“And that mask, too. Urgh. Feels too mysterious to my taste…”“She doesn’t look at all like someone who should be affiliated with Mr. Brighthall. You sure this isn’t like a huge misunderstanding?”“The woman in the picture is a godd*mn queen, sis. If she were here in this hospital this whole time, we should have noticed her by now! So yeah, I call doubt!”Deirdre was sensitive, so the first thing that leaped to her mind was that these people were talking about her. She raised her head and turned in their direction.“God, she’s looking at us! She’s not going to rearrange our faces, right? I mean, she got out of prison despite killing someone in a hit-and-run! This is the kind of thug we are not supposed to engage with. Let’s bail!”“Can you calm down? We don’t know if it’s fake news, okay? Even if she is that murderer, what will she do about us? She’s the one who shouldn’t be here!”Deirdre was even more sure that the target of their hostility was her, but only pieces of their dia
“This article is proof!” “Article?” Declan’s features twisted into an unamused glare. “I can write a hundred of those fake articles with a slightly different bend. People don’t even have to attach their real names to half of this trashy fake news now, let alone do old-fashioned things like corroborating it with solid evidence.“Honestly, who gave you the right to harass someone innocent over some tabloid’s piss-poor excuse of an article?”“Mr. King…”“You’re all right, Miss McKinnon. Ain’t no reason to play nice to *ssholes, right?” he replied reassuringly.“Wait, Miss ‘McKinnon’? Her name is McKinnon!?”“What’s that to you, news as well?” Declan clapped back. “Should I call the cops and have them read her personal information to you too?”The woman finally quaked. Her friend tugged on her shirt, and they left in embarrassment.Deirdre fought back her tears. It felt like a crater had erupted from the inside of her skull. She had to calm herself down with several deep breaths b
“First, we should get your tears wiped,” Declan said as he produced a handkerchief made from silk. He handed it to her. “Helping you is my job, Miss McKinnon, more like my promise to my friend. I’m supposed to take care of you so long as Kyran’s not around to do that. Besides, none of this is your fault. So don’t blame yourself, okay?Declan continued hesitantly, frowning. “Though I have to warn you. “The media vulture types are probably going to be all over you for these two days. They are going to try their best to milk as much news as they can from you before we completely shut the news down so they can squeeze as much money as they can for their miserable lives. Stay inside as often as possible. H*ll, stay in his ward.”Deirdre nodded—her heavy head seemed to threaten to fall at every nod. She was about to reach the end of the corridor when she heard a loud commotion. “This hospital is protecting a murderer! Brendan Brighthall bailed a murderer out of jail! He should explain hims
"At the beginning, because you faked your death, he ran out of the hospital like crazy, omitting his tearing and bleeding wound. When he comes out of the operation, do you think he will recuperate with peace!?"Deirdre closed her eyes tremblingly. "I'm sorry. I don't want it either."After Madame Brighthall vented her emotions, she fell down on the bench next to her as if she was drained of energy."Miss McKinnon, I’ve given you a choice. I begged you to see him before the operation. Since you refused to agree, then you would never see him again, but now it is rumored... Fortunately, when this happened, Bren had already been injected with anesthesia. Otherwise, do you know what the consequences would be? This is, after all, a life-threatening operation for him!"Deirdre clenched her fists despite being feeble. "Madame Brighthall, letting everyone know that I am a murderer will do me no good at all. I already have a boyfriend. I don't want this matter to be made known to Brendan eve
Even though the inside of her boots were wet, her hands were cracked from the cold, and her body was so cold that Deirdre lost her senses, the first thing she said with a smile was, "It's good that you're fine."Deirdre didn't claim credit for this, nor did she express her grievances. It was as if it was right and just for her to save her life. Although she was even more obedient to Brendan, she had never mentioned she was the one who had carried Madame Brighthall.At that moment, Madame Brighthall began to really regard Deirdre as her daughter-in-law. For more than a year, she became more intimate with Deirdre, as if Deirdre was her daughter, and she cared more about Deirdre than Brendan.Unfortunately, their relationship had turned out otherwise.-After Deirdre finished speaking, she nodded, signaling that she was about to open the door to enter the ward.“Miss McKinnon…” said Madame Brighthall in a trembling voice.Deirdre kept standing at the same spot while Madame Brightha
“Well, let’s go back.”After Declan got to the ward, Declan remained in the ward until he received the phone call that he had to leave.Deirdre remained by Kyran's side all the time. But Kyran was still slumbering.After a long time, a nurse knocked on the door, came in, and asked, "Miss McKinnon, it's almost nighttime. Do you want something to eat? I'll go to the cafeteria and get you a meal box.""No." Deirdre smiled. "Thank you, but I'm not hungry yet.""But… Miss McKinnon, you haven't eaten all day. Even if you're not hungry, your body needs food." The nurse was worried. "How about I bring a bowl of porridge over? Just take a little. Otherwise, Mr. Reed will be in distress when he wakes up later."Deirdre really didn't have much of an appetite. But when she thought that she might not make it through the night if she didn’t eat, she nodded hesitantly.“Thank you.”- On the other hand, Blake made a phone call at the hotel. As soon as the call was connected, he reprimanded f
"What is there to explain? I thought you could give me a good life, but you immediately showed your true colors when I only spent 18,000 dollars. How will I survive if I marry you in the future!?"Blake quickly coaxed her. "Oh, Lily, you’ve misunderstood. I just wanted to ask whether you have enough money. I’ll give you more if you don’t.""Really?" Lily's expression softened. "It's true that I’ve almost finished spending my money. When will you transfer me the remaining 25,000?"Blake gnashed his teeth and replied with determination, “Soon! I’ll transfer it to you immediately after I receive it.”“Oh dear, you’re truly very amazing. In that case, I’ll continue to enjoy it!”After hanging up the phone, Blake knelt with his head in his arms.He knew that Lily had spent the 18,000 dollars, and he would not be able to get it back. It wouldn't be worth it if he lost his girlfriend again.But if he couldn't get the money, wouldn't he…The woman's eyes flashed in his mind, and he ref
“H-How do you feel?”"I wanted to be with you at the beginning. It turned out to be wishful thinking. How could I be worthy of you, a woman who married Brendan Brighthall? I guess you wouldn't like me either."Deirdre frowned. "Tobey, do you still remember what you said to me before? Don't belittle yourself. I always remember it very clearly. Why did you forget what you taught me?”“I…”“Tobey, the relationship between Brendan and I is not as simple as you think. We didn’t have any affection for each other. If possible, I would rather have never met him in my life."Only then did Tobey come to his senses. He frowned and said, "Indeed, if he was good, how could you become like this?"Deirdre smiled. After all, she didn't care anymore, and neither did she have the strength to do so. "Anyway, it's over. By the way, what about Madame Russell?""I've already explained that it's just a nonsense stunt pulled by the media, and you have nothing to do with Brendan Brighthall.""Thank you
"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