‘Now that there’s a customer, he is also here for her.’“Ah, the pianist, huh? She’s busy with her blind date now.”Brendan stopped flipping through the menu. His dark eyes narrowed when he said, “Blind date?”“Yes.” The waitress tittered. “It’s true that she is good at playing the piano, but she’s hideous and blind. No man would ever be attracted to her, so the cleaning lady kindly arranged a blind date for her. Even though the man is seven or eight years older than her, a woman like her doesn’t have many options.”Coldness flashed past Brendan’s dark eyes. The waitress felt a chill down her spine when she saw Brendan’s gaze and forced a smile. “What happened, sir?”“Where is she?”The waitress was stunned. Then, she pointed at the corner and said, “There.”Deirdre and the man were sitting in a blind corner that one would not see without paying close attention to the area. Brendan shifted his gaze to the man. One could totally describe him as grotesque. He snorted. Even tho
“I can go if you’re busy, but can I get your number, Ms. McKinnon? If you have anything else that you need help with in the future… I could…”Brendan clenched his fists tightly abruptly, his veins bulging out of his arms. ‘This man still won’t give up hope?’Furious, he clenched his teeth without uttering a word but glared at Deirdre coldly. Deirdre took a deep breath after sensing the immense pressure radiating from Brendan. She caught her breath before she answered with a forced smile, “I’m sorry. I don’t intend to do that, so I won’t hold you back.”Trevor was obviously dejected but he did not seem to mind very much. “I’m older, so it’s very normal that you’re not interested, Ms. McKinnon. I shall go then.”He walked away swiftly, which was an apparent sign that his ego had been hurt. Deirdre appeared to be overwhelmed with emotions. She would not have spoken so straightforwardly had Brendan not been on the scene. “What? Are you still unable to tear yourself away from him?
Sam escorted her to the door when they arrived at the villa’s courtyard and then drove away. Deirdre stretched out her arms to feel for the sofa when she heard the sound of a light being turned on upstairs. She looked in the direction of the second floor abruptly. She was gauging who it was when she realized instantly after sensing the oppressive feeling they emanated. “Come upstairs.”Brendan spoke in an ice-cold tone. He opened the door to his room, and Deirdre braced herself and walked upstairs with stiff movements. She was flung on the bed by force as soon as she entered the room. The man leaned on her, his cold eyes bursting with terrifying evilness. “Deirdre, do you think that you can lord over me recklessly just because I’ve been treating you well over the past few days?” Brendan spoke in an icy tone. He was furious beyond comparison at the thought of the woman’s smile earlier. “I gave you freedom and tolerated you as much as I could, yet you ended up defending a man
The manager was finally pleased. “I’m very impressed with your work, McKinnon. I hope that goodwill stays.”Dispirited, Deirdre walked out of the manager’s office and stepped into the back of the restaurant. The cleaner had been waiting, so she rose from a crouch and approached Deirdre. “What’s wrong with you, Deirdre? Trevor told me he chose you, but you spurned him in return? Please, you’re not some run-of-the-mill young woman. Don’t you know that beggars can’t be choosers? Seriously, are you really planning to be a spinster for the rest of your life?”Her acrimonious tone somehow paled compared to the vitriol of her word choice. Irritated, Deirdre frowned. “Look. Just because I agreed to meet him, it doesn’t mean I’ll agree to be with him, okay?”“I’m only doing what’s best for you! Do you really think another man would even like you as much as Trevor does? God! He’s used to caring for other people. That’s why he wasn’t bothered by the fact that you’re an ugly blind woman! Lord,
The cleaner had wanted Deirdre to embarrass herself so much that she had made sure to leave a thick puddle of soap powder on her path. Deirdre had always considered herself lucky to be able to work in such an accommodating restaurant, where everyone treated her with kindness and respect, but after today, that opinion changed. She had managed to make a few enemies after all.“It’s fine.” She extended her other arm amid her agony. “Please help me out. If I get changed now, I can still make my shift.”The Good Samaritan was hard-pressed to go against someone so stubborn, so they led the way. The entire session was hell from beginning to end. Deirdre’s right hand could not conjure its usual force to press the keys, and it felt like there was an invisible thorn jabbing her elbow. She knew the customers were watching, though, so she forced herself to play despite the pain. By the time it was over, her back was bathed in cold sweat.Her shift was finally over. Like clockwork, Sam appea
“Do you really think I have no way of checking how long your shift really was?” Brendan raised a voice recorder, playing an audio clip of one of the restaurant workers speaking. “Deirdre McKinnon? She left at around nine,” they said. “I don’t have the deets, but if you’re looking for a pianist for your dining experience, I’m afraid you’ll have to come again tomorrow!”Deirdre’s face turned white as a sheet. She had not expected Brendan to come up with a counter-strategy. The fury in his eyes had only grown exponentially. “I hate being lied to, you know that? So why do you keep pushing my buttons? We’re finally out of the woods with Sterling Fuller, and you’re hooking up with Trevor Carlson now?”Deirdre’s eyes widened. She hardly had the chance to wonder how Brendan had managed to get his name before feeling a force clutching at her jaw. Pain. He bore down on her, his fury oozing out of him like miasma. Suddenly, it was as if they had gone back to that time again—those cursed d
Deirdre nodded, and Brendan—to the young woman’s wildest bewilderment—asked, “Was it bad?”She bit her lip in surprise. “A-Aren’t you mad?”Mad? Of course Brendan was mad. Furious, even. Furious for an entire day. He had been downright apoplectic in the evening, when he’d waited and waited for Deirdre to come home on time. Every second had burned! So what? All that rage had melted away—how could he stay mad after witnessing the lengths this woman would go to just to conceal her injury and the pain it caused her? How could he honestly tell himself that her maddening refusal to be candid was not motivated by her fear of his reaction?“If you could just... If you had just told me frankly that you were suffering from an injury, I would have calmed down much sooner!” Brendan went downstairs and called Dr. Ginger on the phone in the living room. As he ordered the doctor to come as soon as possible, Deirdre quickly protested from the bed. “W-Wait! You don’t need to get Dr. Ginger! It’s
Looking at Deirdre, the doctor suddenly understood why Brendan was so encouraging. Brendan himself did not seem overly emotive, but a closer inspection of his eyes revealed thawed frost and an almost shy smile blooming beneath. “Yeah. I believe you.”Dr. Ginger read the room and knew it was time for him to go.Deirdre went to search for the wooden music sheet upstairs. Halfway through, she stopped on the stairs, turned around, and declared, “For your information, Brendan, there is nothing going on between me and Mr. Carlson. Not today, not tomorrow… and not ever!”She let the handrail lead her back to her room. Behind her, Brendan’s handsome features seemed to soften into a fluffier imitation of themselves under the house’s gentle lighting. Was this her definitive denial of his accusation? This was the same woman who would make a conscious effort to spare him as few words as possible, but now… Look at how cute she was being, trying to explain herself!Deirdre woke up early th
"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