Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 837

"Tiana, that backstabber, actually spilled everything about her escapades in Banyan City?"

"Parker, it's not what it looks like, please, let me explain! I had no choice," Endora pleaded, clutching his wrist with tears streaming down her face as she wrapped herself in the sheets. "Those men, my parents forced me to meet them. I wanted nothing more than to wait for you, but our family business was in trouble, and I had no other option..."

"Oh, so you had no choice but to book a hotel room to 'solve' your family's business issues?" Parker's tone was laced with sarcasm, his gaze cold and dismissive as he pulled his hand away from her grasp.

Standing at a distance, his demeanor frosty and his words concise, "Let's get one thing straight, Endora. You did me a great favor three years ago, and out of gratitude and responsibility, I agreed to marry you. The support the Doonan family has provided to the Melford family over these years is undeniable. But if you can't remain faithful, I doubt your love for me holds much weight. I, Parker, cannot marry someone who's opportunistic and unfaithful. That's my bottom line. Name your price to settle this debt of gratitude for the rest of your life. How about a billion? That should be more than enough for the Melford family business to thrive!"

"What, you think you can shut me up with money? What are you implying, Parker?" Endora's face went pale.

"I'm talking about calling off the engagement," Parker clarified, removing his elegant gold-rimmed glasses. The revelation in his eyes made Endora shiver.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Parker, known for his honor among men of principle, had never mentioned breaking up before. Endora had almost convinced herself that she was destined to be Mrs. Doonan, believing she could easily replace anyone else in that position. And now he was having second thoughts?

Her voice mixed with desperation and a hint of unwillingness, "Parker, I sacrificed my purity to save your life! How can you discard me over a misunderstanding?"

repeat myself. Your debt, I intend to settle with material

feelings for her while I was forced to return to Banyan City? Let's not forget, she was with

recognized his feelings. For once, someone had stirred his stagnant life, and he didn't want to let go,

for three years, Endora. I don't want to make this ugly. A billion is generous. As for my affairs, you need not worry. Tomorrow, I'll send you back to Banyan City, and I'd appreciate it if you kept

away?" Endora's

knew once Tiana exposed those damning photos, Parker's

request for

would ruin Barclay's scheme with the Patrick Group against Ludwik for alleged murder.

Tiana and now forbidding me from telling your parents? Fine, I'll go

her threat, "I've warned you, stay away from Barclay. As for my return,

about calling off the engagement, and I'll keep your secret. If not, I'll find a way to inform Barclay, and whatever mess it creates will be on you,"

her, Parker felt an overwhelming sense of disgust and alienation. Over the years, he thought he knew Endora, but now, it seemed he had been utterly

Tiana always accused him of being

had been blinded by

"Endora, don't

feigned heartbreak, "If you don't want me, who's going to be