Brendan's tone was calmer as he admitted, "I take responsibility for not managing your relationship with him properly."

He instructed the bodyguard, "Continue searching for Sean. Expand the search area and review all surveillance footage."

The bodyguard left, and Emily asked, "Brendan, are you attending the charity ball that Deirdre will be attending?"

"Why?" Brendan inquired.

Emily suppressed the hesitation in her gaze. "I was thinking that you would receive an invitation to the event. It crossed my mind that I could attend as your female companion, allowing me to connect with several people."

Brendan remained silent for a moment before speaking. "If you want to go, I'll take you there. I also want to find out if Deirdre knows anything about Sean's whereabouts. If she is indeed involved in his disappearance, I won't let her get away with it."

-

On the day of the dinner party, Deirdre stood before the mirror, examining herself.

She wore a black silk gown that gracefully hugged