The smile on Charlene’s face melted away, but she still kept her composure. “It’s all thanks to you, Miss McKinnon. If you hadn't kept Brendan company when I was away, he wouldn't have missed me so much and wouldn't have thought of taking me out of jail. It seems that you can never shake off the fact that you're my substitute, Miss McKinnon.”

When Brendan heard what Charlene said, he frowned slightly and glared at her threateningly. However, Charlene ignored him. She knew his secret, so she was not afraid of him now.

After that, she turned around and asked Brendan in a sweet voice, “Am I right, Brendan?”

Her face was filled with a smile as she waited for Brendan’s answer.

Brendan closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he opened them again and said, “Yes.”

Deirdre’s heart skipped a beat as a chill crept down her spine upon hearing Brendan’s answer. She had gone through so much disappointment that she became numb to it.

She said calmly, “I’m totally speechless, Miss McKinney. You re