Did she still like Brendan Brighthall?Deirdre only hated that she was blind, hence unable to seek revenge against Brendan.Declan didn’t do anything and remained silent until Deirdre managed to regain her composure. Then he smiled and said, "That's good. I don't want Kyran to be with a woman who likes someone else. Since you have nothing to do with Mr. Brighthall, you should have a new start with Kyran.”When Declan mentioned Kyran again, Deirdre's expression changed. "I have nothing to do with Kyran.""Whether you have or not, you should know better than I do." Declan paused for a moment before continuing. “I also know that you have concerns about Kyran's identity. I can understand that after the incident with Mr. Brighthall. It's normal for you to be on guard. But I think you should also feel that Kyran and Mr. Brighthall are two completely different people.“Kyran will never hurt you. If this doesn't make you lower your guard, how can he prove it? He can't take his heart out f
Kryan didn't seem to like the answer. He was silent for a moment before asking, "Is it just because I'm sick? If I didn't get hurt because of you, wouldn't you want to see me at all?"Before Deirdre could answer, Kryan typed in silence, and his face turned sickly white. "Deirdre, you should go back. I'll ask Declan to arrange a car for you. By this time, the road to Alnwick should have been unblocked. You can go back and stay with Madame Russell at ease. You don't have to come to the hospital to accompany me.""I don't want to," Deirdre blurted at a pace that even surprised her.Kyran was stunned. Deirdre clenched her fists and said, "It will be very boring for you to be alone in the ward because of the long recovery time. I can chat and talk with you.""It's okay." Kyran typed, "I'm often alone, and I'm used to it."When Deirdre heard the phrase ‘often alone’, she couldn’t help but be reminded of herself. The time she had spent in prison, in Brendan's mansion, and even in the car
Kyran didn’t have to say it because Deirdre could feel it herself.That woman was obviously very important to Kyran, so important that she could always affect his mood. This was the first time Deirdre noticed such a great change in Kyran's emotions as if he had changed into a different person.When Deirdre decided not to mention it anymore, Kyran actually asked, "Are you curious?""No.” Deirdre denied.In the beginning, she was just looking for topics to chat about and figure out why Kyran would be interested in her. However, Kyran's reaction made her realize that her behavior crossed the line.Kyran moved forward, intending to get closer to her. But he stopped after taking a few steps. And finally, he stood with downcast eyes.“I’m sorry.“Did I scare you? I'm sorry, I just don't like to bring up the person in the past again.""It's okay." Deidre put a smile on her face. "It's normal not to let others talk about the most important person. Yet, I crossed the line. If someone we
Deirdre also got up immediately. "Take me with you? I'm a little hungry, and I want to go to the hotel restaurant to have something to eat."Declan did not refuse, but a voice came from behind just as Deirdre walked to the door. “Deirdre, can we have a talk?"Deirdre blinked, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. "What would you like to talk about?"Kyran frowned. "Talk about what you want to know.""I don't have anything that I want to know," replied Deirdre. Feeling that her attitude was too cold, she said gently, "Kyran, I'm just going to get something to eat. I'll be back, okay? Then, we'll have plenty of time to talk.”This time, Kyran didn’t type anything.Deirdre went out with Declan. As if he was watching a show, Declan said with an ambiguous smile, "I knew it. Something happened to you two after I left.""Yes, something has indeed happened, but we were just chatting,” said Deirdre briefly. "Let’s go back."When Deirdre returned to the room, a waiter came delivering food. Dec
It was an awkward question. Deirdre lowered her head and said, “Tobey, Kyran is a good person. I’m going to trust him again. As long as he doesn’t hurt me, I don’t care who he really is.”Tobey was rendered speechless. After a short while, he sighed. “Deirdre, I hope you won’t regret this decision in the future.”Deirdre did not understand what Tobey was talking about. Why would she regret her decision in the future?Before Deirdre could make head or tail of Tobey’s words, he had already hung up the call. She had no other choice but to think that her confusion came from her nervousness about refusing Tobey’s good intentions.She sat on the bed, allowing her thoughts to drift into the distance. She did not know how long it had passed, but a flurry of knocking sounds on the door snapped her back to reality. Her heart skipped a beat as she asked, “Who is it?”“It’s me, Miss McKinnon!”‘Mr. King?’He sounded like a cat on hot bricks, and Deirdre opened the door. “What’s wrong?”“So
Deirdre did not say anything in return. Suddenly, Declan remembered something and chided himself for saying so many things that he shouldn’t be saying.Perhaps he had been holding these things inside of him for too long and was desperately looking for a window to spill them out.“Don’t worry, Miss McKinnon. The things between Kyran and her are already in the past.” Declan said, “Since he has chosen you, it means he has already moved on.”Deirdre smiled. If he really had moved on, he wouldn't have reacted so violently when she mentioned that woman, and Declan wouldn't be so hesitant to answer her questions as if he was hiding a secret.Honestly, she did not really care about it. After all, she was very clear that there was no way she would be together with Kyran. It was just that there was something she did not understand. Why did Kyran approach her if he still loved that woman deeply? Before she could get an answer to her question, someone came out from the emergency room.Dec
“Don’t go, Deirdre.” This was the first sentence Kyran typed after getting his phone.Deirdre was dumbfounded for a moment. She did not know why he would say something like that.“Go? I’ve always been here. I won’t leave your side.” Kyran gazed deeply at Deirdre’s face, his eyes filled with despair. “I had a dream. In that dream, you chose to leave my side. You didn’t return to Alnwick but went to a place that I could not reach. I couldn't find you no matter how hard I tried to, and I had to live in remorse for the rest of my life.”He stretched out his hand and held Deirdre's finger. His palm was warm as always, but his hand trembled slightly.Apparently, he was scared. He was scared of Deirdre leaving him.Deirdre blinked blankly and said, “Kyran, it was just a dream. Besides, you didn't do anything to me, so why would I go to a place where you cannot find me?”Kyran’s chest was heaving up and down vigorously as he tightened his grip. It took him a long while before he fi
Her head went blank, and understanding soon dawned upon her.Only now did she see the light as to why Kyran would be attracted to her, why he knew how to take care of her, and how he knew in advance that she would sprain her ankle when walking down the stairs.She had assumed he was acquainted with a blind person before, so it was because his ex-girlfriend was a blind person like her.“I see…” Deirdre smiled. She did not know why, but she felt a pang, as if someone was hitting her heart with a hammer.‘So, does this mean that he confessed to me because of his ex-girlfriend? Is he using me as a replacement for his ex-girlfriend?’If there was one thing in this world that Deirdre hated the most, that would be becoming someone else’s replacement. She already had it enough when Brendan treated her like a replacement for the girl he truly loved. She did not want to become a replacement for Kyran again this time.“So you must love her very much, right? Then why did you two break up?”
"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