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
After hearing the nurse's words, she abruptly ended the call, leaving Deirdre frozen in place with tears streaming down her face. Thoughts raced through her mind."Someone beat up Joseph until... his legs ςεre broken?"But Brendan assured me he could keep Joseph safe. Emily said she would let Joseph leave too!"How did it escalate to this in such a short time?"Joseph had recently become a father and was working at the resort. He was thriving in his life, so how could he now face a future without his legs?Rage surged from Deirdre's chest to her head. She fought back her tears but couldn't contain her hatred.She had already made up her mind to leave. Her priority was to give birth to her child safely, but not only did Emily refuse to leave her be, but she also refused to spare Joseph any mercy.He lost his legs because of her, so how would Deirdre find the courage to face Josie now?"Are you alright, Ms. McKinnon? Why are you crying? I'm sorry we didn't have much information a
Brendan felt a sharp pain through his shirt, causing him to furrow his eyebrows. His face turned pale, and he quickly pushed Deirdre away to prevent her from biting him.Deirdre staggered and fell to the ground, unable to maintain her balance. She instinctively protected her belly by breaking her fall with outstretched arms. However, her emotional state and vigorous actions still caused pain in her belly.Clutching her belly, Deirdre looked up to see Brendan helping Emily to stand. Her eyes were bloodshot with anger.After ensuring Emily's safety, Brendan's furrowed eyebrows relaxed. He turned his fierce gaze toward Deirdre and said, "You must be out of your mind! Call the police and have her taken to the police station!"Deirdre sneered and replied, "You're right. I have lost my mind... I lost it from the beginning! How could I have fallen for you? How could I... I shouldn't have believed your last words, thinking you would protect Joseph!"Panic flickered across Emily's face whi
A floaty voice emerged from the crowd, saying, "However, Mr. Brighthall took Ms. McKinnon to the Kings' wedding a few months ago in Eastgene and publicly acknowledged her as his partner. If the child isn't Mr. Brighthall's, why would he do that?"Emily glanced around but couldn't spot the person speaking. Anger surged within her, and she immediately retorted, "That's because Brendan initially believed the child was his. Who would have guessed it was just an illegitimate child?""If it's an illegitimate child, that means she cheated on Brendan first. Why should he show her any respect?"Deirdre curled up, hiding the hatred in her bloodshot eyes, and lowered her gaze."I can confirm that the child is Brendan's," she said, feigning grief. "I have the courage to get a paternity test, but can you afford to make that bet? Are you willing to announce to the world whether the child in my womb is illegitimate or Brendan's?"Emily staggered back, feeling dizzy, while Deirdre spoke coldly. "
Emily lowered her head, concealing the emotions in her eyes."I had no idea. Ms. McKinnon suddenly confronted me. I thought she blamed me for taking Joseph away, but she mentioned Joseph being disabled. I don't understand..."Brendan's dark eyes reflected her innocence. "So... you were unaware of Joseph's accident?""Absolutely." Emily nodded eagerly. "I only pleaded for Joseph's release. I have no knowledge of anything else. I'm uncertain if something happened to Joseph during his journey...""I understand now."-Deirdre exited the hotel, her stomach pain intensifying. She gnashed her teeth and approached the intersection to hail a taxi."Take me to Crest Hospital, please..."Observing her pale face and profuse sweating, the driver grew alarmed. "Young lady, are you about to give birth? If so, you should find another cab. If my car gets messy, it'll cost me a fortune to clean!"Deirdre took a deep breath and replied with a determined gaze, "Don't worry. My baby is only seven
Deirdre's lower lip trembled as tears streamed down her face, meeting Josie's hopeful gaze. With great effort, she found her voice. "I'm sorry, Josie... I—"But Josie's grip on her arm tightened, cutting her off. "Deirdre, I don't want apologies. I want Joseph to be healthy again. I won't force you, but can you please ask Brendan for help? He's the father of your child. Maybe he'll be willing to assist us."Deirdre's heart ached at Josie's plea. It was a moment of unbearable torment. She couldn't ask Brendan for help, not after what had happened. He had nearly taken her to the police station.Overwhelmed with sorrow, Deirdre sank to her knees, curling into a ball. "I'm sorry, Josie! It's all my fault. I failed to protect Joe. I never imagined that those who hate me would harm innocent people like him. I'm so sorry!"Josie stared at her, her gaze empty. She held her crying child, but her mind was blank.As she stood up, her expression vacant, she murmured, "Joseph... Joseph... He w
Josie's anger boiled over as she spoke. "You offended someone, but Joseph was the one who got hurt. Will my child or I be the next to suffer?"Enough! I've had enough! I used to believe that good people would be rewarded, but now I don't believe in that nonsense at all!"I just want to distance myself from all of this. All I hope for is that my Joseph can get his legs back. Can you do that? If you can't, then I beg you not to cause me any more trouble!"After Josie's angry outburst, she collapsed onto the chair, followed by the child's loud sobs. The entire corridor was filled with a suffocating sadness.Deirdre, dazed and overwhelmed, took a step back. "I'm sorry..." Her eyes were vacant, and she didn't know what else to say besides 'sorry'.Josie covered her face and cried, completely ignoring the child.Deirdre bit her lower lip in embarrassment and turned to leave. Just then, there was movement from the intensive care unit, and a nurse emerged from the room. "Who here is Jose
Deirdre entered the room silently, her eyes fixed on the hospital bed. She hesitated to approach, afraid of disturbing something in her path.Joseph greeted her with a smile, "Why do you and Josie look so sad, especially you, Deirdre? Josie has just come out of confinement, so it's okay, but you're pregnant. If you're upset, your daughter might also be born with a frown."Joseph's attempt at humor only intensified Deirdre's sadness."Joe..." Deirdre's voice was hoarse, and she struggled to speak, but Joseph interrupted her, "No one wanted this to happen. It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. If anyone should be blamed, it's me for unknowingly offending someone."Deirdre shook her head vigorously. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have offended Emily. It's all my fault! But I can't help but want to seek revenge for you...""I don't need revenge," Joseph's smile faded as he spoke seriously. "Deirdre, what's done is done. Seeking revenge now is unrealistic. Besides, I don't wan