Deirdre took a deep breath and said, “I can’t convince you then.”

“You can convince me,” Brendan said in a meaningful tone. “Use the advantage that you take the most pride in.”

Deirdre’s expression froze on her face.

On the other side, Joan Wood and friends were chatting by the poolside. She took a glance past the man before she realized she could not take her eyes off him.

She was feeling blue initially and had agreed to her friend’s invitation to join the party. She attempted to recall but could not remember anyone mentioning Brendan Brighthall’s presence here.

She became distracted instantly. Could it be that it was fated for them not to end their relationship so rashly?

“Joan, what are you looking at? You’re so distracted that you don’t even respond when I talk to you.”

“Precisely. Everyone is here to keep you company and cheer you up. Why are you so distracted when you’re the main character?”

Joan was jolted back to reality. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”

“Did