‘This is preposterous,’ thought Deirdre inwardly. In the past, she would most certainly have been overjoyed if Brendan had promised to be with her for the rest of her life. However, she found it amusing now and nothing else. Brendan’s gaze dimmed little by little and turned icy. He did not look away from Deirdre’s face for even the slightest bit, but the warmth in his expression had vanished into nothingness at that very moment. “Will you die if you don’t meet Ophelia?” he said mockingly. Deirdre paused for a moment and said confidently, “Yes, I will die if I don’t meet my mother.”Brendan tightened his grip abruptly and swept her away from his thigh in a rage. Deirdre lost her balance and landed on the carpeted floor. She did not find it unusual despite being surprised as it had already been a long time since Brendan had experienced any mood swings. Noticing that Brendan was about to leave, she did not care about the pain anymore. Instead, she got up in haste and said, “B
Charlene said, “Why would he bully me, huh… It’s just that…”Her eyes were red from tears, and she assumed an act of grievance, saying, “He picked up a woman’s call after he left with me yesterday. He left me all alone suddenly, and I couldn't help asking the people around him, only to find out that…”Madame Brighthall frowned. “Find out what?”“I found out that he has a woman stowed away in the villa,” Charlene explained in a haste. “But I’ve always trusted Brendan, and I know that he is not that kind of man. Perhaps the woman is just Brendan’s friend, but it’s possible that it was just a fling… I’m fine. I just don’t feel very good. I don’t have a family, so I regard you as my biological mother and I couldn’t help telling you. Please don’t blame him, mother!”Madame Brighthall looked angry. “Is that true? I have to get to the bottom of it! If Brendan has a mistress, I won’t allow it, and the rest of the Brighthall ancestors won’t allow it, either!”Upon saying that, Madame Brigh
“You’re not? Do you think I’m blind? Anyone can see the love bites on your neck!” Madame Brighthall was so furious that she felt dizzy and her head began to throb in waves. It took her quite a while to continued, “I know that my son is to blame as well. I’ll punish him properly, but you must leave this place immediately! You’re not allowed to have any contact with Brendan from now on!“As a woman, you should be ashamed of yourself. Hasn’t your mother taught you that it’s immoral to be someone's mistress? Do you know how much your behavior has hurt Charlene?”Deirdre’s eyes reddened with tears abruptly. Madame Brighthall was the family member that she thought the highest of, other than her own mother. On the other hand, Madame Brighthall had spoken to her with immense coldness and disgust today just to defend Charlene, the most scheming woman she knew. Her eyes stung, and she felt pain tugging in her chest. She had never been that shameless or agreed to be someone’s mistress. Sh
Charlene covered her mouth in a haste as if she had misspoken. She then explained in a flurry, “No… Ms. McKinnon didn’t do that on purpose. It’s possible that she loved Brendan too much at the time and did it out of spite… I choose to forgive her!”“Why are you still putting in a good word for her when she almost crippled your leg? You’re too kind, Charlene!” Madame Brighthall looked at Deirdre as if she was protecting a young child. She said in a voice tainted with anger, “I didn’t expect that you’d not only enjoy ruining their relationship but you’d also hurt people despite your young age. I was still rather fond of you when I met you previously. Leave at once! Don’t let me see you again from now on!”Madame Brighthall used to be the only person who defended her in the past, but she was protecting the real Charlene now, as she had just ordered Deirdre to leave the villa. Deirdre’s hands were shaking behind her back, and she lowered her head. “I’m sorry…”‘I’m sorry that I disgus
Madame Brighthall was stunned for a moment before she said furiously, “Where is she? She’s gone, of course! This is the house you share with Charlene. Why would a nobody like her show up at the villa? She left a long time ago!”“Left?” Brendan’s pupils constricted. “She can’t see! How could you just let her leave like that!”Madame Brighthall had been blinded by rage at the time. Now that she realized what she had done, she felt guilty but she still said stubbornly, “So what if she can’t see? She’s not a fool. She’s a grown woman. Can’t she make a call herself or borrow a phone from someone else to call her family or friends after leaving this place?”Brendan felt his head spinning and his heart racing. ‘Family or friends? How could Deirdre still have any family or friends?’Her mother was dead, and the only person she could depend on was Madame Brighthall, who had spoken to her harshly. As for Sterling, she had already been forced to break ties with him thanks to Brendan. She wo
A bucket of ice-cold water was poured all over her face. Deirdre’s opened wide from shock. She realized she could not move. Her limbs were tied.The woman who had woken her up scanned her. Disgust was dripping from her words. “Eew, what the hell? It’s bad enough that she looks like a horror movie—she’s way too skinny and frail to even satisfy a customer! I swear, Mr. Brighthall is unbelievable.”Someone was quick to appease her, saying, “Well, it’s more about doing Mr. Brighthall a favor, right? You know he’s gonna remember this and repay you with lots of goodies in the future, Madam Rouge!” “Pfft. A favor. I’d love to do him a favor, but God! This b*tch can’t even attract a man in heat,” Madam Rouge sneered. Clamping a cigarette between her fingers, she strutted toward Deirdre and frowned. “Holy sh*t. Hell, no! This b*tch is blind!”Deirdre felt a chill crawling up her spine. ‘So Brendan… is the one behind this?‘Has he finally grown sick of me, after all? He has grown weary o
The man’s eyes blazed at the suggestion, but in the blink of an eye, his hesitation stopped him. “Madam Rouge told me never to take it off, sweetheart…”“I-It’s… okay… Take it off… K-K-Kiss me…” Deirdre was slurring through a bloody foam. Her voice was quivering, but to the ears of a red-blooded man in flames, it was as if she was mewing in welcome.She had such a mellifluous voice. A lithe body so fine that her appearance must surely reflect this even if she did not look like a literal goddess. Besides, the mask was starting to get in his way. How could anyone enjoy this without seeing the face a woman made?He yanked the mask away from Deirdre’s face without any reservations. “Here comes the sun, princess!”His gleeful eyes fell upon her visage. The light in the hotel room, dim as it was, hid nothing.He realized he had been lusting after the face of a freak. Her features, in turn, were seared into his eyes. The man cried out and jerked away, losing control of his balance an
Brendan’s mien turned stormy. He espied a bucket of water next to a mop nearby and poured it all over Deirdre’s face. The chill woke Deirdre from her drug-induced stupor. Her newfound sobriety was met with more abuse. “Are you awake now?! I’m your husband! Who else could you possibly want other than me?! Are you really the kind of cheap sl*t who can’t help but spread her legs for anyone with a di*k as long as he’s nice?”‘My husband?’ Deirdre parroted inwardly.Tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to laugh. For two long years, she had suffered so much because of this stupid title, and what had she gotten in return? This arduous, inescapable hell. This proclamation had ceased bringing her joy. “Yes! I am that kind of cheap sl*t! I’ll let any man screw me! Anyone!” Her knees were wobbling, but she willed herself to stand firm. “Anyone except you, Brendan Brighthall.”“How dare you!” he howled before he raised his hand.Deirdre could feel the breeze of his motion. She then c
"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