“Tobey is coming back?” Deirdre could not help feeling surprised. “Why? Isn’t there still some time until Christmas?”Madame Russell looked toward Deirdre with a smile. “He called me up some time ago, and it was only natural that I brought you up in our conversation. Then, he applied for a long leave of absence from his company, claiming he missed me after not seeing me for more than six months. However, I’m quite certain that he is coming back to see you.”“To see me?” Deidre wrung the towel and was confused. “Why is he coming back to see me?”“Silly girl, I refuse to believe that you don’t have the slightest idea about this.” Madame Russell cracked a gentle smile. “Didn't you know that Tobey has liked you since he was a child?”Deirdre choked on the water she was drinking. Madame Russell hastily soothed her. Deirdre recovered from the cough, but she was still in a daze.She regarded Tobey as her elder brother all this time, and they did not interact much with each other before
Deirdre found it cynical. She could not sleep, so she felt about her closet for her trench coat and put it on before going downstairs.When Madame Russell opened the courtyard door and entered, she had just arrived in the living room. She said hastily when she found Deirdre, “Why aren’t you in the house? Go back quickly. It’s freezing out there.”Madame Russell shuddered while she walked. “A traveler just got here despite the weather. It’s freezing out there, and there’s no telling why the traveler is here. He is dressed in branded clothes and drives a luxury car. However, he’s a very good-looking man, and his arrival caused quite a huge commotion.”“A traveler?” Deirdre felt her heart racing.“Yes, he seems to be looking for someone and refuses to leave at all. He asked me a few questions when he saw me.”“What did he ask?” Deirdre spoke anxiously, her face pale. Madame Russell was stunned for a moment before she said, “In truth, he didn’t ask much. He asked about the situati
“Is that so? That would be amazing!” Madame Russell beamed widely. “If that is the case, don’t even think about leaving anymore, Deirdre. You can stay in the village to run a business, and I will also be able to take care of you.“Ophelia is gone, and I don’t want you to go through hardship anymore. Otherwise, I will be too embarrassed to meet Ophelia in the afterlife when I’m gone,” exclaimed Madame Russell.Tears welled up in Deirdre’s eyes because she knew Madame Russell sincerely cared for her. She kept her head lowered.Madame Russell held her hands tightly and said, “Be my daughter-in-law, Deirdre. I like you sincerely, and so does Tobey.”Deirdre could not bring herself to reject Madame Russell, so she paused for a moment before saying, “We’ll see what Tobey thinks about this.”Madame Russell smiled joyously. “Sure, sure, sure! We’ll see what Tobey thinks about this. If he has feelings for you too, I won’t bear to let you leave us anymore.”‘Speak of the devil.’Tobey’s
“Sure.” Madame Russell sent over the ingredients.Tobey got up as well. “I’ll help.”Deirdre did not decline, but she devoted her full attention to feel for the tools she needed in the kitchen. Her bangs tucked behind her ears scattered before her eyes when she lowered her head to mix the ingredients.Tobey stared at her for a long time before he stretched out his hand. Deirdre took a step back abruptly yet consciously, as if she was hypervigilant.Tobey was stunned for a moment before he tried to explain himself, “Your hair is in the way. Let me help you tuck it.”“Is that so…” Deirdre was embarrassed. She had a hard time trusting outsiders because of what Brendan had done, yet Tobey was not an outsider but a neighbor who would help her frequently in the past.“I’m sorry that I was caught off guard.”“It’s fine,” Tobey answered in a gentle voice. “It’s normal for you to be vigilant because of your visual impairment. This is a good thing. If you’re still as naive and trustful
’First there was Sterling, then Sam, and now there is this Tobey Russell. She has no lack of people who fancy her, so she left without hesitation.’“Mr. Brighthall…” The man at the door was feeling slightly uneasy. When he saw the blood in the intravenous line, he hastily said, “I’m calling the doctor.”“Don’t.” Brendan opened his eyes—they were bloodshot beyond his control. He pulled out his intravenous infusion without any concern for the blood dripping down the back of his hand. “Get me the bus ticket. I’m going to Village Alnwick now. Do it at once, now!”The man said rapidly, “Mr. Brighthall! You still can’t—” He shut his mouth in fear after he met Brendan’s sharp gaze, yet he could not refrain from saying, “Moreover, now is not the best time. We’ve just found Ms. McKinnon and can’t fully confirm if she will stay there. If you show up now, your presence will only hurt her.”“Could it be that you still want her to run away again, Mr. Brighthall? Just recuperate until your bod
As Madame Russell was speaking, she winked at Tobey. Tobey took the hint swiftly. Noticing that Deirdre was still hesitant, he said smilingly, “Don’t worry about my mother, Deirdre. She still has sewing work to do and is not interested in watching musicals. We shall go ahead ourselves and consider it a diversion. You’ve been busy with the yard for days, so it’s time for you to rest and relax your mind.”Deirdre agreed with his remark. Some enjoyed musicals, and those who did not would find them boring. Perhaps Madame Russell would find it a waste of time if she were to go. “Alright then, Tobey and I shall go.”“Go, go!” Madame Russell wanted to shut the door eagerly. “It will be fine even if you come home late!”After the door was shut, Tobey cleared his throat and said, “That’s just how my mother is. She’s always so easily excitable. She is not trying to do anything. She just doesn’t want you to feel lonely. Don’t mind her.”“I know.” Deirdre lowered her gaze and chuckled soft
Yet, Deirdre could not feign the agony and hatred shown in her body language.She could not bring herself to answer his question within a short period. Tobey expressed his dejection. “So, you do have someone already?”“No,” Deirdre blurted and exhaled a breath.She suppressed the tremble caused by the resistance she felt in her heart and forced a smile with great effort. “I was only caught by surprise. Why did you suddenly ask me this? You also know about my current situation and how I don’t meet many people. How can I possibly have someone I like, huh?”“Really?” Tobey’s eyes glistened with a glint. He leaned closer to her and asked in a lowered voice, “So, Deirdre, can I?”Deirdre was stunned. Tobey continued to say, “Deirdre, I’m not scared to make a fool of myself, but I have liked you since high school. You were very outstanding, and I could not help being attracted to you because you were like the sun. Yet, you were too young, and I was ashamed because of that. I strived t
“Alright.”Deirdre nodded. Tobey returned after a short while. “Deirdre.” He sounded unprecedentedly anxious and stern. “I have to return to the company immediately.”“What happened?”Tobey heaved a sigh in agitation. “One of the projects I’m handling is suddenly facing some issues, so I’ll need to handle it. Moreover, I must leave immediately because I can’t afford to lose time. I won’t be able to get a bus ticket if it’s late.”“Ah…” Even though Deirdre did not understand the situation very well, she knew that work was important. “You should go quickly. Don’t worry about me. Madame Russell can come and pick me up later.”Tobey heaved a deep sigh, his eyes still filled with affection. “Dierdre, everything I said to you before you rejected me is valid. I want to be with you to protect and treasure you. I’m doing it not only because of my mother and Madam McKinnon but it’s more so for myself. You can give it proper consideration while I’m away. I’ll be back in a few days. By then
"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