That was the end of this topic. Brendan asked, "What happened at Eastgene? Deirdre told me that you have something to ask me."Declan told everything that had happened at Eastgene. In the end, he pleaded, “You’ll have to help me. That mother and daughter have always regarded me as a thorn in their flesh. They are afraid that I’ll inherit the King family's inheritance, and they will definitely do something about it. Brendan, I can’t lose that inheritance.”Declan would always speak calmly, tactfully, and professionally, but at that moment, his tone was icy, proving his determination.“Don’t worry; I’ll definitely help you.”When he heard Brendan’s promise, Declan was relieved. “I’ll get a little bit more sleep. I haven’t got enough rest after chatting the whole day.”“Sure.”Upon ending the call, Brendan didn’t look as relaxed as his tone was.He was prepared to divorce Deirdre, but if he were to divorce Deirdre now, it would be a waste of time for Declan.After some thought, he
Deirdre’s chest was heaving. She had to take a few deep breaths to calm herself down. Her fingertips were still trembling, but as she recalled the exhaustion and helplessness in Declan’s voice, she could only nod her head.She believed that Kyran would do the same to help Declan.“Okay, now come with me to get two flight tickets to Eastgene.”When Brendan turned to open the door, Deirdre stopped him. “Hold on.”Clenching her fists, she said, “I've got a condition too.”Under Brendan’s cold gaze, she continued. “The condition is the same as the requirement for the date.”“Not to touch you?”Deirdre didn’t expect Brendan could be so direct, and her face turned white.Following that, she heard Brendan sneering. “We went up to that point yesterday, yet I didn't even touch you. What’s more, in the future. You can rest assured you are not attractive to me at all.”Deirdre blushed and lowered her eyes as she said, “I hope that you’ll do as you promise.”Deirdre didn’t hear anything
But now, she no longer was that petty and low Deirdre who couldn’t survive without Brendan.She now had Kyran and a new home.And the past should be left behind.When Brendan gradually fell asleep, Deidre still didn’t feel sleepy. Clasping her phone, she got up and found a convenient place to make a call.Carefully, she dialed Kyran’s phone number and put the phone near her ear. But nobody picked up the call.She called twice before putting it back into her pocket with surprise.Kyran barely did this. Usually, he would answer her call almost immediately. Hence, he gave Deirdre the wrong feeling that he would be there for her whenever she needed him.When she thought further, Kyran might have already gone to rest since it was now midnight in Germia.Following the same path, Deirdre returned to her seat and saw a blurred figure standing there. When she was nearer, the flight attendant greeted her. “Hello, miss. Someone might be looking for him because his phone had been ringing.”
“These are…”“Oh!” Fionn explained with a smile, “I’m sorry that I forgot to introduce them. They are stylists, and they are here to do styling for you.”Deirdre was startled and asked in confusion, “For me?”Before Fionn could answer, Brendan came out of the bathroom while wiping his hands and said, "I forgot to tell you in advance that you will be my partner at the Kings’ party."“What!?” Deirdre was in disbelief.Brendan looked at her. “Yes, is there a problem?”It was not just a problem, but a big one.Deirdre turned pale and said, “I can’t see.”“I know.” While Brendan paced forward to check through the dress, he smirked. “I am well aware, even without you reminding me.”Clenching her fist, Deirdre asked, “I’ll definitely bring you only trouble at the party. Why do you still ask me to be your partner?”She didn't understand. Even when she was asking, her mind was blank.The Kings’ party was not a simple dinner but a social gathering of the upper class. It was a party wh
This dress could be said to have wrapped Deirdre’s entire body.The stylist wanted to say that making Deirdre look good at the party would not be easy, and her good figure couldn’t be seen.However, she could only let Deirdre try it because Brendan insisted.It turned out that Deirdre looked perfect in the dress.Deirdre's exquisite figure was tightly wrapped in black cloth, making her appear hot and charming. She looked outstandingly attractive with her fair skin, beautiful and glamorous facial features, fiery red lips, and faintly visible long legs at the split end were even more eye-catching.The stylist thought Brendan was a busybody, but when she saw the result, she couldn’t help but compliment the choice. “Mr. Brighthall, your fashion sense is so great. Though the pattern of the sheath evening gown is simple, the effect of Ms. McKinnon wearing it is a lot better!”However, Brendan was frowning heavily.The stylist hesitated for a moment and asked, "Mr. Brighthall, are you
While taking pictures, the reporters couldn’t help but ask, “Who’s that woman beside Mr. Brighthall? Why have I never seen her before?”“Is she Charli McKinsey?”“I’ve seen her before, but she isn’t that beautiful. She doesn’t have such a good temperament either. It can’t be her.”“She is his new love, right? But this time, her appearance is amazing, a lot more gorgeous when compared to celebrities. No wonder she caught Mr. Brighthall’s attention. He's notoriously picky, after all."Under the discussion of the crowd, they quickly walked into the venue.Deirdre’s heart was pounding so fast that even her fingertips were hot.In the past two years, she had lost confidence in her appearance after listening to disgusting and sarcastic words about her countless times. Not only did the people despise her as an ugly girl, but even children would cry when they saw her. It turned out that her own face could also be called stunning.“They are right.” Brendan suddenly said in a low voice,
“Oh, thank you.” Laura felt flattered. Her presence at the banquet was so minimal that it was neglectable. As such, it was rare for someone to care about her preferences.She said with a smile, "Miss McKinnon, with you being so beautiful, your sense should be good too. I'm very honored."Deirdre returned Laura’s compliment with a smile.What followed was business networking. Deirdre minimized her presence by just standing aside, smiling, and nodding.Cillian seemed to have a strong intention to cooperate with Brendan. He mentioned his intention many times, but Brendan indirectly rejected them. Following that, Cillian talked about Declan.“My younger brother is too ignorant. He's as naive as a child. He actually broke his relationship with you just because he didn't agree with you about one thing and kept talking about you behind your back."As soon as Cillian said that, Brendan showed a trace of disgust and impatience on his face. "We are not suitable to be friends, but I don't b
Let alone if someone like her fell into Laura’s position, Deirdre might not survive at all.At that moment, she felt fortunate to have Kyran.“What do you want to say next?” Brendan knew her words had implicit meaning and sneered. “When you married me, at least before that incident, I never made you feel wronged for a moment.”“Yes.” Deirdre smiled wryly.Brendan had never let her feel wronged in front of outsiders. Not only that, but he always looked like a good husband, and even Madame Brighthall loved her very much.Everything was good when it came to marrying him, except that Brendan didn’t love her."Is there any snack here? I'm quite hungry." She changed the subject appropriately. Her stomach was indeed empty.Brendan looked around and led her to a corner. At that moment, someone came up to greet her.“Mr. Brighthall, it’s been a long while since we last met. I thought that I would be lucky enough to see you only in Neve, but I didn't expect to see you here at the birthda
"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