Joy’s spontaneous intervention tipped the scales decisively in Eric’s favor.

“Hadley…” Eric pressed his advantage gently, recognizing the pivotal moment. “Please consider it. It’s merely an interim solution. When I’ve resolved the complications within the Scott family…” he paused meaningfully, “I’ll secure a fresh start for both of you elsewhere.” The stark reality remained that Millland Road had ceased to be a viable residence for them.

Beyond its aging infrastructure, the neighborhood offered neither privacy nor security measures necessary for their circumstances. Hadley’s burgeoning career in entertainment had already garnered attention, and her ascending popularity would only intensify scrutiny moving forward.

Hadley cradled Joy against her chest, her mind a labyrinth of conflicting considerations. After what seemed an eternity, she inclined her head in acceptance. “Alright,” she conceded quietly.

Pragmatism also guided her decision—Cordell would proceed regardless of her ions. More compelling was the genuine fear that had taken root within her… Even the most remote threat was sufficient motivation to shield Joy from experiencing another moment of terror.

“Hadley…” Unmistakable elation transformed Eric’s features, erasing the lines of concern that had previously dominated his expression. His transparent delight provoked a frown from Hadley, disquiet settling like a stone in her chest.

“One more thing…” Eric’s tone shifted as a new consideration surfaced. “Regarding your professional commitments…”

“Are you asking me to abandon my career?” Hadley questioned, apprehension evident in her voice. She hesitated. “The production is already underway. Withdrawing at this juncture would be unprofessional and potentially damaging.”

In his perfect scenario, Eric would have preferred her complete withdrawal from public life—yet Hadley’s evident commitment to her profession made coercion impossible—and inadvisable.

“Let me propose an alternative…” Eric deliberated briefly before continuing, “I’ll appoint a female security specialist to remain in your proximity at all times. Your responsibility will be to remain within her visual field without exception.”

The gravity in his voice intensified as he underscored the point, “I mean this literally—at all times, including during private moments in bathrooms.”

The deadly seriousness of his stipulation registered clearly with Hadley. She wasn’t about to let stubbornness override her sense of self-preservation. With solemn comprehension, she nodded her assent to these non-negotiable conditions.

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“However…” she ventured, another concern emerging. Reservations lingered in Hadley’s expression. “If we move to Olisvale Bay, wouldn’t such an arrangement necessitate cohabitation with Ferris?”

“Don’t worry.” Eric’s immediate response revealed his grasp of her apprehension. “I share your aversion to him. We’ll occupy the southern wing of the estate. That villa stands completely detached from the main residence, with an extensive garden serving as a natural barrier. It maintains a private entrance—we’d need to actively pursue an encounter to cross paths with him.”

This arrangement seemed considerably more tolerable. Hadley released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, the tension across her shoulders easing marginally.

“Mommy.” Joy craned her neck upward from the shelter of Hadley’s embrace, her curious eyes searching her mother’s face. “Are we going somewhere?”

“We’re moving to a new place,” Hadley explained, choosing her words carefully. The source of th?s content is F?nd-Novel.net

“But what kind of place?” Joy persisted, her innate childish curiosity demanding specifics.

Eric’s expression melted into tenderness as he regarded his daughter, his fingers ghosting across her delicate strands. The silken cascade she’d inherited mirrored Hadley’s perfectly, a stark contrast to his own coarser texture.

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