Deirdre lowered her eyes to the pastry before her. She picked it up and took a bite. The sweet and rich flavor silenced her. She savored it, not speaking until it was gone.

Ryker's gaze remained mysterious, his intentions unclear.

Deirdre looked up again. "The pastry tastes familiar, but that doesn't mean everything you said is true. Claims like my father being alive and my mother coming from Southedge are just theories without proof."

Ryker seemed ready for her response. He opened his briefcase and took out a photo.

Deirdre glanced at it, shocked by the face. She held onto the photo tightly.

"Recognize him?" Ryker asked with excitement. "You share similarities with your mother, but in looks and personality, you strongly resemble your biological father."

"Why... Why hasn't he found me and my mother if he's alive?" Deirdre muttered.

"Because he was about to marry a prominent heiress who matched his status back then. And now, he holds a high position, making it difficult for him t