Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 881

Three years ago, Barclay just happened to be at the same club where Tiana had her unfortunate incident. Afterward, Elaine sought out Endora, asking her to spread rumors that Barclay had wronged Tiana. Endora, in turn, positioned herself as the savior of Parker, basking in the glory and riches that followed.

Now, Endora was desperate to seize this opportunity with both hands.

She dangled the bait before Barclay, "How about we strike a deal, Barclay? You were asking me for a loan earlier, right? I doubt a few tens of thousands would cut it for you you'd need at least a couple hundred million to turn things around!"

"Are you willing to lend me that kind of money?" Barclay's tone shifted instantly, his flattery thinly veiled, "Endora, I didn't take you for such a generous soul. What's the deal?"

"Considering your current standing within the Doonan family, you're practically at a dead end, Barclay. I think we should join forces. If you're willing to marry Tiana, it might feel like settling for less, but once I become Mrs. Parker, his fortune becomes mine. Then, not just a few hundred million, but billions will be at your disposal! I'll be grateful to you, using my position as Mrs. Parker to continuously support you and solidify your position within the Doonan family. After all, Parker's future lies not with the Doonan family but with the great Inko Group, thanks to his uncle Phineas. Eventually, you could be the head of the Doonan family! How about it? Just marry Tiana, and I'll help you get everything."

Barclay was no fool. He knew all too well about Endora's obsession with his brother, and considering Parker's enhanced status thanks to his maternal uncle Phineas, letting such a catch go would be idiotic on Endora's part. Barclay was also aware of the recent rumors linking Parker and Tiana closely together.

He was irked! Tiana had his child, yet he couldn't assert his dominance within the Doonan family, especially in front of his underachieving brother.

The prospect of gaining wealth and status naturally appealed to him.

His mother's background paled in comparison to Parker's, fueling his ambition to take over the Doonan family, but only if he assisted Endora in becoming Mrs. Parker.

Barclay was well aware of Endora's scheme to have him deal with Tiana and eliminate her as a problem...

He smirked nonchalantly, "You mentioned she's pregnant, didn't you? I'm not exactly thrilled about playing daddy again, but rest assured, I'll fight for my daughter's custody when the time comes. As for the other... 'accident'..." "Let's not call anyone an 'accident,' Barclay. If you recognize the child, then it's all yours," Endora said, her smile sharp with cunning. "Enduring one 'accident' for a fortune sounds like a fair trade to me. If it were me, I'd jump at the chance." Barclay narrowed his eyes, playing with the few chips he had left, "If you're serious about this partnership, show me some good faith. Three million, and I'm in. I'll take care of Tiana, you marry Parker, and we both get what we want." A bold demand.

cursed Barclay's

being half-brothers, why was the gap between him and Parker

Parker was groomed to be the heir from a young age,

this disappointment to her advantage, Endora agreed, "I'll transfer the money, but before I

Your head's always full

hospital and find Tiana. Stir up some drama, ask whose 'accident' she's carrying. If she refuses

venom," Barclay scoffed, though he was clearly willing, "Three million

"Immediately."

and stepped out

high heels clicking seductively on

brows furrowed, sipped his coffee, giving her a cursory, icy glance through his glasses, his

was undeterred. Unlike Ludwik's overt dominance, Parker's demeanor was deceptively laid-back, with a hidden ruthlessness in

grip on her purse and flipping her hair to reveal

down his coffee cup with a clatter, his long legs crossed, the epitome of casual power in his leather

but steal glances at him,

annoyed that his first

had driven a wedge between Tiana and Parker, making Tiana believe Parker was still entangled with her. The fallout had been severe, and though Parker seemed to be keeping Endora close, she knew his heart

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entangled in his

sat down, leaning forward to capture his attention with her voluptuous

Parker's cool tone shifted slightly, a