Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 968

In the quaint town of Caldwell, where the estates sprawled like the pages of a classic novel, the air buzzed with the latest scandal to hit the Caldwell Estate-though, this time, it seemed the winds were changing for one of its most whispered-about inhabitants. Tiana Melford, heiress to the Melford fortune and subject of countless town gossip, found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions as the news played out before her. The revelation that her family's name was being cleared came as a shock, a beacon of hope in a saga that had seemed endless. "Looks like Mr. Parker's handiwork if you ask me," whispered a servant, unaware of Tiana's presence. "All for Ms. Melford, helping her reclaim her inheritance and clearing her name. Quite the romantic gesture, eh?"

Another servant chimed in, their voice tinged with excitement, "And to think, our young master has eyes only for her. Not the belle of the ball, by any means, but there's something about her, isn't there?" Their conversation, laced with admiration and a hint of envy, was abruptly cut short as they noticed Tiana standing behind them, her eyes brimming with tears, lost in the gravity of the moment. "Ms. Melford, you're awake," one of them rushed to her side, while the other made a move to turn off the television.

"Let it play, please," Tiana requested, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze still fixed on the screen that was busy rewriting her narrative.

As the news segment wrapped up and the room fell into a comfortable silence, Tiana finally voiced the question that had been weighing on her heart, "Where's my daughter? Where's Cherry?"

"She's downstairs with Mr. Parker. He brought her to see you this morning, but you were still resting," the servant explained, just as the sound of confident footsteps approached.

Parker entered the room, his presence commanding yet comforting. He wore his confidence like a second skin, his tailored suit accentuating his frame, the very picture of sophistication with a hint of mystery behind his spectacles.

be drawn to him, her heart fluttering at his nearness. As their conversation unfolded, Parker admitted to his role in clearing her name and securing

me? For us?" Tiana

intense yet tender, "to clear the path for my family, to restore your honor.

heart skipped a beat at his words, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. "Who, who's your family?" she stammered, caught off guard by his

his, a silent promise hanging between them, a gesture that spoke louder than words. In that moment, Tiana realized that perhaps, amid the tumult and the rumors, a new chapter was beginning for them-one filled with hope,

furrowing his brows with serious intent. "Bringing you to the

tell me you haven't figured it

introduced Cherry to my father. The old man didn't say much, but it was clear he took a liking to her. That girl's got a way of making everyone smile with

we're planning on having a son to carry on

I'd love to have a son, but first,