Brendan started the engine when they got into the car, and they remained quiet throughout the journey.When the car stopped, Brendan took Deirdre to the destination.The floor manager greeted Brendan with a broad smile in the lobby. “Mr. Brighthall, welcome. We’ve prepared a table for you on the second floor. Let me take you there. By the way, the dishes will be served in minutes.”‘Dishes? Are we here t-to have a meal?’ Deirdre was astonished. But her instincts told her that it wasn’t as simple as she was thinking.However, when she sat on her seat fearfully, nothing happened.Brendan asked indifferently, “What do you like to eat? I’ve simply ordered some dishes, but I don’t know if they suit your taste.”Deirdre clenched her fists as she felt inexplicably uneasy. “Anything is good.”“Really?” Brendan smirked. “You’ve said it yourself. Don't you blame Lena again when you have something you dislike later."Deirdre felt tense. She couldn’t help but ask, “Why are we here?”“This
The restaurant manager was astounded. It was his first time seeing a measly waiter hitting Brendan. If Brendan was angered, let alone Sterling, even he would be fired from his job!“Apologize to Mr. Brighthall immediately!”“It’s fine.” Brendan wiped away the blood on his mouth and chuckled. “How can I have the audacity to make the Fullers’ young heir with a renowned reputation apologize to me?”“What?” The restaurant manager’s expression changed drastically. “You are that illegitimate heir of the Fullers, huh? Why didn’t you tell me about that earlier? If I were to know that you’re him, I wouldn’t even have let you work in our restaurant even if you asked for no pay!”He said to Brendan in haste, “Mr. Brighthall, I was clueless about that! The boy claimed he would be fine with the wage of a little over 100 dollars with accommodation and meals provided. I was under the assumption that he was a pauper. How would I have the courage to defy your order if I were to know about his real
Deirdre’s entire body was shaking. She felt as if the sky was collapsing on her and that the coldness of the world was endless. “Don’t…” She inhaled a deep breath shakily, and her eyes reddened with tears in an attempt to calm herself as she pleaded with Brendan. “I’m begging you, Brendan. Don’t get the police involved. I’ll agree to any condition…”“Don’t beg him! Deirdre!” Sterling felt his heart wrench in pain. He rubbed Deirdre’s hair gently without any concern for Brendan’s cold stare and said in a determined tone, “I’ll just be placed in a detention facility for a few days. It’s nothing serious, and I don’t care anyway.”He looked toward Brendan once again, his eyes filled with coldness. “Our society is governed by law. Could it be that he’s going to get me killed in the detention facility?”Brendan’s gaze shifted away from Sterling’s hand that was touching Deirdre’s hand. He felt so agitated in his heart that he wanted to hit someone. While he was suppressing his anger, he
Cold beads of sweat streamed down Sterling’s face, and he groaned in agony from the pain of the glass shard stabbing into his palm. Andre said ‘Oops’ and chuckled while he pulled back his leg. “I’m sorry, I was a little careless earlier. I haven’t gotten you injured, right?”The restaurant manager was having a hard time regulating his breathing at the sight of a glass shard stabbing into Sterling’s palm. It was painful, yet he immediately stopped himself from speaking at the thought of Sterling almost getting him in trouble. There was only confusion in Deirdre’s eyes. She asked frantically, “What happened?”“Nothing.” Andre stared at Sterling and enunciated his words clearly as he said, “Mr. Fuller was injured a little from his carelessness during the cleanup earlier.”‘Injured?”’Deirdre’s mind went blank. ‘Sterling is a doctor. He can’t afford to get his hands injured.’She hastily asked, “How do you feel, Sterling? I’ll do it!”“Yes, don’t push yourself, Sterling.” Brendan
’All this just because of Sterling? She has a complete emotional breakdown just because he is punished lightly? She declared something that she has denied all this time.’ Brendan’s chest was burning with anger, and he had no idea why. He wanted Deirdre to admit to it and was aiming for this particular goal, yet he was furious at the very moment she finally relented. He clutched her weak, thin wrist with his grip so strong that he could crush her bones. “Deirdre, you have finally admitted to it!”“Yes.”She had no choice but to admit it. Her innocence was nothing compared to Sterling. Moreover, Brendan had never believed that she was innocent.“I knew it. You’re despicable and unscrupulous, just as expected.” He was infuriated, and his grip over Deirdre was so strong that her little face turned pale. “Why did I trust you and feel sorry for you in the past? Deirdre, you should be the one to take the sleeping pills! You should be the one to die!”Deirdre was about to suffocate t
Brendan gnashed his teeth. ‘This is all she’s concerned about at this point.’ “You should have acted differently if you knew it would come to this!”Deirdre laughed and felt her head spinning. ‘You’re right. I should have acted differently if I knew it would come to this…’In the end, Brendan drove and abandoned her at the villa. He said coldly, “Charlene is still in the hospital. I’ll bring her to the villa when she has recovered. Remember to speak, and don’t pretend to be mute by then!”Brendan drove away before Deirdre could answer. He found Madam Brighthall in the room when he arrived at the hospital. Her expression was slightly unpleasant when she saw Brendan. “You’re here just at the right time, Brendan. Follow me outside. I have something to talk to you about.”Madam Brighthall got up, shut the door, and made her way to the side with Brendan. She said eagerly, “Have you lost your mind, Brendan? That woman has already resulted in Charlene’s admittance to the hospital twic
’Deirdre will not be able to outshine me when I move into the villa.’A tinge of cruelness flashed past her beautiful eyes. Soon afterward, she nodded with a gentle expression. “I don’t have any request except for Ms. McKinnon not to hurt me anymore.”…In the next three days, Brendan did not visit the villa anymore. Deirdre sat in the spacious living room by herself just as she did two years ago. The only change was her state of mind. She went from being a white jasmine waiting for the rising sun to a wilted rose emitting rot and stench inside out. “Ms. McKinnon.” Sam had been guarding the door all this time and had been watching as Deirdre sat on the sofa in a daze from sunrise to sunset. He felt rather sorry for her and could not refrain from striking up a conversation with her. “The flowers in the yard have bloomed and smell great. Would you like to head outside for a stroll? Perhaps you can get a whiff of the floral scent while you’re at it?”Deirdre remained in the same p
Sam could not help feeling disappointed. “Don’t you like it, Ms. McKinnon?”“No…” Deirdre rubbed the puppy’s head, and it moved closer to her affectionately to lick her fingers. “I can’t see, so it will be very difficult for me to take care of it. Moreover… I’m living in someone’s house now, so how can I keep a pet without Brendan’s permission?”“So it turns out that you’re concerned about this, Ms. McKinnon.” Sam could not help chuckling. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the puppy’s day-to-day needs. As for Mr. Brighthall, I’ll inform him once he has cooled down. It’s just a pet. He won’t mind it.”“Don’t…”“Don’t reject me anymore, Ms. McKinnon. In truth, I can’t send back the puppy anymore because the neighbor’s dog died after giving birth to it. The neighbor tore himself away from the puppy in fear that he would miss the old dog. However, I’m not at home most of the time. If you don’t want it, I really don’t know what to do with it anymore, Ms. McKinnon.”Deirdre was touched. S
"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