Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )

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.

Meanwhile, paramedics and a traffic cop were questioning someone in the corner. The faint light from nearby windows revealed a small figure among them, a child being placed on a stretcher, with medics attending to her. Cherry?!

A chill ran down Parker's spine as he approached, disbelief in his step. "Cherry!" he called out, his voice filled with a mix of fear and urgency.

The medics were momentarily 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 his heart sink. It was his child.

"Sweetheart?" Parker's voice broke as he leaned closer, his large hand 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 have been through a severe shock. She needs immediate care."

Snapped out of his despair, Parker stepped aside, allowing the medics to continue their work, his concern evident.

His attention then shifted to a conversation nearby. "Was it that lady who helped my child?" he asked, pointing toward the ongoing questioning.

Upon confirmation, Parker's gaze darkened as he approached. "So, Elaine, at what time did you notice a girl being kidnapped in that van? Was it right here in this estate?"

"Not exactly..."

Parker's heart skipped as he heard a woman's soft response. Pushing past an officer, he came face to face with Elaine.

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

"Hold on, officers," Parker's voice was low but firm, interrupting the inquiry. The respect was evident as they turned to him, "Parker."

Elaine, too, looked up, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief, "Parker?"

Ignoring her, Parker's thoughts were racing. Could he really trust Elaine had changed? Or was she involved in this sinister plot against his daughter?

"You don't need to question her further. Arrest her," Parker commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The officers hesitated, confused by the directive to arrest a woman who seemed to have played a crucial role in saving the girl.

"She couldn't possibly have saved my child," Parker insisted, his lips curling in disdain.

Elaine's plea for fairness fell on deaf ears as Parker was convinced of her guilt, believing her to be in league with the culprits behind his daughter's ordeal. Without further ado, he urged the officers to take Elaine into custody, certain of her connection to the crime, regardless of her protests and the bewildering situation. Parker, with an air of detached authority, gave the command, and not a single cop dared to counter him. Turning on his heel, he made his way back to Cherry's side. But then, out of the shadows, a voice called out, "Hold it right there!"

Parker swung around, only then spotting Ashton's towering figure hustling over from the edge of the crowd.

Tiana and Whitney were right by his side.

Both women caught sight of Elaine's face. Tiana's eyes widened in disbelief, quickly turning to catch Whitney's suddenly darkened expression, "Elaine? How can it be her?" "Elaine... is that really you?" Ashton approached, his gaze intense and fixated on Elaine, a storm of emotions swirling in his eyes.