Balfour warned him in a grave tone. âWith Theoâs issues bothering her, you shouldnât add to her troubles.â
Byran naturally felt for his sister, but he was also concerned about their ailing father. âButâ¦â
Balfour warned him again. âNo calling her!â
Byran obediently acquiesced, saying no more. But after glancing at his father lying on the hospital bed, he decided to ask his sister for help after all.
Balfour had only forbidden him from calling their sister. He didnât say anything about seeing her in person. So, Byran decided to go straight to the Blanchet Villa and request her presence.
That wouldnât be disobeying his brotherâs instructions.
The following day.
McNeil woke up, refusing to eat. His eyes were dull and lifeless, completely focused on Byran.
âWhereâs Pearl? When is she coming to see me?â
Byran coaxed him helplessly. âDad, eat something first. I havenât called Pearl yet. Itâs too early; she might still be asleep.â
Hearing this, McNeil felt like his son was just tricking him, and the light in his eyes dimmed even further.
He refused to eat, take his medicine, or talk.
So, Byran had no choice but to leave him in the care of their household staff. Taking advantage of Balfourâs absence, who had gone to calm down their grandparents, he left the hospital for the Blanchet residence.
The Blanchet Villa.
When Byran arrived, the Blanchet family was having breakfast.
The Blanchets and the Howards had always been at odds. So when Byran arrived at their doorstep, Marissa and Putnam didnât exactly roll out the red carpet.
Ellinor, however, sensed that Byran had something to say. She drank some milk, grabbed a sandwich, and led Byran into the garden for a chat after asking Veronica to watch the kids.
âWhat brings you here so early?â Ellinor asked.
Byran hesitated. âSis, thereâs something I need your help with.â
Ellinor bit into her sandwich. âGo ahead. What is it?â
Byran asked cautiously, âCan you promise to help me first, then Iâll tell you?â
Ellinor narrowed her eyes. âFrom the looks of it, itâs not anything good. If you donât say it, Iâm going back inside to eat.â
With that, she pretended to leave.
Byran quickly stopped her. âWait, donât go! Iâll tell you.â
Ellinor turned around. âThen spit it out.â
Byran sighed. âWell⦠my dad⦠he tried to kill himself last night. Heâs in a bad way. Could you come to the hospital with me? Maybe say a few words to him and give him some hope.â Hearing the news of McNeilâs suicide attempt made Ellinorâs eyes flicker. She took a while to regain her composure before saying, âWhat has your fatherâs suicide attempt got to do with me? What good would it do if I went to see him and encouraged him?â
âOf course, it would do him some good! Youâre his daughter, too. Heâll definitely feel hopeful after hearing your words of encouragement.â
Ellinorâs face darkened. âWho told him I was his daughter?â
Byran realized his sister was getting angry and quickly shook his head. âNo, no! I havenât told him who you are. To calm him down, I only told him Iâd bring his long-lost daughter to see him. Nothing more.â
Ellinorâs face was cold. âIn that case, you can simply find any girl to comfort him. Thereâs no need to Involve me. Iâve cut all ties with him. His life or death has nothing to do with me.â Byran pleaded and grabbed Ellinorâs sleeve. âSis⦠Dadâs not an idiot! Heâll know if we bring in a girl that looks nothing like him!â