Balfour glared at Byran with iciness in his eyes. âEnough with the chatter. Move it!â
Byran was cowed, yet he did not budge. He was frozen in fear and confusion.
Balfour, running out of patience, shoved his brother aside and stormed into the room.
Ellinor was sitting by the hospital bed, feeding their father chicken soup. The harmonious scene took Balfour aback, and his anger faded.
Byran, pushed to the ground by his brother, scrambled up and gaped at the sight before him.
Ellinor had been reluctant to come here at first. Who would have thought that she would be willing to feed their father?
Little did they know that Ellinor was not in this position by choice. McNeil had dropped his bowl earlier, staining the bandages on his wrist with blood. She could not bear to see it and had to lend a hand.
Balfour shook off his surprise, turned, and glared at his disobedient brother. âDidnât I tell you not to call her?â
Byran scratched his head nervously, trying to laugh it off. âBro, I didnât call her. I went straight to the Blanchet residence to bring her here.â
Balfour snorted in disbelief. âYou think that makes it any better?â
Byran fell silent.
Ignoring his brother, Balfour strode over to the bed and took the half-finished bowl of soup from Ellinorâs hand, setting it aside.
âHe can eat or not. Itâs none of your concern.â
Ellinor glanced at Balfour. âItâs good that youâre here. Take care of your father. Iâll take my leave now.â
With that, she quietly walked out of the room.
Without missing a beat, Balfour lifted his hand, gently patting her head. âWait outside for a bit. Iâll drive you home.â
Ellinor had arrived in Byranâs car, so she would still need a lift from them. It didnât matter to her whether it was Balfourâs or Byranâs car.
She nodded in agreement and quietly walked out.
Once Ellinor had left, Balfour stood by the bed, looking down at his father with a sarcastic smile. âSo, you donât want to die now?â
McNell looked at his sonâs cold eyes with a self-deprecating smile on his lips. âIâ¦I want to see your mother again.â
Balfour laughed bitterly. His mother didnât even want to see her own son, so would she even spare him a glance?
âYou can dream. Just donât cause any more trouble at home. Donât make our grandparents worry.â
âI see. I wonât.â McNeil nodded weakly; his face was still horribly pale. âYou should take Ellinor home.
Come back tomorrow.â
Balfour snorted coldly. âAre you asking me to come back, or do you want her to come back?â
McNeil managed a bitter smile. âI hope both of you will come back. Is that okay?â
Balfour smirked. âFather, you wish for her to come back? Do you know how long it took for her to even acknowledge me as her brother? To this day, she still refuses to call me brother. And all of this is thanks to you!â
McNeil lowered his gaze. âI know⦠I know⦠Itâs my fault.â
âIâm glad you do. Take care of yourself and stay alive. Stop causing me trouble.â With that, Balfour turned on his heel and walked out.
McNeil watched his sonâs retreating figure closed his eyes, and let out a deep sigh.