Deirdre felt a bit frustrated, but she managed to hold back her outburst because she was thin-skinned."But if it's these issues, didn't the doctor say…""What did he say?"Deirdre turned around. "Forget it. He didn't say anything."She closed her eyes and complained about her personality. She didn't know if it was because of pregnancy, but her emotions were becoming more and more uncontrollable. Sometimes, she wanted to stay calm and maintain a normal attitude, but it was difficult to do so.Just then, a hand suddenly grabbed onto her waist. Brendan had taken off his shirt at some point, his warm body pressing against hrs from the side. His breath was hot and suppressive."Deirdre, are your thoughts the same as mine?"Brendan's hands on her were filled with intense heat and suppressed tremors, as if all it took was one command from Deirdre for his soul, burning with passion, to break through the body and envelope Deirdre, melding with her.Brendan's heavy breath made Deird
Emily assumed a graceful, innocent demeanor as she usually did. "Mrs. Engel, what are you talking about? Why don't I understand what you're talking about? I was only asking about Mr. Brighthall's whereabouts. Will you please tell me where he is?"Mrs. Engel smiled upon hearing that as she cleaned the floor. "Mr. Brighthall stayed in Mrs. Brighthall's room the whole night since yesterday to appease her. He has yet to leave the room. I believe that they are still resting now in view of their close relationship. It would be better for you to wait on the sofa."'What?'Emily took an unwilling glance at the upper floor. Soon afterward, she comforted herself, thinking that nothing would happen between them because Deirdre was pregnant. Emily took a seat on the sofa and began scrolling through her phone. Half an hour later, Brendan put on a shirt and got out of the room to get water. He was caught off guard when he saw the woman sitting on the sofa when he came downstairs. Emily
Deirdre's strength was weak, so it was almost akin to a tickle when the pillow landed on his body. On the contrary, it teased and aroused Brendan, so he wrapped his arms around Deirdre and unleashed his desire for her for a while more. Only when Deirdre assumed a serious expression did Brendan begin to get her some clothes. Deirdre put on her clothes and left the room in a hurry. "You're awake, Miss McKinnon."Deirdre only realized that Emily was there upon hearing the commotion downstairs. However, Brendan did not mention that to her from the start, and she figured he did not tell her because he did not wish to displease her.She believed that Emily had seen her panicked state earlier. "You have a very good relationship with Mr. Brighthall, Miss McKinnon. You've just gotten out of bed when it's almost noon…" Emily got up from the sofa and blurted in an envious tone, "However, I would like to remind you, as your attending physician, that you're pregnant now. You might find yo
Brendan looked at Emily with his cold, dark eyes from the side. Emily continued to speak. "I'm not stopping you from showing your affection to Miss McKinnon. It's because Miss McKinnon's blood clot is in her brain, and doing that… is very stimulating to the brain. Moreover, it will move the blood clot to a certain extent."There is only a small portion of the blood clot that is currently compressing on the optic nerve. What's going to happen if there is an external impact then?"Brendan furrowed his eyebrows. "So, you're saying I'm not allowed to touch her?"Emily smiled and said, "It would be best for you not to touch her because it won't be beneficial for Miss McKinnon's condition. However, it would still depend on how you feel about this anyhow. If you insist on it, there's nothing that I can do either.""I understand."Brendan felt a heavy feeling in his chest, yet he knew he could not be selfish with his needs for Deirdre. "Is there anything else?" He spoke in a cold tone
Emily appeared serious. "I would like to pay a visit to the location to check out the environment. Will you take me there, Mr. Brighthall?"Deirdre came to understand Emily's intention. She requested to talk to Brendan in private earlier and was trying to figure out a way to go out with Brendan now. She took great pains to do that. Deirdre would not be bothered if this was any other day, yet Deirdre could feel that Emily was using dirty tricks after yesterday's incident. "Mrs. Engel is on her way back from the market. She'll take you there personally when she's back. That would be better."Emily checked her watch. "However, I'm very busy and may not be unoccupied later."Deirdre got up right away and said, "I shall take you there then.""You…"Emily's expression changed. Deirdre raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be very disappointed, Miss Collins. Is it because the person taking you there is not the right person?"Emily bit her lower lip and forced a smile while she said,
It was no wonder why Deirdre did not react at all from the moment Emily prepared the coffee and headed upstairs while ignoring Deirdre.Emily was convinced that Deirdre knew about Brendan's trigger. 'What a malicious woman!'Emily suppressed the panic in her chest and explained softly, "I don't intend to barge into your personal space, Mr. Brighthall. I have something to discuss with you, yet you are still in the study. I'm about to leave soon, so there is nothing else that I can do. Hence, I seized the opportunity to send a coffee to you so I could speak to you."Brendan looked at her without changing his expression or speaking. He waited for her to continue her speech. Emily suppressed her anxiety and said, "I checked out the farmers' market where Miss McKinnon's food comes from. The environment is not very hygienic. Moreover, she would be more suited to a low-fat and sodium diet. I'm thinking of creating a recipe myself and bringing over cooking ingredients daily so the serva
'What the heck!? How dare a measly servant walk all over me?'Meanwhile, the phone in Emily's bag rang. Emily was not planning on taking the call since she was terribly upset, yet the caller refused to hang up.She pulled out her phone and took the call in an extremely annoyed tone. "Who's this?"The other end of the call was silent for two seconds before a muffled peal of laughter sounded. "It seems that you've been aggrieved tremendously by Brendan, huh, Miss Collins?"Emily's temples bulged up. "Who are you?"She furrowed her eyebrows tightly in extreme vigilance. 'How could this person know that Brendan has aggrieved me?'"Don't be so anxious, Miss Collins. I don't bear any ill intention toward you. On the contrary, I'm here to help you.""Help me?" Emily was inherently arrogant and refused to be associated with an evil person like this. "How dare you claim you're here to help me when you don't have the courage to show yourself instead of hiding in the dark sneakily?"
