Deirdre's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Meaning? Exactly! If Emily hadn't underestimated you, there would be no reason for you to bring me here and protect me. Just this alone, can't it prove that you weren't hypnotized? Brendan, how much longer do you plan to deceive me? Do you really see me as that fragile, that helpless, in need of your protection?"

Confusion crossed Brendan's face as he shrugged off Deirdre's outstretched hand.

"Deirdre, even if you're going crazy, there should be a limit