The driver responded vaguely, "As I said, you are the same age as my daughter. Naturally, I will help you out as much as I can. Don't worry. I will take you to where you should go."Deirdre nodded. She hadn't slept all night, so she was a little sleepy. Deirdre leaned on the back of the seat and napped for a while. After more than ten minutes, she opened her eyes again and realized that the taxi was still moving."Haven't we arrived yet?" she asked."We're almost there." replied the driver. "It's only two minutes away, and we are almost at our destination now."They should be there soon. Deirdre felt that the speed of the car was also decreasing, so she couldn't help looking out the window. Her vision was still blurry, but if she remembered correctly, the driver said it was a suburban intersection. It was slightly odd that she could still see houses there."Mister... Didn't you say we are going to the intersection?""Indeed, don't worry. You just can't see well. We're almost at t
"Can't you just sit down and talk it out?" asked the driver.Deirdre shuddered suddenly. 'This morning? Didn't that mean that Brendan spent a whole night looking for me?'The sooner Brendan found out, the more furious he was, not to mention he hadn't slept all night. Brendan couldn't hold it in and not take revenge on her!Fear spread from the soles of Deirdre's feet to her whole body as she watched the driver open the door to leave. She bravely struggled desperately to explain, "I am not together with him!"Deirdre said angrily, "He is not my boyfriend! I have nothing to do with him! He is forcibly kidnapping me and imprisoning me! Mister, I beg you, call the police immediately!"She was really afraid that her life would be made a living hell!The driver paused when he got into the car. Regardless of how she struggled, Brendan continued to carry her."Call the police?" Emotions flashed in Brendan's dark eyes, and he smirked. "You murdered someone, and I was the one who did ever
"Brendan! Are you crazy? What are you doing! I'm pregnant! Do you want me to die!?"The corners of Deirdre's eyes teared up, and fear and panic appeared on her face.Brendan took control of her kicking legs without blinking and mercilessly vented on her. Deirdre went from unconscious to conscious and from conscious to unconscious again. From the beginning to the end, she could only see the outline of Brendan.Those black eyes that could penetrate everything seemed to be looking at her all the time, watching her go from crying to exhaustion to silently tilting her head and enduring everything.Deirdre wondered if he was watching her suffer.The incident four years ago repeated itself. In the family mansion, she had been violated on the balcony. She had also helplessly begged him to stop at that time, but he was as cold-hearted as ever. At that time, she had just wanted the child to disappear."Brendan… We've never changed..." -When Deirdre woke up, her throat was parched, caus
Deirdre felt an urge to laugh, finding it absurd and boring, as if she were a complete fool."If you're concerned about me getting hurt, then who caused my current injuries?" she asked coldly.Jet was stunned, unable to speak for a while. "Mr. Brighthall... He regrets it too. At first, I thought he had lost his sanity, but then he regained his senses and called a doctor for you. He even insisted on saving the child!" he stuttered.Deirdre raised her head in astonishment, her eyes filled with disbelief."I can swear to God that everything I've said is true," Jet swore."Including his desire to save the child?" Deirdre asked for assurance as her breathing became erratic."Of course. He left only after confirming the child was unharmed," replied Jet.Deirdre closed her eyes, suddenly feeling very confused. She couldn't understand what Brendan was thinking.In one moment, he discussed eliminating the child, and in the next, he urged the doctor to save the child. His behavior appear
Brendan harbored nothing but hatred toward her, not even a trace of love.Emily was right. He was only accustomed to taking care of Deirdre and having her by his side, which was why he hesitated to take action.But if Deirdre interpreted it as affection, it infuriated him.Out of anger, the pressure in his grip unknowingly intensified, causing Deirdre's face to turn pale with pain."Deirdre, take back what you just said," he demanded."I... won't take it back..." Deirdre refused as she tightened her hands in pain. "Brendan, is this your own admission, or are you negating even your previous words?""My own admission?" Brendan's eyes showed confusion, wondering when he had said that.Soon, he calmed down and let go of Deirdre."Deirdre, you've gone mad, and there should be limits to it. Do I like you? Did I admit it personally? Only if I were insane would I like a malicious woman like you. I never loved you at all."Deirdre was stunned, and her expression instantly stiffened.W
Mrs. Wanner was at a loss for words. "Well…"She racked her brain, trying to persuade Deirdre to calm down, but to her surprise, Deirdre burst into laughter on her own. However, there were hints of mist in her eyes."It's fine. I have a positive mindset. But please don't call me Mrs. Brighthall. If Brendan hears it, he might think I'm behind it," she said."Sure, it's good to address you as Ms. McKinnon because It sounds younger." Mrs. Wanner tried several times to change the subject, but it kept coming back to her. Then she remembered something. "Oh, Ms. McKinnon, a man came looking for you while you were resting yesterday afternoon.""A man?" Deirdre frowned. She didn't have any friends in Neve, so she couldn't figure out who it could be."He said his name is Sam," said Mrs. Wanner."Sam?" Deirdre was surprised as she was aware that Brendan had sent away Sam. She didn't expect him to come looking for her yesterday.She glanced at the door. "Has Brendan left yet?""Yes, he has
"The doctor said to be moderate... Are you a pervert?" Deirdre felt deeply wronged, but she refused to show weakness in front of Brendan. She held back her tears, and the hint of redness at the corner of her eyes made her appear even more pitiful and captivating."I'm already in pain, yet you still treat me like this. In that case, why bother trying to save the child?" she exclaimed.Brendan's heart inexplicably softened. He realized that despite maintaining a stern expression, his voice became gentler."Where does it hurt?" he asked.Deirdre paused for a moment, then obediently answered, "My waist."Brendan's pressed against her waist, covered with fabric. His palm's warm and scorching heat gradually seeped into her skin as he began applying pressure, massaging gently.Unconsciously, Deirdre's body relaxed, but conflicting emotions overwhelmed her. She couldn't fathom Brendan's intentions.Brendan didn't anticipate his own tenderness. He tirelessly continued massaging while bur
"And he called her Lena, not Charlene. Don't you find that strange? Mr. Brighthall despised Charlene to the extreme, so why would he address her like that? Moreover, Charlene didn't die because of you at all. She died in prison."Deirdre's mind went blank, unable to process it all in such a short time."How is that possible?""You find it absurd, don't you? I find it absurd too. That's why I've been trying to find an opportunity to verify my theory. But Mr. Brighthall had me transferred, and Jet doesn't interact much with him," Sam said with a wry smile.Deirdre lowered her head in silence. After a moment, she said with a soft voice, "It doesn't necessarily mean it's truly impossible."She then added in a hoarse voice, "Do you know what? Brendan told me that he intends to marry Emily."Sam frowned.Deirdre closed her eyes and then opened them again. "If he hadn't lost his memory, how could he be attracted to a woman like Emily, who destroys his well-being and possesses such prof
"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