"I don't have evidence to prove that Laura did something to Declan indeed. Hence, before I get the evidence…" Glenna clenched her fists tightly. "They can't get married."Deirdre was stunned. "What are you going to do?"Glenna inhaled a deep breath, grabbed Deirdre's arm, and said, "Deirdre, I'm going to ruin the wedding!""If you're willing to trust me, I need your help. If you don't want to get yourself involved in this trouble, just consider that you haven't seen me, and I'll handle this myself."Deirdre heaved a sigh. "How can I possibly leave you at this point?"What's your plan? Let me see how I can help you."Glenna hugged her in excitement and burst into tears beyond her control. "You're the best, Deirdre."Deirdre patted her back. Deirdre put herself in Glenna's shoes and felt that she would probably not be able to be as bold as Glenna if Brendan were to suddenly hate her out of nowhere and be good to another woman.Glenna's current plan was so arduous that the man t
"Behaving like a different person?" Brendan recalled and said, "Our interaction was fine. He didn't seem like a changed person, but if I were to pinpoint the change, he cares way more for Laura than before, perhaps because they are getting married."Deirdre had mixed feelings. Afterward, Brendan took her with him to socialize with others and addressed him as his wife when he introduced her. Deirdre did not refute but devoted her full attention to the wedding venue. At long last, it was time for Declan to wait for his wife to walk down the aisle. Perhaps they wanted a simple ceremony. Declan did not even have a wedding officiant at the scene, but only music played in the background. Laura wore a wedding gown, walked down the aisle from the dressing room to the arbor across the carpeted floor, and exchanged vows with Declan.Deirdre's palms were sweaty. Music was playing in the background, and Laura was walking out of the dressing room, yet there was still no commotion at the ent
"Don't say that. We can have a wedding any time. Even if we don't do it today, we can still have it tomorrow. The safety of you and Brendan's baby is more important than anything else."Declan spoke in a righteous tone and was not bothered by Deirdre's disturbance at all. On the contrary, he was asking if a doctor was at the scene. Deirdre felt strange in her heart because Declan was behaving like a normal person. Why was he acting not like himself when he was with Glenna?The guests at the scene were growing impatient as time passed. Meanwhile, the sound of footsteps was heard coming from the outside. Laura was pleasantly surprised when she asked, "Is the ambulance here?"She raised her head and looked toward the door, yet everything was silent when that person entered the hall. Laura's eyes widened, and there was a tinge of panic in her expression. Declan furrowed his eyebrows ever so slightly and stood up to shield Laura. Holding his cane, Mr. King Sr. walked forwar
It was unclear whether Declan had listened to him or not, but Brendan took Deirdre onto the ambulance.As soon as they got in the vehicle, Deirdre released the fragment from her hand, revealing a long gash on her palm. Fortunately, it wasn't deep, but it still looked terrifying.Brendan suppressed his anger and waited for Deirdre to completely deal with her wound and have it stitched up at the hospital before he coldly demanded, "Deirdre, explain."He held onto her wrist tightly. "Aren't you afraid of becoming handicapped? How could you hold onto something so dangerous like that? Do you know how worried I was?""I'm sorry." Deirdre was filled with guilt. "I had my reasons for doing so."She explained why she had no choice but to do what she did.Brendan's face became somber. "So, you're saying that Laura has influenced Declan?" he asked.Deirdre nodded. "Whether it's hypnosis or something else, it's undeniable that Declan has suddenly turned cold toward Glenna. And don't you thi
"But Declan remained calm and collected when I interacted with him, so I'm wondering… whether there's any misunderstanding between you, and that's why he treated you that way," Deirdre said."Misunderstanding? What kind of misunderstanding could there be between us?" Glenna lowered her head, lost in thought.Deirdre suddenly realized something and said, "I used to spend some time alone with Laura at the rest area, and she mentioned you. She said you did something that broke Declan's heart, which caused him to be seriously ill, and that he was devastated by it."Glenna was stunned for a moment, then shook her head. "It's impossible!"She became agitated and continued. "Declan and I were separated because his brother was involved in a car accident. I gave him enough time to settle everything, but everything had changed when we finally met again! If I really did hurt Declan at the beginning of our separation, how could he…"Glenna blushed.Although Deirdre didn't really understand,
One of the police officers held up his badge as he said, "You're Glenna Glaser, right? We found flammable materials in your work area and have evidence that you intended to commit arson. Please come with us."Glenna's heart sank. She looked at Declan with disbelief.Declan remained calm, even with a condescending expression, as if sending her to the police was something natural.Deirdre's mind went blank. Grabbing the sheets, she said, "Declan King! Are you sending Glenna to the police station? Are you nuts? She has never done anything to harm you! Everything she did was for you!"Declan remained impassive and ignored her. The police officers behind him moved forward to take Glenna away.Glenna struggled frantically and threw herself at Declan. "Declan King! Look at me! Who am I to you? You said you loved me and would marry me! Is it all fake!"A hint of change appeared on Declan's face, but under Glenna's glare, it gradually vanished and was replaced by a sarcastic and mocking e
Or… did she ever truly know Declan?"At the beginning… everything was normal. Everyone got along fine, and I don't know why it turned out like this. But as long as it has nothing to do with Glenna, it's the same as usual for Mr. King," Fionn replied, his face contorted with distress."It's the same as usual as long as it has nothing to do with Glenna?" Deirdre was startled.When Brendan came back, Deirdre recounted everything that had happened. When Brendan handed her a glass of water, she said with her lips pursed, "Brendan, do you think that Declan is drugged? And that's the reason he hates Glenna so much and wants to marry Laura?""Is there such a drug in this world?" Brendan asked.Deirdre shook her head and smiled wryly. "I'm just kidding. How can it be real? It's just a legend…""Since there isn't, then it should be what Declan really wants. Instead of guessing, why not go ask Glenna what has actually happened between her and Declan that has led to his change?" Brendan sugg
"Brendan, you have to clean up your dirty thoughts sooner or later. I care about your health, but all you can think about is this…"Brendan seemed to smile, and his arm, which was draped over her waist, unconsciously tightened as he lay on his right side. "Go to sleep."He was just joking.As Deirdre breathed a sigh of relief, she began to relax. The capability of Brendan pulling her leg indicated that his physical condition wasn't too serious."Brendan.""Hmm? What's wrong?" Brendan responded as he rested his head on her shoulder."Tomorrow, I want to go to Declan's villa alone and have a talk with Laura. Can you help me come up with an excuse?" Brendan opened his eyes. "You still can't let go of Glenna?"Deirdre nodded, and her eyes reflected the lights outside. "I want to find out the truth and at least not let Glenna suffer."Brendan didn't hesitate and agreed. "Okay, I'll go with you after we wake up."He didn't say anything about not meddling in Glenna's business. This
"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