Brendan's gaze turned deep and serene, his voice carrying the same emotions as always."Hmm," he replied, turning his head slightly. "It's good that you know."How could Deirdre not know? She knew all too well, which made her even more grateful to Brendan for keeping her grounded and preventing any illusions from taking hold.Once back home, she immersed herself in a soothing bath, letting go of all her exhaustion.In the following days, they led a calm life, barely exchanging more than a nod with each other.But on this particular day, they coincidentally bumped into each other while getting a meal. Mrs. Wanner, wearing a smile, took out two tickets from her bag and placed them in front of them.Brendan glanced at them sideways. "What's this?""My youngest son has a friend at the theater, and they've arranged a fantastic performance today," Mrs. Wanner explained, her gaze shifting between the two. "He specifically saved two tickets for me, but I'm not interested in those young
Since Brendan had agreed to go watch the play with her, it wasn't completely impossible, right?After giving it some thought, Deirdre decided to change into a different outfit. Due to her pregnancy, she couldn't wear tight clothes anymore. She put on a fitting black dress and draped a white shawl over her shoulders.Carefully considering her appearance, she pinned up her hair and applied a faint trace of red lipstick to her lips. It wasn't a date, but she was dressing up seriously.As Deirdre descended the stairs, Mrs. Wanner couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. "Ms. McKinnon, you look so beautiful! Why don't you try your luck in the entertainment industry? With your face, you're bound to make a name for yourself and have influence. Will you still need to worry about Ms. Collins by that time?""I'm already 27. The prime time for women in the entertainment industry coincidentally ends with me." Deirdre chuckled.Mrs. Wanner shook her head with regret. "When you were in your ear
Deirdre raised her head and saw the towering building in front of her, its magnificence evident despite the lack of clear visibility.The assistant stepped out of the car and reminded her, "Ms. McKinnon, do you mind waiting in the car? I'll go upstairs and check if the meeting has ended. Mr. Brighthall doesn't like to be disturbed during meetings, so his phone is unreachable."Deirdre nodded as the assistant headed upstairs. Soon, she heard the sound of the door opening.Brendan approached, his figure close enough to catch her attention, along with a subtle fragrance. He paused for a moment upon seeing the well-dressed Deirdre before getting into the car, keeping his distance."Wearing makeup?" Brendan inquired."I thought going to the theater required some attention to appearance, so I dressed up accordingly," Deirdre explained."Indeed," Brendan commented casually. "Your makeup seems rushed, with no eyebrows drawn and only remnants of lipstick on your lips."Deirdre instinctiv
"A blind woman?" The man paused, feeling a tinge of pity. However, as he closely observed Deirdre's face, he realized that she was even more stunning up close than from a distance, and he became even more captivated."So, where do you stay? I can come to find you. Since your eyesight is inconvenient, there must be many places you can't go. I know a lot of people and can take you to many places!" he persisted."I'm sorry, but I prefer staying at home. If there's nothing else, please be quiet. I want to rest," Deirdre politely rejected him.The man sneered at Deirdre, finding it strange that a blind woman would act so aloof. He might not even consider himself worthy of her if her eyesight were intact. But as a blind woman, with his wealth, he had more than enough to offer. Perhaps this woman was playing hard to get."You want to rest? It's not suitable to sit here. The air conditioning will give you a headache. I'll ask my friend to take you to the employee lounge to rest. What do
The theater owner's face contorted with disdain as he spoke to Brendan. "Mr. Brighthall, pay no attention to this nobody's words. I've never met this gentleman before, so why would I let him call the shots in my theater?"The owner's displeasure was evident, as he valued his reputation and wouldn't tolerate anyone trying to take advantage of him."Is that so?" Brendan pretended to be unaware, fully aware of the truth. "So, everything he said about you bowing down to his commands was a lie?"The owner's gaze turned sharp instantly, his neck turning as red as a beet, a mix of fear and dread."No... No..." The man's voice trembled with fear. "I never said such things!""Oh?" Brendan raised an eyebrow. "Are you accusing me of defaming you?"The man's legs gave way in an instant, and despair consumed him."No... I didn't... It's..."Realizing his mistake, he forcefully slapped himself in the face, disregarding the bewildered onlookers. The slaps echoed loudly, leaving red marks on h
"Can't you speak for yourself? Don't you know how to decline when someone tries to strike up a conversation with you?" Brendan's unreasonable blaming made Deirdre laugh in frustration."How would you know I didn't decline when you weren't around? Could it be that I am only regarded as declining him by shouting loudly for him to bugger off?" She smirked, anger evident in her voice. "If that's the case, you'd probably blame me for making a scene and embarrassing you, right?"Brendan frowned. "You berated me so much just for making a comment about you."Deirdre gnashed her teeth. "If I were to slander you and claim that you refuse to reject other women, would you be pleased?"Brendan's gaze dimmed, and he turned his head to the side. Deirdre was surprised by Brendan's lack of obsession over the details, realizing the situation. She gave him a strange glance."Brendan, are you... jealous?"Brendan took a cold, sidelong glance at her. "Dream on."Deirdre realized she may have overtho
"Stop joking around. The cast of the musical is trained professionals, and this is their first show. I'm sure they can't change the story as they please, so it can't be strange."The woman nodded, relieved. "You're right. I must be overthinking it.""Yes, you're definitely overthinking it."With that, they finished washing their hands and left without dwelling on the matter.Deirdre couldn't shake off the thoughts about the musical performance as she sat on the toilet. If she had to pinpoint something strange, it would be the supporting actress. The character seemed to undergo a drastic change midway through the musical. Rubbing her face, she stood up and exited the washroom.Brendan was smoking nearby. He extinguished the cigarette and dispersed the smoke upon seeing Deirdre."Let's go," he said.Deirdre followed Brendan, and he drove as they got into the car. With his assistant gone, Deirdre naturally took the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Just as she did, she aske
"What did both of you do?"Deirdre opened her mouth, but Brendan, concerned that she might say something that would cause Emily to misunderstand, took the lead and spoke instead."It's nothing much," Brendan's expression was cold. "We went for a prenatal checkup.""Prenatal checkup?" Emily's expression relaxed.Deirdre sneered to herself, thinking Brendan's made-up excuse was flawless."So, it turns out you accompanied Ms. McKinnon for her prenatal checkup, huh? Ms. McKinnon's health is not doing so well, so she needs a proper checkup indeed."Brendan nodded, his voice turning slightly gentle. "The weather is so cold today. Why did you come?"Emily lowered her head shyly. "I missed you. You haven't had time to meet me alone because you're so busy with work. I'm worried that it has been too long... and you've forgotten about me.""That would be impossible," Brendan said firmly, his expression becoming serious. "I won't forget about you."He spoke with such seriousness that his
"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