Fear and regret ravaged his mind. He suddenly felt faint. Sam was still with him when he finally recovered his composure. He feigned some semblance of calmness and declared, “No, we just have to wait a little longer. I’ll talk to her again!” He would not let her leave him. Never!Fate had different designs than his, however. Before he had recupared enough to talk to Deirdre, the police came to him and informed him that she had backed down.She had finally agreed to settle this privately. Brendan was elated. The police had come to ask him if she “had shown homicidal intent”, and naturally, Brendan denied it. He expressed no intent to pursue a criminal charge against her either, and so the case was settled. He could not wait to get out of bed as soon as the police left. Alarmed, Sam rushed to stop him. “Mr. Brighthall, sir, stay back! We can’t let your injury break open again!”Brendan was just too fitful. His emotions were in chaos. Gripping Sam’s hand tightly, he ordered, “E
“Shut up!” Brendan bellowed with all his might. His wound vibrated with his growl, making him cry out at the sharp pain in tandem. His vision blurred. His knees buckled. Her car had fallen into the sea? She had died?Impossible! That was insane! She had been so alive yesterday when she had cursed his name, made how much he disgusted her plain, and screamed about avenging her mother! She had been so alive when she’d wished he was dead! And now… her fate was suddenly uncertain?Brendan’s vision turned black and he toppled. A nurse screamed nearby. Before his consciousness faded out, he muttered, “Deirdre… Deirdre…”He had a dream. In the first few days after Deirdre’s incarceration, Brendan had been surprisingly unaccustomed to her absence. As soon as he’d return to the house, he would instinctively call out, “Deirdre, make me some mushroom soup!”He would then stop himself, and the newly-hired cook would smile nervously. “Wow, Mr. Brighthall. This Deirdre girl must mean a
Even though the possibility was slim, Sam kept hoping.Three days had passed, and Deirdre was yet to be found. Even the police had given up on the search.The only kin of Deirdre had passed away a year ago, and Brendan was her husband. Hence, the police went to get his signature to verify Deirdre’s death.Brendan dropped the pen on the ground, unwilling to sign. “It’s impossible!”In an extremely firm tone of voice, Brendan stressed, “How can we conclude that Deirdre is dead when her corpse has yet to be found? Perhaps she never boarded that car. It’s a mistake made during the investigation!” The police officer looked at Brendan with sympathy and sighed. “A policeman witnessed it, and it’s been recorded by the surveillance camera that Miss McKinnon was indeed in the car.”“What about the journey? Did she not get out of the car?!” Brendan pursed his lip, and his eyes reddened. “I don’t believe it. Unless I see her body, I won’t sign!”He not only was unwilling to sign, but he al
“Who did it? When was it?”Sam narrowed his eyes. “The day before Miss McKinnon was jailed. It was also the day you kicked Mrs. McKinnon out of the yard. After she was kicked out, a car came and took her to a mental hospital. The video was also released that day. Perhaps… Miss McKinnon saw it…”Brendan’s mind went blank. He suddenly recalled the phone call from Deirdre that day. For the first time, she had hysterically and desperately bawled that he was forcing her.At the time, he had reacted with a sneer. He had thought Deirdre was trying to gain his sympathy because he had just taken back everything he had given to her.She had eventually agreed to be jailed. And he had thought that she had been reluctant to part with the luxurious life. Instead, her mother had been suffering.She had done it willingly, and he had never forced her. However, he had never thought that someone else might be forcing her.At that moment, Brendan regretted it. As he thought of his condescending atti
“I’m fine.”In fact, Brendan hoped that the wound would never heal so that he would never forget that he used to ruthlessly ruin a person’s life.Quivering, he closed his eyes for a while before he reopened them. “Go back.”Sam drove him back to the mansion. However, a figure at the door attracted Brendan’s attention as soon as he got out of the car.He was rather dizzy when he saw that blurry figure. He thought it was Deirdre, who had come to see him. He hurriedly took a few steps forward, only to see that Charlene was standing there.“Bren!” Charlene went up to meet him while clenching her hands nervously. After receiving the news that Brendan was going to see Steven, she had been so worried that she had rushed there immediately without much thought.It seemed that Steven hadn’t exposed her.For an instant, Brendan’s eyes darkened. Although his face was no longer that frigid, he still didn’t show any emotion. “Why are you here? It’s too cold. Go back.”“If I don’t come again,
Brendan wiped Charlene’s tears with his fingertips, and his heart softened. While suppressing the complicated look in his eyes, he said, “Don’t think too much. I’m happier that you could wake up.”“Really?” Charlene bit her lower lip and asked, “Do you still like me?”Brendan was stunned. He didn’t know if it was because Deirdre's death had filled his mind, but he would have a heartache whenever he thought of her.Frowning, he couldn’t answer the question.While restraining her hatred toward Deirdre, Charlene didn’t force Brendan to answer but changed the subject. “About the promise you made to marry me back then, is it still valid? Ms. McKinnon has died, and your marriage has… Bren, it’s time for you to give me an answer.”As he looked at Charlene’s expectant expression, his heart seemed tightened by something, and he could not breathe.However, he knew he should repay what was owed. He had ruined Deirdre’s life and couldn’t ruin Charlene’s anymore.…After the truck was drive
Deirdre was once a well-known beauty in the region. Many young men had been paying her attention, waiting for the opportunity to ask her hand in marriage as soon as she became an adult. However, who would have thought that…Tears welled up in her eyes as Madam Russel thought of it. She turned on the TV and said, “Deirdre, watch it a little while to relieve boredom while I take out dishes from the kitchen.”“Okay.”Deirdre fumbled and sat on the sofa. Watching TV series was a good way to spend time. While she listened to the drama, she combed her hair.The entertainment news followed the TV series. The news presenter said, “Mr. Brendan Brighthall, the CEO of the Brighthall Group, has recently announced that he will be engaged to Miss Charlize McKinley, with whom he has been in love for many years, on the evening of the 28th. For this reason, he booked the largest resort in Neve, the Oceanside Resort. It seems that he has found the love of his life. Let us wait for the wonderful even
“You’re right!” Madam Russel said, nodding as hard as a bobblehead on a bumpy road. She scooped a portion of mashed potatoes and set it on Deirdre’s plate. “Either way, you should eat more! Your body needs it, dear. Give me some time. I’m gonna get a locksmith to break the lock to your courtyard in a few days.”“Sure.”…Everyone in Brendan Brighthall’s proximity knew a new demon had possessed the man. He had been dedicating himself, headfirst, to his work, almost welcoming the deluge, and had been found spending the nights in his office.His assistant could not take it anymore. “Mr. Brighthall? You’ve finished reading your paperwork, right? Last I checked, there isn’t anything important or urgent pending your attention, so maybe… Maybe you should go home. Rest up for the day, okay?”She stopped shy of telling him why she thought it was necessary—the terrible blue-black eyebags and his almost gaunt visage.Brendan propped his forehead with his palm. As soon as he stopped, fatigue
"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