Ryker impatiently tapped the table. "Four years! I trusted you to watch over Brendan, but you turned out even worse than Deirdre."

Emily trembled, her thoughts in chaos. "I never thought Brendan's actions were all an act. It's confusing. Could it be? Did Deirdre manipulate Brendan to make us think he didn't lose his memory?"

Ryker slapped her across the face. Her face turned hot, and tears welled up in her eyes, a mix of pain and embarrassment. She stumbled backward, but before her anger could take over, she was silenced by Ryker's inhuman expression. Her throat constricted, and she remained seated stiffly on the ground.

"Don't be naive. What could Deirdre use against Brendan? He's not easily manipulated," Ryker was enraged by Brendan's deceit over four years.

He squatted, gripping Emily's jaw. "You know the box's contents. This time, there is no room for failure. Don't disappoint me."

-

Night had fallen.

Emily flicked on the light, stirring the nanny awake from her nap on the s