Sterling frowned, his gaze fixed on Deirdre. "Analyzing the pastry won't change much. Can you really pretend to like him and stay with him?"

Taking a deep breath, Deirdre replied, "Brendan's mother died because of this incident, and he was manipulated by others. I can't stay idle. The enemy is in the dark, and we are in the open. If I don't take the risk, do I have to wait another four years?"

Seeing Deirdre's determination, Sterling sighed, battling his own thoughts.

"Alright," he conceded. "Give me two days, and I'll uncover the truth."

Deirdre's face lit up with gratitude, and she revealed a faint smile. "Thank you. I won't let this opportunity slip away."

Sterling hurried to the lab, and Deirdre returned to her room, cooling off under a shower. While she was lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang. Her heart raced as she answered, expecting Ryker's call, but it was Brendan.

"Let's get to the point. If Ryker asks how you left the hot spring resort, tell him I abducted you and