Brendan had always been a master weaver of lies. “Declan has an ongoing project in Neve, but his project at Alnwick sets him back from finalizing the deal. I’m going there on his behalf.”

Deirdre nodded. A moment later, she declared, “I don’t want to go.”

She began to shiver. “There are too many traumatic memories associated with that place. I can’t even think about it without feeling fear. I worry that I might not even be able to sleep once I’m there. It’s that stressful.”

An expecting mother’s mental health would always be the top priority. The last thing Brendan wanted was for Deirdre feeling too tense and distressed. The excuse not to go with him practically wrote itself, and all Deirdre had to do was to use it. “So, I think you should go alone. I’ll be fine here. Don’t worry. If you’re worried about me, then give me a call every once in a while when you’re free.”

Brendan kissed her hair. “What happens if you accidentally kick the table and get injured?”

She laughed. “Kyran, p