Upon thinking that Deirdre cooked very well and would frequently change her recipes to encourage his appetite in the past, Brendan could not help looking forward to lunch of the day. However, Brendan came to understand what Deirdre meant in her remark later. He looked at the spinach soup served on the table, and Mrs. Engel explained to him enthusiastically, “Mr. Brighthall, I prepared the soup with spinach, carrots, and other libido-boosting ingredients that will promote recovery for your bodily functions.”Brendan was rendered speechless, and his face turned green with rage.Mrs. Engel assumed Brendan was not fond of others learning about his health concerns, so she hastily explained smilingly, “Don’t be shy, Mr. Brighthall. Your condition is very common in my place. Moreover, you’re almost 30 years old, so it is very normal that your bodily functions are deteriorating. You will only need to recuperate for a while.”Deirdre almost choked on her broccoli soup upon hearing the re
It was her first time hearing Brendan’s anxious tone. ‘Who’s dead?’Brendan did not wish to disturb Deirdre, so he got up and headed to the balcony. “Haven’t I ordered you to watch him closely? What happened?”Sam was extremely troubled. “We had been monitoring him closely all this time, and his door was guarded at all times. However, he was found dead in the morning when we checked on him. He was suffocated, yet a single struggling wound could not be found on him. It appears as if he suffocated himself to death.”“Suffocated himself to death?” Brendan found that ridiculous, and his gaze turned colder. “Do you think that is possible?”“That would be impossible.”When he was on the brink of death, a man’s breathing was not controlled by his brain. Even if he wanted to suffocate himself to death, the survival instinct of his body would not allow that. “I really didn’t expect there to be a mole in the organization.”Sam felt his heart racing. “Sir, so you’re saying that…”“Th
As Madame Brighthall was speaking, she raised her head and said, “Did you manage to get Deirdre back?”Brendan was surprised. Madame Brighthall said, “Your situation caused such a huge commotion that everyone knew about it. Even if I stay idle at home, I’m bound to find out.”At the mention of Deirdre, Brendan’s expression was tainted with a gentleness that was barely discernible.“Hmm, she is back,” said Brendan. “I suppose you can consider my visit today to be for this matter as well.”Madame Brighthall looked up while Brendan smirked. “You’re going to be a grandmother.”Madame Brighthall’s usually calm expression was filled with astonishment upon hearing that. Soon afterward, there was joy but also a tinge of mockery. “You’re going around in circles, but here you are back in the same spot. I remember that Deirdre used to be pregnant in the past, but you weren’t planning to let her keep the baby at the time, right? Thus, she came running to me and used the excuse of keeping me
Both of them walked to the park, and the sky was stained red in the meantime. It was still not dark, so Deirdre and Mrs. Engel strolled leisurely in the park and heard the soft discussion from their side.“Is that her?”“I suppose. Her figure looks exactly the same. That should be her.”Soon afterward, those two people braced themselves to approach Deirdre. “Hello, may I inquire if you’re Miss Deirdre McKinnon?”Deirdre did not expect that she would encounter people who knew her, so she paused for a moment before she nodded. The person was overjoyed instantly. “It’s truly a waste that I didn’t see you in the grocery store today. I was planning on going over to apologize to you. I’m really sorry for what transpired that day…”Deirdre was about to say, “It’s alright,” when the person asked, “Where’s Mr. Brighthall? Why isn’t he here with you? Aren’t you two lovers?”“What do you mean by lovers?” The person’s companion interrupted by saying in astonishment, “Don’t be spouting nons
Brendan showed up at the door, appearing rather tired. His sharp eyebrows were tightly furrowed and only relaxed ever so slightly at the sight of Deirdre having dinner quietly in the dining room. He walked over and placed the box in his hand on the table. “Why are you having dinner so late?”Deirdre ignored the man’s concerning inquiry and kept her head lowered to eat her meal. Brendan paid no attention to her reaction and opened the box. “It’s a good time, though. Have a taste of the cake I bought you. I remember that you used to like this pastry shop’s cake in the past.”He had waited in line for two hours. Otherwise, he would have returned earlier. He picked up one of the cake slices and placed it on Deirdre’s plate.She did not respond to that and got up after finishing her meal and headed upstairs. “Deirdre?” Brendan furrowed his eyebrows and stretched out his hand to clutch the woman’s wrist. Before he could say, “What’s going on with you?” Deirdre caught him off guard
‘Visiting my mother with Charlene?’Brendan’s pupils constricted abruptly. “Who told you that?”“It’s on the news. They reported that Charlene joined you to visit Madame Brighthall, and some photos have been posted online. Many people were discussing it when Mrs. Brighthall and I were strolling in the park this evening.”Brendan’s breathing was ragged. He immediately pulled out his phone to run a search and found the photos of him and Charlene at the door of the family mansion on the top search page, just as expected.It was apparent that the person was highly skilled in taking photos because Brendan was standing about one meter away from Charlene. Yet, he appeared to be hugging and chatting intimately with her in the photos.His icy cold expression was blurred on the photos on purpose, leaving only Charlene’s joy and affectionate expression. Brendan clutched his phone tightly.“Charlene…”‘No wonder she showed up there! No wonder…’Mrs. Engel cowered at the sight of Brendan’s
Brendan’s gaze dimmed when he remembered his past actions.“I was too foolish in the past, and I won’t do it again from now on.”Deirdre appeared to be caught in a daze for a moment. Brendan spoke in such a serious tone she had almost mistaken him for someone else.He would actually acknowledge his past foolishness. ‘Doesn’t Brendan always act like he’s high above others and no one can compare to him? Is he pocketing his pride willingly to appease me because of the child?’Deirdre was in disbelief.Brendan held her hand tightly in his palm. “I know it will be very hard for you to trust me within a short period, but I’m telling the truth. Charlene and I only bumped into each other at the entrance, and we didn’t even enter the family mansion together. After all, it would have been inappropriate for her to be there when I discussed today’s topic of conversation with my mother.”‘Topic of conversation?’Deirdre looked up.Brendan knew that her interest would be piqued. He looked at
“You’re finally here, Miss McKinnon! It’s very windy today, so Madame Brighthall can’t come. As such, she sent us in place to welcome you.”As soon as the servant finished the sentence, the person next to her elbowed her and said, “Miss McKinnon?”“Ah, alright.” The servant was enlightened and said smilingly, “Welcome home, Mrs. Brighthall.”Deirdre appeared to be caught in a daze. Her breathing quickened when she heard the term of address, and she had no idea how she felt about that. It was possible she did not expect the servants in the family mansion would still address her as they did in the past after so many years.There was a praiseful look in Brendan’s dark eyes. He wrapped his arm around Deirdre’s shoulder and said, “It’s very windy today. We should go inside.”Deirdre nodded and was led into the backyard. Before she reached the living room, she heard the servant in the house saying, “Don’t worry, madame. Mr. Brighthall is with Mrs. Brighthall, and they’re coming soon. Ju
"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