Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



In the dead of night, Parker raced through the shadows, making his way to the tarmac as quickly as possible. His sharp eyes scanned the area, and not far from the parked planes, he noticed a white patrol car driving away.

Clenching his fists, he stealthily approached a nearby airport service motorcycle, slipped on a helmet, and followed silently.

Bryce had left the tarmac and switched vehicles, heading away from Emperor City Airport towards Port Number Three.

Parker tailed him on the motorcycle, ditching it near the port. He watched as Bryce boarded a speedboat, cutting swiftly through the moonlit waters, leaving Parker stranded at the dock with no boats left to pursue.

He glared at the retreating silhouette on the water, muttering through gritted teeth, "Damn!"

The night sky was vast and unyielding.

In the middle of the open sea, a massive cruise ship hosted an international jet that had landed not long ago. The plane was parked on one corner of the colossal vessel. Parisa, accompanied by Erik and a few bodyguards, disembarked and made her way to the ship's main lounge.

After hours of flight, a trace of weariness softened Parisa's otherwise striking features. She moved with purpose, entering the lounge swiftly.

Erik immediately summoned the ship's staff to tend to her needs and dispatched a couple of bodyguards to patrol the deck, keeping an eye on the surrounding waters.

Suddenly, a retching sound broke the calm. Florence, clutching a table for support, was violently ill, her frail body doubled over as if trying to expel every ounce of discomfort.

Parisa turned, noticing Florence's pallor. She gestured for the staff to assist her and asked with a furrowed brow, "Florence, are you seasick?" "Ugh... Mom... I feel awful. Maybe it was the long flight, and the boat's rocking didn't help. Can I get some air? With a bodyguard..." Florence weakly covered her mouth, her face ashen, eyes rimmed with red.

She wiped her mouth, looking as if she might be sick again.

Parisa remembered Florence's unhealed incision from a recent surgery, the exhausting journey clearly taking its toll.

Even though stepping outside was not entirely safe, as they were technically back in Harmonia Country, having landed in Emperor City's waters, Parisa nodded. "Have the staff stay with you. Don't wander far, just get some fresh air at the door. If you still feel unwell, come back and take some medicine."

"Okay, Mom." Florence straightened up, glancing softly at Parisa. "Mom, now that we're in Emperor City waters, how do you feel? Are you okay?" Parisa met her gaze, her eyes a deep well of emotions.

How did she feel?

Parisa was still coming to terms with being back, given that they didn't land at the Emperor City airport. This was a precaution Florence had suggested, to avoid drawing unwanted attention. She had told no one from Inko Group, wanting to keep her arrival low-key until she understood the lay of the land.

Through the cabin window, the endless dark sea seemed to mirror her inner turmoil and solitude. Was she truly back?

The Harmonia Country, where she had spent a fragmented youth, was home to her father and brother. What had the Tennyson family once been? What about the man she had loved and sacrificed for?

These questions swirled in her mind, stirring her emotions like the sea.

"Mom? Are you unhappy to be back?" Florence asked, concern etched on her face after a stretch of silence.

Parisa shook her head. "No, I just don't feel much yet."

"That's probably because we're still at sea. Once we reach land, you might remember more about Emperor City, your childhood home. Erik has arranged a hotel for us."

Parisa gave her a brief glance. "Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing. Go on."

"I'll get some air and join you for a late-night snack once I feel better. You should rest." "Alright."

Parisa sank into the sofa, massaging her temples and closing her eyes.

Florence walked to the cabin door, taking one last look at Parisa before stepping outside.

The change came abruptly-about ten minutes later.

Erik was preparing headache medicine for Parisa, and the staff had just brought in some night snacks when screams erupted from outside. Parisa's eyes flew open, her gaze darting towards the sound. "Florence is screaming!"

"Seems like it," Erik replied, his demeanor shifting to one of intense alertness.

Parisa noted the urgency in his actions, standing up with caution. "Hurry, find out what's happening."

No sooner had she spoken than Florence's voice pierced the air, "Who are you? Ah! Mom!"

Parisa steadied herself against the table, ready to move. "Someone's broken in! Florence is in danger!"

"Chairman, stay here," Erik ordered

firmly, his eyes fierce. He blocked

Parisa at the door and instructed the remaining eight bodyguards. "Five of you guard the Chairman. The rest, come with me."

"Erik! Find out how many there are and who they are!" Parisa demanded, her fists clenched in anger.

Erik nodded, grabbed a gun, and slipped out.

Moments later, the sound of gunfire and fighting echoed from outside.

Parisa stood at the cabin door, her guards forming an imprable line, refusing to let her out.

But then, the noises abruptly ceased.

The cries of Florence had ceased, and Erik's gunshots were no longer echoing through the yacht.

Parisa tensed, quickly glancing at the bodyguard in front of her. "Something's not right. Go check what's happening out there." "But ma'am, Erik said we need to keep you safe-"

"No! Please, don't kill me! Who are you people? Erik, Mom, help me..."

From outside, Florence's desperate screams rang out, cutting through the air like a knife.noveldrama

Parisa's expression changed

instantly. What kind of thugs have

come that even Erik is struggling

with them? No, Florence is in danger. I have to go out there!"

IMS

She pushed past her bodyguard, determined to storm out, just as the cabin door was violently kicked open from the other side-

A swarm of men dressed in black burst in! Chaos unfolded as they clashed with Parisa's bodyguards, the room descending into a frenzy Parisa took a step back, her eyes narrowing coldly at the intruders. Who had sent these people? A chill ran down her spine as she tried to piece it all together.