"I'm tired. Go out. I'm going to rest."It was daytime, and the weather was not that cold. For some reason, Deirdre felt that the world was devoid of warmth. She also knew that the gap between herself and Brendan had widened, and she was extremely disappointed with Brendan at the moment.Brendan didn't insist on staying any longer. Instead, he pressed his hurting temple and slammed the door as he made his way out.In the next few days, Deirdre and Brendan grew colder and colder toward each other. Ophelia asked Deirdre about it several times but found that Deirdre was not enthusiastic in her replies, so she stopped asking.Deirdre was still concerned about Sam's situation. After all, she was the one who had dragged Sam into this rashly, so she took the risk and hid in her room to call Sam.Her calls weren't answered many times, but it finally got through this time. Deirdre hurriedly asked, "Sam! Is that you?""It's me, Ms. McKinnon." Sam's voice sounded normal, but she didn't know
When Deirdre passed by, Brendan grabbed her arm abruptly."Where are you going?" He had drunk some alcohol today, so his head was aching slightly. He warned in a low voice, "Deirdre, don't make me angry."Deirdre's teeth chattered as she looked up at him. "Make you angry? Are you going to hit me?"These words made Brendan's face sour. He leaned close to her as if to coax her or to give in."Deirdre, how could I?"Deirdre tilted her head to avoid his approaching lips. He reeked of alcohol, which made her uncomfortable. In the past, he never came here reeking of alcohol and cigarettes. The details already told her everything."How could you? You can even attack your subordinate, who treats you so well. How about a woman who can be replaced at any time?"As soon as she finished her sentence, Brendan's face turned cold."Are you here to seek justice for Sam?"Deirdre withdrew her hand and said, "I wouldn't dare. After all, I can't even explain myself, although you view me as such
Deirdre didn't dare to think about it. Just thinking about it gave her a chill.The next morning, when she came down from upstairs and met Brendan, she was still slightly frightened.Fortunately, Brendan had completely calmed down. When he saw Deirdre, there was a look of guilt in his eyes. "Deirdre, yesterday...""You don't need to say anything." Deirdre resisted the discomfort in her heart. "You didn't do anything to me anyway."Brendan sounded absent-minded and disgusted with himself. "I won't do it again. Sorry."He left after eating while Deirdre was still biting a piece of toast in a daze, wondering if she had indeed been too indifferent to him. However, his actions and attitude toward Sam made her feel very uncomfortable.But right now, her priority was to get rid of Emily quickly. She at least wanted to make Brendan realize what kind of person Emily was.Mrs. Engel knew the ins and outs of the matter, so it would be better to start with her, but Mrs. Engel had gone abroa
Deirdre resisted the urge to explode in a fit of rage. "Since that's the case, why don't you make it up to her? You've already contacted her behind my back anyway. Merely compensating her is within your ability, right?"Brendan's face turned cold. He turned her face over and said seriously, "I contacted her all for your sake. Deirdre, even if you don't know how to be grateful, you shouldn't treat her so maliciously. Emily spent a lot of effort contacting the ophthalmologist for you. Aren't you a little moved?""Why would I be?" Deirdre pushed his hand away and got up from the bed. "If she could contact the ophthalmologist in the first place, why did she come to treat me in person? To put it bluntly, she made someone else come after this method failed. Do I have to thank her for ruining the people I'm close with?"Brendan frowned. "It's because of Mrs. Engel and the others again. What did they say to you behind my back?"Deirdre was so angry that she didn't bother to quarrel with hi
At present, she couldn't lose anyone anymore.Hearing this, Sam was stunned for a moment. "Are you talking about Mr. Brighthall? No, he was not in the meditation room, so why would he trouble me? Or did something happen yesterday?"Deirdre breathed a sigh of relief. "Brendan found out that I called you yesterday, so I was afraid that he would blame you again."Sam smiled. "He won't do that... Mr. Brighthall acts tough but is actually a softie at heart."Deirdre said in frustration, "You are still standing up for him. How did you get injured? If he is really a softie at heart, he shouldn't have hurt you.""No, it's my fault for being too reckless," Sam said with a crestfallen tone. Then, he suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Ms. McKinnon, has Emily made any moves recently?"Deirdre told him everything about the ophthalmologist.Sam frowned. "She has already gone to such lengths to plot against you, so she will never contact an ophthalmologist for you with good intentions
Emily smiled gently as if nothing had ever occurred among the three of them."You guys are having breakfast so early? If I had known, I would have had breakfast at home before coming here. I thought I was too slow and didn't want to keep Ms. McKinnon waiting," said Emily.Deirdre ignored Emily, but Brendan heard the underlying meaning in her words."If you don't mind, please join us for breakfast. It's just eggs with toast. I don't know if it suits your taste," Brendan offered."Eggs with toast are even better. I'm tired of the cereals and oats I've been eating abroad. Eggs with toast are what I'm craving," said Emily as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Thank you."Emily purposely went and sat opposite Brendan. Deirdre felt nauseous and lost her appetite halfway through her meal. Thus, she put down her cutlery."I'm done eating," Deirdre said.Brendan looked at the toast's portion that remained on the plate and furrowed his brows as he held Deirdre's hand."You've only had
Brendan no longer trusted Deirdre, and she didn't expect him to make Emily completely disappear. As long as Deirdre could contact Shea, she might have a chance to find Mrs. Engel by following the clues and turning the tables around."Oh, by the way, do you know that Shea survived and is out of Brendan's organization?" Emily suddenly spoke in a relaxed tone.Deirdre was tensed by Emily's words, wondering how she knew about it. After all, no one should be aware except the organization's members like Sam!Deirdre turned in Emily's direction, who was smiling with raised lips. "She is really lucky. I thought she would lose her life in the basement. Yet, she managed to come out of it alive and without many wounds…" Emily continued leisurely."How do you know!" Deirdre's pupils contracted. She sat up straight and felt her chest as if it was going to explode. "How do you know that she doesn't have many wounds?"Emily smiled but gave no answer. Just then, Deirdre's phone in her hand rang
Sam's phone calls kept coming in, and she barely had time to answer them.As soon as she answered, Sam couldn't wait to speak. "Ms. McKinnon! What happened on your end? Why did you suddenly hand up my call?""I'm sorry, Sam." Deirdre took a deep breath before she continued. "Emily was beside me just now. She is the culprit for Shea's disappearance."Sam was stunned. "I guessed it. Shea suddenly disappeared, and her luggage was found in the hotel by the members of the organization, but she was nowhere to be found. There is no other possibility except for being caught.""What should we do, Sam?" Deirdre asked while reminding herself to stay calm.She was deeply regretful for involving Shea in the first place."Shea is in danger…" Sam replied in a serious tone of voice, "Although I don't know why they caught her, Shea should be safe now. We have notified Mr. Brighthall, and he will go to find Shea. By the way, I've to go now. I'll contact you whenever there are any updates!" The c
"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