Gnashing his teeth, Brendan tightly squeezed his palms until his veins bulged. He didn't know what to do next, but he knew one thing for certain—Sterling could no longer exist.Deirdre had no idea how long she had been asleep. When she woke up groggily, she saw a figure on the balcony.Rubbing her eyes, she got up and heard Brendan talking on the phone."Where is that professor from the ophthalmology department? Where did he go? Even if he is furthering his studies, he will come back someday. This surgery is not a surgery that only Sterling can perform."Figure out a way to contact him immediately and give him whatever he wants, as long as he comes back as soon as possible and performs surgery on Deirdre."Deirdre's mind went blank for a moment. When Brendan hung up the phone and entered the room with a cold face, she only recovered to her senses and clutched the blanket."You want to replace Sterry?"Brendan was annoyed by the way Deirdre called Sterling. Suppressing his anger,
"I'm okay."The moment Brendan took the medicine, he felt relief in his chest.Perhaps it was really his physical problem. The cold had caused migraines, and the lack of sleep had led to emotional outbursts.Thinking of the thought that had sprung up in his mind just now, Brendan looked at his fingers with lingering fear."The medicine… Let's change it to twice per day," Brendan requested with a frown."Twice per day? Are you sure? Medicine is poisonous to a certain extent, let alone traditional herbal medicine. What if the dosage is too high…" Ophelia was not surprised at the request."It's alright. It's effective for me. I just can't get rid of it completely. Drinking it a few more times a day should be fine," Brendan reassured Ophelia as he lowered his eyes."Alright, I will bring the medicine to you every morning and evening," Ophelia promised, with her gaze becoming complicated."Okay, thank you."Brendan returned the empty bowl to Ophelia and went into the study to calm
"Brendan, let go—""Deirdre." Brendan interrupted her. His breath landed on her neck and shoulders, and his voice was hoarse. "I'm not as great as Sterling, but please don't leave me."Upon hearing this, Deirdre's body froze up completely. 'I'm not as great as Sterling, but please don't leave me.'If other people heard this, they would find his words ridiculous. He was the golden boy who had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth and the person in charge of the Brighthall Group. He wore all kinds of crowns on his head, and others envied him.However, he actually said that he was not as great as Sterling, who was scraping around and was less than 1/10 as capable as he was? Or was he acting and, once again, taking advantage of the subtle feelings in her heart?Deirdre couldn't figure it out. She was not an expert in the business industry, nor had she ever experienced the bloody conflicts of those big families. She was an ordinary person, so she only trusted her intuition.Brenda
"Sterry, you came so early today. Have you had breakfast? Do you want to eat together?"Sterling looked at Brendan's face, whose threatening expression made him curl up his lips."Okay." He said, "I ate something before I came here, but I'm a little hungry now after some talking. Plus, I haven't tasted Madame McKinnon's cooking for a long time."Ophelia smiled from ear to ear. "Oh, our breakfast is always very simple. It's no big deal. You should stay later at noon, and I'll cook you a delicious meal."Sterling smiled. "I wouldn't want to trouble you.""Nonsense. We are all a family, so you don't have to be so polite with us!"The word 'family' made Brendan's face darken.At that moment, it seemed that he had become an outsider, a landlord, or a passerby, while Sterling was Ophelia's real son-in-law. Brendan felt upset but gnashed his teeth and endured it as he watched Sterling roll up his sleeves and go to the kitchen with Ophelia to help her while chatting with her. Just as De
Sterling smiled slightly and gracefully put down the bowl and spoon. "I initially didn't have any plans for the afternoon, but after you reminded me, I suddenly remembered that I actually had something to do."Brendan narrowed his eyes. Still, Sterling looked at him calmly without any fear.Now, Sterling was the object of competition among the major hospitals. His career development was far from limited to Neve and Berth only. He even had opportunities abroad. Naturally, he no longer had to worry about Brendan's banning and coercing him.At that moment, Deirdre felt that her head started to hurt again, not to mention that she also wanted to dismiss Brendan and talk to Sterling about Emily."The sound of your typing on the keyboard is too loud. Anyway, Sterry and I will be downstairs only, and my mother is also around. You can go to the study to work by yourself. You don't have to keep following me." As soon as she finished her sentence, Brendan's face sank at speed visible to the n
"Didn't you say you would buy it for me last time? I'll consider this as compensation.""Really?" The bright look in Brendan's eyes faded as he stared at Deirdre closely with a cold and indifferent expression. "Do you really want to eat that carrot cake, or did you request that specially to dismiss me?"Deirdre's expression remained unchanged as she turned her head to the side. "Why would I dismiss you? If you don't want to, then forget it."Brendan stayed silent for a long time before he got up from his seat."Okay, I'll buy it for you. Wait for me."He understood the meaning of Deirdre's sudden desire to eat carrot cake but didn't want to refuse Deirdre's request, even though she requested it for Sterling's sake. Then, he picked up the car keys and left in a hurry.Sterling looked at his hasty pace and couldn't help but say, "He's in such a hurry. Shouldn't you advise him to slow down? What if something happens when he runs a red light along the way?"Deirdre shook her head, "
Deirdre felt disappointed, but she still smiled. "It's okay. I'm just trying my luck. In fact, I understand that even if she really has someone backing her, she won't possibly let you know so easily."Sterling still didn't give up."Although I don't have much contact with him, I know her senior.""Senior?""Yes, his name is Ryker Wight."Deirdre was stunned for a moment. The name sounded familiar, and she remembered in hindsight that this man had once had a drink with Brendan, and it was that drink that had caused a scandal and forced Brendan to hold a press conference."Since he is Emily's senior, it means that he is on Emily's side. He might not tell you much about her, right?"Sterling smiled. "Ryker and Emily just have a transactional relationship. He is a person who prioritizes his interests. He has approached me many times before. He started a company and needs human resources from the research institute. I can use this opportunity to trick him into telling me."Deirdre's
Deirdre had mixed feelings. She even wanted to ask, 'Since you love me, Brendan, why don't you trust me?' But she stopped when the words were about to spill out from her lips.It was a meaningless quarrel, and she didn't want to continue it a second time."Taste it first. If you like it, I'll buy it for you again tomorrow.""Okay." Deirdre nodded but didn't have the courage to open the box.Seeing this, Brendan was a little surprised. "What's wrong?""It's nothing. I've been in the living room for too long, and I'm feeling a little cold. I want to go back to my room and slowly eat it.""Alright, then you go to your room and slowly eat it. I will go to have my meeting in the study." Brendan didn't think too much about it and went up with his laptop.Deirdre took the pastry box and sat on the bed in the room. She then summoned up the courage to hold her breath and took a piece, handed it to her mouth, and bit it down. Before her brain could react, the feeling of nausea swarmed ove
"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