If it hadnât been for McNeilâs reckless antics years ago, his mother and sister wouldnât have been driven away. They wouldnât have had to endure such hardships!
Balfour tenderly placated his grandparents, but his tone carried a hint of sarcasm, âDad has been doing just fine all these years. It makes no sense for him to suddenly go off the rails. Donât worry, Iâll bring him back safe and sound.â
Having said this, Balfour turned around to thank the policemen, who had been working tirelessly, before making his way upstairs with a serene demeanor.
Alyssa and Dean exchanged glances upon witnessing Balfourâs nonchalance. A sense of guilt flashed in their eyes.
It was they who had driven Balfourâs mother away all those years ago. Even though Balfour never mentioned it, they were certain he held a grudge against them as well.
McNeil had developed severe mental illness after the departure of Balfourâs mother, and could only act normally with medication.
At that time, McNeil was in the prime of his life, but his mental illness had rendered him incapable of managing the company. Balfour, despite his tender age, had to step in and take over.
Come to think of it, all the misfortunes that befell their family began after the departure of Balfourâs mother and sister!
After climbing the stairs, Balfour tossed his coat onto the sofa and dialed his wayward younger brother, Byranâs number.
Byran, who was enjoying his time with Ida, didnât dare ignore his brotherâs call. Clearing his throat, he tried to sound as serious as possible, âBro, whatâs up? Itâs late, Iâm not coming home tonight!â
Balfour responded in a stern tone, âGet back here now!â
Byran was slightly taken aback, âWhatâs the matter, Bro? Iâm a grown man now. Thereâs nothing wrong with spending the night out every once in a while, is there?â
Balfour retorted, âOur father is missing! Get back here and help look for him!â
Upon hearing this, Byran jumped up from the bed, âWhat?â
Balfour had no patience to explain further over the phone. âIf I donât see you at home within half an hour, donât bother coming back ever!â
âBro, Iâm coming! Iâm coming rightâ¦â Byranâs sentence was cut short by the dial tone. The line was disconnected.
There was no time to call back and ask for details. Byran hurriedly climbed out of bed and hastily dressed himself.
Seeing this, Ida, who was lying on the bed, squinted at him and asked, âWhatâs wrong? Something wrong?â
As he was pulling on his clothes, Byran replied, âBalfour called to say that our father is missing. I have to rush back and check!â
Ida, startled, sat up and prepared to dress herself too. âIâll drive you.â
Byran, fully dressed now, walked over to the bed and gently pushed Ida back down, kissing her tenderly on the cheek. âItâs okay, I can go back by myself. Itâs late, you should get some sleep! Iâll come back to you as soon as I find my father.â
Ida frowned, worried about him driving in such a frantic state.
However, Byranâs domineering side came to the fore. He firmly held her down, âGo to sleep!â
Ida gave up her struggle, rolling her eyes at him in annoyance.
Byran smirked, âGood night, Ida!â
With that, he straightened up and walked out of the room.
Ida, left alone in the room, lazily propped herself up against the headboard, lost in thought. What the heck happened?
The Howard Manor.
By the time Byran rushed back home, the police had already finished their questioning and left.
The house was in disarray, with the servants frantically searching for their lost master.