Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 987

"Parker, Bryce is making moves in Empire City. I gotta head back now to protect the kids! Keep an eye on Elaine for me."

That sudden? If it involves Bryce, that scumbag, then it's definitely serious trouble.

Makes sense. Ashton and he both headed back to Maplewood, leaving a bunch of bodyguards behind, but who's to say Bryce won't seize the opportunity!

Thinking of Ludwik's request before he left for Eurovoria, Parker rubbed his temples, feeling a bit guilty.

Lately, his own mess has taken up so much of everyone's time, even making Whitney end up helping him.

As for Ashton... brainwashed by Elaine again. I heard Valerie vanished without a trace after their divorce, and Ashton hasn't sorted out his own mess.

Hoping for Ashton to return to Empire City is like waiting for a pie to fall from the sky.

First, gotta make sure Tiana's safe. But then, Whitney asked him to keep a close eye on Elaine...

While Parker was pondering, a tall shadow approached.

Parker, still focused on his phone, didn't notice until he saw Nolan approaching Tiana, "Parker, Nolan's here."

Parker looked up.

Nolan flashed Tiana a smile before turning back and waving at Parker.

The two men made eye contact.

Nolan looked travel-worn, as if he'd just returned from out of town, wearing a light coat that didn't match the climate of Maplewood.

It had been a while since Parker had seen Nolan.

Must be four or five months now. They had gone together to Empire City to assist Ludwik, but Nolan had to return to Maplewood midway, seemingly after Valerie's disappearance post-divorce with Ashton, Nolan had gone looking for Valerie.

The brothers hadn't seen each other or had a proper conversation in a long time.

Parker was surprised, clapping Nolan on the shoulder with a half-smirk, "What brings you back, man? Did you find Valerie? What's with the hospital visit?"

"I came back a few days ago when you were in trouble, you know." Nolan rolled his eyes.

So he rushes back to lend a hand, and he's treated like he's invisible.

Parker genuinely couldn't recall. That night he was downcast, seeing Cherry, it was Nolan and Ashton who helped escort Cherry over.

Parker flicked a lighter, lighting a cigarette before passing it over, "Your sudden appearances and disappearances, man, what's the deal?"

"Today, I'm not here to talk about myself. I wanna know what the hell is going on with Ashton!"

Nolan's fury was evident, his handsome features twisted in anger, "I disappear for just a few days, and I hear Elaine's back? And that pig, Ashton, is back stirring trouble with that woman?

I just got back today, heard Elaine's staying in the hospital, can't find Ashton.

So, I came to you. I don't wanna hear Ashton's excuses, just tell me straight, what's going on?"

Seeing his friend's face turn pale with anger, Parker was a bit puzzled, "He's your brother. He messes up, but why are you this mad? Is there something else bringing you back?"

Indeed, there was.

Big news!

Nolan's brows knitted together in frustration, urging, "Just tell me your side."

Parker took a drag of his cigarette, seeing Nolan's impatience, he spilled the beans about Elaine conspiring with Endora to kidnap his kid, then shaking off the blame and sticking to Ashton these past few days.

Nolan was so angry he nearly punched the wall.

He crushed the cigarette under his foot, his tone icy, "Damn it, I'm gonna find him."