"I'm not. I really am worried about you. It's only that I've been busy with something recently."Glenna could hear the gloominess of Deirdre's voice, so she asked in an exploratory manner, "What is it?"Deirdre hesitated for a short while and wondered if she should say it. "Glenna, do you know who Cillian King is?"Glenna paused for a moment and said in an unnatural tone, "Naturally, I know who he is. Cillian is that son of a b*tch's older brother. Isn't he dead already? Why did you bring him up?"'Son of a b*tch…'Deirdre almost choked on her saliva. She thought about how Glenna loved hard and hated harder. "I've been staying at Declan's villa all this time, and I've discovered that Laura caused Cillain's death through my investigation."The other end of the phone was quiet for a few seconds. Soon afterward, a sharp gasp sounded. "Hold on! It's possible that my mind is not so sober now. I will need to verify first, but have I misheard? Did you mention earlier that… Laura kille
Glenna ended the call quickly. In fact, one could even describe her as being resolute, as if she was not planning on being associated with Declan in any way for the rest of her life.Deirdre heaved a sigh but thought about Glenna's words in all seriousness.Since Declan could not possibly be hypnotized, what was his goal in doing this? Could it be that he loved Laura for real?She fell asleep in a daze, and Sterling had already arranged for a stylist's appointment when she woke up.Deirdre's pregnancy was already showing very much by now. Hence, she wore an empire waist dress with a shawl to cover her belly.Fionn waited for her downstairs. Deirdre got into the car and arrived at the wedding venue. The place was filled with guests just as before, and the ambiance was bustling as previously. It was as if they had all forgotten about the displeasure of the previous wedding.Deirdre knew that these businessmen cared about their collaboration with the King Group and interests more th
"That makes sense too. However, Brendan is really capable. He not only has a beautiful woman bearing his child, but he is also about to tie the knot with Collins Pharmaceuticals' heiress. In addition, the Brighthall Group has a bright prospect, so a boundless future awaits him!"The discussion ended, but many people engaged in small talk on the same topic of conversation.After all, Emily's identity as Collins Pharmaceuticals' heiress or the more deserving, soon-to-be Mrs. Brighthall was enough to make these people treat Emily differently.Soon, Emily became the guest who drew everyone's attention.Deirdre looked at the woman who was surrounded densely by people, and her expression grew solemn yet pale.'Brendan did not show up for Declan's wedding today?'She wondered if his condition had worsened or if it was Emily's intention to propagate public opinion and raise her status in Eastgene.If that were the case, Emily was definitely an ingenious businessman who would do anything
"It's all thanks to you that he is very obedient to me these days."I told him that he won't be able to sit through the wedding if you're around, so I instructed him to stay back at the hotel, and he agreed. I told him to pass his phone to me, and he agreed as well."This is all thanks to you."Emily whispered into Deirdre's ears when she uttered her last sentence. Deirdre's eyes were so bloodshot that she could not refrain from slapping Emily's face. "Are you still trying to blame someone else for your own offense when you're the one with the cunning tricks!? Had you not manipulated Brendan into hurting me, how would he lose control of his emotions?" Deirdre threw herself onto Emily. "I won't let you get what you want, Emily! I will definitely make Brendan distance himself from you!"The commotion at the balcony drew the attention of the guests soon enough. The waiting staff stopped the fight while Emily conducted herself sedately. "Forget it. Ms. McKinnon didn't do that on pu
The hotel's receptionist answered softly, "Mr. Brighthall forcefully requested to check on the surveillance footage a week ago. There's no telling what he saw, but he smashed up everything in the surveillance room all of a sudden. The equipment in the surveillance room is costly. Mr. Brighthall promised to get someone to pay the compensation, yet he has not paid up to this day. Mr. Brighthall's phone can't be reached…""Brendan broke the things in the surveillance room? Why?""We are not too sure of the specific details, but we only know that he lost his temper. It was Ms. Collins who calmed him and performed the check-out." The receptionist suddenly remembered something and said, "It seemed that he saw a man and woman hugging each other in the surveillance footage before he went berserk. That is because I heard Ms. Collins tell him that he should not go and look for that person because he might hurt someone. I'm not too sure who the person is."Deirdre was stunned.If she was not
Sterling looked at the address on the phone and said slowly, "Perhaps we don't need him anymore.""Why?""Emily just called and told me that she would send me Brendan's current address. The address has already been sent to my phone."Deirdre's pupils were shaking, and her face was filled with disbelief. Soon afterward, she furrowed her eyebrows ferociously and said in confusion, "Why is she so kindhearted?""It's possible that the address is fake. It might just be a trap."Sterling fell silent. 'It would be best if it's not a real address, or else…'"Regardless of its authenticity or falseness, whether it's a trap or a prank, we are left with no other options at this point."Deirdre hastily asked, "Where is the location? Let's go over there quickly!"Deirdre exercised caution by getting Fionn to assign his people to wait at the address on the way there.The address was a house in a residential area. By the time Sterling and Deirdre drove over, the people assigned by Fionn were
“The father of the… child?” Brendan repeated the remark with great effort and felt his chest burning.Deirdre had actually referred to him as the father of the child. She would never acknowledge that in the past.He was caught in a daze all at once.Deirdre inhaled a deep breath, raised her head, and tried to persuade Brendan. "Why can't two people share the burden of something? Especially when it is a mental health issue. You need more care and concern. You won't be suffering from the illness for the rest of your life. I will keep you company. I will keep you company while you receive treatment, alright?"Brendan looked at Deirdre's sincere gaze. He almost blurted out the words, ' great then'.In the next moment, he lowered his head and said, "No."He was not a fool and could tell from Deirdre's gaze that she was doing it so he would not feel guilty. However, it was precisely due to her kindness that he refused to be selfish anymore. "Deirdre, you have no idea about my current
Deirdre felt conflicted before she said those words. However, she felt as if she was relieved of a heavy burden after uttering those words.Perhaps she had already known the answer in her heart for a long time, but she was feeling so torn all this time because of the past events that she did not have the courage to move forward."Deirdre, you said it yourself. Don't leave me."Deirdre shut her eyes and leaned on Brendan's shoulder. "I won't."After hugging for a while, Deirdre realized that numerous people were watching behind her. She felt very embarrassed, but those people said casually, "We can set our minds at ease knowing that Ms. McKinnon has such a good relationship with Mr. Brighthall. Since there's nothing else, we shall make a move first.""Alright."Those people walked away, leaving behind only Sterling.Brendan looked at Sterling without any hostility in his eyes. However, he behaved like a puppy with food aggression after receiving Deirdre's love with great effort
"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