Chapter 569 Troubles âI know I called him Bren, but it was just a ploy to ingratiate myself with him. It happens when you really need someoneâs help. You canât sound like a belligerent *ss.
âYou remember what I said just now, right? I asked him if he still holds a grudge against me. Thatâs really the crux of our disagreement. I hated his guts, so I left. I didnât try to explain myself or resolve any conflict between us, which caused him to resent me even more. I even thought he hung up on me because he refused to help me.â
Deirdre was nailed to her spot. She did remember the words Declan had used. If she was right about Brendan and Declanâs relationship, then the latter would not have said something like, âare you still holding a grudgeâ, would he?
Her expression relaxed. Pressing her lips tight, she asked, âSo⦠youâre in a bind, huh?â
âYeah.â
âIs it⦠serious?â asked Deirdre, concerned. Anything that could make Declan ask Brendan for help must be some grim affair.
He was silent for a moment before finally answering, âA day after I returned to Eastgene, my sister-in-law talked to me in private. She told me something bad will happen to me during the upcoming party. I was about to ask for details when my brother appeared, so I have no idea what will happen.â
âI see.â Deirdre furrowed her eyebrows. She understood why Declan stopped himself from asking for more. The man shared a very complicated relationship with his sister-inlaw, so both of them had a vested interest in avoiding any suspicion or rumor as much as possible.
âBut if she finds it important to warn me, then whateverâs gonna happen at that party has to be big. I need someone who can help me when Iâm in a bind, the sort of person my brother would rather not offend. The only person who fits the bill is Brendan Brighthall.â
âWhat about Kyran?â Deirdre could not help but ask, âCanât he help?â
Declan chuckled softly. âHim being abroad at the moment is certainly a limitation, but even if he could make it in time for the party, he canât rear his head.â
âWhy not?â
âBecause my brother will notice and instantly know that Iâm plotting something. Itâs no different from tipping him off to stay alert.â
Deirdre sank into silence. The Kings had an even bigger knot than she had previously envisioned.
âGod, I feel like an idiot for misunderstanding you.â
Declan laughed dryly. âNah. I would have done the same if I were you, too, so Iâm not offended. Honestly, Iâm more interested to know why youâre the one answering Brendanâs phone. Itâs morning now, right?â
His sudden pivot to another subject made Deirdre grimace. âI⦠Iâm not legally divorced yet, so yesterday, we met up to discuss it. Then a massive downpour happened, and we had no choice but to rest up in a hotel for the time being.â
âHuh?â He let out a chuckle, but he sounded weary. âYou donât have to worry, Miss McKinnon. I believe in your character. Itâs a good thing youâre nearby. You can pass him a message and tell him I called after heâs awake.
âThatâs all, really. Iâm heading for a rest.â
âOkay.â
The call ended.
Deirdre could not help but think about how the birthday party in Eastgene had cost Declan an entire night of sleep. âThe troubles that have latched onto him sound so grave⦠What if Brendan still refuses to help?â
She set the phone down. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Deirdre made her way to it, but instead of opening it immediately, she asked,â
Whoâs this?â
âGood morning, maâam. Iâm from last night. I was just wondering whether your friendâs fever has gotten better. Does he still need an ambulance?â
Deirdre recognized her voice. âGive me a moment!â
She felt her way to the couch and placed her hand on Brendanâs forehead.
It was still hot to the touch, but compared to what it was last night, it was clear he was getting much better.