"Jet, believe it or not, the current Brendan is not the real Brendan," Deirdre declared.Jet was stunned by her words, and his mouth twitched slightly. "Ms. McKinnon, you must be joking. How could the current Mr. Brighthall not be the real Mr. Brighthall...""At least his consciousness is not!" Deirdre gritted her teeth. "He was hypnotized, hypnotized by Emily!"Jet's expression turned subtly awkward, and Deirdre let out a sigh. "I know what I'm saying may sound ridiculous, and I don't expect you to believe me. Just remember to remain cautious. The fact that Brendan arranged for you to work by his side shows that he trusts your identity. Be careful, and don't trust Emily too much. I... will be leaving tomorrow."Jet couldn't accept everything she was saying at the moment, especially the part about Deirdre leaving. His body visibly froze."Ms. McKinnon, are you leaving? What will Mr. Brighthall do if you leave?" he blurted out, feeling surprised. What would Brendan do? He was clear
"Bren, you've been so kind to me. Transferring Collins Pharmaceuticals to you was not in vain," Emily said with gratitude, her eyes filled with tenderness as Brendan pushed the document toward her."Take this. When the time comes, you will handle the product launch yourself. Let me know if you have any questions."Emily accepted the document, her lips curling into a smile. "Okay. I've also set the day for the new product launch.""When will it be?""On our engagement day, we'll release the news first. Then, we'll make an official announcement on our wedding day."Brendan's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "That's perfect. At this point, there will be plenty of media coverage, and on our wedding day, Neve and everyone else will pay attention to us. It's a great opportunity to pave the way for our product announcement.""That's exactly what I thought. That's why I considered having the new product launch event on our wedding day," Emily replied. She opened the document, glanced at it,
However, Brendan's unquestioning obedience to Emily didn't make sense to Jet. Deirdre's face flashed through his mind. Initially, Jet dismissed her words as absurd, refusing to believe in the existence of hypnosis or its effect on Brendan.But Brendan's behavior was too strange, too irrational. It felt as if Emily had some kind of control over him. With determination, Jet gnashed his teeth and quickly descended from the elevator to the first floor. He walked briskly, and as he reached the outside, he saw Emily's car pulling away.Jet hopped into his car and decided to follow her, assuming she would head to the subsidiary company. However, to his surprise, her car took a different direction. Something felt off about the situation. Eventually, Jet noticed Emily's car parked in an unfamiliar villa. She confidently entered the premises as if she was intimately acquainted with the place, as though it was her own home.Where was this?Jet couldn't believe his eyes. He immediately contact
"Did you check if you were being followed when you came here today?" asked Ryker.Emily snapped out of her daze. "What?"Ryker cursed to himself, thinking she was being clueless. "Someone was tailing you.""What!?" Emily instantly sobered up, trying to get up, but Ryker pressed her against the railing, keeping her still."Now, if you show even the slightest hint of surprise, people here will notice. He's probably still recording a video. Call Brendan now," Ryker instructed."Are you crazy? Instead of stopping the person in the car, why should I call Brendan?" Emily was confused."Obviously, it's not for Brendan to see us together. When you call Brendan, you'll tie up his line, preventing the person in the car from getting through. Understand?" Ryker smirked.Emily finally grasped the plan and bit her lip as she discreetly took out her phone, dialing Brendan's number.Meanwhile, Ryker maintained a serious expression, playing his part alongside Emily.In the car, Jet saved their
Emily's expression was a mix of complexity and gloom.Jet's combat skills were truly outstanding. It was worth noting that the individuals brought by Ryker were top champions in their respective fields. Despite that, Jet managed to hold his ground against ten opponents, delivering blows and leaving many of them with bruised egos.No wonder the boss hesitated to engage in a direct confrontation with the normal Brendan. If they were to face each other, it was unclear who would come out on top."Search him and find his phone," ordered Ryker.The group of people rummaged through Jet's belongings, even turning his car upside down. They reported, "Mr. Wight, the phone is not on him.""Not on him? How is that possible?" Ryker sneered, took a step forward, grabbed Jet's chin, and lifted it up. "As someone who came to track us, how can you not have a phone or any device on you? The reason we can't find it now is simply that you've hidden it. Where did you hide it?"Jet's chin was injured,
"It's impossible!" Brendan's face turned ice-cold in the darkness, exuding a chilling aura. He firmly repeated, "It is absolutely impossible."Tears welled up in the assistant's eyes as she nodded and said, "Sam just called and asked if he should come back immediately—""Tell him to stay where he is! He must not act without my orders!" Brendan sternly interrupted her."Why?" The assistant couldn't comprehend. "Mr. Jet is currently missing, and having someone reliable by your side like Sam could be of great assistance. It seems like a waste to keep him at that company..."Brendan's face remained cold, and a flicker of emotions passed through his dark eyes, too quick to discern. "There's no need for a why. His loyalty does not lie with me, and I do not require a subordinate who sympathizes with the enemy.""The enemy?" The assistant looked up. "Are you... referring to Ms. McKinnon? But I believe Sam trusts her for a reason.""So, are you suggesting that I made a mistake in this mat
"I don't know. I just suddenly woke up and couldn't fall back asleep. But it's alright. If we can go back earlier, maybe I'll feel at peace in Village Alnwick," Deirdre replied, shaking her head.Joseph rubbed his hands, envisioning the future. "Yeah. You can stay in Tobey's house for now. Then, your sister-in-law and I will renovate your old house, making it sturdy and cozy. That way, when the child is born, it will be comfortable to live in."Deirdre was surprised. "But how can I accept that? Building a new house will cost a lot of money. Don't waste it on me."Joseph reassured her. "How can you call it a waste? It's my honor to contribute to my sister's and the child's house. Besides, Tobey will lend a hand, so it won't be too burdensome."Deirdre pursed her lips, not wanting to be a burden. "If you feel uncomfortable about it, you can find a suitable job after the child is born. I heard you played the piano well before. The resort happens to need a pianist, with a decent sala
Deirdre, biting her lower lip till it tinged with a hint of red, expressed her reason for seeking out Jet. "I wanted to know what happened to you after you returned from the resort. How could someone change so drastically, forgetting everything that came before and even marrying Emily?"Brendan coldly stared at her, searching for any signs of deception on her face. After a moment, he released her hand.He sneered. "Nothing happened when I returned from the resort. I simply grew tired of you. As for marrying Emily, can't you see that she's more deserving of me than you?""Brendan Brighthall! You heartless b*stard!" Joseph shouted, pinned down in the car. "How can you say such things to Deirdre? She came all this way, enduring hardships while carrying your child, thinking you had your reasons. But in the end, is this how you treat her? She's not worthy of you? Is that your excuse for abandoning her? Then why did you let her get pregnant? Why did you let her bear your child?"Deirdre'
"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