Heather pursed her lips as her colleague delivered shocking news. "The patient is pregnant with Brendan's baby.""Oh my god!" The colleague exclaimed, clearly taken aback. "You must be joking! Doesn't that make her the future spouse of the owner of the Brighthall Group?"Heather forced a bitter smile. "It would be great if that were true. Then I wouldn't have to live in constant fear."Furrowing her eyebrows, the colleague asked, "What do you mean?"Heather explained, "Brendan left on his own accord while she was still in surgery and returned to Neve. It's been three to four days, and he hasn't visited her or even called to check on her condition. I suspect that—""Brendan has dumped her?" the colleague interrupted.Heather looked troubled. "Who knows? It wouldn't be surprising. The worst part is that she still holds on to the hope that Brendan will come to see her.""I don't have the heart to tell her the truth. I'm afraid it will devastate her, and it can have serious conseque
Deirdre's pupils shook violently as she understood the meaning behind the nurse's remark. Struggling to get out of bed, she exclaimed, "Where's Brendan? I'll go to Neve to see him if he's in Neve! He must be going through something difficult to talk about!""Calm down, Ms. McKinnon!" Heather hurriedly moved to stop Deirdre and blocked her from getting out of bed, not allowing her to budge. "You're still recovering from surgery, so you're not supposed to walk for a while. What if your surgical wound opens up? If you won't think for yourself, at least think about the baby!"Deirdre felt a sudden drain of energy throughout her body upon hearing the word 'baby'. She clung to Heather and closed her eyes tightly, feeling an unbearable pain in her heart."Why hasn't he come to see me? He will come. I'm sure of it!"Deirdre realized how little she knew. She remembered the man's affectionate and concerned tone when they last spoke, confirming his true feelings for her. But why would he sudd
Josie found it amusing. "She's so young, yet she already shows a preference for pretty faces. She only smiles at beautiful women. And when her father plays with her, she always frowns deeply. It's interesting."Deirdre couldn't help but smile. "Where is Joe?""I've been craving sweets lately, so he went to Zenfull Street in the suburban district to wait in line and get me some desserts."Deirdre was surprised. "That place is far and expensive. Joe really cares about you."Josie patted the little girl's buttocks. "He has to care about me because I gave the Talbots an heir. Not to mention craving an expensive dessert. He'd get me the moon if I wanted it. He's the baby daddy, after all."Josie looked at Deirdre's belly. "You're due soon too, right?""Hmm..." Deirdre lowered her head, her eyes filled with affection. She cherished the baby in her womb. "She's due in two months.""You and Mr. Brighthall have such great genes, so the baby will certainly be very beautiful. Why couldn't
Joseph teased, saying, "You may not know, but the nurse wouldn't leave her post unless Mr. Brighthall specifically requested it. It shows how much he cares for Deirdre."Josie held her cheeks and sighed. "When will I receive such special treatment? I envy you, Deirdre. I never thought much of it before, but now I can't help but feel envious."She shot Joseph a glare, and he was unsure whether to laugh or be concerned. "Don't be like that, my dear. You can't compare me to Mr. Brighthall. No matter how hard I try, I will never have the same status as him. You're making things difficult for me."Josie pretended to be upset. "Fine then. It's my fault for falling in love with you. We're destined for different lives, and I'm stuck with you forever."Deirdre felt a pang of envy as she listened to Josie's playful complaints mixed with love. She lowered her eyes, concealing her own feelings of disappointment.Joining the conversation, she said, "You have a better life, Josie. If a man is t
Yet, Deirdre was still there. Why would he merge with Collins Pharmaceuticals, which was not considered a huge enterprise, for Deirdre's future?The woman came to understand the situation after seeing Josie's puzzled expression. She looked around and said, "You really have no idea, huh?"Josie was completely clueless. The woman chuckled and covered her mouth, saying, "No wonder. Today's announcement is about the merger of their two companies, but they haven't revealed any other details. However, I have some insider information."Lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, the woman said, "I can tell you if you want to know, but you can't tell anyone else."Josie eagerly nodded. The woman continued. "Brendan and the Collins heiress have feelings for each other and will have their engagement party in three days."Josie was stunned by the news.The woman went on. "Due to the circumstances, they keep a low profile and organized a simple engagement ceremony. They will make everything p
The woman's satisfaction grew upon hearing Josie's response. "Alright, I'll show you. Just so you know, I'm not making this up."She retrieved the photo from her phone and enlarged it to show Josie. "Take a look. The person hugging Emily in the photo is Brendan."Josie examined the man in the photo closely, noticing his dark eyes filled with affection under the warm lighting. He embraced the woman in the presence of onlookers, his handsome face defined by well-structured features. He had a captivating presence that made it hard to look away.Josie's shock intensified because the man in the photo was indeed Brendan!The woman felt a sense of pride as she observed Josie's stunned reaction. "What do you think? Brendan is incredibly handsome, isn't he? He embodies both business genius and good looks. It's a privilege for those of us who get to marry him. It's a shame that only a woman like Emily is a suitable match for him."Josie's eyes widened in surprise. "W-When was this photo tak
"Is your mind not thinking straight because you're pregnant? Why would I show you the photo? Who do you think you are?" The woman's words dripped with contempt.Josie could no longer bear to listen and interjected softly, "Please speak respectfully. My friend is acting impulsively, but there's no need for such harshness.""Harshness? That's laughable!" The woman scoffed. "Is it excusable to act like a lunatic? What excuse does she have? She can't possibly know Brendan, right?"Josie gnashed her teeth. "You're wrong. Deirdre not only knows Brendan, but they also have a close relationship. Do you understand?"The woman sneered. "Stop teasing me. Do you even know who Brendan is? Who do you think you are, mere commoners? He is destined to be with Emily, understand?"There will always be a barrier between people like you and the upper class. Don't delude yourselves into thinking you'll ever be associated with the owner of the Brighthall Group. He will only marry someone of equal wealth
Deirdre, unable to accept the outcome, began making excuses for Brendan's behavior."Deirdre, you need to clear your head," Josie urged, trying to reason with her. "You have your baby and us. Brendan has chosen to marry Emily, which means he has no intention of making you his wife."Even now, Josie found it hard to believe. She had witnessed firsthand how much Brendan loved Deirdre. Could it be that he was just skilled at deception?Deirdre vigorously shook her head. "Don't try to persuade me, Josie. I will find out the truth. I know deep down that Brendan would never betray me. Our relationship is genuine, and he would never want to marry Emily or anyone else."With that, Deirdre pushed Josie away and hurriedly made her way outside, her steps unsteady.Joseph had been waiting in the private room for a long time and grew impatient. As he walked out with the baby in his arms, he encountered Deirdre, who was stumbling out of the restroom due to her impaired vision."Deirdre!" Josep
"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