It was all related to Ophelia. Brendan had known how important Ophelia was to Deirdre for a long time. Ophelia had been sick because of Deirdre, so she had carried the heavy burden of raising Deirdre by herself. She had refused to marry again and taken three laborious jobs to make a living. Deirdre had once whispered to him, “Brendan, you’re the second most important person in my life.”He had been agitated at the time and he had humored her by asking with a cold face, “Who’s the most important person then?”“My mother!” Her tiny face had blushed scarlet because she had misunderstood his reaction for jealousy. She had explained herself in a panic, “Don’t misunderstand.”“What’s there for me to misunderstand?”Deirdre had chuckled before falling silent. “She has experienced way too many hardships for me, so I would die willingly for her if it meant that she’d get to live to see another day.”Deirdre had assumed that she was the happiest girl in the world at the time. She had
“I won’t…” Deirdre’s hand was swollen from the hit. She pulled back her hand and held it with her other hand as she said in an airy voice, “I want to live because I will only meet my mother by staying alive.”Brendan’s expression was tainted with sternness when he heard that. He removed the tie that he had been attempting to tie around his neck but had failed due to agitation. He grabbed Deirdre’s hand and stuffed the tie into her fingers. “Fasten the tie for me!”Deirdre reacted when her hands felt the tie. It had already been a very long time since she had done this, but her movements were still extremely skillful. It was because she used to practice every day in the past so she could perform her duty as Mrs. Brighthall. Brendan was completely unaware of that. The reason he made Deirdre fasten the tie was to change the topic of conversation, but he felt infuriated by the sight of Deirdre being so skillful with the tie. “I suppose Sterling frequently taught you how to fasten
She could no longer care and she did not have the mental capacity to let herself be distracted by that incident. All she wanted was to meet her mother. “Nothing happened, really. The idea occurred to me all of a sudden…”Before she could finish her sentence, Brendan grabbed her face, exuding displeasure with his overbearing presence. “Deirdre, are you aware that I can see that you’re lying every time you do it? You’re really disobedient, which makes me think that you just don’t want to meet Ophelia again!”Deirdre felt her heart racing, and all the blood drained from her face instantly. In the end, she bit her lower lip tightly and said, “Brendan, would you believe me if I told you the truth?”Brendan furrowed his eyebrows subconsciously when he heard her reply. “What kind of trick do you have up your sleeve again? If you’re telling the truth, why wouldn’t I believe you?”“It was Charlene.”Deirdre could feel the coldness emanating from Brendan’s body when she uttered that nam
“How did that happen…” Charlene bit her lower lip, feeling scared out of her wits. She asked in a flurry, “What happened afterward? Is Ms. McKinnon alright? She’s too foolish. Why would she commit suicide because of this?”“She was saved in the end.”“Great then.” Charlene felt relieved. She remembered something that made her face turn paler and she looked at Brendan incredulously. “Brendan, you’re here to tell me about Ms. McKinnon’s suicide attempt… What are you implying? You also asked about my whereabouts yesterday. Could you be suspecting me of exposing the secret?”Brendan did not answer, but Charlene’s eyes reddened with tears instantly. “Did Ms. McKinnon tell you that I told her the secret?”“No.” Brendan frowned deeply, and his voice sounded agitated. “I was only asking casually.”Tears were falling from Charlene’s eyes. “You don’t have to put in a good word for Ms. McKinnon. Why would you associate the incident with me if she hadn’t mentioned it? Besides, Brendan, you’re
’She just won’t give up on her sinister, malicious nature. I was wrong too for actually believing her and questioning Charlene.’Brendan downed glass by glass of alcohol with a cold expression. A beautiful woman approached him from the side with a seductive gaze. “Are you here alone, handsome?”“Leave.” Brendan did not even bother taking one glance at her.It was inevitable that she’d be infuriated. “You think you’re better just because you’re good-looking…”She left furiously. Sawyer stepped forward when he checked and realized it was time. “Mr. Brighthall, are we leaving?”“And going where?” Brendan pointed at the seat next to him. “Come and drink with me.”Sawyer could tell that Brendan was in a very bad mood because he was drinking constantly, but he still declined Brendan’s offer. “Mr. Brighthall, I’m driving.”Brendan did not try to convince Sawyer to drink but he kept drinking more and more. After a few bottles, his expression changed at last and his gaze began to appea
Feeling rage surging into his head, he said while he stared at her with cold eyes, “Are you only going to take action when you’re urged by someone? Don’t forget that you still need something from me, so you should consider pleasing me your utmost priority!”Deirdre was stunned by the unexpected anger. “What would you like me to do then?”“Why are you asking me what to do? What did you do in the past when I was drunk?”Deirdre understood the situation instantly. She took a deep breath and stretched out her hand before placing her fingertip on Brendan’s thin lips. Her fingertip glided down his chiseled jawline to his neck before she removed his tie. Brendan’s breathing sounded substantially smoother when Deirdre unbuttoned his shirt. Then, she took a step forward, placed her fingers on his temples, and massaged his temples gently to relieve the headache caused by the drinking. Brendan did not shut his eyes as he had in the past but he looked up and focused his gaze on the woman, s
“I… I have nothing else to say.” The corner of her lips twitched, and she felt bitterness in her chest. “Do you have nothing else to say, or are you incapable of keeping up your lowly lie because you’ve been caught?” Brendan asked closely. “Speak! Who told you that Ophelia died the other day?”‘Since it was not Charlene, it must have been someone else. On the other hand, that person keeps finding ways to circumvent the surveillance devices just to meet Deirdre and make her waver…’An idea occurred to Brendan unexpectedly. He looked at Deirdre with his icy gaze, got up, and grabbed her shoulder. “It was Sterling, right? Is he back to stirring trouble on purpose?”“What are you talking about?” Deirdre’s face was furrowed in agony. “How is this related to Sterling?”“If it wasn’t him, why would you be covering up for that person by blaming Charlene?”The more Brendan thought about it, the more sense it made. ‘Sterling is living in another city, so he could still slip into the city
Her unfocused eyes widened in surprise and joy. ‘The police are actually at the door, mentioning Ophelia’s name. Could this have been arranged by Brendan? Is he taking me to meet Ophelia?’Deirdre’s smile grew wider without her noticing, and she took a step forward. “Are you the police? Is my mother here? Where is she?”“Ms. McKinnon!” Sam’s expression changed drastically, and his hand, which was clutching Deirdre’s shoulder, shook once without him noticing. He pulled her back strongly and said, “You should go inside!”Deirdre’s smile was half-frozen on her face, and she refused to leave stubbornly. “What’s going on? Sam, it’s not easy for me to acquire information related to my mother. This is a good thing. Why are you asking me to leave?”Sam could not explain why, but he could feel that something really bad was about to happen. Especially since the matter involved Ophelia. Deirdre had attempted to commit suicide because of Ophelia, and the police was suddenly visiting her less
"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