Moving aside the tightly sealed counter, an unexpected opening appeared before Deirdre. It was pitch black inside, hindering her vision. However, what startled her even more than the sight behind the counter was the fact that she had unlocked it with her own fingertips.It was a fingerprint lock. Yet, she had never registered her fingerprints or used fingerprint unlocking before. Deirdre felt immense surprise, her tightly clenched hand radiating warmth."Why?" she questioned with trembling lips. "Why can my fingerprint unlock it?"Brendan didn't answer but suddenly embraced her tightly, exerting strong force.Deirdre listened to his steady breathing and heartbeat, unable to fully comprehend the impact within her heart."When did it happen?" she asked.Brendan rubbed his chin against her forehead. "I forgot."Indeed, he had forgotten when this idea first occurred to him. Perhaps it happened one day when he saw the peacefully sleeping woman curled up on the sofa, thinking that som
Deirdre felt an instant chill throughout her body, rooted to the spot as a ray of light illuminated her face.Her face turned ghastly pale. "Frances, is that you?"Frances didn't immediately answer but surveyed her surroundings with the flashlight on her phone.Naturally, she was unaware of the hidden room beneath Deirdre's feet. All she could see with her naked eyes were the pitch-black walls that had never been renovated."Is this what Mr. Wight wanted? I expected some kind of spectacle or valuable treasures, but it seems there's nothing here after all."It was clear from Frances' tone that she had come to take something from Deirdre. She stared at her intently after finishing her sentence. "Did you take all the items?"You figured out the secret code to this place early on! Did you move everything in here beforehand?" Deirdre furrowed her eyebrows. "You could see me enter the study room from downstairs. If I had taken something, wouldn't you have noticed immediately?"Franc
'Explain?'Deirdre's heart raced as Brendan asked her to explain, even though he was the one who had opened the secret tunnel. Could it be that he had forgotten?A distressing thought crossed Deirdre's mind—she wouldn't be able to defend herself if that were the case!"I did enter the secret tunnel, but I didn't open it. I don't know the password," Deirdre said through her gritted teeth. "You were the one who opened it. You were drunk, so I went in to take a look. I didn't find or discover anything."Frances sniggered at her response. "Ms. McKinnon, who would believe you? Why would Mr. Brighthall open the secret tunnel in the study for no reason?"Frances continued defaming Deirdre, attempting to divert suspicion from herself. "I've noticed your sneaky behavior in the past, always visiting the study. Could it be that you opened the secret tunnel after Mr. Brighthall passed out from drinking, and now you're trying to blame him after being caught?"I refuse to believe that the tunn
Brendan sneered at Deirdre with contempt."A fingerprint lock?" He pushed her hand away. "Deirdre, if you want to lie, at least come up with a proper one. The secret tunnel existed when my father was alive, and the password hasn't been changed since. Are you telling me that it can be unlocked with just your fingerprint? Tell me, is it you who's lost your mind or my father who has lost his?"Deirdre tried to defend herself, but the words couldn't escape her mouth.It was because she found the idea absurd herself.How could the secret tunnel possibly be unlocked with just her fingerprint?Yet... the door had opened. It wasn't a dream."What's the matter? Can't come up with another lie?" Brendan stared intently at Deirdre, his gaze filled with annoyance and disappointment as she expressed her confusion."I always knew you were a rebellious woman. I kept giving you chances, hoping you would change your malicious ways and learn some propriety, especially now that you're becoming a mo
Deirdre struggled to remain calm despite Frances' scheming tone."Do you think I'm a fool, Frances? Do you believe I will reveal my only trump card to you?"It's simple. If you want the password, get Brendan to free me!""That would be impossible!" Frances responded immediately. "It's clear that Mr. Brighthall has made up his mind to keep you here until you die. No one can change his mind!"'Imprisoned until death, huh?'Despair filled Deirdre's heart. Brendan had been ruthless to her, and his mercilessness only grew after being hypnotized. He probably wouldn't even bother providing her with basic necessities if she wasn't carrying his baby."If that's the case, I won't even remember the password." Deirdre closed her eyes and said, "Unless...""Unless what?" Frances' eyes lit up with eagerness."Brendan goes to work at the company every day, right? You can let me out when he's not around so I can get some fresh air."She needed to return to the study to test if her fingerprint
Ryker stepped forward and leaned very close to Deirdre as if they were only separated by a railing. "Tell me first, what is the password?"Deirdre raised her head. Soon afterward, she lowered her body, opened the lid of the meal container, and began eating as if no one was around her. She needed adequate nutrition to sustain herself. Ryker did not rush her but waited for her patiently. When Deirdre was finally done eating, she wiped her mouth clean and said, "Ryker, you're an intelligent man. However, I'm not a fool either. How can I be sure you'll free me after I tell you the password?"My only trump card is the password. I'll share it with you after you let me out."Ryker was not surprised by her remark, but he found it amusing. "Ms. McKinnon, I understand your intention but don't forget about your current situation."I'm the only person who can help you, and your only option is to count on my help. Otherwise, you will be trapped in this boundless darkness until death."
"Why are you asking me to persuade Brendan to free Deirdre?" Emily looked at Ryker, her eyes filled with vigilance and displeasure. "Isn't it a good thing for us that the woman is imprisoned? Or do you feel pity for her? Can't you stand the thought of her being kept in a dark basement?"Ryker smirked and placed the newly-lit cigarette between his lips, giving Emily a meaningful look. "There's another reason, of course.""I don't believe that," Emily said, getting up and jabbing her hand at Ryker's chest. She spoke in a displeased tone, "Don't think I don't know what kind of person you are. I won't help without a proper reason."She was about to leave, but Ryker pulled her into his arms, seeking an intimate connection.After a while, Emily was breathing heavily.Ryker asked her, "What kind of person do you think I am? Since I have you, why would I be attracted to someone like her? Do you really think you're no match for Deirdre?"Emily felt offended. "How can that be possible!"R
Brendan sighed and rubbed his temples, unable to hide his disappointment. "It has been a long time since we last saw each other. You seem to be very busy," he said, masking his dejection.Emily smiled with pride, making excuses to reject Brendan's offers to meet up. She preferred to focus on her career in medical aesthetics rather than waste her time and effort on an incapable man."You know that my new company is growing, and I have to handle matters at Collins Pharmaceuticals. So, I don't have time for anything else," Emily replied softly. "Brendan, I want to work hard on my own to prove that I am worthy of being with you, not just someone who relies on your support, as others have suggested.""You're not someone who relies on me," Brendan said firmly. "It's only natural for me to help you because that's what we do in a relationship."Tears welled up in Emily's eyes. "But I can sense that many people around you have their opinions about me.""Who?" Brendan asked."Forget it," E
"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