She hung up, and when she looked up, Eric was watching her with a small smile.

“What?” she asked, puzzled. “Why are you smiling?”

He had looked reluctant just moments ago. Why was he smiling now?

Hadley chose to ignore him.

The elevator arrived, and the doors slid open.

She gave Elissa’s arm a gentle tug. “Come on.”

Eric glanced at Ernest, and the two followed behind. Though his lips were pressed in a straight line, a smile tugged at the corners.

Of course, Eric was pleased. Get full chapters from

Hadley had requested a guest room, which meant she and Eric would still be sharing their own tonight.

In that case, Elissa could stay in Olisvale Bay as long as she wanted. No complaints from him.

Back at Olisvale Bay, the servant had the guest room ready, just as Hadley requested.

Hadley gave it a quick once-over. It wasn’t perfect, but it would do. Upstairs, she helped Elissa lie down on the bed.

Elissa still looked shaken. The night had clearly taken a toll on her.

“Get some rest.” Hadley pulled the covers over her. “We’ll figure out the rest tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Elissa closed her eyes, trusting her completely.

Hadley picked up the ice pack on the nightstand and gently set it over her eyes.

“Keep this on a while, or your eyes will be too swollen to open tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

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“Sleep well.”

Hadley stood, switched off the lights, and quietly closed the door behind her.

Downstairs, Ernest was waiting.

“Hadley.” He rose the moment he saw her, clearly uneasy. “I have a favor to ask.”

“Let’s sit and talk.” she said.

She took a seat on the sofa, and Eric joined her without a word.

“I’m sorry to trouble you…” