"Alright…"The assistant held her breath as they drove, the entire journey filled with an unusual silence.Upon reaching the villa, Brendan hurriedly got out of the car and rushed inside the mansion. However, Frances, who should have been there to greet him, was nowhere to be found at the entrance.He stood still. "Where is Frances?""Frances... She's missing. She left the mansion a week ago, and we haven't been able to find her or get in touch with her," the assistant replied after some hesitation."Missing…" Brendan's eyes flickered. He took steps toward the basement. "Does that mean Deirdre has been alone all this time? Why wasn't I informed?""Mr. Brighthall!" The assistant hurriedly followed. "You don't have to go down. Ms. McKinnon, she—"Brendan had already descended into the basement, but what he saw inside left his eyes filled with astonishment.There was no sign of anyone there, let alone Deirdre.The bedding was in disarray at the head of the bed, and an unbearable

Emily casually removed her coat, revealing her stunning figure. "Well, it's a bit of both," she replied with a hint of arrogance.She glanced at her fingernails and continued. "Since our honeymoon trip, Brendan has become more reliant on me and trusts me completely. He even entrusted that child to my care without any concern. I believe it won't be long before I have easy access to the top-level documents of the Brighthall Group.""Not bad." Ryker applauded her. "I didn't misjudge you. But..."He abruptly changed the subject. "Aside from all that, is there anything else that brings you happiness?"Emily thought about Deirdre's death, and a wicked smile formed on her lips. Naturally, she wouldn't mention her involvement in it. She simply raised an eyebrow and replied, "Deirdre McKinnon's death is one of them. Since you are also at the hospital, did you come to see her?"Ryker stared at her unwaveringly. "I was downstairs for a while before Brendan arrived.""Deirdre didn't die due

The assistant's voice was hoarse as she gently reminded Brendan, "Mr. Brighthall, it's time. The car is waiting outside the door. We need to take her to the crematorium now."Brendan's eyes flickered with emotions as he approached the coffin and gently uncovered the white cloth draped over the ice casket. Inside, the woman lay peacefully, her face pale. If it weren't for the absence of vital signs, one might mistake her for being alive."The burial is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. We should leave now," the assistant urged. "Since you feel indebted to Ms. McKinnon, let's prioritize honoring her and ensure that she receives the farewell she deserves by adhering to the optimal timing, allowing her spirit to find peace.""I understand," Brendan replied.He reached out his hand, attempting to touch her through an invisible barrier. In the next instant, his body convulsed with coughs, and he struggled to catch his breath. Blood trickled from his nostrils, thick and sticky. He tried to conceal

In the end, Sam carried Deirdre's lifeless body inside the crematorium. The assistant entered and then halfway out, her face filled with grief. "Mr. Brighthall, Ms. McKinnon has entered."Brendan seemed to have just realized it and followed inside, his dark eyes reflecting the blaze of the fire. Suddenly, he turned and walked away."Mr. Brighthall!""Bring back her ashes!"Soon, the assistant departed with the ashes. -Meanwhile, in another corner of the crematorium.Deirdre coughed and regained consciousness. Her body still felt numb and freezing. She looked up and said, "Sterling, Sam."Sam's eyes were red-rimmed."It's all over now. No one in this world will hurt you anymore. You are free," Sterling comforted her."Thank you."Deirdre lowered her gaze.Her surgery had been successful, and after a day and a night of arduous efforts, her life had been saved. However, the toxins in her body hadn't been completely eliminated.Deirdre had come up with a permanent solution

As Emily spoke, Brendan's guilt became even more evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, his gaze lowered. "Because of me, I couldn't make you a real mother.""Don't say that, Brendan." Emily's sad expression suddenly shifted, and she comforted him instead. "I love you, and choosing to be with you is a decision I wholeheartedly embraced."Brendan nodded. "I'm glad you understand me. If anything comes up with Sean, you can always let me know. If he doesn't listen to you, I'll make sure to handle it appropriately."Alright, I hope it becomes easier for you."Brendan patted Emily's shoulder and headed toward the study.Emily looked up and couldn't help but speak, "Brendan."Brendan paused. "What's wrong?"Emily forced a smile. "It's nothing..."She was genuinely curious. Had Brendan not heard any news about Deirdre? Or had Ryker's hypnosis gradually made him forget about her existence?"I just wanted to ask if you noticed anything on your way back," Emily asked."What happene