‘Kyran… Brendan…’Charlene’s pupils shook violently. “Get someone to keep watch on Deirdre, quickly! Look into the man named Kyran, who is always with her while you’re at it!”“Uh…” Mitch leaned against the chair and expressed his amusement. “Charlene, you must be joking with me, right? Do you know that someone is protecting Deirdre? Let alone keeping watch on her. I don’t even f*ck*ng know where she is.”“I know you have your ways of doing it!” Charlene was extremely agitated and struck the table while she shouted, “Mitch! We’re in the same boat. Don’t you dare be unappreciative after helping you frequently in Brendan’s name!”Mitch had his legs crossed and said in a cynical tone, “It seems that you’re of no use to me now. Brendan has left you, so why should I stay? Besides, do you think that you can still seduce me with your beauty like you did in the past? Eight out of ten of the hostesses at the club have a plastic-surgery face like yours.”“You!”Charlene was furious that Mi
“Handsome man?” Glenna was stunned for a moment. She thought about her recent suitors and figured that it could only be that unshakable rich kid and said shyly, “You’re kidding me. How is that a handsome man… I shall buy you dinner tonight if you can get rid of him for me. Thanks!”“You can’t be getting rid of a fine, handsome man like that, right?” The colleague covered her mouth, chuckled to herself, and said, “Can I have him if you don’t want him?”“Hold on…” Glenna called over the colleague because she knew her colleague’s beauty standard for men. “It’s not Joshua West?”The colleague said in contempt, “What? How can you compare that man to my Adonis? Ms. Glaser, I highly advise you to apologize to my Adonis at once. Otherwise, I’m going to punish you for slandering my Adonis!”It was possible that Glenna would become a harmonious whole in the past, but she was not in the mood to do so recently. However, she had come to realize immediately that the incoming person was not Joshu
Glenna had just realized that Declan was really waiting for her downstairs.She could not bear to go through the reports anymore because she could not figure out Declan’s goal in coming here.‘He’s not going to choose to let Deirdre find out the truth, nor is he going to change anything. Is he here to convince me, then? Am I really that important?’At that thought, Glenna patted her face and suppressed the ineffable feeling in her chest. She headed to the restroom to wash her face. It was already time to get off work by the time she returned to the office. A group of colleagues were discussing the dinner location and asked for Glenna’s opinion.She shook her head and said, “Count me out. I still didn’t get around to amending the project, so I’m going to put in the extra hours for a while. You guys can go ahead.”“You shouldn’t trouble yourself too much either. If you really can’t finish it, you can do it tomorrow morning. We will only need to hand it in next week anyway, so ther
Declan came up with a rather standard answer. “Miss McKinnon needs you still.” He said, “She called me today and told me about how you’ve been acting off recently. She’s very worried about you as a friend. I feel that we shouldn’t affect her usually calm life anyhow, don’t you think so?”Glenna felt her heart sink. She had naively assumed that Declan perhaps cared about her at the very least, which was why he would try to explain the painful topic to her willingly. “So…” Glenna’s voice was shaky when she said, “So, you’re only here to see me to solve this issue. You’ve never found yourself to be at fault, right?”“A deceit will always be wrong. However, as I’ve said, we don’t have a right to intervene as outsiders.”Declan looked at the tears she held back in her eyes calmly. “Glenna, you’re an adult and a childhood friend of Fionn. I hope you won’t ruin your friendship with Miss McKinnon because you’re doing it out of momentary spite.”Glenna clenched her fist tightly and lo
“Glenna, how are you?”Glenna chuckled dryly and said, “I’m fine. I feel bad for making you worried. I was too busy with work… a while back.”Deirdre accepted the excuse and said smilingly, “It’s fine that you’re busy with work for a short while, as long as you’re still willing to call me.”“Why would I not be willing to call you? I treat you like a friend from the bottom of my heart.” Glenna felt choked up upon saying that. Deirdre said, “Are you free today? Would you like to come over for dinner at my place tonight?”“Will Kyran be there as well?”“Of course. He’s living with me.” Deirdre paused for a moment. “Or would you like to meet me with just the two of us?”“No, I’m only asking casually.” Glenna chuckled forcefully. “I’ll be there tonight. Remember to cook me my favorite stuffed eggplant. It’s been a long time since I last had it, and I miss having it.”Deirdre could not help laughing. “Sure.”After ending the call, Kyran came upstairs. He tilted her chin and kissed
Who was their mystery photographer? Kyran had no idea. He knew that if the pictures were to be leaked to the public, it would spell trouble. Deirdre stood still and waited for Kyran’s return patiently. It was a great moment to immerse herself in—she liked being a part of the bustling scene. It made her feel alive. She heard footsteps drawing near and thought it was Kyran. Unexpectedly, it was a middle-aged woman. “Fine day, young lady. The man who was with you… Is his name ‘Kyran Reed’?”She was gregarious enough, but her choice of words triggered Deirdre’s defense. She frowned warily and asked, “Can I help you?”“Oh, no! It’s nothing big! I don’t mean to scare you,” explained the middle-aged woman. “Kyran Reed simply wanted me to inform you that he’s caught up with something and can’t really come to you, so you should wait for him at the entrance.”“Caught up with… what?”The middle-aged woman chuckled dryly. “Beats me. I’m just a messenger. I wouldn’t know. That’s all, real
Kyran became Deirdre’s kitchen helper. Around 5:00 p.m., they heard a knock on the door, prompting Deirdre to clap the flour out of her hands in joy. “Sweet! That has to be Glenna! Let her in, Kyran!”A subtle change shadowed Kyran’s expression, though he ultimately obliged and answered the door.The young woman had a few bags on her fingers when the door opened. When she saw Kyran, her eyes dodged him for a second. Steeling herself, she called out, “Hi, Mr… Reed.”Kyran nodded and stepped aside to let Glenna in. Deirdre strode out of the kitchen and greeted cheerfully, “You came just in time, Glenna. A new change of kitchen helper is sorely needed! Kyran’s just no good at these things… He could not even peel and slice those potatoes right. If we want our dinner to happen soon, I’m gonna need your help.”“Well, well, well! You’re in luck! This is exactly what I’m born to do!” Glenna placed the fruits down and rolled her sleeves. “Let me at ‘em!”Her usual preppiness had return
Deirdre tossed an implicative glance outside the kitchen. “Believe me, I’ve seen the worst, and now nobody else’s skill could ever faze me again. Seriously, try to surprise me.”“Heh.” Declan excitedly washed his hands and grabbed a spare knife. He made a few nicks and began to unpeel it. “How’s this?”Deirdre’s poor sight would not be able to help her tell, but she also thought this was the best opportunity to get Glenna and Declan talking again. “What do you think, Glenna?”Quietly exasperated, Glenna turned in the direction of Declan’s hand and noticed how beautiful his fingers really were. It was as if a man with good genes simply could not have anything remotely out of place in any part of their physical appearance. Glenna never fancied herself as someone who gave a dime about hands, and yet even her heart throbbed.When she finally broke out of her trance, she realized she had been silent too long.Declan tried to dispel the awkwardness in the air with a chuckle. “I must hav
"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