Brendan had always thought that Deirdre looked beautiful. He used to believe that he had this thought just because she looked like Charlene. Nevertheless, his thought remained unchanged even though Deirdre had been disfigured for a long time.Deirdre’s mouth was open, but she couldn’t say a single word. She only felt awkward. As she tried to change the topic, the child in her embrace began to cry, grabbing her collar without any intention of letting go.“What is it? Are you feeling uncomfortable?” Deirdre got nervous but she didn’t lose her cool. She patted the back of the child with one hand while touching the child’s forehead with the other.She did it in one go, and the little girl in her embrace stopped crying.Brendan felt rather dazzled while watching Deirdre. He inexplicably wondered how good it would be if this child was theirs!In that case, even if Deirdre learned about the death of her mother, she would live for the sake of the child. He wouldn’t allow her to suffer con
It was obvious that the man had been trying hard to be compensated because he could tell that Brendan was a rich guy.“40,000 dollars is indeed not a big deal,” Brendan said indifferently.The couple appeared to be excited while Brendan fixed his frigid eyes on them. He added in a condescending manner, “But I wouldn’t give it to people like you. Just report this to the police, or I’ll do it myself!”“On what grounds could you do it?!”Brendan took a step forward and replied in an intimidating manner, “You two are abusing your own daughter. This fact alone is more than enough to lock you up!”The man retreated upon seeing Brendan’s imposing manner. Only when the woman pushed him did he pluck up the courage to yell, “We are abusing our own daughter?”Deirdre had a sharp headache, which was only stimulated by the desperate cries of the child. When she heard the irresponsible remark of the man, she was so furious that her lips began trembling. She then reprimanded them. “Is it not ab
Dr. Ginger had a pair of sharp eyes. When he saw Brendan’s hands on the steering wheel and noticed that his sleeves were covered in blood, the doctor’s instinct propelled him to rush toward Brendan. He gasped when he saw bruises and bloody marks on his arms.“Did you smash something against your arms? Why are they full of bruises? D-Do you not want your hands anymore?”In the past, Dr. Ginger wouldn’t have had the courage to speak in this manner. But now that he was so furious and anxious, he ordered, “Go sit in the back. I’ll drive to the hospital. I don’t have any testing equipment here, so I can’t ensure that your bones will stay intact!”“NO—”“Just listen to Dr. Ginger,” Deirdre abruptly chimed in. Her eyes were slack, but she gradually tightened her fists in her sleeves. She couldn’t understand why Brendan had changed so much that he was unlike his normal self. Their priority, however, was to get Brendan to the hospital.She got into the passenger seat and said with downcast
How could she leave just like that?Brendan was so allergic that it had been difficult for him to breathe, a rash had appeared on his face, and he was still in excruciating pain. Yet, she hadn’t even stayed behind to see him?“Bren… are you alright? Just let Miss McKinnon go.” Charlene was excited that the two of them finally had time alone. She sat down beside Brendan. “It’s good that I can stay here with you.”Before Charlene could sit still, Brendan abruptly rose to his feet and pulled out the blood tube.“Bren! What are you doing?” Charlene panicked, but Brendan ignored her. His eyes were red as he desperately rushed out of the ward.He hurriedly stopped a taxi, wanting to go back to the mansion. Because he still felt the allergy symptoms, including an aching arm and breathing difficulty, he was even more furious.‘Deirdre, are you that cold-hearted? I have done so much for you, yet you weren’t touched at all?’…On the second floor of the mansion, Deirdre was in a daze whi
Back to the old days…Deirdre felt a sharp heartache, and tears welled up in her eyes. “We could never go back to the old days.”Although she said it with determination, she was absolutely touched.She would meet her mother again in nine days. And it might be good for her if they treated each other with respect, just like in the old days.It was pointless to torture each other. She thought it would be enough provided she could be emotionally detached from Brendan perpetually.Finally, she gave in.“Brendan, I don’t have anything to pursue in this life. The only thing I care about is my mother. As long as she is safe and sound and you keep your promise, I can, uh, try to go back to the old days.”She mustered up all her courage to say this, but the enthusiasm in Brendan’s eyes had gradually dissipated.As long as Ophelia was safe and sound?It was too late. Ophelia had already…Brendan suddenly felt inexplicable terror about the meeting between that woman and Deirdre in nine d
“No, of course not.” Brendan did his best to deny it. ‘Hate Charlene? That would be impossible, of course. Charlene is my savior, so I would never feel that way for her just because of that particular reason.’Charlene’s expression relaxed slightly when she noticed how determined Brendan was about denying it. She sat closer to him and said, “Why did you leave so suddenly then? Even if there is something important to do at the company, you still need to prioritize your health over anything else, okay?”“Hmm,” Brendan replied nonchalantly, yet his gaze was constantly sweeping over the shut door. Charlene took a glance at the door as well. She felt her heart racing but forced a chuckle. “What are you looking at… Brendan? Do you need something?”Brendan got straight to the point. “Where’s Deidre? Why hasn’t she returned after such a long time? Wasn’t she supposed to fetch me water?”Charlene’s smile froze on her face. “Ms. McKinnon… passed me the glass when she saw me. I suppose she
Brendan could not have forgotten about that, nor would he allow himself to. Charlene had risked her life to save him from the fire that year, so he owed his life to her. “I will honor my promise.” After a long while, Brendan’s gaze dimmed, and he said in a dreary tone, “However, now is not the time. Deirdre went to prison because of us and has not only lost her eyes but the person that she cares about the most, her mother. I must give her another reason to live.”He turned his flawless, gorgeous face to the side. His expression was overwhelmed with emotions. “I want to atone for the crime we committed in the past.”“Bu…” Charlene’s lips trembled, and her breathing quickened. ‘Atone for the crime we committed in the past?’ The remark sounded dignified and sensible, yet Charlene knew that Brendan would not have minded if he really did not care about Deirdre. ‘Does that mean that he has really fallen in love with her?’Her chest was boiling with uneasiness, and she clenched her t
On the other hand, he had compelled her to become so non-confrontational and submissive. Deirdre was about to say something when Dr. Ginger returned from outside. He was stunned for a moment when he found Brendan sitting on the sofa with the transfusion fluid in his hand. “Mr. Brighthall, weren’t you undergoing transfusion on the second floor? Why did you get downstairs so suddenly?”Then, he noticed the blood backflow in Brendan’s transfusion line and felt his heart racing. He ran over and said, “Why is there so much blood backflow in the transfusion line? You shouldn’t be tormenting yourself no matter how strong your body is. The back of your hand is really swollen, and the transfusion site is blocked. Don’t you want to get better?”Dr. Ginger was furious yet speechless, as he had never encountered a trouble-making patient like Brendan. In comparison, Deirdre was a much more obedient patient. “We’re going to set up the transfusion line on your other hand this time. However, don
"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