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
"You just sit there," Josie said with a hint of guilt and exhaustion. "I thought about it carefully, and you are also a victim in this matter. I shouldn't blame you. I was too emotional earlier and said those hurtful things impulsively... I'm sorry."Deirdre was surprised, her soft lips trembling as she replied, "Josie, how can you apologize to me?"Confused, Deirdre tightly clenched her palm and said, "It's clear that I should be apologizing to you. It was me who caused Joe to end up like this—""It wasn't you," Josie firmly interrupted her. "You didn't frame Joseph, and you didn't do anything to him. Perhaps it's a good thing that Joseph was the one who got hurt. At least it's not you who ended up like this. Otherwise, you would have lost your legs while pregnant with a child, and you would be alone and helpless. You would be miserable for the rest of your life."Deirdre lowered her head forcefully and bit her lower lip. Josie hurriedly approached, and the two embraced and cried
Josie remained resolute, but Hilda sighed and said, "Josie, I can't lend you money. Joseph can't work, and you have to take care of your child. You don't have any financial resources. If I lend you money, I'll never get it back. There are so many poor people in the world. How can I afford to give money away for free?"My eldest son recently started seeing a girl, and I want to buy him a house in the city so that she will fall in love with him. Nowadays, girls are materialistic. If you don't have a house in the city, why would they marry you?"This is about my eldest son's happiness, so please understand. I'll definitely lend you money when I have some next time."The phone call ended abruptly. It was getting dark, and Josie gritted her teeth as she made countless phone calls, almost begging everyone for help. In the end, she managed to borrow only $50,000.After handing over the money that night, the doctor informed Josie, "You need to pay the remaining balance of $70,000 tomorrow.
Mrs. Wanner hesitated, not wanting to finish her sentence and dismissing the thought immediately. "I can't bring myself to say those depressing words. I'm just glad that you're safe now. But why did you only come back today? Do you know..."Deirdre's eyes looked sad, prompting Mrs. Wanner to remain silent with a complicated and distressed expression.Mrs. Wanner quickly changed the subject. "Ms. McKinnon, your baby bump is already quite big."Deirdre nodded and hesitantly asked, "Did Brendan mention when he'll be back today?"Mrs. Wanner stiffened. "Um... Mr. Brighthall has some business to attend to today. I'm not sure exactly when he'll be back. He might be busy, so he may not return tonight..."Gripping her palms, Deirdre said, "Can I go inside and wait, then?""Of course!" Mrs. Wanner nodded hastily, feeling sorry for her, and led Deirdre inside. She served tea and water and even put a jacket on Deirdre as if afraid she might feel cold.Mrs. Wanner asked Deirdre where she ha
As soon as Brendan grabbed Emily's hand, she tried to slide her fingers down his body, but he stopped her. "Forget it. I don't want to make you do something like that. We can try again next time."Unwilling to give up, Emily began to doubt Brendan's ability. He had gotten Deirdre pregnant, so it was reasonable to assume he wasn't completely incompetent. It was strange that he could remain calm in such circumstances.She had been looking forward to tonight, so she felt disappointed hearing his response. However, thinking about her orders to have a child to tie Brendan down, Emily pressed her body against his and said, "It doesn't matter. I'm willing to do it for you.""I haven't showered yet, so it won't be pleasant for you. Plus, there will be more opportunities in the future. I just remembered I still have some documents to deal with at the company. I'll go back and take care of them first." He stroked Emily's hair. "I'm sorry about today. I'll make you the happiest bride on our ac
"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