“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
The man was so strong that she was actually incapable of budging when his arms were wrapped around her slender waist. Deirdre turned her head to the side and said, “Let go of me.”“Answer me first.” Brendan’s gaze was blazing hot. Their relationship had not progressed any further in the past few days no matter how intimate their interactions had been. ‘Is her heart still invested in Sterling? Is she having such a hard time getting over him?’Deirdre took a deep breath. She did not want to resist but she felt her body trying to escape instinctively and she had no control over it. “I don’t know.”“Let me guess.” Brendan’s gaze locked on Deirdre’s face. “Is it because of Charlene or Sterling? Or is it because of the child?”Deirdre’s pupils constricted instinctively at the mention of the child, and Brendan frowned when he noticed that. He was referring to the child in the car, but it was apparent that Deirdre had something else on her mind considering her reaction. It seemed tha
Brendan asked, but there was no response from Deirdre. He figured out that Deirdre was still awake, so he leaned next to her ear and whispered, “It was my fault for disappointing you in the past, Deirdre. I ruined your life and everything in it. If I could do it over, I’d want to keep the child and ask you to stay. However, I can’t turn back time, so please give me a chance to atone. If you still want to leave after meeting Ophelia, I’ll grant you the freedom to do so.”Upon saying that, he tucked Deirdre under the blanket and left. Deirdre opened her eyes and listened to her violent yet loud heartbeat. …The next morning, Brendan received some information from the company. One of the tourism development projects was facing some issues, and Brendan was needed urgently there to connect with the collaborators. The trip could take a week or five days at the very least. Brendan was well aware that Deirdre’s heart was already wavering, and it would be best to continue his victorio
Brendan loosened his grip, his expression puzzled. “What’s going on?”Deirdre took a deep breath. “Don’t you see it? I don’t enjoy being in public anymore. Walk a mile in my shoes. If you were me, would you still want to go out so you could be ridiculed by others? Even though I’m used to it, I still won’t put myself on the spot willingly.”Deirdre not only stunned herself when she made the remark, but she wondered if she had lost her mind. ‘How dare I tell Brendan my innermost thoughts and resist him? He has always wanted me to be obedient and submissive.’Only that way would he not take away the person that she cared about the most, Ophelia. Just as expected, the surrounding ambiance turned oppressive and dull abruptly. Deirdre’s face turned slightly pale, and she was about to explain herself when Brendan said, “Understood.”He added, “I’m sorry for not understanding the situation from your point of view earlier. You are right. They won’t say it to my face, but they will inevi
When the woman was done speaking, she went straight to the bathroom. The staff member let out a cough after noticing that Deirdre was still sitting in the same spot absentmindedly. She said, “Miss, since you’re working for Mr. Brighthall, it means that you’re no fool. You should understand the situation and leave. There’s a sofa in the lobby outside, and when it’s over, Mr. Brighthall will let you back in the room.”‘Understand what?‘Understand that Brendan has taken a fancy to a woman and that they’re going to carry out a transaction?’Deirdre felt nauseous, and her entire body felt unwell. She propped herself up on the sofa and stood up. If this was Brendan’s choice, she did not have the right to feel any resentment. After all, she was nothing to him. She walked out the door by feeling the wall, and her actions stunned the staff member. “You’re blind?”Deirdre did not answer the staff member but she continued to feel about the area right in front of her. The staff member w
It hurt. It hurt so bad that her entire body was shaking.Deirdre held back the urge to cry instinctively. She had already learned that her tears were worthless when she was in jail. “Are you alright?” All of a sudden, it stopped raining above her and a woman’s gentle voice was heard saying, “You’re all by yourself in the rain. What’s going on?”Deirdre turned around, and the woman was stunned for a moment. “You can’t see, huh?”Her eyes were unfocused and empty, which was an obvious sign of a blind person. The woman could not help heaving a sigh. Why would a blind person actually show up in the middle of the night?“It’s almost winter, and the weather today is not so good. It’s very chilly. What brings you to the mountains?”Before Deirdre could answer, someone called out to the woman and she answered the call. Then, she stuffed an umbrella into Deirdre’s hands. “Forget it. I believe that you’re trying to leave the mountain, right? The platform is on the right, and the last b
"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