The stairs proved themselves to be almost a little too fancy. Sometimes it was a wide, flat platform. Sometimes, it had a series of narrow steps. And that was not counting the twists and bends, too!Deirdre was hopeless against the stairs’ unpredictable aesthetics. She finally miscalculated and missed her step. Before she fell, though, she felt a firm hand holding her tightly by her waist. It was warm and strong, and it helped her regain her footing. Deirdre immediately knew it belonged to Kyran.Eilis panicked so hard that her face turned white. She only sighed in relief when she saw Deirdre was all right. Patting her chest, she cried, “Thank God you’re here, Mr. Reed! Thank you! She could have seriously hurt herself if she fell from here!”Declan snickered. “Well, it’s not like Kyran’s famous for being seriously meticulous and observant… Or that he’s been quietly guarding Miss McKinnon’s six… Or that he’s readied himself to catch her the moment she trips, right?” he teased.D
A villager thought he was familiar with Deirdre and impolitely stuffed a glass of beer into her hand. “Come on! Let’s make a toast. If mountain tourism booms, and we build some kind of resort, our Village Alnwick will become famous! With this, we shall celebrate!”Deirdre was put in an awkward situation because she couldn’t drink.Because Eilis wasn’t around, Deirdre hesitated. It took her a while before she finally decided to ask, “I’m sorry. I can’t drink. Can I replace the beer with tea instead?”“Replace the beer with tea?” The man grimaced as he insisted, “How can you not know how to drink when you’ve been out of the village for so long? Are you trying to despise me for refusing the drink I offer?”“No, I don’t mean it!”“Drink if you don’t mean it!” demanded Archie. “What are you afraid of? It’s just half a glass of beer. Moreover, no one would molest you if you were drunk.” Archie scoffed.Archie ended up bursting out into such boisterous and contagious laughter that the o
Deirdre picked up the pastry with her hand. When she was about to put it into her mouth, a sudden force hit the pastry on her hand, making her heart skip a beat.Eilis was stupefied. “What’s the matter?” Kyran didn’t say anything when he took away the plate of pastries.This incident, however minor, had attracted much attention.“What’s happening?” asked someone.Even Deirdre was dumbfounded. It was obvious that Kyran didn’t want her to have that pastry, but she didn’t understand why.An inexplicable sense of suspicion gushed out from the bottom of her heart.Everyone grimaced at the interlude and jokingly said that Kyran loved that pastry so much that he took them all away.“Nah, do you think Mr. Reed is like you?” A man jeered. “Did you see the watch on his wrist? It’s a watch that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. How could such a person be interested in that low-cost pastry? I think he simply wanted to get the waiter to change to another dish just because he saw no o
At the end of the dinner, Deirdre went upstairs and rummaged through her bag for her allergy medicine while enduring her discomfort. However, she hadn’t brought the allergy medicine because she never ate yam.Therefore, she could only endure the nausea and dizziness. While lying on the bed, she felt pain. Even at that moment, she was afraid to be seen by Madame Brighthall and covered herself with a blanket.At that moment, she suddenly heard the sound of the door being opened from outside, and Brendan’s unhappy voice followed it.“Deirdre, do you think that I’m taking you here to rest? Get out!”Seeing that Deirdre didn't respond, he lifted the blanket coldly and saw Deirdre’s skin was covered with rashes. She was lying curled up, panting as if she was on the verge of death.“Deirdre!”Brendan was shocked. He dropped the blanket and grabbed Deirdre’s shoulder as he said with panic in his eyes, “What’s going on?”Deirdre held back her sadness as she tried spitting out words. “A
The answer was obvious to Deirdre.Otherwise, Kyran’s act of taking away the yam pastry she was allergic to would be inexplicable.However, she couldn’t explain why Brendan would stand by her side like a stranger and do nothing else…Therefore, she went to the restroom and washed her hands repeatedly until she was calm. She followed the wall and walked out of the restroom. Someone who followed after saw her. “Deirdre?”Deirdre turned in the direction of the voice and recognized the voice as the village chief.“Deirdre, what’re you doing here?”“I’m here to take some rest.”“Really?” The village chief pondered. “Anyway, it’s great that you happen to be out here. I’ve been wondering how to talk to you in private.”Hearing the village chief’s tone, Deirdre had a hunch that something was wrong. She paused before asking, “What is it?”“Did you argue with Mrs. Boebert earlier today?”Deirdre nodded and tried to explain, “It was because—”“Deirdre, I don’t want to know the reason
Deirdre was blind, while Kyran was mute. Hence, superficial judgment wouldn’t work.Upon return, Deirdre suddenly asked Eilis, “Madame Russel, what does Kryan look like?”“Why?” Eilis was startled, as if her future daughter-in-law would be taken away. Following that, she sighed resignedly. “Well, I can’t stop you from being together with Kryan anyway. Although I’ll miss you, I can see that he’s truly good to you.”“No, I just feel that he’s like someone I know,” explained Deirdre. She hadn’t expected that Eilis would misunderstand her.“Someone you know?” Eilis was spreading the blanket on the bed and couldn’t get Deirdre’s meaning. “What do you mean? Why hasn’t he told you anything if he is someone you know?”“Perhaps it’s been so long that he’s forgotten. But I need to confirm whether he’s a local because I owe him something.”“Oh, I see.”Eilis had been seeing Deirdre as a good child all this while, so she didn’t think Deirdre would lie to her. She only thought Deirdre was me
“How could it turn out this way…”Eilis found it strange when she heard Deirdre. “Deirdre, did you misunderstand something? Don’t tell me that you thought Kryan was Brendan Brighthall? How is it possible? No matter how powerful Kryan is, he can’t be compared to Brendan Brighthall.“After all, as the CEO of the Brighthall Group in Neve, Brendan Brighthall has hundreds of companies under his control. How could such a man come to our remote village and stay for a long time just for a resort project?"Deirdre seemed to have lost all her energy. After hearing what Eilis said, she felt her speculation was ridiculous.‘Yes, if he were Brendan, he would have dragged me out of the village. How could he stay with me in the village?’She lifted a corner of her lips and agreed. “Yes, you’re right. It’s me who's been thinking too much.”“You are not only thinking too much, but you’re also looking for trouble yourself.” Eilis didn’t take it seriously. As if recalling something, she kept standi
“Apologize?” Deirdre thought she had misheard and was stupefied. “How come?”Eilis had the same doubt as well. “I was wondering the same. Given Mrs. Boebert's personality, would she be polite if she didn't come to make a scene? To think that she would come over to apologize? She also brought a bag of jujube. She wanted to say sorry to you personally, but I told her you were busy and sent her away.”Deirdre frowned heavily. “Did she say anything else?”“No. Let me ask later.” While putting the bag of jujube away, Eilis said, “Anyway, this it’s just in time for this item to be delivered. I’ll cook some jujube porridge for you today.”“Okay.”Deirdre nodded. Following that, she returned to her room, freshened up, and made the bed. When she finally left the room, Eilis had left—only the porridge was still cooking in the pot.Smelling the fragrance was already sweet, Deirdre carefully groped for the switch. As soon as she managed to turn off the fire, Eilis rushed over. “Deirdre, do y
"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