"Why do you resort to death just to demand to see me?" Brendan asked coldly, his tone distant as if he were encountering a stranger.Brendan approached Deirdre, his gaze condescending, his jawline tight, and his dark eyes filled with indifference and impatience.Deirdre felt a pang of disappointment due to his demeanor, but she couldn't let it deter her. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage."I'm willing to go to such lengths because I have no other choice," she replied, her voice steady. "I need to talk to you about Jet's disappearance, about the truth that needs to be uncovered."Brendan's expression remained impassive."There's nothing to discuss," he stated dismissively. "I've already made up my mind about what happened to Jet."Deirdre refused to back down. She looked straight into his eyes, her voice firm. "You can't ignore the fact that I'm carrying your child. Regardless of our personal feelings, the child deserves your attention and care."A flicker of emotion
Deirdre's bitter sadness welled up inside her, but she mustered the courage to ask the question she had been avoiding."Are you going ahead with the engagement ceremony with Emily tomorrow?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.Brendan furrowed his brow and responded, his tone slightly irritated. "Haven't you known about it for a while now? Is that why you called me here?"Deirdre's emotions surged, and she couldn't contain her frustration. "What's going through your mind? Are you even human? Jet has disappeared, and instead of focusing on finding him, you're going ahead with the engagement. Is marrying Emily more important to you than Jet's life?"Tears streamed down Deirdre's face as she expressed her anger. Brendan's expression softened momentarily, but it quickly turned cold and indifferent."We will investigate Jet's disappearance, but that doesn't affect my engagement to Emily. And don't pretend. If you truly cared about Jet, you should have immediately informed me abou
"Ah!" Brendan threw Deirdre onto the sofa, his forehead tensing with bulging veins. He suppressed his anger, letting the icy coldness in his black eyes reach its peak."Have you said enough?" Brendan squinted. "These are all your one-sided words without any evidence. Why couldn't it be that you used Jet, trapping him in your scheme and causing his disappearance?"Deirdre, I know well about your malice. You've targeted my mother, so what does a mere subordinate mean to you? If you're smart, close your mouth and don't utter a single bad word about Emily Collins. Otherwise, I'll ensure that neither you nor the child in your womb will have any peace."Deirdre immediately covered her lower abdomen, her eyes reddening. "Brendan Brighthall, you b*stard!""I don't need to be a gentleman to deal with you."Brendan picked up his suit jacket, preparing to leave.Deirdre struggled to get up. "When will you let me go?"In two months, she would enter the final stages of pregnancy. During this
The man scratched his head, taken aback. "But Ms. Collin seems unfriendly towards Joseph. Didn't Mr. Brighthall say Joseph should leave today? Yet, Ms. Collin sent someone to take him away. It doesn't seem like she wants him to leave—""Why do you care so much? Maybe they had a discussion last night and decided it wasn't right for Joseph to go. They might have changed their minds," another person impatiently interjected."Yes, I spoke out of turn. But what about Ms. McKinnon? Why is she still sleeping? It's already noon, and the engagement ceremony between Ms. Collins and Mr. Brighthall is about to begin, right?"Deirdre leaned against the wall, the distant voices entering her ears like muffled thunder.'Emily took Joseph away!?'Wasn't he supposed to leave today? She wanted to tell Joseph not to worry about her in Neve and to live a good life with Josie...Deirdre's mind went blank, and she reacted by pounding on the door with force. "Open the door!"The bodyguard heard the com
Deirdre felt anxious, her palms sweaty. She explained to the driver, "I'm looking for someone inside."The driver glanced at Deirdre through the rearview mirror and couldn't help but notice her striking beauty. Her blind eyes added a coolness to her appearance, and he thought it wouldn't be surprising if she knew some of the attendees at the event."You'll need to have your invitation card with you," he advised. "Many people have come without one and couldn't even get past the entrance, let alone the lobby.""Invitation card..." Deirdre's face grew sweaty. She didn't have one, but was standing idle her only option?After paying the driver, Deirdre stepped out of the car and was met with a crowd of journalists outside the venue. She struggled to see clearly and took a couple of uncertain steps forward when suddenly, someone grabbed her hand."Ms. McKinnon," a familiar voice called out.Deirdre was startled at first but then recognized the voice. She eagerly lifted her head, trying
Deirdre was stunned, and Ryker's remark soon followed, "Isn't your purpose of attending the engagement party to confirm Joseph's safety?"Deirdre's head shot up abruptly, and she couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably. 'How does he know that?'Not only did he know that Emily had taken Joseph, but he also knew that she would find a way to come here.Deirdre had a sudden realization. "Did you deliberately divert those bodyguards so I could leave the hotel easily?"Ryker let out a muffled chuckle. "No need to thank me. I'm more than happy to assist you, Ms. McKinnon."Deirdre felt a wave of disgust she had never experienced before, but she fought hard to suppress the urge to vomit."You had Emily distract Joseph and then lured me here. What is your motive behind all this?""In truth, I share the same goal as you, Ms. McKinnon. What I want is what you want too," Ryker said in a gentle tone. "I want you to ruin the engagement party so that Brendan won't marry Emily."Deirdre was ta
Deirdre and Ryker entered the hall in unison. She could tell that the place was crowded with people, even if she could not see.Deirdre strained to identify Brendan among the figures when Ryker leaned over and whispered in her ear as a reminder, "Brendan isn't here."Deirdre pursed her lips. "Where is he? I want to meet him!"Ryker smiled. "If you cause a scene now, I believe Brendan will personally show up without you seeking him out."Deirdre gave him a displeased glance. "Don't take me for a fool, Ryker. I've already fulfilled your request. Are you going to fulfill your part of the deal?"I will, once I see Brendan in person!"Ryker grew frustrated. "Ms. McKinnon, isn't trust the most important value for a businessman?""That depends on whether you're worthy of my trust." Deirdre grew impatient, her worry for Joseph's condition intensifying with each passing moment."Fine, I'll help you ask around because I admire your personality, Ms. McKinnon." Unfazed, Ryker approached a
"Don't you dare argue irrationally, Deirdre. These are two different matters," Brendan said, his flawlessly handsome face showing intense irritation and impatience. "I'll continue with the engagement party and help you get Joseph back. Leave here immediately and return to the hotel. You're not allowed to come out without my permission!""Are you sure you can still retrieve Joe from Emily?" Deirdre asked, noticing Brendan narrowing his eyes but remaining silent.In a fit of rage, Deirdre punched him. "Brendan! You're aiding a tyrant in victimizing her subject! I refuse to believe you don't remember anything. Joe was so good to you in the past! If anything bad happens to him, I'll never forgive you!"Brendan impatiently grabbed her moving hands and pressed her against the closet. His suit was wrinkled from the struggle, clearly showing his displeasure. "That's enough! It's all your fault for insisting on coming here. You should have stayed in the hospital obediently until the child wa
"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