Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"You... you're just heartless.

I could tell this morning, you seemed kinda into our boy Parker.

Can't you just overlook the fact he's changed since the accident? Saving him is what matters, man. I'm begging you here, save him this time, or I'm afraid he won't make it."

"Then you promise me, consider partnering with Ludwik." Tiana saw her chance and went for it.

Phineas instantly turned icy, failing to grasp her angle.

A little girl, bold as brass, meddling in his business affairs?

Way out of her league.

"There's no way I'd consider a man who nearly got my nephew killed."

"Stubborn. Then there's nothing more to talk about. Why should I risk my own skin to save a jerk who can't even appreciate it and blames me instead?"

With that, Tiana headed for the door, "Might as well lock me up now."

"..." Phineas was so furious he could spit blood. What kind of girl was this?

"It's just an antidote. We can't be running out of women, can we? Butler, go find some clean, pretty girls for the young master to try first... If that doesn't work, then bring this woman back for my nephew to handle!

Ms. Melford, I'd advise you, since you like Parker, don't mind his misunderstanding.

If Parker touches another woman and it doesn't work, then comes to you, won't that gnaw at you?"

Tiana stopped dead in her tracks, nearly choking on her own rage.

Do all powerful people look down their noses like this? She already said she wouldn't save him, and they still threatened her?

But the thought of Parker floundering with other women before coming to her made her utterly disgusted.

Fists clenched, she turned around, fury uncontainable, "Mr. Wilson, don't push me too far."

"I have no choice, you're the only one who can save him!" Phineas frowned.

As they stood at an impasse, suddenly, frantic footsteps and a wave of intense heat approached from the study.

Before Tiana could get a good look, she was swept into a scorching embrace by an out-of-control man.

She twisted her head to see Parker's flushed, agitated face and was startled.

His glasses were off, revealing bloodshot, peach blossom eyes with a hint of madness at the elongated corners. His body shook with effort, clearly trying to restrain something, muscles taut as iron.

Tiana felt like she was being engulfed in lava, her fear skyrocketing as she desperately pushed him away, "What are you doing?

I told your uncle, I'm not saving you, you heartbreaker!

Please, go find some other woman to ease your condition."

“No can do.” Parker, struggling with the toxin in his body, glared at her with a predatory intensity, "In my head, it's only you. I just want you."

“...” Damn, Tiana's face flushed with shock, "Have you no shame! What did you say this morning? Please remember your lofty promises, you said never again, that you didn't like a woman like me, and wouldn't touch me."

"I don't remember."

His breath was like fire on her neck, igniting an inferno.

Tiana was stunned, seeing the madness and pain in his eyes, her heart inexplicably softened, "Hey, are you okay?"

"Just sleep with me, and I'll be fine."

"You're shameless... mmph."

Before she could finish, Parker's lips crashed down on hers, lifting her up and heading to his bedroom with desperate urgency.

Servants along the way paused, cheeks flaming at the sight.

Tiana, catching glimpses of the audience, wished she could die of embarrassment.

Great. Her reputation as a floozy was now cemented.

This damn man...

In a daze, she was thrown into a dim room, curtains drawn. He pounced like a man desperate for salvation, his advances fueled by an awkward, feverish need. Tiana cried out as she fought, slapping his face hard.

Yet, he smirked wickedly, "Hit me harder."

She did, not knowing that her anger only spurred his primal aggression.

This time, Tiana felt utterly defeated, like a shrimp thrashed against the shore by relentless waves. As she passed out, she felt helpless yet furious, thinking she couldn't just abandon him. Despite everything, she couldn't harden her heart against him.

Seeing his handsome face, she confirmed her feelings...

After all, she'd been tainted by Barclay three years ago, her purity already compromised. She had Cherry now; marriage was a distant dream. Being forced into this, she'd indulge her secret crush. Once off this island or when his memory returned, they had no future anyway. This affair would remain their secret.

And most importantly, she couldn't escape now. Only by seducing Parker could she sway Phineas, who seemed to dote on Parker. Then, she'd push Parker to hand Inko Group's partnership to Ludwik.

Take that, Bryce. You won't have the last laugh.

Whitney, oh Whitney, the sacrifices I make for you...

Tiana managed a bitter smile as darkness took her.

Emperor City.

Whitney returned from Sheldon Group to Bryce's villa.

Surprisingly, he was home early, dinner ready.

"Whitney, come eat!" Bryce said, smiling as he served the hot dishes.

"Oh... Bryce, you're home early today?"noveldrama

"You were up all night at the office yesterday. Thought I'd cook you a nice meal," Bryce said warmly.

Whitney, remembering her care for Danny, felt a twinge of guilt, "Lately, with my dad waking up, there's been a lot of Sheldon Group shareholders reaching out for discussions..."

"Right. Oh," Bryce cast a casual glance at her bag, "I heard there's a big bash at Brew Hill tomorrow night. It's a housewarming party thrown by the chairman of Inko Group."

"Yep, I got an invite. Did you get one?" Whitney asked without much thought.

Bryce's eyes cooled for a moment, but he managed a bitter smile, "Hard as I try, I'm still a newcomer in the business scene of Emperor City. Inko Group probably hasn't caught wind of the Lutz Group yet, so no, I didn't get an invite.

With Inko Group being a financial powerhouse backed by the president, they're probably more interested in the old money like the Sheldon Group, the Nelson Group.

It figures you'd get an invite, being the Sheldon family's heiress."

His compliment made Whitney slightly uncomfortable. She chuckled, "It's just that Phineas Wilson sent an invite to every notable household in Brew Hill.

Mr. Wilson is a close adviser to the president, his status is quite exceptional, and all the big names in Emperor City want to rub shoulders with him. There'll be plenty of political figures and elites there tomorrow night.

My dad can't make it, and me going alone doesn't really make a difference."

"How can you say that? You're a young executive. Many would kill for such an opportunity.

But I'm worried, you're so beautiful, other men will surely notice you tomorrow night.

Whitney, how about you let me accompany you?"