Dean and Alyssa had never known about this secret room, but they had a hunch about its purpose.
After exchanging a glance, the two elderly folks sighed, not knowing how to respond to their curious grandson.
Surely, they couldnât tell him that his father had probably built this secret space to sleep separately from his mother?
Now, it all made sense to them. Their son had been sleeping separately from his wife, the woman they had forced him to marry, for all these years.
Since he did not get any answers from his grandparents, Byran did not press further. He simply gazed thoughtfully at the secret room.
The house staff quickly brought a strong cup of black coffee to sober up McNeil. As the strong brew was fed to him, Mr. Howard choked and coughed, waking up in the process.
Once their son was awake, Dean and Alyssa heaved a sigh of relief.
Alyssa took her sonâs hand. âMcNeil, thank God youâre awake! Your father and I were scared to death!
What were you thinking? Why would you lock yourself in that room and drink so much?â
McNeil blinked a few times and then looked at his motherâs face. He glanced at the crowd around him and frowned. âIâm fine. Everyone, please leave.â
Alyssa, with teary eyes, couldnât hold back her frustration. âFine? Look at your face; itâs pale! You drank so much without eating anything. You could have killed yourself! Do you realize that?â
McNeil sat up and gently patted his motherâs hand. âMom, Iâm okay. Donât worry.â
Alyssaâs eyes welled up with tears at her sonâs stubbornness.
Now that his son was okay, Deanâs anger flared. âFine? Youâre a grown man, McNeil! You should know better! Is this how you set an example for your children? Do you want Balfour and Byran to end up like you? The Howard family will be ruined!â
McNeil looked at his father. His eyes showed his deep annoyance, but he didnât respond.
Alyssa quickly intervened. âDean, letâs not start a fight now. He just woke up and still needs some time to recover.â
Dean huffed, but he didnât argue further.
Alyssa gave out an order to the house staff. âMake a light meal for him. His stomach is filled with alcohol, so he needs some food. Also, call the family doctor and have him examined.â
âYes, maâam.â The house staff replied and left to carry out her orders.
Alyssa waved her hands, dismissing the crowd.
She knew her son didnât like having too many people around him.
âMcNeil, when they bring your food, make sure you at least eat something. Your health is important.â
McNeil nodded. âOkay, Mom. Donât worry. You and Dad should rest. Let Byran stay with me.â
After some thought, Alyssa agreed. âAlright, Dean and I will retire to our room. But you must eat something, McNeil. We worry about you.â
McNeil nodded. âI will.â
âByran, stay with your father. Make sure he eats something. Call us if anything happens. Alyssa commanded as she turned to Byran. Byran nodded obediently. âDonât worry, Grandma, Grandpa. Iâll take good care of Dad.â