Outside the room.
Byran was huddled up next to Ellinor, chatting away. When he noticed his brother, Balfour, approaching, he quickly hid behind Ellinor.
Balfour shot an icy glance at his misbehaving brother but chose to ignore him. He approached Ellinor, speaking in a gentle tone. âEllinor, letâs head home. Iâll accompany you.â
Ellinor nodded and prepared to leave with him.
Before leaving, Balfour sternly gave out an order to Byran. âStay here and keep an eye on him. Make sure nothing happens.â
Byran nodded vigorously. âDonât worry, Bro! I wonât leave Dadâs side!â
Balfour averted his gaze, leading Ellinor towards the elevator.
It was only after watching his brother and sister disappear into the elevator that Byran dared to exhale.
Thank goodness Balfour left.
He had feared that his brother would have given him a good thrashing.
After he was relieved that he hadnât been punished, Byran entered the hospital room.
âDad, I brought Ellinor to see you, so you need to take your medication and eat properly, okay?â
McNeil looked up at Byran and managed a weak smile. âByran, I know it wasnât easy for you to go against your brother. Youâre always afraid of him.â
Byran sighed. âDad, Iâm scared of him, but donât you know Balfour? He may seem tough, but he actually cares about us.â
McNeil smiled. âI suppose.â
Byran sat by the hospital bed as his curiosity piqued. âDad, what did Ellinor say to you? Did you guys have a good chat? I saw her feeding you soup.â
McNeil thought about his recent interaction with his daughter.
âShe was willing to feed me, not because of who I am, but because sheâs kind.â
Byran frowned. âDad, what happened back then? Why did Ellinor end up with a different last name?
And why does Balfour hold such a grudge against you?â
McNeilâs face turned pale as images of the past flashed in his mind.
After seeing his fatherâs silence and worsening complexion, Byran decided not to press. âAlright, Dad. If you donât want to talk about it, letâs forget it. Now, take your medication,â
McNeil nodded obediently and took his medication.
Ellinor and Balfour exited the elevator, both silent.
Ellinor had nothing to say, while Balfour was too ashamed to speak.
Their family, the Howards, had caused his mother and sister to become homeless. Now, they had brought Ellinor back to nourish their irresponsible father with soup. All he could feel was embarrassment and guilt.
Ellinor didnât think too much about it. She simply followed Balfour out of the elevator, eager to get home and attend to her children.
Suddenly, she stopped and grabbed Balfourâs arm, pulling him into a hidden corner.
Baffled by her actions, Balfour asked, âEllinor, whatâs wrong?â
Ellinorâs brows were furrowed as she stared intently in one direction. âMr. Howard, look over there.â
Balfour followed her gaze, and his pupils constricted.
It was Sophia and Theo.
Sophia was pushing Theo, who was seated in a wheelchair, down the hospital hallway Upon seeing Sophia and Theo disappear around a corner, Ellinor immediately stepped out from their hiding spot and followed them.
Balfour, knowing that he couldnât deter Ellinor when it came to matters involving that man, decided to follow her.
They watched as Sophia wheeled Theo into an unmarked consultation room.