Charlene must not die. Otherwise, Deirdre couldn’t explain herself under so many eyewitnesses.Seeing the scene, Brendan held tightly on the rail, so tightly that his veins were bulging.He had taken a lot of precautions, but he didn’t manage to prevent Charlene from provoking Deirdre.When he saw someone taking pictures, Brendan subconsciously stood before Deirdre to protect her while his eyes filled with coldness.“If I do remember correctly, you must be the chief editor of the Entertainment Weekly Magazine.” Squinting his eyes while looking at the man with the camera, Brendan warned, “If any photos are leaked today, I guarantee that Entertainment Weekly Magazine will vanish completely from Neve! You can try if you don’t believe it.”The Entertainment Weekly Magazine was the largest media outlet in Neve. As the chief editor, the man had a lot of connections, so he could stop all media outlets from publishing the news as quickly as possible.That was the reason Brendan purposely
With a loud noise, the cover of the lamp shattered on the ground.Slowly, Brendan put down his arm, which had a long and narrow cut on it. Blood gushed out, but he didn’t even frown. He was merely stunned.For Deirdre to really attack him, she must really hate him.He even believed that Deirdre would push him down the balcony, just like how she had pushed Charlene if she were powerful enough.Madame Brighthall rushed upstairs toward them. When she saw Brendan’s bleeding arm at the door, she was startled for a moment and hurriedly went forward.“W-What’s wrong? Deirdre… Brendan… What—”Brendan’s phone rang out suddenly. When he saw the caller on the screen, he accepted it with his uninjured arm.“Mr. Brighthall.” Sam’s tone sounded serious. “Have you solved the problem of the banquet? Would you like to come over? Charlene is—”“Okay, I’ll be there immediately.”Brendan immediately cut off the call and was prepared to depart. His action pulled up short Madame Brighthall for a mo
After Deirdre’s wounds were dressed, Madame Brighthall kept her company for a while. Deirdre lay on the bed after Madame Brighthall left, yet she was having difficulty falling asleep. She dreamt of her mother sitting cross-legged under the apricot tree and waving to her when she finally fell asleep. Her smile was just as kind and gentle as before. “You’re late. Put down your school bag quickly. I don’t want my precious daughter to be tired.”She ran forward with tears down her face, yet the scene changed to the rooftop instantly. She watched as her mother jumped from the rooftop and screamed hysterically, but there was nothing she could do.“Miss McKinnon! Miss McKinnon!”Deirdre was awakened by the sound of someone knocking on the door. She sat upright in shock, breathing heavily, and her face was drenched in tears.“What’s going on?”She felt her way to open the door. The maid said in a panicked tone, “Miss McKinnon, the police are here.”Deirdre sat in the living room and
Brendan signaled the caregiver to leave. He asked coldly after the door was shut, “Did you call the police?”Charlene blinked innocently upon hearing that, and her expression turned so grievous instantly that she was almost tearing up.“Hmm… Brendan, I know you must think I’m at fault. However, I can’t help it because Miss McKinnon is truly terrifying! She shoved me down the stairs with her own hands! Had the grass not cushioned my fall, it’s possible that I wouldn't be alive anymore. I’m lucky I only broke a leg, but I don’t have the courage to think what Miss McKinnon would do to me in the future. So, I can only let her face the consequences she deserves.”“Consequences that she deserves?” Brendan narrowed his eyes.Meanwhile, Sam’s call came. “Sir, the situation is looking very bad now. It’s apparent that Charlene is well prepared in her plan. There is a drone recording of Miss McKinnon pushing Charlene down the stairs, and it is posted online. The online community is already
“Mr. Brighthall! Why are you suddenly showing up at the police station? Could it be that the video clip posted online is true? Did your ex-wife’s cousin really push Charli down the stairs?”“Are you here at the police station to handle this case? What sort of punishment will Deirdre be subjected to?”“Someone posted online claiming that you’re going to protect your ex-wife’s sister. Is that true? Is your conscience clear to Miss McKinsey, your fiance whom you’re about to marry soon and who loves you so deeply? Or you’re having feelings for Deirdre because she looks similar to your ex-wife?”“The murderer must be convicted! Let alone the fact that the victim is the future wife of the Brighthall Group’s owner. Mr. Brighthall, we will be scrutinizing this case as citizens, and we want you to give us a satisfactory reply! Don’t disappoint Miss McKinsey’s love for you! Don’t disappoint our trust in you!”The crowd was enraged, and they encircled Brendan. Brendan was capable of using a
“I’ve already told you from the start that if I were Miss McKinnon, I would not only hate you but also possibly kill you.”Brendan felt bitterness in his throat. “That is why I’ve always been doing my best to make up for my mistake, but I didn’t expect something like this to happen in the middle.”Declan said, “I feel that the only troubling part about this incident is that the shoving incident is real. If Charlene insists on the investigation, it will be very hard for Deirdre to walk free.”“However, Charlene isn’t injured severely. In addition, Miss McKinnon is pregnant, so she won’t be sent to prison. We will only need to delay the conviction, and we will stand a chance at turning the tables.”Brendan’s dark eyes dimmed. “I know. I’ve already tampered with the video clip by blurring it. In addition, the guests of the party are on my side. We can totally claim that Charlene was intoxicated and confused…”At the same time Declan nodded, he said hesitantly, “However, we will need
Deirdre was stunned for a short while. By the time she recovered from her surprise, she had assumed a sarcastic expression. “Aren’t I punishing you now?”Brendan was actually irrefutable.“Moreover, how is prison any different from being confined in your house to be with you? I feel that there’s more freedom to be in prison anyway. I don’t have to see you daily and be disgusted by you at the very least.”Deirdre’s remark was cruel. Brendan felt his head spinning, and he could not tell if he was feeling unpleasant or if he was ill. He clenched his fists tightly and suppressed his unusual demeanor.“Do you know what will happen after this?”Brendan’s eyes were bloodshot. “No one can guarantee your safety or survival when you’re in prison. The video clip of you shoving Charlene down the stairs is spreading all over the web, and everyone knows about it. You’ll be the murderer rejected by everyone when you’re released from prison. Do you still want to go through the previous experience
Deirdre was astounded upon hearing that. “What do you mean?” Soon, Deirdre calmed down and stared at Brendan’s outline with a disappointed gaze. “What sort of trick are you up to again, Brendan?”Brendan was frustrated. He had done way too many things that made it very difficult for Deirdre to trust him. “I’m not. I know that you may find it hard to understand the situation, but I’m telling you the truth that Ophelia is still alive.”Deirdre’s fingers twitched. “Brendan, what is the point of you making up this lie? My mother’s death is an established truth…. that both you and the police are well aware of. You would have told me from the start if she were still alive. How can you possibly be hiding it from me until now!?”She was utterly disappointed. “How foolish do you think I am that I will believe in your lowly lie?”Brendan heaved a sigh softly and clenched his fists so tightly from the discomfort of his body until his veins bulged up. However, he still wanted to look nor
"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