The assistant's voice was hoarse as she gently reminded Brendan, "Mr. Brighthall, it's time. The car is waiting outside the door. We need to take her to the crematorium now."Brendan's eyes flickered with emotions as he approached the coffin and gently uncovered the white cloth draped over the ice casket. Inside, the woman lay peacefully, her face pale. If it weren't for the absence of vital signs, one might mistake her for being alive."The burial is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. We should leave now," the assistant urged. "Since you feel indebted to Ms. McKinnon, let's prioritize honoring her and ensure that she receives the farewell she deserves by adhering to the optimal timing, allowing her spirit to find peace.""I understand," Brendan replied.He reached out his hand, attempting to touch her through an invisible barrier. In the next instant, his body convulsed with coughs, and he struggled to catch his breath. Blood trickled from his nostrils, thick and sticky. He tried to conceal
Brendan was abruptly interrupted by a voice, causing him to turn around and find Sam standing there, his eyes bloodshot and his face filled with intense emotions."I'll take care of Ms. McKinnon's body," Sam said firmly.The assistant frowned upon seeing Sam. "Sam, weren't you in the neighboring city? Mr. Brighthall said you couldn't come without his orders. How did you—""I'm here to send off Ms. McKinnon. Can't I do that?" Sam interrupted her.The assistant glanced at Brendan, who showed no reaction. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Yes..."Sam locked eyes with Brendan. "I will handle Ms. McKinnon's body. I'll personally place her on the cart and take her to the crematorium. You don't have to worry. I don't want you to feel guilty for touching Ms. McKinnon's body and blaming her for it."The assistant couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Sam, have you lost your mind? How can you speak to Mr. Brighthall like this?"Brendan gestured to stop the assistant, but he maintained a calm ga
In the end, Sam carried Deirdre's lifeless body inside the crematorium. The assistant entered and then halfway out, her face filled with grief. "Mr. Brighthall, Ms. McKinnon has entered."Brendan seemed to have just realized it and followed inside, his dark eyes reflecting the blaze of the fire. Suddenly, he turned and walked away."Mr. Brighthall!""Bring back her ashes!"Soon, the assistant departed with the ashes. -Meanwhile, in another corner of the crematorium.Deirdre coughed and regained consciousness. Her body still felt numb and freezing. She looked up and said, "Sterling, Sam."Sam's eyes were red-rimmed."It's all over now. No one in this world will hurt you anymore. You are free," Sterling comforted her."Thank you."Deirdre lowered her gaze.Her surgery had been successful, and after a day and a night of arduous efforts, her life had been saved. However, the toxins in her body hadn't been completely eliminated.Deirdre had come up with a permanent solution
Deirdre must not be allowed to return alive!Emily dialed a phone number, her eyes filled with malice, and gave her instructions. "Handle this matter discreetly, ensuring that no one discovers it, especially Ryker Wight."That lunatic... He had personally unearthed Deirdre's grave, attempting to prove that she hadn't died. Over the past four years, he had become increasingly insane, so it wouldn't be surprising if news of Deirdre's survival had reached him.As Emily pondered this in her heart, she heard a shattering sound. She quickly turned and saw a 4-year-old boy standing at the door, carrying a backpack and stepping on broken fragments.Emily breathed a sigh of relief. "Sean, why did you come back home so early today?"The boy's appearance resembled a combination of Brendan and Deirdre, with similar eyebrows, eyes, and nose. Because of his young age, he looked like a fragile paper doll, but his eyes seemed hollow.He remained silent, but Emily wasn't bothered by it.The boy
As Emily spoke, Brendan's guilt became even more evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, his gaze lowered. "Because of me, I couldn't make you a real mother.""Don't say that, Brendan." Emily's sad expression suddenly shifted, and she comforted him instead. "I love you, and choosing to be with you is a decision I wholeheartedly embraced."Brendan nodded. "I'm glad you understand me. If anything comes up with Sean, you can always let me know. If he doesn't listen to you, I'll make sure to handle it appropriately."Alright, I hope it becomes easier for you."Brendan patted Emily's shoulder and headed toward the study.Emily looked up and couldn't help but speak, "Brendan."Brendan paused. "What's wrong?"Emily forced a smile. "It's nothing..."She was genuinely curious. Had Brendan not heard any news about Deirdre? Or had Ryker's hypnosis gradually made him forget about her existence?"I just wanted to ask if you noticed anything on your way back," Emily asked."What happene
"Carry Tilly while I take these things into the villa and put away anything that could easily harm Tilly," Sterling said as he playfully pinched the little girl's cheek after he got out of the car.Tilly's eyes gleamed as she held out a gift for Sterling. He couldn't help but laugh and accept it. "So much drool," he remarked.Deirdre wiped the drool off Tilly's chin. "Go ahead. I'll wait here for you.""Okay," Sterling answered.Carrying the suitcase, Sterling entered the villa while Deirdre looked around at the beautiful surroundings. It wasn't much different from the environment back in Germia. It seemed Tilly would adapt well to this place.Sterling was always attentive to details. After a while, Tilly, who had been well-behaved in his arms, tried to get down. Deirdre had to put her on a nearby park bench and remind her not to climb around.Tilly nodded vigorously, and as soon as Deirdre let go, she crawled forward with her head tilted.Coincidentally, it was a green area, an
"How did you get here? I came out of the house and couldn't find you and Tilly. I thought—" Sterling glanced around and spotted Sean hiding behind Deirdre. He was momentarily stunned and asked, "Who is he?"Deirdre exchanged a look with Sterling. "Is the house ready? Take Tilly inside first."Even though Sterling had no idea what was happening, he nodded and carried Tilly into the villa. The group entered the house.During their entry, Deirdre couldn't help but observe Sean. His face seemed oddly familiar, though she couldn't pinpoint why...She noticed that his gaze lacked the usual naivety for someone his age. Instead, he appeared delicate, like a fragile marionette. He showed no opinion and displayed no fear toward strangers. All he seemed to care about was the puppy in his arms.Deirdre felt pity for him, so she held his hand and said, "I'll give you a shower first while Uncle Sterling prepares a meal. You can eat after you've showered."Sean allowed himself to be led by her.
Sterling agreed silently, as the baby's gender had already been determined and couldn't change after birth."I must be overthinking then. However, it is quite a coincidence that you encountered the child," Sterling remarked, casting a sympathetic look toward Sean.She approached Sean and asked, "What's going on? Are you finished with your bath?"Sean nodded, his gaze fixed on the puppy without blinking. He was too shy to leave the bathroom, so he hid behind a door, exposing only his eyes.Deirdre quickly understood the situation and found it amusing. "Sterling, do you have a smaller shirt?"Sterling acted swiftly and found a shirt that no longer fit him. However, when Sean put it on, it was still oversized and trailed on the floor, making it inconvenient for him to walk.Deirdre resorted to trimming the shirt to a suitable length with scissors.Once freed, Sean immediately ran toward the puppy. However, he still refused to talk and remained guarded against the world.Realizing