Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 955

In the heart of Ashwood City's Historic Quarter, nestled within the Harmony Estates, Parker raced against time. The community, a cluster of dated townhouses squeezed into the old district, was notorious for its cramped living conditions and narrow streets. Upon reaching the entrance by car, Parker was met with a scene of congestion so severe that the narrow path leading into the estates was completely blocked.

It was late at night, yet the disturbance had awakened many residents, who now gathered at the entrance, murmuring and speculating amongst themselves.

The continuous wail of police sirens, accompanied by the flashing red lights, signaled a major incident within one of the ancient buildings. Stepping out, Parker's tall figure paused, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Should I clear the crowd, sir?" one of his men asked, observing the sea of people that seemed endless.

"There's no time," Parker replied, shaking his head. With the police already on the scene, he was reassured of the safety to some extent.

What he needed to ascertain now was whether the little girl discovered inside was indeed his Cherry, and who was the 'woman' that had called the police.

With determined strides, he parted the crowd, ducking under the police tape and making his way into the heart of the chaos.

As he pushed through more onlookers, a black minivan, its front end crumpled against a wall corner, came into view. Several officers were arresting two men near the vehicle.

windows revealed a small figure among them, a child being placed on

he approached, disbelief in his step. "Cherry!" he called out,

pulled aside as Parker rushed to the stretcher, his gaze intensely fixed on the small form lying there. His hands trembled slightly as he gently brushed aside the hair covering the girl's face, revealing cuts and bruises that made

hesitating to touch her face, fingers curling in restraint. He lightly shook her shoulder, his eyes, usually fierce, now shimmered with unshed tears, "Sweetie, it's Daddy. Please, wake up...darling." A medic, wary of Parker's imposing presence, approached him softly, "Sir, she's fainted. There's a slight concussion, and she seems to

out of his despair, Parker stepped aside, allowing the

nearby. "Was it that lady who helped

"So, Elaine, at what time did you notice a girl being kidnapped in that van? Was it right here

"Not exactly..."

as he heard a woman's soft response. Pushing past an officer,

quickly turned into a cold, hard stare. The memories of Elaine's past actions against Whitney and Ludwik were too

firm, interrupting the inquiry. The respect was

looked up, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief,

were racing. Could he really trust Elaine had changed? Or was she involved in

don't need to question her further. Arrest her," Parker commanded,