"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