After ending the call, Frances approached from a distance. "I'll escort you, Ms. Collins."Emily nodded gracefully but suddenly came to a halt."What's wrong, Ms. Collins?" Frances inquired.Emily glanced behind her. "Where is the basement?""It's beneath the storeroom.""Take me there." Emily's red lips curled into a smirk. Proudly, she added, "It's been a while since I last saw Ms. McKinnon. I do miss her, so I might as well take this opportunity to meet her and catch up."Emily and Deirdre were enemies, so there was nothing to catch up on, but Emily's intentions were clear.Frances immediately grasped Emily's plan but didn't try to dissuade her. Instead, she enthusiastically led Emily to the storeroom.-Deirdre closed her eyes and leaned against the bed to rest when she heard a commotion from upstairs.Her eyes shot open. 'What time is it? Wasn't dinner just delivered? Did I fall asleep during my nap and wake up the next morning?'Deirdre's heart ached as she raised her
Yet, Emily did not expect that…"Emily, there should be a limit even to madness. How can you start dreaming when it is still early in the day?"The mocking look in Deirdre's eyes was unmistakable. "I know you met with Brendan. If you're incapable, you can leave in defeat like the coward you are. Yet, here you are, boasting."Emily's face turned pale instantly, overcome with both embarrassment and anger. "What did you say?""Am I wrong?" Deirdre, despite her disheveled state, held her chin high. "You're here to convince Brendan to release me, right? But you're flaunting your abilities, which means you've failed. Otherwise, I wouldn't still be here."Emily's gaze revealed her embarrassment. She hadn't expected Deirdre to be so perceptive, despite being held captive and appearing close to death.Emily clenched her teeth and remembered something, immediately sneering. "You're right about my failure. However, don't you find it even more pathetic, Deirdre?"Even when I begged Brendan
"Can't we change dates?" Brendan asked.Emily's voice carried a hint of disappointment. "Bren, I understand your concerns, but the fortune teller said that the 5th of next month is the only auspicious day for our wedding. If we miss it, we'll have to wait another two or three months. We only get married once in a lifetime, so I don't want to miss the opportunity to have a blessed wedding day."Brendan massaged his temples, his eyes showing signs of inner struggle. But in the next moment, he relented. "Alright."He no longer hesitated."Even if it coincides with her expected due date, our wedding is more important," Emily said, pleasantly surprised yet bashful. "Bren, you're so considerate. Let's go try on our wedding attire today while we have free time. If we delay it any longer, we might not make it in time.""Okay."Their voices faded, as if they had already left.-Deirdre lay on the bed, feeling warm yet suffocated. Despite her swollen abdomen, she couldn't shake off the c
The next morning, there was a commotion outside.Brendan got dressed, picked up Emily, and they headed to the wedding site together. This time, the wedding was being broadcast live by the media. It seemed like Frances had intentionally left the storeroom door open, as the sound from the TV echoed loudly. Even Deirdre, who was in the basement, could hear it clearly.Curled up, Deirdre listened to the media's well wishes for Brendan and Emily's marriage. Suddenly, she felt something was wrong. When she touched her stomach, her face turned pale with shock.Her water broke. Trembling, she made her way to the door. With each step, her stomach pain intensified. She didn't realize when her water had broken, but it had gone unnoticed at first."Frances! Frances!" Deirdre called out, enduring the intense pain. She held onto the railing, her body tensing from the agony."Frances!"The TV volume was loud, and Frances sat with her legs crossed, snacking on peanuts. No one knew whether she co
Deirdre gripped the railing tightly, her body filled with pain. She felt as if she were about to collapse. She had been making a fuss over nothing. From the moment she gave birth to the moment she opened her eyes, she hadn't known how big or heavy the child was, or even its gender. And now, in an instant, the baby had become Emily's child!"Call Emily its mother'? That's my child! My child. Without my permission, you can't do that!"Frances looked at Deirdre, who was sobbing uncontrollably, with a sarcastic expression. "Ms. McKinnon, it seems you still don't understand the situation. You were merely a means to give birth to the child. Did you think you would have any authority after that?"Mr. Brighthall has already forgotten about you. The child also likes Ms. Collins very much. The first time the child saw her, the child grabbed her collar and didn't let go. They're even planning to take the child on their honeymoon in a few days. No one will care about you, even if you die in the
"That's for the best." Emily squinted. "It'll be great if she can really become depressed and fall ill. Then, she will be so weak that I don't have to worry about her anymore."Frances forced a laugh. "Ms. Collins, you don't have anything to worry about. Deirdre is simply inferior to you in every way. If things go according to plan, you can definitely have the last laugh.""Really?" Emily secretly squeezed her palms tightly.Brendan stayed by her side only because he was hypnotized. Brendan's only child was the child he had with Deirdre. Everything she owned was like a piece of glass. If it fell off her hands, everything would break into pieces. Thus, she couldn't be at ease at all. Deirdre must die!"The drug I gave you, have you been administering it to Deirdre recently?"Frances nodded, and Emily smiled proudly."After Deirdre consumes the drug for another three days, she will die quietly in the basement after Brendan and I go on our honeymoon, and no one will be able to know
"When the news of your death is about to spread, Brendan will still be far away on the island. I chose that island specially as there is no signal there. That is to say, even if you were buried, Brendan would not know about it, nor would he come over, let alone come and see you."Deirdre's eyes widened, and her already pale face instantly turned ashen. Shock, disbelief, anger, and all kinds of emotions overwhelmed her heart."Yes." Emily only felt ecstatic. "Deirdre, I love your expression. I really like this expression. I didn't expect that I could see it once before you die."Deirdre tightly grasped the quilt with her fingers. Her body was already trembling, but she pretended to be calm. "Why should I believe you? You won't kill me. Ryker won't agree to you killing me. Brendan will never let you go!"Emily giggled. "Ryker? You actually think he's really saving you? He just wants to open the door on the second floor. Your fingerprint can unlock it, so why does he need you to live?
Leave her to rot? Was it just like what Emily had said? Even if Deirdre died there, Brendan wouldn't shed a single tear?People said that men were heartless. Even if he was hypnotized, Brendan was too cruel… As Deirdre fainted from the pain, she had to admit that what Emily had said was true.-Brendan and Emily left for their honeymoon trip before Deirdre woke up. By the time she woke up, everyone had left. Only she and Frances were left in the huge villa.Frances knew that Deirdre was going to die, so she didn't even pretend to be nice anymore. She just threw the rotten food in through the window and scattered it all over the floor."It's up to you whether you eat or not. You don't have long to live anyway." Frances propped up her arms. She was used to speaking humbly on usual days, but now she vented all her anger on Deirdre.Deirdre turned a deaf ear and just picked up the bowl. The smell made her frown and turn her head to retch.Frances smiled smugly and showed a look of g
"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