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
Brendan coughed, his tone sounding much more pleasant."Don't bully Emily," he said.The crowd cheered loudly upon hearing Brendan's remark.Deirdre struggled to support her pregnant belly, feeling discomfort and dizziness, whether from the stuffy air in the closet or other reasons.The group of people chatted at the doorway until Emily suddenly noticed Brendan's wrinkled suit. "Brendan, who ironed your outfit? It's so wrinkled. The ironing skill is below par."Brendan lowered his head and examined the wrinkled parts caused by Deirdre's punch. Her blows had left visible marks on his suit, although they hadn't caused any pain.He smoothed his suit and explained, "I rested on the sofa earlier because I was too tired. I forgot to remove my suit, so it became wrinkled."The group at the door jokingly commented, "Mr. Brighthall couldn't sleep soundly last night because he was too nervous, even for the engagement. How will he manage when he's married?"Emily pretended to be shy. "Sto
Brendan pretended to be confused. "What do you mean? I don't understand.""Ms. McKinnon entered the resting area earlier, and I was the one who brought her here. Where is she now..." Ryker paused, his tone meaningful. "Mr. Brighthall, I know about your ill intentions toward Ms. McKinnon. However, she is here with me. If anything were to happen to her, it would be my responsibility."Please hand her over."Brendan remained silent, but Emily's expression turned serious and tense. She glared at Ryker and then turned to Brendan. "Brendan, is Deirdre with you?"Brendan maintained his usual calm expression. "No."Ryker sneered. "Mr. Brighthall, I personally entrusted Ms. McKinnon to you, hoping you would handle your complicated relationship like a real man. I didn't expect that you would not only hide her but also try to cover up this matter.""That's enough," Emily said coldly. She couldn't understand Ryker's motive for stirring up trouble at her engagement party. She had planned to c
At first, Deirdre assumed that Ryker was lying to her, but it seemed there was more to the story. Wiping the sweat from her face, she walked toward the entrance of the resting area, supporting herself against the wall.She opened the door and saw Ryker standing in his eye-catching white suit. Seeing Deirdre, Ryker appeared both surprised and expectant."I've been waiting for you, Ms. McKinnon," Ryker said. "Seems like it's not easy for a pregnant woman to escape from a closet, huh?"Deirdre looked up at Ryker with mixed feelings.Ryker continued. "The engagement party has already started. Don't forget what you promised me.""What did I promise you?" Deirdre asked. "To ruin Emily and Brendan's engagement party?"Ryker raised an eyebrow. "By the sound of your tone, are you backing out of our agreement, Ms. McKinnon?"Deirdre's expression grew tense, and coldness emanated from her eyes, almost giving her a murderous look. "I won't back out of our agreement if you respect me. I will