In an instant, Brendan stabbed the fruit knife toward his arm without hesitation, feeling a sudden pain that brought him back to his senses. Clenching the knife tightly and gritting his teeth, he stumbled toward the bathroom.Unable to see the blood but catching its scent, Deirdre refrained from touching Brendan and gritted her teeth, hastily leaving the room.Downstairs, Frances was still tidying up. Holding her breath, Deirdre urged, "Call the doctor! Tell him to come right away!"Knowing that Brendan had his own family doctor, Frances agreed, but when she picked up the phone, she hesitated and ended up calling Ryker instead."Deirdre wants to call the family doctor?" Ryker feigned ignorance and asked, "What happened?"Frances explained, "Ms. McKinnon was in Mr. Brighthall's room, and then Mr. Brighthall went in. Afterward, Ms. McKinnon rushed out to call the family doctor.""I understand," Ryker replied.Confused by his response, Frances asked, "Mr. Wight, should I call the d
The current Deirdre was the piece of meat that Brendan could feast on. Even if Deirdre's protruding abdomen trembled violently as if it couldn't withstand any torture… Brendan's eyes were red, and he lost his mind and bent down.Desperate, Deirdre searched for something at the top of her head. Upon finding the object, she hesitated for only two seconds before hurling it at Brendan's neck. With a loud thud, Brendan fell headfirst onto her body and toppled sideways.Instinctively, Deirdre supported his head, but the blood on her hand pushed her emotions to the brink. With red eyes and gritted teeth, she rose from the ground, turned off the water, and reached for a bathrobe.As she touched the unconscious man on the ground again, his body still radiated intense heat. The moment her hand made contact, it scalded her. Deirdre's hatred for Ryker intensified.But what surprised her even more was...Deirdre's gaze landed on a certain place, causing her to feel awkward. After struggling fo
The family doctor went upstairs, followed by Frances, but Deirdre stopped her. "You don't need to come up! Just wait downstairs.""Ms. McKinnon, since your eyesight is not good and the doctor needs to take care of Mr. Brighthall, I can be of great help by staying by your side," Frances offered.Deirdre was aware of Frances' potential assistance, but Brendan's unique condition made her cautious. Frances could be a spy for Ryker, so Deirdre couldn't reveal the truth."It's not a big issue. I'll manage alone in the room. You can go downstairs and make some tea. I'll come down and have it later," Deirdre replied firmly.With that, Deirdre entered the room with the family doctor and closed the door.The family doctor was stunned when he saw Brendan lying unconscious on the carpet, blood on the back of his neck."He was drugged! I'm pregnant, and if I didn't knock him out, something bad would have happened!" Deirdre explained.The family doctor snapped out of his daze, realizing that
"Mhmm." Deirdre replied quickly, "He's much better now. The fever has subsided.""That's good," said the family doctor, pointing to the prescription. "I've prescribed some medicine for Mr. Brighthall. Boil it for him tomorrow morning. As for the wounds on his arm and the back of his neck, I'll come by later to re-dress them.""Alright, thank you," nodded Deirdre.The family doctor didn't linger for long as it was late and quickly left with his medicinal kit.Before heading back upstairs to her room, Deirdre instructed Frances.Closing the door behind her, she felt an intense ache in her lower back, making it difficult to stand up straight. Her face displayed a complex expression as certain images flashed through her mind—shame and uneasiness made it hard for her to lift her head.Fortunately, today's incident had finally come to an end. Deirdre cleaned herself up in the bathroom and lay in bed, contemplating how she would explain everything to Brendan the next day.However, Bren
"I admit I didn't consider that aspect thoroughly," Ryker replied casually as if the idea had occurred to him on a whim. "It was sudden, and I thought it would be the most convenient and efficient way, so I acted impulsively."Deirdre didn't look pleased. "Even if it was impulsive, you're still a doctor.""Yes, that's why I'll wholeheartedly face this collaboration with Ms. McKinnon," Ryker said sincerely. "For instance, I'll answer one question for you."Deirdre held her breath. The truth was within reach now."I believe you have many questions in your mind. I can give you an opportunity to have your doubts answered." Ryker smiled with interest.Deirdre clenched her palm. The answer seemed urgent, but she hesitated."I'll give you one chance, Ms. McKinnon. But certain private and confidential topics won't be disclosed," Ryker warned.Deirdre's gaze darkened. "You said you want something from Brendan, but I've never heard of your group. You're not from Neve, right? Where are you
Deirdre took a deep breath and held her head high with effort. "Isn't this normal? Ever since I married Brendan, I've been nothing but a joke. He doesn't love me. He sees me as a substitute, and maybe we developed genuine feelings along the way, but—""But he has forgotten about that connection," Ryker replied, smiling.Deirdre clenched her fists. "Yes.""I never expected your emotions to be so turbulent. I apologize. I didn't intend for it to be this way. Alas, to achieve my goals, I must proceed like this," Ryker said, showing no remorse.Deirdre lowered her head. "You don't have to make yourself sound righteous. And even if you did, what can I do to you, especially when you specifically aimed to destroy this relationship?""It's not the same," Ryker said firmly. "Deep down, I genuinely respect you. In fact, this is also a good thing for you. After all, Brendan is not worthy of you."The last sentence left Deirdre stunned. Brendan was not worthy of her?She couldn't understand
It was difficult to imagine that a study, typically lacking heavy security, could hide a secret passage. Deirdre couldn't help but wonder what could be concealed within and what the intentions were. Her curiosity was genuine.If Brendan weren't currently hypnotized, she would have wanted to discuss the secret passage with him and devise countermeasures to catch Ryker off guard. The thought crossed her mind, causing a momentary hesitation.Considering Brendan's reaction yesterday, perhaps he wasn't truly hypnotized after all. The possibility excited her, causing her hands to tremble.Suddenly, a voice echoed from the entrance, startling Deirdre. She had been facing the hidden password lock behind the wallpaper, but fortunately, she was no longer touching it. She swiftly turned around to face Brendan, who approached her suspiciously."Why are you in my study?" Brendan's voice carried a note of caution, and Deirdre nervously moistened her lips, quickly coming up with an excuse."I wa
Deirdre's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Meaning? Exactly! If Emily hadn't underestimated you, there would be no reason for you to bring me here and protect me. Just this alone, can't it prove that you weren't hypnotized? Brendan, how much longer do you plan to deceive me? Do you really see me as that fragile, that helpless, in need of your protection?"Confusion crossed Brendan's face as he shrugged off Deirdre's outstretched hand."Deirdre, even if you're going crazy, there should be a limit. If you keep saying things I don't understand, then leave this villa and go to the hospital!"Deirdre was momentarily stunned. "Last night... Last night, you—""Last night? What happened last night?" Brendan interrupted, puzzled.Deirdre froze upon hearing Brendan's question."Last night, I clearly went to sleep early. Are you referring to the injuries on my arm and the back of my head? Weren't they from my fall? Did you cause them?"After Brendan finished speaking, he fell silent for two