Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1179

“Elaine’s been missing for ages, and then just shows up in Banyan City? What’s going on with that?” There was a cold, dangerous glint in Ludwik’s eyes.

Parker snorted, his tone dry. “That’s a long story, man.”

...

Inside Parisa’s hospital room.

Whitney had finally calmed down. She picked up a thermos cup, stuck in a straw, and helped her mom sip some warm broth. “Here, Mom. Can you lift your wrist for me?”

Parisa’s gaze softened, her eyes shining with a rare hint of joy. In public, she was always so composed, strict, never letting herself show even a crack. But in front of her daughter, she let her guard down, her armor slipping away.

She caught on to Whitney’s gentle touch, her eyes brightening. “You…know how to check a pulse?”

Whitney grinned, meeting her mother’s gaze. “Of course, Mom. Don’t you remember?”

Parisa’s eyes clouded. She didn’t know which memory Whitney was talking about—truth was, she’d lost them all.

Whitney didn’t seem disappointed. Her voice was warm with nostalgia. “You taught me everything I know about medicine, remember? When I was little, I just wanted to go play outside, not learn about herbs and remedies. You’d always say it was important—it was self-defense, in a way.

Later I found out Grandpa was one of the top pharmaceutical guys back in New York. No wonder you were always so good at this stuff. It’s just… after a while, when Preston Valentine and Yvonne kept upping your medication, it must’ve been pretty subtle. Otherwise, you would’ve noticed sooner. By the time you knew, things had gotten really bad.

And then, you and Grandpa went on a business trip—and there was that huge explosion.”

Whitney stopped there, her voice trailing off, not wanting to go any further.

Parisa didn’t remember any of it, and yet, as Whitney spoke, none of it felt completely foreign either.