“He has been a lunatic from the start!” Cillian scolded in anger before he ordered Wynne, “Handle the projects that we’re collaborating on with Ronan first by getting someone to take over as soon as possible. As for Mystic Midnight, I’ll reach out to my connections to help as much as I can. “Sure!”“As for Brendan…” Cillian suddenly remembered something, turned around to look in the direction of the living room, and found Declan sitting alone. His gaze dimmed abruptly, and a sharp glint glistened in his eyes.“Leave it to me.”-The next day, the news of Ronan’s detainment reached Deirdre’s ears. She did not look into it on purpose, but it caused such a huge commotion that the news was reporting it as soon as she turned on the television.Mystic Midnight was in trouble as well.Deirdre was well aware of who did this. She felt rather surprised and found it slightly strange. When Brendan got out of the bathroom, she asked, “Mr. Lane’s case, did you do it?”Brendan furrowed h
Deirdre was distracted from her thoughts. She was about to get up when Brendan took the lead to open the door and saw the bellboy standing at the door.The bellboy smiled and said respectfully, “Hello, Mr. Brighthall. Our hotel is organizing a party at the pool. The scenery there is amazing. Our manager sent me to inquire whether you’re interested in having dinner there. We can book a reservation for you.”“Party?”“Yes, it’s a fun event that we organize once every six months.”Brendan turned his head to take a glance at Deirdre. It was bad for her to stay in the room frequently, and she needed to walk around more often, so he nodded. “Book a reservation for me tonight. I’ll be there.”Brendan and Deirdre headed to the pool area during dinner time. They were very quiet all the time when they had nothing else to talk about. Even when they were seated at their seats and listening to others chatting leisurely, Deirdre did not have the desire to speak.She abided by Brendan’s ord
Deirdre took a deep breath and said, “I can’t convince you then.”“You can convince me,” Brendan said in a meaningful tone. “Use the advantage that you take the most pride in.”Deirdre’s expression froze on her face. On the other side, Joan Wood and friends were chatting by the poolside. She took a glance past the man before she realized she could not take her eyes off him.She was feeling blue initially and had agreed to her friend’s invitation to join the party. She attempted to recall but could not remember anyone mentioning Brendan Brighthall’s presence here.She became distracted instantly. Could it be that it was fated for them not to end their relationship so rashly?“Joan, what are you looking at? You’re so distracted that you don’t even respond when I talk to you.”“Precisely. Everyone is here to keep you company and cheer you up. Why are you so distracted when you’re the main character?”Joan was jolted back to reality. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”“Did
After all, that man was Brendan Brighthall!Apart from having no concern about living a good life after marrying him, she would be respected and envied by others no matter where she was. She would not need to suck up to the Woods, be subservient to Joan, and live on Joan’s leftovers. “It’s no pity. My family still has a strong hold in Eastgene without Brendan,” said Joan. “I hope that one of you can get on with Brendan. We’re besties, so we can help out each other when one of us marries Brendan. It’s a waste that…”She heaved a sigh. “It’s a waste what?” Zinerva’s interest was piqued, and she grew restless in her heart when she heard Joan’s sigh. “It’s a waste that Brendan is already in a relationship.” Joan looked toward Deirdre. “It’s the woman seated opposite Brendan. She’s beautiful, isn’t she? She is a nobody and blind. Yet, she managed to make Brendan take her to an upper-class party just with her beauty. He is very affectionate to her.”Zinerva stared at Deirdre’s face
‘That must be it. Kyran wouldn’t be gone for two days in a row.’She wanted to seek the help of a waitress to check on the text messages on her phone, but she raised her head to find a woman with a slim figure walking into her visual field.“Hello.” Deirdre got up and passed the phone to the woman. “Would you please help me check if there are any missed calls on my phone? I’m blind and can’t see it.”She spoke in a pleading tone, but the person did not respond at all. Deirdre could not help feeling dejected and forced a smile. “I’m sorry for troubling you.”She walked away in an attempt to seek help from a waitress when Brendan was away. She had just walked past the woman when she tripped over a foot in high heels that suddenly extended under her. Soon afterward, she felt her body being shoved forward and lost her balance before toppling into the water instantly.The intense, ferocious feeling of drowning overwhelmed her. Her body sunk into the icy cold pool water while the pani
Brendan calmed down a little and took the phone. “I’ll get it fixed.”A change finally shadowed Deirdre’s frozen, mortified face. A flash of surprise briefly lit up in her glassy, unseeing eyes before she hung her head and whispered, “Thank you.”It came from the bottom of her heart. The phone meant way too much to her.Brendan could only laugh at himself. He was pushing her to be closer to his own alter ego! Even if… he had always been like this.The waiter quickly brought a dry towel and coat. Brendan took them and wrapped the coat around Deirdre’s head, making sure that the bitter cold would not get to her. And that was the last of any softness in his expression. Almost immediately, he scanned the surroundings with a piercing, vindictive glare. “Who was it? Who did it?”Someone among the crowd said, “She probably fell inside the pool by herself, right? I mean, she can’t see. I wouldn’t think it’s that surprising.”“Yea. It’s a given for someone like her, right?”Brendan kne
“Either you jump, or your family business is wiped out of the face of this city. Your call,” Brendan sneered. He pulled Deirdre even closer in his arms and smirked. “I bet someone who knows I’m a Brighthall would also know who I am, right? I can destroy a small-fry company with a snap of my finger, so maybe don’t try my patience.”“N-No, Mr. Brighthall! No!” Zinerva pleaded, alarmed.Deirdre had almost died just now because nobody helped. Judging by Brendan’s tone, nobody would dare to even rescue Zinerva unless he allowed them to! “I can’t swim, Mr. Brighthall— I’ll die if I go down there! Please, show some mercy! It was just an accident!”Brendan’s tone was as frigid as permafrost. “Three. Two.”Zinerva’s lips trembled. Everything she had worked hard for—her image, her reputation, everything—was going to ruins. If news of this got out… she would become the joke of the circle. She could kiss her dream of becoming a socialite goodbye!But Brendan would punish her family’s company
“Thank you.” Deirdre pulled her collar taut around her neck and cast her eyes to the floor. Her voice was soft. “For both helping to repair my phone and saving me from drowning.”Brendan was far from a good, decent man and was no stranger to all kinds of unforgivable transgressions. But at the very least, Deirdre’s gratitude was sincere at this moment. He had saved her life.“It’s nothing.” Brendan considered the young woman’s pale, half-traumatized mien and fought the urge to just pull her into a comforting cuddle. “Don’t worry about it. Anyone who dares to touch a single hair on your head will all get it. If everything goes exactly as I thought, Zinerva Cole’s life in Eastgene is finished.”Deirdre couldn't care less. Neither did she try to talk Brendan out of it. She simply nodded and said, “Okay.”“Get some rest,” he said as she started toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”Deirdre was taken aback. Raising her head, she blurted out, “Wait, did you—”“My room is next door.
"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