"How are you so careless that you choke yourself while speaking?"Deirdre blushed and shook her head, her cough subsiding. Brendan wrapped his arms around her, and his gaze fixed on her flushed face. In a moment of distraction, while Mrs. Wanner was serving the soup, he leaned in and lightly kissed Deirdre's soft lips.However, his gentle kiss turned into a passionate one as he began to suck on her lips before finally pulling away. The sound of their lips smacking echoed in the kitchen.Mrs. Wanner was confused. "What's that sound?"Deirdre pursed her lips subconsciously. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could hide herself.Sensing Brendan's blazing hot, passionate gaze that felt like he could swallow her right there and then, Deirdre made up an excuse to get out of the kitchen.She escaped this time, but Brendan held her by her waist after dinner, and they staggered their way into the bedroom before landing on the bed. Brendan lowered his head to kiss her lips, his e
Brendan pursed his lips and frowned slightly. "I remember that place."Deirdre was pleasantly surprised. "And then? What do you remember?""You eloped with Tobey and hid there to make me think that you were dead so that you could be with Tobey," he replied.The corners of Deirdre's mouth twitched. "You've clearly forgotten everything, but why does it feel like you're still trying to smear my name? Who said that I 'eloped' with Tobey?""Weren't you going to leave with Tobey?"This question stunned Deirdre. When she had lost all hope for Brendan, it was Tobey who had offered to help her. At that time, she really thought that it would be a good idea to use her whole life to repay Tobey's favor."It seems that I indeed remember correctly." Brendan's face darkened.Deirdre's hesitation made him upset, so he turned sideways, leaned over, and began to swamp her with kisses, trying to completely remove the name 'Tobey' from Deirdre's mind."Wait… Wait a minute..." Deirdre struggled whi
"Hate her to the core?" Ryker smiled disdainfully. "I just got the news that Brendan ordered his subordinates to investigate the cause of Charlene's death.""What!?" The pitch of Emily's voice changed. "How did this happen? Wasn't he under the impression that Deirdre killed Charlene? You tampered with Brendan's bad memories and inserted Deirdre into them. It stands to reason that Brendan would not suspect anything..."She stared at Ryker. "Could it be that your hypnotism has lost its effect again?"Ryker was not upset at all. "If my hypnotism had lost its effect, wouldn't Brendan have already recovered his memory? Why would he have to ask his subordinates to investigate?"Emily felt that his remark made sense, but she was still furious. "If that's the case, then what's going on?"Ryker's eyes had a solemn look. "That Deirdre is not as simple-minded as we think. She carries a heavy weight in Brendan's heart."Emily was taken aback. "You mean... Deirdre did all of this? She asked B
"Of course." Emily snorted coldly. She was not willing to let that woman marry Brendan.On the second day after receiving the information, Emily went to Brendan's villa in person.Unsure when Jet would receive firsthand information, Emily had to be prepared to prevent Brendan from getting it ahead of time. As she entered the hall, she immediately noticed Deirdre, who had her hair in a bun and was enjoying some fruit.Brendan sat next to her, occasionally accepting bites from Deirdre. When the grapes turned out to be sour, he leaned in and kissed her sweet lips to counteract the sourness. However, instead of approval, he received a disapproving look from Deirdre. She pursed her lips and wrinkled her face in displeasure."What? You fed it to me. Since it's sour, you will naturally have to bear the consequences." Brendan spoke righteously. Aggrieved, Deirdre said, "Then I won't feed you anymore.""Okay, then I'll eat the one in your mouth," he retorted.Emily's face contorted in r
As long as Brendan regained his memories, everything would be solved.However, Deirdre had ignored one of the biggest problems—Brendan admitted that he liked Emily. He wanted to marry Emily, which a mere loss of memory couldn't explain. Since Brendan had chosen to do it, he naturally had done it due to his inner desires.How important was Emily in his heart? Deirdre suddenly didn't dare to continue thinking about it.She sat on the sofa alone for a long time. Only when Mrs. Wanner finished her work in the kitchen and told Deirdre it was time for lunch did Deirdre realize that Brendan had gone after Emily for over three hours.During these three hours, anything could happen, and she was the only one who didn't know what had happened."Alright." Deirdre got up. Seeing that, Mrs. Wanner looked outside and asked, "Where's Mr. Brighthall? Did he say he's coming back for lunch today?"After that, Mrs. Wanner froze for a moment and quickly sensed the tense atmosphere.Deirdre was stu
"Sorry, I have only limited time to freely make a call, so... I didn't contact you immediately," said Deirdre.Tobey sounded down as he said, "Silly girl, you don’t have to apologize. Clearly, I should be the one to apologize to you. I am a man, but I couldn't protect you and let you fall into that man's hands. Now every time I think about it, I resent my incompetence."Deirdre's expression changed, and her hesitant eyes were reddish. If Tobey knew that she was with Brendan again, he would probably want to curse her. What was worse, Brendan might not truly be in love with her."Deirdre?" Tobey didn't get a response for a long time and couldn't help but ask again, "Are you okay now? Now that you can call me freely, does it mean that Brendan has separated from you?"Deirdre lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, Tobey, he and I... are together again."The other end of the call suddenly fell silent. Deirdre bit her lip and struggled internally, and soon after, she heard Tobey sigh softly. "Di
But in the end, Deirdre overestimated her position in Brendan's heart. He would rather go to the study than come to her room to explain."I..." Brendan was about to speak, but his throat seemed to be stuck close in the next second. He held his forehead as mixed feelings overwhelmed him, and he couldn't figure out his thoughts at all. As Deirdre was waiting for him, disappointment arose in her heart.She lowered her head. "Brendan, I just need your answer. I'm not the kind of woman who can't let go of a relationship. As long as you choose Emily between me and her, I promise, I will stop harboring feelings for you, and we can just end it."Upon hearing that, a stabbing pain shot through Brendan's heart. Deirdre said her last sentence so easily. Was it so easy for her to let go of him?But… What about him? His feelings were clear in his heart. He raised his head and said with red eyes, "I don't want you to leave."Deirdre's fingertips trembled, and she tried to keep a calm and compos
Brendan was lost in thought. He liked Deirdre from the bottom of his heart—those feelings were beyond his reason. He had feelings and longed for her. But this was not exclusive to Deirdre. He also felt this way toward Emily.This confused him, and he could not figure out the answer. If he loved Deirdre and was reluctant to part with Emily, then what was this relationship to him? Was it fair to Deirdre?Because of that thought, he didn't dare to face Deirdre after he returned. He was very guilty and ashamed. In the end, Brendan did not go after Deirdre."Mrs. Wanner, follow her, and don't let anything happen to her."With a dazed expression, he opened the door and entered his room.-Deirdre walked out of the villa. The sun was very warm, but her heart was cold. As for why Brendan had not come after her, he had likely found his answer in his choice between Emily and her.Deirdre caressed her stomach as she laughed at herself for falling in love with him. If she hated Brendan as s
"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