"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
"You can be rest assured about this, Ms. McKinnon." Emily said calmly, "I've already made arrangements for a female caregiver who will take care of your diet and daily routines, and she is meticulous in every way. Ryker here will take care of your health and nutrition so that you can stay healthy to give birth to the child."Deirdre clenched her fists tightly. 'A female caregiver who will take care of my diet and daily routine?'"It's fine. I already have Mrs. Wanner—""Oh, right." Emily interrupted Deirdre and said with her head raised in a regretful tone, "Brendan, I've almost forgotten to tell you this. Mrs. Wanner's youngest son has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, and her eldest son is facing bankruptcy of his company. She is so busy and badly battered from dealing with these matters that she won't be returning."Mrs. Wanner packed up her things this afternoon and headed to the hospital to take care of her youngest son. I'm afraid that… she won't be able to care for
Emily's face flashed with a shy, angry look. She turned away and grunted, "Jealous? You've overestimated yourself. How could I possibly be jealous?""Is that so?" Ryker smirked, staring at her. Taking his time, he said, "I sense someone's jealousy toward Deirdre. Could it be that you fear she'll steal my heart, just like she stole Brendan's?""You—"Before Emily could vent her anger, Ryker leaned over and kissed her passionately. His technique was exquisite, leaving Emily unable to resist, only clutching his shirt in arousal and breathing heavily.After satisfying Emily with his actions, Ryker dressed and handed her a tissue to clean up. He reassured her, saying, "Don't worry. How could Deirdre ever compare to you? I'm already head over heels for you, so why would I care about a pregnant woman who doesn't even wear makeup?"Emily had her doubts. "Really? Then why did you suddenly suggest switching caregivers and offer to take care of me instead?"Ryker caressed her hair and expla
"You're putting yourself in a dangerous situation if you choose to keep him in the villa. Don't forget that it was him who took me to your engagement party with Emily!"Brendan narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with contempt as he nonchalantly addressed Deirdre, "So, are you suggesting that you have a close relationship with him, and I should be wary?"Deirdre felt stunned by Brendan's words.He leaned in, his dark eyes fixed on her as if trying to peer into her soul. "It's naïve of you to think that way."Brendan continued, his voice filled with scorn. "Ryker is the president of a publicly-held pharmaceutical company. Why would he be interested in a blind and pregnant woman like you?"Embarrassment washed over Deirdre as Brendan insulted her. She braced herself, ready to endure his words, and mustered the courage to speak up. "Yes, he might not be interested in me, but what about our child?"Deirdre noticed Brendan's irregular breathing, a sign that he still cared about the chi
Brendan, true to his nature of keeping promises, had made Deirdre believe that he would uphold his commitment to not allow Ryker into the villa. Deirdre's belief turned out to be correct. Brendan calmly stated, "After careful consideration last night, I realized that it would be a waste of your colleague's talents to solely care for Deirdre. Someone as brilliant as him should be out there exploring the vast world rather than confined to a small home."I will find a suitable caregiver to take care of Deirdre, so Mr. Wight won't be burdened anymore."Deirdre felt a sense of relief while Emily was taken aback.Emily expressed her surprise and probed, "Brendan, didn't we have a good conversation last night? You promised me that my colleague could take care of Ms. McKinnon. Why are you suddenly changing your mind? Did someone else influence you last night?"Brendan remained stoic, not answering immediately, but Emily quickly grasped the situation. She grew furious.It seemed that Dei
"Indulged in wishful thinking?" Deirdre felt slightly dizzy from the anger. "You're a disgrace!"Brendan turned his head to glance at her in contempt and spoke nonchalantly. "Disgrace? Don't blame me. You seemed to have had a good time last night too, right?"Deirdre gritted her teeth and angrily threw the pillow on the floor. She vowed never to believe Brendan again, not a single word.The incident took her by surprise because she had always believed that Brendan would never break his promises. This was completely out of character for him.She had underestimated Emily's influence on Brendan, and that realization hit her hard.Later that day, Deirdre met the female caregiver arranged by Emily. A young and agile caregiver, Frances Ramos entered the house respectfully and introduced herself.Brendan was pleased with Frances and instructed her to take good care of Deirdre's diet and daily routine. But Deirdre felt uneasy hearing this and abruptly left the room.Brendan closed his d
Despite Deirdre's refusal to believe it, Ryker remained firm in his stance. He insisted that she comply with him, or else he would take it out on Brendan."Alright." Deirdre nodded slowly, realizing she had no better choice at this point. She knew Ryker couldn't hypnotize her.As they headed out, Ryker handed her a jacket, draping it over her shoulders. Deirdre felt uneasy with his action, as it breached the safe distance two strangers would maintain."I'll do it myself," she said, putting on the jacket and walking along the roadside.Ryker casually remarked, "Ms. McKinnon, you don't need to be on guard with me. Your mother and I are partners, and I promised to treat you well. So, we're friends."Deirdre's gaze momentarily became distracted at the mention of her mother. She found Ryker cruel whenever he brought up Ophelia."There's no need for you to mention her to get close to me. My mother and I are no longer on the same path."Ryker seemed incredulous. "Ms. McKinnon, your mot