

Indeed, there was.

Big news!

Nolan's brows knitted together in frustration, urging, "Just tell me your side."

Parker took a drag of his cigarette, seeing Nolan's impatience, he spilled the beans about Elaine conspiring with Endora to kidnap his kid, then shaking off the blame and sticking to Ashton these past few days. Nolan was so angry he nearly punched the wall.

He crushed the cigarette under his foot, his tone icy, "Damn it, I'm gonna find him."

"Something's up, Nolan?" Parker could sense Nolan was holding back something.

"You look like you haven't slept in days.

Where did you come back from? Any news on Valerie?"

The barrage of questions made Nolan pause, but thinking of Valerie's defiance before he left made him keep her location secret.

After all... she was so determined not to return to Ashton's side.

But, the situation doesn't allow her to decide.

With a newborn in critical condition, Nolan couldn't bear it alone nor did he have the right to. He had no choice but to painfully consider letting go of Valerie, hoping to act as a mediator between her and Ashton. If it weren't for the child's special circumstances, he wouldn't give up pursuing Valerie!

"Parker, between you and me, I'm thinking of bringing Valerie back. So now, I'm off to negotiate with Ashton!"

With that, Nolan left in haste.

Tiana, hearing her best friend's name, felt a pang in her heart but couldn't stop Nolan.

He rushed out of the hospital.

"Nolan just mentioned Valerie, didn't he?" Tiana anxiously turned to Parker.

Parker was just as clueless but nodded, "He did mention Valerie. Didn't give away much else, but it seems he knows where Valerie's hiding."

"Really?" Tiana's breath caught, joy uncontrollably flooding her heart.

After the divorce, Valerie left Maplewood without a trace, unreachable by anyone.

She was determined, ignoring all of Tiana's calls, even changing her number.

How deeply must Ashton have hurt her for her to abandon everything so decisively, never looking back...

Tiana's eyes welled up with tears at the thought of her friend.

"If it's true, isn't that great news? Don't cry, okay!" Parker, towering over her, gently wiped the corner of her eyes.

"I mean, isn't this just fantastic? Nolan's the real deal, genuinely falling for Valerie. If only he could come back, that'd be perfect! No, I've got to go find Nolan and get the lowdown. Can you take me to the Fuller's place?" Tiana pleaded with him.

Parker frowned, glancing at the darkening sky, "Nolan's gone to meet Ashton; he might not even be at the Fuller's now. Plus, you've been at the hospital all day, you should take it easy. I'll see what I can find out." Feeling the fatigue in her legs, Tiana decided not to press the issue.

-

Meanwhile.

Nolan had been grilling the Fuller Group's assistant for Ashton's whereabouts.

His search led him to the Banyan City Police Department, but Ashton was nowhere to be found.

Eventually, he headed back to the Fuller estate. Under the dimming twilight, he bumped into Ashton, who was hurrying out the door.

Nolan's face turned to steel as he sized up Ashton, immaculately dressed and with a furrowed brow, as if he was about to leave again.

Without saying a word, Nolan strode over and swung his fist directly at Ashton's rugged face, "Ashton, where the hell are you off to now? Running to that tramp Elaine again?"

Ashton was taken aback by the sudden confrontation, only then recognizing his brother.

But the towering rage and the fist coming his way...

Ashton's cheek turned to one side from the impact!