Chapter 450 Can You Even Fathom the Consequences?
âFirst, we should get your tears wiped.â Declan said as he produced a handkerchief made from silk. He handed it to her. âHelping you is my job, Miss McKinnon, more like my promise to my friend. Iâm supposed to take care of you so long as Kyranâs not around to do that. Besides, none of this is your fault. So donât blame yourself, okay?
Declan continued hesitantly, frowning. âThough I have to warn you. âThe media vulture types are probably going to be all over you for these two days. They are going to try their best to milk as much news as they can from you before we completely shut the news down so they can squeeze as much money as they can for their miserable lives. Stay inside as often as possible. H*ll, stay in his ward.â
Deirdre nodded-her heavy head seemed to threaten to fall at every nod. She was about to reach the end of the corridor when she heard a loud commotion. âThis hospital is protecting a murderer! Brendan Brighthall bailed a murderer out of jail! He should explain himself!â
âWe want Charlene McKinney to stand before us and speak to us! Thatâs the only way to get to the truth!â âExactly! How could the CEO of a company as big as the Brighthall Group step all over the law and bail a murderer out just because he wants to? How is this justice to the victims!?â
A stampede of reporters was trying to break into the 11th floor. It was the nurse who blocked them on the entrance to the elevator.
Deirdreâs face turned white. Alarmed, she cried, âAre they here?â
âDonât be scared, Miss McKinnon!â Declan called out, frowning.
Kyran had barely entered the operation theater, and the situation had already spiraled into chaos.
âThose reporters are trying to get their first scoop with their most self-righteous excuses! Iâll handle it.
Get back. into the ward and close the door. Donât open it for anyone except me!â
âW-What about Kyran?â She protested, biting her lips. She had promised him she would wait for him outside.
Declan sighed. âDonât worry about that. Heâs in the middle of his surgery, so heâs going to be fine. Once his operation is over, Iâll send a nurse to tell you. Remember, Kyran isnât going to feel any better if youâre in trouble. The success of his surgery will be damned!â
Deirdre mulled it over for a minute and realized he was right. She had to stop giving Declan so much trouble. âIâm heading to the ward now. T-Thank you, Mr. King.â
Declan patted her back as a sign of appreciation before striding toward the reporters.
Meanwhile, Deirdre felt her way back across the wall to a corner before turning to the door. She was about to turn the knob when she heard a voice call out, âMiss McKinnon.â
It was old, tired, and yet imposing and slightly irate. Deirdre froze.
Despite Brendan being in the middle of his surgery, Madame Brighthall had decided to come to her.
There could be only one reason.
âM-Madame Brighthall?â
The older woman took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and opened them again. âCan you explain this to me?â she demanded. âThe news about you being âCharlene McKinneyâ, how did it get to the media?
And why are they here, in this hospital?â
Deirdre clenched her fists instinctively. She was just as confused. âMadame Brighthall, I know you think Iâm lying, but i swear I have no idea. I donât know why someone would take my picture and write that article-â
âThe only ones who know your true identity are you and I! If itâs not you⦠then who else could have brought reporters here on the very day my son is undergoing critical surgery!?â Madame Brighthall snapped, her voice almost wailing.
She was at her witâs end. âIâm not even going to talk about how much damage this is causing to my family, Miss McKinnon. Bren is in the middle of his operation! Whatâs gonna happen when the media circus reaches him?
âAnd what will he do when he learns youâre here, in the same hospital he is in!? Can you even fathom the consequences?â