"You're putting yourself in a dangerous situation if you choose to keep him in the villa. Don't forget that it was him who took me to your engagement party with Emily!"

Brendan narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with contempt as he nonchalantly addressed Deirdre, "So, are you suggesting that you have a close relationship with him, and I should be wary?"

Deirdre felt stunned by Brendan's words.

He leaned in, his dark eyes fixed on her as if trying to peer into her soul. "It's naïve of you to think that way."

Brendan continued, his voice filled with scorn. "Ryker is the president of a publicly-held pharmaceutical company. Why would he be interested in a blind and pregnant woman like you?"

Embarrassment washed over Deirdre as Brendan insulted her. She braced herself, ready to endure his words, and mustered the courage to speak up. "Yes, he might not be interested in me, but what about our child?"

Deirdre noticed Brendan's irregular breathing, a sign that he still cared about the chi