Brendan flew into a rage when Tobey mentioned their first kid, and he glared at him coldly.Deirdre felt that something was not right, but it was too late for her to say anything.The bodyguard beside Tobey turned around and gave him a kick in his stomach.As a well-trained bodyguard, it went without saying that he would not go easy on Tobey. Tobey curled his body up and grunted in pain. “Tobey!” Deirdre wanted to rush over to Tobey’s side, but Brendan did not give her a chance. He grabbed her tightly into his arms—his expression was dark, and his gaze ablaze with anger. Deirdre could not break herself free from Brendan, so she just looked over in Tobey’s direction and asked, “Tobey, are you all right?”Tobey forced down the pain and said, “I’m okay, Deirdre. We don’t have to be scared of him. So what if he’s the great Brighthall? Can he kill me?”Brendan let out a cold smirk and said, “Tobey, I’m sure you’re well aware of the condition in this place, right? Otherwise, you wou
Doesn’t he know the best why I can’t keep the baby?’If he could just let her go, then…Deirdre turned her face sideways. Brendan looked at her, his pupils trembling with emotions. After a short while, the emotions in his eyes melted away. Deirdre hated him to the bone, but it did not matter. As long as she was with him, he did not care if she loved or hated him. “Deirdre! Deirdre!” Tobey rushed toward the car and smacked the windows, shattering the silence in the car. “Don’t go with him! I’ve already called the cops! They’ll be here very soon!”Deirdre was stunned.Brendan’s face sank as he said coldly, “Deirdre, I really want to let him go, but he’s just like an annoying bug that refuses to leave me alone.”“No…” Deirdre’s voice was shaking.“Start the car,” Brendan ordered the driver.Tobey was trying to open the door, and he fell to the ground when the car began to move.“Tobey!” Deirdre shouted hysterically, her face full of tears. She smacked the window several time
Deirdre’s eyelashes trembled. Even though she did not say anything, Brendan still placed the straw near her lips.“It’s warm water. Hurry up and take a sip.”Deirdre turned her head to the side. “How is Tobey? Where is he now?”Brendan’s face sank. The doctor had said that Deirdre could not get too agitated again, so he replied, “He’s fine. Don’t worry about him.”“I don’t believe you,” replied Deirdre. “I want to call him.”“Deirdre!” snarled Brendan. He suppressed his anger and continued with a frown. “Do you realize where you are right now? In a hospital. Don’t you think you should ask about your own condition first?”Deirdre let out a mocking smile. “Brendan, who do you think is the one that caused me to be hospitalized?”Brendan was stumped.Deirdre grasped tightly at the quilt and continued. “I can’t believe that you’d do something like that to a pregnant woman.”“I didn’t want to do that to you either. I just… I just wanted to check your body.”Deirdre was stunned. A l
Deirdre jerked her head up when she heard what Brendan said. Unfortunately, she could not see the expression on Brendan’s face. After a while, she scoffed. “Brendan, do you think it’s fun playing me like this?”She might have believed in him if he had said the same thing to her five years ago. She would have been so happy that she could not fall asleep and that she would feel that she was the happiest woman in the world. However, after everything that happened…She just felt a surge of chill coursing through her body.“I—”“That’s enough.” Deirdre lowered her head, her face emotionless. She was too exhausted to continue this farce with Brendan. “What do you want from me? Just tell me honestly.”‘If I give him what he wants, he’ll let me go, right?’Brendan could not see through her expression either. It was also because of the apathetic expression on Deirdre's face that he felt a sting in his heart.She did not look happy when he said he loved her. Instead, she avoided him like
“Don’t say that, Deirdre! It was me who took it upon myself to come. It wasn’t your fault. Moreover… Moreover!” Tobey spoke through his tightly-gritted teeth. “I should be the one apologizing to you. I was so weak and powerless that I couldn’t go against Brendan. I had to watch helplessly when he took you away.”“No…”Very few people were capable of going against Brendan, let alone someone without an influential background like Tobey. “However, I promise that I will figure out a way to save you for sure!” Tobey said emotionally. “I managed to whisk you away previously, so I will surely still stand a chance at doing that again. I’ve already reported it to the police as well. The Surstate police department will arrest Brendan, and I’ll surely figure out a way to get to you by then!”“It’s alright, Tobey,” Deirdre said with great difficulty. “You don’t have to go through the trouble for me anymore. What I told you the other day is all true. You should go home. Go back to Eastgene wit
There was no telling how his decision would affect the staff members at the management level. “Sure. I’ll spend time keeping her company every day.”The doctor could see that Brendan was sincere, so he spoke more pleasantly. “That’s right. If you put in the effort, the incident that got her admitted to the hospital won’t happen again, and the baby will be fine.”Deirdre realized instantly that Brendan’s change of attitude was to ensure the baby’s safety so he would have a successor and not because he cared about her.She mocked herself for overthinking the situation and turned around in preparation to leave. Brendan caught up to her and held her hand with his huge, warm palm. He reminded her softly, “Don’t simply walk around. Be careful because you might bump into the passersby.”Deirdre did not respond, but Brendan acted cautiously and even draped a jacket over Deirdre when they were outdoors.When they got into the car, the assistant said, “You haven’t been to the company fo
Deirdre was stunned. Brendan checked on her and discovered that a blanket covered her legs, so his mind was set at ease. Meanwhile, he just realized a patch of his arm skin was scalded. It was fortunate that the chicken soup was not at boiling temperature, but it was hot enough to injure him. He went to wash his wound with cold water in the kitchen. Deirdre clenched her fists tightly. As she looked at the blurry figure, her confused gaze was tainted with a tinge of guilt. However, her gaze turned apathetic the next moment.She had indeed caused her injury, yet did he feel any ounce of guilt for causing her countless injuries?She would be duped by his trick If she were to feel sympathy for him now. After all, all he cared about was the baby, the successor of the Brighthalls. Brendan turned around and walked out of the kitchen to discover that the living room was empty after he was done washing. The blanket used to cover her legs was tossed on the floor.Brendan felt his arm be
“Brendan…”Brendan took a cold glance at her. “Julian, I know that it was you who saved Tobey. I don’t want to know the reason for your visit if you’re not here to bid farewell or for something else. However, my patience is limited, so don’t try to challenge me.”Julia trembled ferociously in fear. She suddenly came to realize why Deirdre was so afraid of Brendan. It was because Brendan had always been merciless from the start. As long as he was not feigning it, his presence was already oppressive enough to suffocate a person. However…At the thought of Tobey’s reminder, Julia gnashed her teeth to brace herself and turned to Deirdre. “Deirdre! Head to the place where you made wine during childhood if you have the chance. There’s something for you there!”“Shut up!” Brendan grew aggressive, and a bodyguard immediately came over to block Julia. Brendan shut the car door to cut off her voice.Julia was pulled to the side, and she was trembling in fear at the sight of Brendan ap
"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