"A child doesn't know how to regulate her sense of security, so she throws a tantrum and seeks the adults' attention by talking back defiantly. Moreover, Rory didn't do anything that is harmful, and I don't care about the underserved title of 'father'."Laura could hear Declan's complaint in his remark, and she was ashamed. She cupped her cheeks and said, "So I'm being overly eager, huh? Decky, I'm just worried that you won't accept her…"Declan patted her shoulder. "Rory has always been a good child, and I will never reject her. On the other hand, you should provide her with a sense of security as her mother. Only then will she begin to accept the change.""Hmm…"They hugged for a while. Declan expressed his apology when they got downstairs. "I'm very sorry that you had to see that, Ms. McKinnon."Declan knew that Deirdre was caught in an awkward situation as an outsider. Deirdre smiled empathetically. "Every family has its own problems. Moreover, she's just a child. She'll und
Aurora opened the door. Deirdre heard Aurora say when she entered the room, "Why do you want to have a little girl? It would be great if you had a little boy."Deirdre was stunned. She turned around, thinking that she had misheard. Yet, the words came from the little girl's mouth indeed. She put down the serving tray, lowered herself, and asked, "Why do you think that it would be better to have a little boy?"Aurora turned her head away and changed the topic of the conversation. "You're here to send me the soup, right? You may leave now that you've sent it. I'll have it.""I am here to send you soup. However, I'm also here to befriend you. I told you that the little girl in my womb wants to greet you, didn't I?"Deirdre felt for a chair and took a seat. "If you don't like having an adult in your room, be good and have the soup. Then, I'll head down with the empty bowl."Aurora pursed her lips. She made her way to the desk, picked up the spoon, and began to have the soup. Deird
Aurora was stunned, as if it was the first time anyone had ever told her that her gender was not her fault. However, she shook her head soon. "You don't have to console me. If my gender is not my fault, why do they loathe me then?"Deirdre could see that Aurora had her head raised and her probably clear eyes were bright, but there was a thirst for knowledge in her words. "My grandparents and parents loathe me. My mother constantly reminds me that she was neglected by others and beaten by my father because of me.""That's not the case." Deirdre inhaled a deep breath. "That's just an adult's twisted bias. Since they gave birth to you without your permission, why would they put all the blame on you?"Deirdre held Aurora's hand and placed it slowly on her belly. "Rory, can you feel the little girl kicking in my womb? When she is born, I will exhaust my ability to provide the best life for her and give her all my love."It's good to have a girl because girls are meticulous in thinki
"However!" Aurora said in desperation, "My mother wouldn't have killed my father if not for Uncle Declan! Then, I wouldn't become the child that no one wants!"Both of them were stunned when her voice faded away. Aurora was the first to respond to the situation by jumping off her chair and running away."Rory!"Deirdre stretched out her hand to grab the girl, yet she missed. She was in shock but composed herself and got up to chase after the girl. She bumped into Laura head-on, and Laura doubtfully looked at Deirdre."What did you say to Aurora? Why did she suddenly run out of her room in a panic?"Deirdre kept calm. "Nothing. I was only chatting to her for a while. However, she ran as soon as we talked about school."Laura appeared relieved and said in a frustrated tone, "The girl makes me worried. She refuses to go to school or behave herself. I don't know how some people can raise obedient and lovely daughters, yet I have her…"Deirdre clenched her fists tightly and asked in
Fionn was smart enough to choose not to continue his sentence, so Deirdre pretended as if she did not hear that. Deirdre did not have time to be bothered about Brendan when she was at this critical juncture."I believe that you should know the reason I'm here."Fionn was stunned for a moment. Soon afterward, he remembered something, and his pupils constricted. "Ms. McKinnon, you…"Deirdre nodded. "All in all, just hang back and support me. I'll come to you if I need something, and I'll do it before you pick up Declan."On the other hand…" Deirdre kept quiet momentarily before saying, "Do you know how Cillian got into the accident?"Fionn heaved a sigh and appeared to dread the conversation. "Ms. McKinnon, why are you asking about this all of a sudden?"Deirdre said in all seriousness, "Just tell me."Fionn heaved a sigh softly. "Mr. Cilllian King died of his own cause."Deirdre was astounded and raised her head abruptly. "Died of his own cause?"Fionn did not find Deirdre's
“I used to own a clinic with a friend, and the clinic was always filled with children. Hence, I believe that I have a way with children.”“Alright then.” Laura smirked. “However, if Aurora doesn’t make you look good, don’t try to get in my way and discipline my daughter next time, Ms. McKinnon.”She spoke in a weak, gentle voice that sounded like a breeze yet was filled with coldness. Deirdre knew that Laura was not fond of her intervening in Laura’s family affairs because she was an outsider. Hence, Laura was not a big fan of hers. However, Laura had invited her to stay at the villa despite not being fond of her. She would need to investigate to find out the reason behind it. She walked upstairs and then headed downstairs holding Aurora in less than ten minutes. Deirdre said smilingly, “Even though Rory likes to throw a tantrum, she cares about you very much, Ms. Smith. I told Rory that you don’t feel like eating when she is around, so she left the room and came with me.”
“Who am I involved with?” Brendan was incredulous. Then, an idea occurred to him and he frowned deeply. “Are you talking about Emily?“Fionn, Deirdre refused to listen to my explanation. Are you going to make blind accusations as well? Emily is my attending physician, and there’s nothing between us.”Fionn’s body turned stiff for a moment when he heard that. He gave him a bitter smile and said, “Mr. Brighthall, if there’s nothing between you and Ms. Collins, why were you hugging each other?”“What are you talking about?” Brendan raised his head abruptly. His eyes were filled with astoundment, and his expression was solemn. “Speak properly. What do you mean we were hugging each other!”Brendan exuded such a powerful presence that he scared Fionn into taking a step back. He swallowed a gulp of saliva with great difficulty and braced himself before he said, “I saw it with my own eyes, Mr. Brighthall. I didn’t make it up.“I came downstairs with Ms. McKinnon and found Ms. Collins lyin
“That’s true. Aurora didn’t speak in the past and used to only stare at people. I thought that she was mentally retarded before she was five years old.”At this point, Laura changed the topic of conversation. “Rory has been very guarded since a young age. How come she actually told you about this?”Deirdre said smilingly, “It’s because I just attended the birthday party you threw a year ago, Ms. Smith. Rory is already six, and I was very curious, which is why I asked. Rory then told me about it.”Laura nodded and assumed a sad demeanor once again. Deirdre asked curiously, “Was Rory born mute, or was it something else?”Laura answered, “She was born mute. That is why I say she’s fortunate that, to everyone’s surprise, she managed to speak again.”Deirdre smiled but was having trouble forcing herself. “How did Cillian feel at the time? I believe that a person like him wouldn’t be fond of having a mute daughter. Isn’t that right?”“You’re right. Cillian was never fond of Aurora an
"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