Upon hearing Ryker's words, Emily felt a surge of anger building inside her. "I thought Brendan, with his impressive physique and success in the business world, would be a beast in bed. But no matter how hard I try to arouse him, he remains unresponsive. I suspect he is impotent!""Is that so?" Ryker pushed Emily onto the bed. "Why would he let a beautiful woman like you stay alone? Doesn't he feel any remorse?"Gritting her teeth, Emily unleashed her pent-up anger. "Why would he feel remorse? That clueless man only cares about work. In his eyes, work will always take precedence. How dull!"Ryker raised his hands. "Well then, it seems I should enjoy Brendan's woman first."Emily clenched her lower lip as Ryker smirked and began removing her clothes. "You think it would be amusing to let Brendan have a turn with a woman I've already slept with."Hearing his words, Emily pushed him away, her expression turning cold. "Ryker, what do you mean by that? Am I just a tool for you to show
"Your face and body? I'm already sick of them. I'm sorry, but I have no desire to touch you for a second time!"Deirdre was devastated by Brendan's hurtful and humiliating words. She couldn't believe he could say such things to her."Brendan—""Are you done staying here? If you are, then leave right away!" Brendan snapped impatiently, removing his tie. "My home is off-limits to outsiders!"Deirdre felt a deep sense of disappointment.Mrs. Wanner hurried downstairs and was shocked by the scene. She quickly went to support Deirdre, who was kneeling on the ground, and looked up at Brendan. "Mr. Brighthall... What is happening? She is Ms. McKinnon! Even if you no longer have affection for her, you should still consider the child she carries! How can you let her kneel like this?""She chose to kneel herself, so don't blame others!" Brendan replied.Deirdre tried to speak, her lips trembling. She realized she had overestimated her ability to resolve things by kneeling. But she was afr
Brendan frowned, his voice filled with irritation. "It's your own responsibility to find your way back, just like how you got here. Are you waiting for me to personally escort you back?""Mr. Brighthall—"Brendan interrupted her sharply, his face exuding a powerful and oppressive aura. "Mrs. Wanner, I spared you from questioning about Deirdre's presence here because of your age. But if you continue to support her, I don't think this job is suitable for you."Mrs. Wanner was rendered speechless, and Deirdre shook her head, disappointed. She took a deep breath, not willing to give up. "Brendan, can you help me one last time? For the sake of the child... if you give me $40,000, I promise to leave immediately and never bother you again!" she pleaded.Brendan turned away, demanding, "Don't make me say it again. Get out of here."Deirdre watched him walk away, her eyes filled with despair. She gnashed her teeth, determined not to shed another tear in front of Brendan.Mrs. Wanner hurri
"I don't need the money, and what's the use of having so much? It's meant for emergencies. If you don't borrow it today, someone else will. Since you're in trouble, just take it," Mrs. Wanner explained, tightly holding Deirdre's hand.Struggling, Deirdre bit her lip for a moment and whispered, "I'll return the money to you.""I know, Ms. McKinnon. That's precisely why I feel at ease lending it to you. Is your friend still in the hospital? Tomorrow morning, my younger son will bring the money to you," Mrs. Wanner said, delighted."Thank you." Deirdre nodded sincerely.Shortly after, a taxi arrived, and Deirdre got into the car. Her mind was filled with the resolute image of Brendan. She would never forget his heartlessness for the rest of her life.When she arrived at the hospital, it was already past 1:00 a.m. Dragging her exhausted body to the third floor, she didn't expect Josie to still be there.As soon as she saw Deirdre, Josie's eyes lit up. Holding her sleeping baby in her
"Mhmm." Deirdre smiled.Later, Deirdre and Josie found an affordable hotel nearby to stay for the night. They had less than six hours of sleep before waking up the next morning to inquire about Joseph's condition. Unfortunately, his legs couldn't be saved, but he didn't want them amputated. He hoped that they could heal, at least to appear intact.However, this would require a significant amount of time and money. Josie and Deirdre were willing to make this sacrifice.Soon, Josie received a call from Mrs. Wanner's son. They met him in the lobby, where he handed over $30,000 in cash to Deirdre.She expressed her immense gratitude, while the son felt slightly embarrassed and said, "You've helped my mom so much. Consider it a loan. There's no need for thanks. If you ever need more money in the future, you have my phone number. I have an extra $15,000 that I won't need for the next few years."Deirdre held back her tears as she accepted the money.After counting the exact amount with
The police officer rudely interrupted her, "What you did can't be considered a mere assault. It's attempted murder. And you did it in front of so many people. As for your claim that Ms. Collins injured your friend first, do you have any evidence?"Deirdre stammered, "N-No...""Well, there you have it. Our police force relies on evidence. Without any evidence, how can we believe your empty words?" The officer's words filled Deirdre with despair.Even if she had evidence, Emily had the power to erase it. As long as Emily insisted on her death, Deirdre wouldn't survive until dawn.After a while, Emily's lawyer finally arrived. Upon seeing Deirdre locked in the cell, the lawyer pushed up his glasses and said, "Ms. McKinnon, you have two options now. You can either be sentenced to prison for attempted murder, which, as a pregnant woman, would last until after the child is born, or... we can settle this privately."Deirdre was astonished, thinking she had misheard. "Settle privately?"
"Here's what I propose. I'll allow you to think it over for a day. I'll come back tomorrow at this time, and I hope you will give me an answer then."After saying that, he turned and left."No need," Deirdre called out to stop him, a cold smile playing on her lips. "No need. I can give you an answer now. I won't give her the $30,000. Let's go to court and send me to prison if you're willing."The lawyer couldn't believe it. He turned around and saw the determination on Deirdre's face, furrowing his brows instantly."Ms. McKinnon, I hope you don't come to such impulsive conclusions. Do you know what kind of outcome you'll face once the judgment is passed?""I know." Deirdre lowered her gaze. "It's precisely because I know I won't exchange someone else's life for my freedom. Whether it's three years, five years, or ten years, it doesn't matter how long you sentence me. If my child ends up in a welfare institution, so be it. But as long as I can get out, I'll exhaust all means to fin
"No..." Josie exclaimed urgently, desperation evident in her voice. "But I really need to discuss an extremely important matter with your CEO! It's a matter of life and death! I don't know what will happen if we delay any longer."The receptionist, skeptical of Josie's claim, replied with a polite smile, "Please leave. If you refuse to leave voluntarily, I'll have to call security."Josie had no choice but to step outside, her heart filled with anxiety and impatience. Just then, a car pulled up beside her, and a tall, muscular figure emerged. He was dressed in a sharp suit and had a cold demeanor that accentuated his striking handsomeness.Brendan, unaware of Josie's presence, continued walking. But she recognized him and hurriedly rushed towards him, calling out, "Mr. Brighthall! Mr. Brighthall!"His assistant, taken aback, quickly blocked her path. "What are you doing?""I need to talk to Mr. Brighthall. He knows me! It's a matter of life and death, Mr. Brighthall! I'm Josie Sch
"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