'That woman.'Deirdre came to realize that it was Emily and felt surprised soon afterward."She's here again?""Yes. She was obviously furious yesterday. Anyone with a sense of dignity would understand and wouldn't come anymore. She is actually acting like nothing happened. Not only did she come early in the morning, but she even sat on the sofa to read the newspaper."Deirdre's movements of putting on her clothes halted to a stop. She found that strange. She knew that Emily was inherently arrogant. Even if she were not to give up easily after losing, she would give herself some time to cool down, to the very least. Deirdre did not expect that Emily would come the next day as if nothing had happened. "Did Emily say anything when she came?"Mrs. Engel shook her head. "No. She greeted me with a smile and asked me if you're awake. Then, she went to sit on the sofa."Deirdre got changed and ate the oatmeal spoon by spoon. Mrs. Engel was troubled. "Do you think she insists on co
"Where is she?"Brendan stared at him, utterly surprised. Sean's voice trembled a bit, but his eyes held a clear and hopeful gaze.Brendan finally calmed down and looked behind him. "There, that's your mother."This was the first time Sean had spoken. Deirdre felt her mind buzzing. When she snapped back to reality, she extended her hand. "Sean, come here."Sean's eyes held gentle amazement. He was intelligent—perhaps he had sensed it on the way there. Thus, his feelings were a blend of happiness and satisfaction.He felt joy that Deirdre was going to be his mother.Being a kid, he took a few steps but couldn't stop his tears, holding onto Deirdre firmly.Deirdre suppressed her own urge to cry and crouched down, wiping away his tears. "Do you... hate mom for not being there and not recognizing you?"Sean shook his head frantically. "As long as you're here… That's enough…"Deirdre hugged him tightly, and Brendan approached, wrapping them both in his embrace.When they brought S
"I was too young back then, still sulking with my father," Brendan replied after recalling his childhood.Arthur chuckled. "Kids will be kids, after all. Besides, your father was an excellent businessman, and you've followed in his footsteps. I've heard about your impressive success with the business in Neve. You're truly talented. With the Parkers under your control, I can finally relax." Brendan thought it was just praise from an elder. He was about to give a humble response when he got surprised by the rest of the statement. This made him freeze in place."The Parkers?" Deirdre was equally surprised."What's wrong?" Arthur beamed. "Don't you both already have children? Although you've divorced, your relationship is still strong. Don't tell me there's no thought of remarriage?""Remarriage? It's not the right time yet." Deirdre blushed from the teasing."It'll come eventually. If that's the case, then you are both part of the Parkers now. You're my only daughter, and he's my s
Beneath the envelope lay the evidence. Deirdre stared at it for a long time, with Brendan by her side, offering silent support.The next day, they boarded a plane back to Southedge. Within three days, news of the top political figure's downfall due to corruption spread like wildfire throughout Southedge, even captivating the interest of other cities.Upon learning the full story in his study, Arthur's aging face was stained with tears of regret. "If only I had known sooner... I wouldn't have let your mother leave like that."Deirdre lowered her gaze and handed the letter to Arthur. "My mother explains in the letter that her departure was a voluntary sacrifice to protect everyone. She never blamed you."Arthur gazed at the letter, struggling to find the right words.Deirdre left silently, shutting the door.-Ryker was also brought to the police station. Under Sterling's methods, he confessed to the murders. Emily faced the same outcome.All of them waited for their trials.-
The distance from Southedge to Village Alnwick was immense, yet Brendan displayed unwavering resolve."Then let's depart today," he said.As Deirdre bid farewell to Arthur, an unexpected glimmer of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Visiting your mother's grave, huh? Okay, go ahead. Take care of yourself, don't overexert.""Yes," Deirdre replied. Faced with Arthur's hesitant gaze, she felt compelled to add, "Dad, I'll be back."Arthur met Deirdre's gaze, hope rekindling in his eyes.Deirdre softly sighed. "You're my father, my family. Of course, I'll return." "Really? You mean it?" Arthur's excitement made his hands tremble slightly. He held onto Deirdre as if wanting to convey something, but all that emerged was a murmur, "Then please return early... Come back as soon as you can...""Sure. I have a friend coming over later today. Take care of him. Oh, and my boyfriend is here, too. Don't worry about the specifics. I'll explain everything upon my return."As she stepped out, Bren
