Chapter 257 Donât Tell Brendan The cleaner had wanted Deirdre to embarrass herself so much that she had made. sure to leave a thick puddle of soap powder on her path.
Deirdre had always considered herself lucky to be able to work in such an accommodating restaurant, where everyone treated her with kindness and respect, but after today, that opinion changed. She had managed to make a few enemies after all.
âItâs fine.â She extended her other arm amid her agony. âPlease help me out. If I get changed now, I can still make my shift.â
The Good Samaritan was hard-pressed to go against someone so stubborn, so they led the way.
The entire session was hell from beginning to end. Deirdreâs right hand could not conjure its usual force to press the keys, and it felt like there was an invisible thorn jabbing her elbow. She knew the customers were watching, though, so she forced herself to play despite the pain. By the time it was over, her back was bathed in cold sweat.
Her shift was finally over. Like clockwork, Sam appeared outside the restaurant to escort her home. He stepped forward as soon as Deirdre came out, but he easily noticed her ashen grimace and froze. She looked like she was suffering.
âMiss McKinnon? Did something happen? Are you okay?â
âN-Not now, Sam.â Deirdreâs voice was frail. âCan you get me to the hospital, please?â
The secret was revealed the moment the doctor inspected her. Her elbow had swollen into an alarming blue-and-black bump and was covered in a bit of blood. He waited until the treatment was over before glaring at Deirdre. âWhat happened, Miss McKinnon? Did someone bully you at work?â
âNo! I slipped while I was walking.â She denied it quickly, forcing a smile. A few moments of silence later, she dropped her voice into a hush and asked, âCan you please keep my hospital trip a secret from Brendan?â
âWhy?â
âBecause Brendan will go ballistic and conclude that Iâm incapable of taking care of myself and I should quit my job,â Deirdre replied, looking down. âBut I donât wanna stay in the mansion forever. My job⦠Itâs very meaningful to me.â
Sam hesitated. He was ultimately powerless against her incessant plea, so he nodded. He drove her to the mansion, but as soon as he pulled over, he received a text. He gleaned it, and a frown crept onto his mien.
He got out of the car after Deirdre. âMiss McKinnon? Mr. Brighthall wants you to visit him in his room.â
Last night flashed across her mind despite herself. Her left hand found itself pressing against her chest, her fingers grabbing a fistful of cloth. She found even the simple act of uttering an answer difficult. âO-Okay.â
Deirdre began to fitfully erect mental walls of defense before pushing Brendanâs door open. In a flash, she felt his telltale, stifling presence bearing down on her. She could feel the heat of his fury, barely contained behind the manâs steely facade, and her breathing hitched. Her face turned pale.
âDo you know what time it is?â
Deirdreâs mind went blank. The trip to the hospital from work must have taken more than an hour. As she bit her lip, Brendan answered his own question.
â11:49 p.m.â
He leveled his dagger-like eyes at Deirdreâs face, which was growing paler by the second as her fear increased. âYou didnât listen to a single word I said, did you?â
âN-No!â She cried, shaking her head and cupping her right arm.
Unfortunately, that was the only defense she could muster. She could not come up with any follow-up arguments. Should she admit to her injury? Brendan would just consider it proof of her incompetency to survive. He would then forbid her to work anymore.
She exhausted her mind to make up a believable excuse. âI was working overtime! The customers stayed a little longer than usual tonight and wanted me to play a few more songs. T-Thatâs why.â
Brendan laughed, but a new layer of chilling frost filled his glare