The family doctor went upstairs, followed by Frances, but Deirdre stopped her. "You don't need to come up! Just wait downstairs.""Ms. McKinnon, since your eyesight is not good and the doctor needs to take care of Mr. Brighthall, I can be of great help by staying by your side," Frances offered.Deirdre was aware of Frances' potential assistance, but Brendan's unique condition made her cautious. Frances could be a spy for Ryker, so Deirdre couldn't reveal the truth."It's not a big issue. I'll manage alone in the room. You can go downstairs and make some tea. I'll come down and have it later," Deirdre replied firmly.With that, Deirdre entered the room with the family doctor and closed the door.The family doctor was stunned when he saw Brendan lying unconscious on the carpet, blood on the back of his neck."He was drugged! I'm pregnant, and if I didn't knock him out, something bad would have happened!" Deirdre explained.The family doctor snapped out of his daze, realizing that

"I admit I didn't consider that aspect thoroughly," Ryker replied casually as if the idea had occurred to him on a whim. "It was sudden, and I thought it would be the most convenient and efficient way, so I acted impulsively."Deirdre didn't look pleased. "Even if it was impulsive, you're still a doctor.""Yes, that's why I'll wholeheartedly face this collaboration with Ms. McKinnon," Ryker said sincerely. "For instance, I'll answer one question for you."Deirdre held her breath. The truth was within reach now."I believe you have many questions in your mind. I can give you an opportunity to have your doubts answered." Ryker smiled with interest.Deirdre clenched her palm. The answer seemed urgent, but she hesitated."I'll give you one chance, Ms. McKinnon. But certain private and confidential topics won't be disclosed," Ryker warned.Deirdre's gaze darkened. "You said you want something from Brendan, but I've never heard of your group. You're not from Neve, right? Where are you

It was difficult to imagine that a study, typically lacking heavy security, could hide a secret passage. Deirdre couldn't help but wonder what could be concealed within and what the intentions were. Her curiosity was genuine.If Brendan weren't currently hypnotized, she would have wanted to discuss the secret passage with him and devise countermeasures to catch Ryker off guard. The thought crossed her mind, causing a momentary hesitation.Considering Brendan's reaction yesterday, perhaps he wasn't truly hypnotized after all. The possibility excited her, causing her hands to tremble.Suddenly, a voice echoed from the entrance, startling Deirdre. She had been facing the hidden password lock behind the wallpaper, but fortunately, she was no longer touching it. She swiftly turned around to face Brendan, who approached her suspiciously."Why are you in my study?" Brendan's voice carried a note of caution, and Deirdre nervously moistened her lips, quickly coming up with an excuse."I wa

"Considering Mr. Brighthall's current condition, he wouldn't be able to accept the fact that he has forgotten many things," the doctor explained. "But isn't forgetting a good thing for you as well?""Yes, I was the one who drugged him. If he forgets, it truly is the best outcome for me," Deirdre confessed in a hoarse voice."Then it's all right," the family doctor replied.Deirdre shook her head. "No, it's not.""What do you mean?" the family doctor inquired.Taking a deep breath, Deirdre continued. "At least there's one aspect here that I can't understand."The family doctor gestured for her to continue."Why did Brendan's body react? He should have lost all sensation due to the side effects of the incense. Why did it..."Deirdre believed that it was all an act by Brendan, a facade to protect her. Could it all be fake?The family doctor fell into a brief silence. "I can't explain this either. It could be due to the effects of the medication, or perhaps his body is gradually r

Deirdre struggled to grasp the deeper meaning behind Brendan's words, but it eluded her understanding."Are you suggesting... that I can't protect her?" Deirdre asked, her voice filled with uncertainty."Can you truly protect him? Can you safeguard our child?" Brendan retorted.Lost in her thoughts, Deirdre realized her powerlessness in the current situation.Leaning back in his chair, Brendan loosened his tie and took a rare moment of comfort. "Deirdre, once you give birth to the child, you should leave. You don't belong here, and you don't belong by my side."Furrowing her brow, Deirdre prepared to challenge his statement, but before she could speak, Brendan abruptly stood up.Due to his towering stature, maintaining balance was a struggle for him, and his actions seemed unsteady.Additionally, Deirdre strained her neck just to meet his gaze, finding it challenging to reach out and touch him. "Brendan, don't wander around while intoxicated. If you fall, there will be no one to