"Brendan Brighthall?" Ryker wiped away his own nosebleed. "How did you manage to come from Neve? Didn't I ask Emily to keep an eye on you? That useless fool who can't even accomplish simple tasks.""Choosing to control minds with drugs all along, you should have anticipated this outcome." Brendan acted roughly. As he got up, he took the key from Ryker and placed Ryker on a chair.Deirdre clenched Brendan's sleeve tightly. Sensing her tension, Brendan embraced her to calm her down."It's okay. I'm sorry for coming back so late, making you go through this.""It's not your fault. Your timely arrival saved me from further trouble. It's my own foolishness... I let him find something to use against me," Deirdre said, shaking her head weakly.Brendan frowned, cupping Deirdre's face. "He wasn't someone easily deceived, to begin with. You've done well. I'm the one who brought you into this danger, which is unforgivable."Brendan's dark eyes were filled with intense emotions. He had arrive
Deirdre hugged Ryker, resting her head on his chest as he patted her back. "By the way, you're not curious about where I went after I left early this morning?"Deirdre realized the hidden meaning behind Ryker's words, retreated from Ryker's embrace little by little, and looked at him.Ryker's eyes, as enigmatic as ever, held a clarity that seemed to pierce through everything. "I went to the hospital."He didn't wait for Deirdre to respond. "Because I was curious why I was so sleepy last night for no reason. Any ordinary person might chalk it up to exhaustion. But I know my body too well. You drugged me."Deirdre felt a sudden chill running down her spine.Ryker took a step forward casually, but his eyes were full of killing intent. "I underestimated you, Deirdre. Your acting skills are far more impressive than I imagined. You nearly had me fooled. You deserve an Oscar. What a pity that you're now in my hands."Deirdre retreated abruptly, but she found a cold wall barring her esca
Deirdre was momentarily stunned as she watched Arthur search around the study. Eventually, he uncovered a rusty key from a drawer.Arthur raised the key. "Is this what your mother desired?"Deirdre's mind raced, thoughts swirling. "Is this from my mother?"A hint of disappointment shadowed Arthur's eyes as he nodded. "This is the only thing she left me before she departed. She didn't explain why. She just made me promise to keep this key and never search for her."Although I agreed, the thought of it weighed heavily on me. So, I hid the key in a corner of the drawer instead of treating it like any other possession. In hindsight, I shouldn't have made that promise. I shouldn't have let her go alone."Deirdre's voice wavered, confusion evident. But as realization dawned, her heart raced. "Can you give me the key?"Arthur earnestly nodded, his expression solemn. "This belongs to your mother. I'm willing to give it to you whenever you're ready. To be honest, I'm relieved to pass it o
The butler nodded and guided Deirdre to the study's door. Gathering her emotions, she pushed it open.Arthur's attention was on some documents, but the door's creak made him look up. He met Deirdre's gaze, causing a subtle flicker of surprise and uncertainty in his eyes."Deirdre..." He set aside the file. "Did you just wake up? Hungry? I'll have the kitchen prepare something."Deirdre shook her head, closing the door gently."Not hungry. I came to talk.""Everything okay?" Concern colored Arthur's expression. Though he seemed worried she might leave, he tried to hide it. "Go ahead. I'm with you."Deirdre found his reaction slightly amusing. "I'm not leaving."A spark returned to Arthur's eyes. "Then what's up?"As Deirdre grew more serious, she said, "I came to Southedge not just for a visit. I want to know if my mother left something with you before she passed. Something significant.""Left something?" Arthur was puzzled. "She left several things. Which one do you mean?"De
Brendan's eyes held a hint of pity as he spoke hesitantly. "Your mother took that item away."He gently touched Deirdre's face. "That man kidnapped your mother years ago. I don't know what happened during that time. Maybe he hurt your mother and wanted to keep her forcibly. Eventually, your mother found a chance to escape back to your father with the man's item."She left suddenly while pregnant with you, not out of hatred for your father, but to protect you. Now, that person is unsure if your mother or Arthur has the item. Thus, he aimed to kidnap both you and your father, taking his time to retrieve them."Deirdre's mind was overwhelmed, flooded with information that threatened to drown her. This unexpected revelation left her in disbelief.'My mother left my father because of me? And the mastermind behind Ryker is responsible for my mother's kidnapping?'"So that item holds significant importance for this person, enough to bring him down, right?" Deirdre forced herself to calm