Cillian did not fall for her trick. He sneered and said, “You can’t escape from your responsibility in this matter, Miss McKinnon. If you were to behave yourself and go along with my plan, I wouldn’t need to go as far as to be punished like this.”

As he was speaking, he could not help but inhale sharply. He cupped his extremely swollen face, and a look of malice flashed past his eyes. “However, don’t you worry, Miss McKinnon. Brendan is definitely not having it easier than you.”

Deirdre could fully confirm that Cillian’s target was Brendan judging by his speech.

She said, “You loathe Brendan so much. I’m curious why you didn't capture Brendan but came for me instead?”

Cillian cracked a taunting smile. “Are you really confused, or are you acting confused? Brendan loves you so much. Will he remain unconcerned if he finds out that you’ve been abducted? He will surely sacrifice everything he can, even if it means that he has to bow down to me just to ensure your safety!”

Deirdre was c