Chapter 1665: Chapter 1665

And just like that, Alyssa and Dean left, leaving only McNeil and his son, Byran, in the room.

Byran pulled a chair over to his father’s bedside. Concern was etched all over his face. “Dad, how are you feeling? Thirsty? Need a glass of water?”

“I’m fine, son.” McNeil shook his head as his thoughts wandered towards the door. “Where’s your brother? Isn’t he back yet?”

“He’s back, Dad. He’s in his room.” Byran replied. “He was the one who told me to look for you in the storage room; otherwise, we wouldn’t have found you. You should’ve seen Grandma and Grandpa;

they were so worried they even called the police. Don’t do this again, Dad. If you want to have a drink, just call us. We’ll join you. There’s no need to sneak around.”

McNeil glanced at his son, realizing that he had become a very mature adult. He chuckled at himself, “I promise, no more drinking, but your brother certainly won’t join me for a drink.”

Considering his brother’s personality, Byran had to agree. “If he won’t drink, I can. I’m not a kid anymore, Dad. I can join you.”

McNeil merely smiled and didn’t say anything more.

Balfour would rather have Byran come to him than come to see his own father. How much resentment must he hold?

“Dad, I didn’t ask before. Why is there a storage room in your bedroom? I noticed there’s a bed and some of your clothes in there. You haven’t been living there, have you?”

Snapping back from his thoughts, McNeil replied, “It’s nothing. It’s always been there. I’m fine. Byran, you should go now; it’s getting late. Time for bed.”

Byran shook his head. “I promised Grandma and Grandpa that I’d take care of you. I’m not sleepy;

don’t worry.”

McNeil frowned. “I’m fine, son. You should go and tell your brother that I’m okay.”

Realizing that his brother didn’t come earlier and might not know that their father was found, Byran stood up. “Alright, I’ll tell him. I’ll be back in a bit.”

With that, he hastily exited the room.

McNeil’s gaze turned distant as he watched his younger son leave. He stared at the ceiling as he seemingly lost himself in thought.

Byran returned to Balfour’s room, knocking before entering.

“Dad’s okay, Balfour. He was just drunk and fell asleep in that storage room you told me about.”

Balfour, still lounging on the couch with a cigarette in hand, simply grunted in acknowledgement. He was seemingly disinterested.

Seeing his brother in such a state, Byran decided to grow courageous. He snatched the half-smoked cigarette from Balfour’s hand and extinguished it in an ashtray.

“Balfour, stop smoking! You used to hate the smell of smoke. Now, it’s all over your room. How are you going to sleep?”

Balfour’s brows furrowed in irritation. “Now you’re bossing me around?”

His brother’s intense gaze made Byran step back, but he didn’t regret his actions.

“1… I’m just looking out for you, Balfour! Smoking is harmful! It’s written on the pack!”

Balfour stared at him for a moment before scoffing. “Fine. Go to your room and sleep.”

Byran, noticing Balfour’s unusual mood, cautiously asked, “Balfour, what’s wrong? Are you worried about Ellinor and Theo?”