Emily's heart was racing. How would she procure the evidence of the hotel when her friend was just a made-up excuse?Her palms were sweaty, and she felt suffocated."What are you doing there? Do you need me to get someone to help you?"Brendan had run out of patience, and Emily was so startled that she dropped her phone on the floor. She hastily bent over to pick up the phone and came up with an idea at the last moment."Alright, I shall contact the friend and get him to show the evidence."She made the call in Brendan's presence, but Brendan did not understand the language very well."What kind of language is that?"Emily smiled. "It's my friend's local accent."Brendan massaged his temples, bored to death by her words."Do it quickly. My patience is running low.""Sure." Emily nodded and brought up a video clip that she showed to Brendan."However, in order to prevent you from accusing my friend of fraudulence, he recorded the whole process of him going through the luggage
Deirdre's pupils constricted, and she found it ironic by the time she recovered from her surprise.'What am I doing here?'"I'm sorry. It turns out that I'm disturbing both of you. I shouldn't be here." Deirdre suppressed her anger and turned around to leave. Brendan was about to get up to go after Deirdre when Emily clutched his arm. "What is going on with you, Mr. Brighthall?""What is going on with me?" Brendan held his head and felt like he was in a daze. In fact, he did not even know why he would be in the study now. Soon afterward, he pulled back his arm and queried Emily, "Why are you here?"Emily said, "You invited me to talk about our collaboration today. Have you forgotten about that?""Me? Inviting you to talk about our collaboration?""Yes. You fainted suddenly when we were halfway through our discussion, so I could only help to carry you to the sofa. I didn't expect Ms. McKinnon to walk in on us coincidentally and… She saw us."Brendan attempted to clear his head
Emily had never been mocked in this manner before. Her face turned ghastly pale at once, yet she swallowed her grievance at the thought of the man's long-term plan."I didn't expect that Deirdre would actually tell Brendan about this incident either… Moreover, Brendan believed her. I believe that she must have gained his trust by faking her pain!""I don't care if he fell for the trick or what, but it's true that you almost failed the plan. Moreover, you're such an idiot. Haven't you realized that Sterling's presence hasn't affected Brendan yet?"Emily came to realize that and bit her lower lip tightly. "Yes, Brendan was supposed to be going frantic from jealousy from the start.""How is Brendan going to lose control of himself if you still don't stir up trouble? I'm going to give you one last chance to ruin the relationship between Brendan and Deirdre. Or else, you'll be of no use to me."The call was hung up. The man's attitude was worlds apart compared to when he proposed to wo
The next moment, Deirdre caught Brendan by surprise when she avoided him. She said sarcastically, "I don't wish to trouble you, Mr. Brighthall. Your work is so busy, and it's already exhausting enough for you to be enjoying Ms. Collins' gentleness, Mr. Brighthall. You don't have to worry about me. I can manage this trivial matter."Brendan was having difficulty bringing himself to speak. "You've misunderstood, Deirdre.""Misunderstood what?" Deirdre asked calmly, "Have I misunderstood that you have an affair with Emily, or have I misunderstood about you lying on her body?"Thanks to my poor vision, I couldn't see clearly. Otherwise, you wouldn't have the opportunity to defend yourself anymore, Mr. Brighthall."I think that I shouldn't treat my eyes because that would be the best for you, Mr. Brighthall."Brendan was rendered speechless, and his expression was uneasy. He endured the throbbing pain in his head and explained, "I was so tired that I fainted earlier. You bumped into Em
Deirdre was astounded by the feeling of falling, and she wrapped her arms around the man's neck subconsciously while he hugged her tightly.Brendan's breath sprayed on Deirdre's face, and he lowered his head to ask with a hoarse voice, "Smell it again to see if there is a woman's smell on me."Not only was there no woman's smell, but he did not even reek of cigarettes, but there was only a faint, musky scent that smelled like sandalwood, or it could be his own masculine scent. Deirdre could not help being stunned for a moment. She bit her lower lip and struggled when she came to realize the situation. "Brendan, put me down.""I won't." Brendan hugged her even tighter as if he wished that he could fuse his body with Deirdre. He sniffed the scent of her body greedily and felt the warmth that he yearned for."You're just going to pull a long face at me if I put you down.""Shouldn't I do that?" Deirdre turned her head to the side.Brendan smiled and said, "You should.""It was my
Brendan's flawlessly handsome face was filled with confusion. "I don't remember. How can I actually not have any recollection of such an important matter?"Deirdre was astonished. "You don't have any recollection of it? Why would you invite Emily to come today, then?""For a land auction. Collins Pharmaceuticals wants to work with me to have a share of that land, so Emily met me to discuss it."Deirdre pursed her lips. "So, you invited Emily to come today just to discuss the collaboration?""Hmm."Deirdre was rendered speechless suddenly. What else could she say after Brendan declared that he had forgotten about it? She pulled her hand away from Brendan and walked ahead by herself.Brendan clutched her wrist, and his dark eyes were solemn. "Are you angry, Deirdre?"Before Deirdre could speak, he said, "I have no idea how I can forget such an important matter. I'll get a proper clarification from Emily."Deirdre gave Brendan the benefit of the doubt. "Don't meet her anymore. Jus
"I don't have the evidence, but I have you, Brendan! I can attest to everything I said. Look into Emily if you're willing to trust me, and you'll most certainly be able to find Shea!"She finished her sentence agitatedly and left behind a death-like stillness in the ambiance.Deirdre felt her left eyelid twitching frantically, and the silent ambiance was suffocating. Soon afterward, she heard Brendan say, "Rest well."At that moment, she was so agitated that her body was shaking. She felt as if her spirit was dampened."Brendan, just consider it as me begging you, alright? Shea's situation can't be delayed for a day longer. If only you investigate Emily closely, you'll most certainly be able to find something!"Brendan appeared to have mixed feelings. "Deirdre, I understand that Shea's situation is also very dangerous. Hence, I will do my best to get someone to save her, but you're only going to distract the rescue personnel if you behave like this."There's no reason for Emily t
If Emily were to continue to allow them to progress like this, apart from the fact that those people would abandon her, it would be highly possible that Deirdre would plot against her brutally.At that thought, a cold glint flashed past Emily's eyes, and she beckoned Nolan to come. Nolan immediately leaned over, and he was shocked to hear Emily's whisper. "Miss, are you sure that you want to do that? That is against the law…"Emily glared at him threateningly. "Why? Are you scared or can't bear to do it? Is it because you have feelings for the woman after spending so much time with her?"Nola lowered his head instantly. "No, of course…"Emily poured toner into her palm and said coldly, "Do as I said then. I'm going to seize the opportunity to ruin Deirdre and Brendan's relationship so I can rise to Mrs. Brighthall's position steadily."-The next morning, Deirdre was awakened from her nightmare. She subconsciously wiped the cold sweat on her forehead and felt lingering fear
"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