Brendan could be hurt by someone's revenge, but she would not allow this to happen to him.

If that was the case, she would feel that she played a role in his demise.

"Sterling… I'm sorry." Her head was humming for a long time, and she could only utter that when she was jolted back to reality.

"I've disappointed you."

Sterling shut his eyes and felt mixed feelings surging in his chest. "Forget it."

Deirdre raised her head.

Sterling said softly, "If you insist on returning to him, I have nothing else to say. You care for him, and I won't make you leave him."

Sterling looked at her and said in a righteous tone, "However, if Brendan hurts you, I won't just idle around and do nothing either."

Deirdre raised her head in astonishment. Sterling said in a self-mocking tone, "Or do you find that I'm meddling with your matters?"

"No." Deirdre shook her head strenuously and smiled in a gratified manner, with tears welling up in her eyes. "I just thought that you'd be utterly disappointe