'Explain?'Deirdre's heart raced as Brendan asked her to explain, even though he was the one who had opened the secret tunnel. Could it be that he had forgotten?A distressing thought crossed Deirdre's mind—she wouldn't be able to defend herself if that were the case!"I did enter the secret tunnel, but I didn't open it. I don't know the password," Deirdre said through her gritted teeth. "You were the one who opened it. You were drunk, so I went in to take a look. I didn't find or discover anything."Frances sniggered at her response. "Ms. McKinnon, who would believe you? Why would Mr. Brighthall open the secret tunnel in the study for no reason?"Frances continued defaming Deirdre, attempting to divert suspicion from herself. "I've noticed your sneaky behavior in the past, always visiting the study. Could it be that you opened the secret tunnel after Mr. Brighthall passed out from drinking, and now you're trying to blame him after being caught?"I refuse to believe that the tunn

Deirdre struggled to remain calm despite Frances' scheming tone."Do you think I'm a fool, Frances? Do you believe I will reveal my only trump card to you?"It's simple. If you want the password, get Brendan to free me!""That would be impossible!" Frances responded immediately. "It's clear that Mr. Brighthall has made up his mind to keep you here until you die. No one can change his mind!"'Imprisoned until death, huh?'Despair filled Deirdre's heart. Brendan had been ruthless to her, and his mercilessness only grew after being hypnotized. He probably wouldn't even bother providing her with basic necessities if she wasn't carrying his baby."If that's the case, I won't even remember the password." Deirdre closed her eyes and said, "Unless...""Unless what?" Frances' eyes lit up with eagerness."Brendan goes to work at the company every day, right? You can let me out when he's not around so I can get some fresh air."She needed to return to the study to test if her fingerprint

"Why are you asking me to persuade Brendan to free Deirdre?" Emily looked at Ryker, her eyes filled with vigilance and displeasure. "Isn't it a good thing for us that the woman is imprisoned? Or do you feel pity for her? Can't you stand the thought of her being kept in a dark basement?"Ryker smirked and placed the newly-lit cigarette between his lips, giving Emily a meaningful look. "There's another reason, of course.""I don't believe that," Emily said, getting up and jabbing her hand at Ryker's chest. She spoke in a displeased tone, "Don't think I don't know what kind of person you are. I won't help without a proper reason."She was about to leave, but Ryker pulled her into his arms, seeking an intimate connection.After a while, Emily was breathing heavily.Ryker asked her, "What kind of person do you think I am? Since I have you, why would I be attracted to someone like her? Do you really think you're no match for Deirdre?"Emily felt offended. "How can that be possible!"R

It was a mix of good and bad news for Emily.The positive side was that Brendan had lost interest in Deirdre, but the negative side was that he was breaking free from Emily's control.If this continued, the consequences would be unimaginable.Emily tried to remain calm. "Brendan, what if I tell you that I don't want anything from you, but I simply want you to release Ms. McKinnon?"Brendan looked up in surprise, and for a brief moment, Emily saw a wild glint in his dark eyes. But it disappeared as quickly as it came, as if it were just her imagination.He responded reassuringly, "Releasing Deirdre would only lead to more trouble. A woman like her surely has ulterior motives. She must stay where she is for the sake of our future and the company's."Emily frowned. "Wouldn't you do it even if I begged you?"Brendan sighed and made a conscious effort to calm himself. He looked at Emily with his usual gentle gaze. "Don't force me, Emily."Emily clenched her fists tightly. It seemed

Yet, Emily did not expect that…"Emily, there should be a limit even to madness. How can you start dreaming when it is still early in the day?"The mocking look in Deirdre's eyes was unmistakable. "I know you met with Brendan. If you're incapable, you can leave in defeat like the coward you are. Yet, here you are, boasting."Emily's face turned pale instantly, overcome with both embarrassment and anger. "What did you say?""Am I wrong?" Deirdre, despite her disheveled state, held her chin high. "You're here to convince Brendan to release me, right? But you're flaunting your abilities, which means you've failed. Otherwise, I wouldn't still be here."Emily's gaze revealed her embarrassment. She hadn't expected Deirdre to be so perceptive, despite being held captive and appearing close to death.Emily clenched her teeth and remembered something, immediately sneering. "You're right about my failure. However, don't you find it even more pathetic, Deirdre?"Even when I begged Brendan