Deirdre's mind went blank instantly. 'Abort… the child?'Madame Brighthall had looked forward to the arrival of the child so eagerly in the past. She told Deirdre that she would love the child regardless of its gender.Yet, she had actually told Deirdre to abort the child so mercilessly when the child was already five months along.Deirdre felt that she must have misheard it."Aunt… You must be exhausted. You will need to rest more. I'll come and visit you later…"She turned around staggeringly, yet she did not expect Madame Brighthall to get out of bed despite her health condition and tightly clutch her wrist. Tears streamed down Madame Brighthall's face while she said, "No! You must promise me to leave Brendan. Otherwise, I won't let you go!"Madame Brighthall was weak from her chronic condition, but her grip was so tight that it hurt Deirdre."Aunt… let go of me!"In the process of tussling, Brendan had already ended his call and showed up at the door. He went from feeling
Deirdre was astounded. She could not see Brendan's face clearly but could feel his determination at this very moment. "You…" Madame Brighthall pushed her palm tightly against her chest in anger. "So, you're saying that you won't split up with her? Are you really trying to cut ties with your mother because of a woman like her?"Brendan furrowed his eyebrows tightly. Meanwhile, Deirdre realized that she could not allow Brendan to keep going like this. Madame Brighthall's body would not be able to endure this, and their relationship would not survive a confrontation like this either."Madame Brighthall." Deirdre changed the way she addressed her. "I don't know why, but you loathe me. If that is the case, I won't be in your presence and make you be fed up with me anymore. I'll leave, but…"She paused for a moment. "I will never abort the child. She is my blood and flesh and doesn't just belong to Brendan alone."She turned around and left, leaving Brendan and Madame Brighthall in t
Deirdre nodded obediently and got into Brendan's car with Ophelia. Upon arriving at the villa, Ophelia returned to her room, leaving them in the living room. Brendan wrapped his arms around Deirdre and rested his head on her shoulder as he breathed deeply. "I'm sorry."He was the lover, the son, and the most suitable mediator, yet he had messed up even the simplest task of mediating the relationship between Deirdre and his mother. "I don't know what has gotten into my mother. She used to love you more than she loves me."Deirdre wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling his steady breath against her shoulder. Her gaze shifted from being distracted to focused, filled with care and concern. She gently caressed the man's back, offering him comfort in her touch."You don't have to apologize, and it's not your fault that Madame Brighthall isn't fond of me. At most…" Deirdre lowered her eyes. "At most, it is due to me being bad at something, and that caused her hatred.""You're gre
"You're awake?" Brendan's eyes were filled with affection that could not be concealed.Deirdre burrowed her head in his chest, still drowsy. Brendan tilted her chin and lowered his head to kiss her bit by bit. He kissed her until she could no longer take it and shoved him away."What are you doing? I haven't brushed my teeth yet.""I don't mind." Brendan's method was very passionate. He guided Deirdre's body with his arm and pinned her under him. "You're still not fully awake. What do we need to do to get you fully awake?"Sensing Brendan's hand sliding south, Deirdre opened her eyes at last. "I'm awake, I'm awake!"She opened her drowsy eyes, and her cheeks were blushing with an unnatural redness. "Why are you in my room?""To deliver a kiss to my love and… provide a wake-up call while I'm at it.""Provide a wake-up call?" Deirdre yawned. "Is it 7:00 a.m. already?""It's 8:00 a.m.""8:00 a.m.?" Deirdre looked at him. "That's early.""Right, I would like to bring you somewher
Deirdre said, "I welcome Sam to join us, of course. However, it depends on the occasion too, right? It would be inappropriate for him to come. After all, we…"Brendan's action of getting in the car paused for a moment. He turned his head to look at Deirdre's conflicted, embarrassed face and said in a comforting tone, despite not understanding the situation, "Don't worry, he won't keep us from anything."Deirdre could only heave a sigh and get into the car after hearing how determined Brendan sounded. It was as if Sam's presence was compulsory. She thought about how Brendan was bad at being romantic at times. Why would someone insist on bringing a third wheel on a date? The couple would not have the chance to be intimate with each other.The car's engine was started, and Brendan drove the car to the Brighthall Group seemingly.Soon afterward, he called Sam. "Come downstairs."He made it clear to Sam, and the latter rushed down in less than three minutes. He was stunned for a mome
Deirdre blinked in confusion. She could feel that something was off about the situation, yet it was Brendan who brought it upon himself.It was Brendan who insisted on letting Sam tag along on their date, yet he was jealous of Sam now out of nowhere.In fact, she wanted to punish Brendan slightly by telling him that she did have a good time. However, she thought about it from another angle and figured that Sam would be in deep trouble, so she refrained from doing it. "I'm having a good time, of course. I have a good time going out with you, after all. I can talk joyously with anyone when I'm in a good mood."Deirdre humored Brendan with a smile, and he fell for it. He appeared to be smiling even with his eyebrows. He held Deirdre's hand and kissed the back of her hand. "Really? Do you have a good time going out with me?" he asked."Hmm." Deirdre nodded to humor him but thought that it would be even better if Sam was not around.Sam minded his own business by engaging in his wo
Deirdre had an ominous feeling.Brendan's eyes were filled with overwhelming emotions. He kept quiet briefly before saying, "It's the stock transfer agreement of the Brighthall Group."Deirdre widened her eyes abruptly, and Sam, standing behind her, was stunned as well."Stock transfer agreement of the Brighthall Group? That is the stuff that determined Brendan's social status!'Deirdre was astonished. "Are you transferring the Brighthall Group's stocks to me? Why?"She was perplexed. "Don't those belong to you? Moreover, why would you transfer them to me? I have no involvement in business, and I won't be a part of your company."Brendan remained calm as he explained, "Listen to me, Deirdre. I don't have a specific reason, but I simply want to give them to you. That's all.""Transferring the company's stocks to you doesn't mean I won't be involved in the company's affairs anymore. I can still continue working, but it's a security measure for the future, for you and the child."
Sam picked up the agreement he had to sign out of curiosity and raised his head in surprise the moment he read the terms. His eyes were filled with shock.Shaun's expression was calm, and so was Brendan's. Deirdre asked, "What is it?""Nothing. Sam still has to check the agreement's content," replied Brendan.Brendan placed his arm over her shoulder and added, "I'll help you into the car first."Deirdre followed Brendan outside, raised her head, and asked, "What is the agreement that Sam is signing?"Brendan said, "It's the organization's renewal agreement. It's not important."Deirdre did not understand but did not inquire further. Sam took a photo of the agreement in the office. "What is this?" His sharp eyebrows were furrowed tightly, and his eyes were tainted with confusion. "Why is he transferring the stocks to me first and then entrusting me to transfer them to Ms. McKinnon three years later?"Shaun answered calmly, "This is Mr. Brighthall's idea. He hopes that you wil
"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