In the elevator, Byran turned to Ellinor. âSis, when we get in there, just say something nice, okay?
Comfort Dad a bit. Iâll keep a lookout.â
Ellinor frowned and cast a sideways glance at him. âKeep a lookout? Is visiting your father in the hospital something we need to hide? Why the need for a lookout?â
Byran shook his head. âNo, no. Iâm afraid of my brother seeing us. He warned me several times yesterday not to tell you about this and not to disturb you. I⦠I did it for Dad. Itâs best if my brother doesnât find out, or Iâll definitely be in for a beating.â
Ellinor pulled a face. âHa!â
Ding!
The elevator doors opened.
Byran led Ellinor to McNeilâs hospital room.
Upon entering, they found the family servants gathered around the bed, urging the old man to eat something.
But McNeil seemed to be in his own world. He was indifferently staring blankly into space.
Seeing this, Byran sighed helplessly, cleared his throat, and coughed to draw attention.
When the servants saw Byran return, they quietly excused themselves.
Byran guided Ellinor to his stone-faced dadâs bedside. âDad, Sis is here to visit you.â
McNeils eyes widened as he turned to look at them. His gaze fell on Ellinor, who was standing behind his younger son. He seemed taken aback at first, but then his face relaxed into a knowing smile.
Even though his face was pale, he still weakly smiled at Ellinor. âYouâre here?â
Ellinor frowned at him.
When she came, she felt indifferent, thinking that the life and death of this old man had nothing to do with her.
But when she saw McNeilâs pale, weak face, she felt an indescribable heaviness in her heart.
Byran pushed Ellinor to the front. âIâll keep a lookout outside. You chat with Dad, okay? If anything happens, just call me. Iâll be right outside the door.â
With that, the young Byran slipped out.
Ellinor stood by the bed, looking at McNeil without uttering a word.
McNeil smiled gently at her. âSit down.â
Sit where? Ellinor looked around, but there were no chairs.
She didnât want to sit on the bed. Sheâd be too close to this old man.
âNo need. I prefer standing.â
McNeil looked around and realized that there were no chairs, so he felt a bit embarrassed. âSorry, thereâs no chair.â
Ellinor shrugged. âWhatâs going on? Feeling a bit down?â
McNeil gave a bitter smile. âI just wanted to visit my wife and daughter in the other world. I thought they were no longer among the living.â
Ellinor snorted sarcastically. âMr. Howard, are you trying to die for love? Your wife and daughter have been missing for almost two decades, right? Mr. Howard, your timing is a bit off, isnât it? Quite the delayed reaction.â
After hearing his daughterâs sarcasm, McNeil didnât get angry. Instead, he looked down with a hint of self-mockery in his eyes. He asked carefully, âDo⦠do you hate me very much?â