A sharp sting spread out from his heart to the rest of his innards. It hurt so much even his injury on the right arm paled in comparison. “Alright. If you won’t, then I won’t ask for it either.”He assented instead of demanding his request be met. Deirdre’s eyelashes trembled. She was surprised to see him showing no anger. She was surprised he managed to calm himself and not make it an issue.-On the top floor of a hotel in Neve, a man knocked on the door of the luxury suite before reporting to a man standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. “Sir? Brendan Brighthall has left the hospital.”The man played with the wineglass between his fingers and watched the light reflecting off its rim. He set the glass down. “Oh? Did he notice it?”“No.” Disdain animated the underling. “We successfully ambushed him, meaning he was not sharp enough to notice things like that. I doubt he knew we bribed the operating doctor into introducing medicines that could make his injuries wors
“That’s not necessary.” Brendan took a deep breath and frowned. “It’s too troublesome. Besides, I’ve gotten a lot better after changing the bandages. I guess the wound opened when I moved around just now.”“But—”“Don’t worry about me,” Brendan said firmly, cutting her short. “Mrs. Engel, you’re free to go now.”Mrs. Engel had no other choice but to go ahead and clean up the mess.Deirdre was standing frozen stiff on the spot. She seemed rather lost. Just when she turned around, Brendan held her hand. “You have anything to ask me?” Brendan asked as he watched Deirdre fixedly. He could see that she had something to say to him. He brought her closer to him and continued. “If there’s anything you want to tell me, just say it out loud. Don’t keep it inside your heart. It’s not good for your health. You can ask me whatever you want.”The man's fingers were cold, and Deirdre did not know to put her feelings into words now. Perhaps she felt sorry for him since he had gotten injured b
“Then why would his wound hurt at night?”Brendan looked at Deirdre in surprise. He could not hold himself back and held her hand with their fingers interlaced.Dr. Lang sighed. “This is normal when inflammation happens. But as long as Mr. Brighthall takes medicine accordingly and avoids some food, his wound will heal eventually.”“Alright, then,” said Deirdre. After Dr. Lang left, Brendan grabbed Deirdre carefully in his arms. There was a hint of joy in his pair of eyes as he said, “Are you worried about me, Deirdre?”Before waiting for Deirdre to say anything, he continued. “I’m really happy about it.”She was worried about his wound. This was something he did not dare to imagine before today.Deirdre gave him the cold shoulder and pushed his arm again.“Please, don’t get it wrong. You made too much noise last night. I don’t want to get disturbed by you anymore.”After that, she turned around and went into the kitchen.Mrs. Engel was doing her chores inside the kitchen whe
“Really?” Brendan’s eyes lit up.Deirdre had never once smiled ever since she stepped foot into this mansion, and this was the first time she said she wanted to go out to get some fresh air. “I’ll come with you,” he said, his voice thick with exhilaration. Deirdre frowned. “Why do you want to come with us?”“I can help you to carry stuff. I can be the driver too.”Even Mrs. Engel could sense the submissiveness in Brendan's voice. He used to be a very powerful person in Neve. There was no way he would willingly become other people’s driver.Deirdre turned her head sideways and said, “That’s not necessary. Look at the wound on your shoulder. I doubt you’ll be able to hold anything right now, let alone carry some heavy stuff. We can walk there ourselves. We don’t need you to drive us there.”Brendan’s face sank. “I just don’t want you to leave my side, Deirdre.”Deirdre remained silent. She opened the door and bumped into Sam.Sam greeted her, and when he saw Brendan, he said
“You’re talking about the Brighthall Group?” “Yeah, when I first saw him, I thought he was a good man since he is so good-looking and has a successful career. I didn't expect him to do something like that. Just like people always say, you can't judge a book by its cover.”“Yeah, but I don't think this is something strange at all. After all, he's so powerful that he can do whatever he wants, and that's not something we common people can do anything about. I just feel a little bit disgusted. He can make the law bend to his will just because he has some power.”‘That’s right. Now that everyone in the city knows about it, he can’t run away anymore. Well, he deserves it. If it weren’t for the whistleblower, all of us would still be in the dark…”Deirdre stopped in her tracks.Mrs. Engel also heard their conversation, and she asked, “Mrs. Brighthall, are they talking about Mr. Brighthall?”“I have no idea either…” Deirdre’s head was a muddled mess.Those people’s words were filled wi
“Shameless! Get back to prison! No, you should be executed! You need to pay with your life!” “Get back to prison! Get back to prison!” Everyone shouted in chorus and started throwing stuff at Deirdre to vent their anger in the victim's place.Mrs. Engel hastily protected Deirdre under her arms and shouted, “Stop! Stop it! She’s pregnant!”“Pregnant? A killer like her shouldn’t even be allowed to have a baby!”“An apple won't fall far from its tree! An evil criminal like her will only give birth to another murderer! She should get an abortion!”The passersby were indignant, throwing eggs and vegetables at her relentlessly. Some of them even grabbed her hair and started beating her. This was the scene that Brendan saw when he arrived at the grocery store. His eyes became bloodshot as he charged into the grocery store.“Get off her!” Brendan pushed away those people who were beating Deirdre and protected her under his body. He ignored the pain on his shoulder and looked at De
The fact that Brendan had been ambushed and Deirdre’s past had been exposed on the Internet meant she was not their primary target.Brendan knew it very well. It was just that he felt sorry for bringing Deirdre into this. The derision in the woman’s eyes was still vividly clear in his mind. Deirdre would not have suffered such humiliation if it were not for him.“I want the photo off the Internet. Don’t forget to delete all the posts and news about her as well.”“Then what about the person who uploaded the photo?”Deirdre narrowed his eyes dangerously and said, “I’m sure they are with the group of people who ambushed me. Just speed up your action.”“Yes, sir.”After Sam left, Brendan stitched his wound and reapplied the bandage. He went to Deirdre’s ward, and Mrs. Engel was waiting outside. “How is she?” asked Brendan.“There are scratches here and there on Mrs. Brighthall’s body, but they aren’t serious,” Mrs. said Engel, her eyes red around the rims. “However, she seems
Brendan’s heart was torn apart as he buried his head in the woman’s shoulder.He already had the answer in his heart.He could not do it. He could not afford to lose Deirdre again, even if it was only for a day. Only when Deirdre was around him did he feel he was alive as a living person, not as a walking corpse.“I’m sorry…”“Stop saying sorry to me. I’ve heard enough of it.”Deirdre pushed him away as she felt disgusted. Brendan grabbed her fingers. His eyes were red and filled with determination. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring an end to all of this. I promise you that what happened today won’t happen again.”“Bring an end to all of this?” Deirdre looked at him. “How are you going to end it? Are you going to tell everyone in Neve that Charlene was the one who ran that person over? Will you tell everyone that she’s the murderer and bring her to justice?” Brendan was stumped, and a mocking smile hopped onto the corner of Deirdre’s lips. She had expected his reaction.Brendan too
"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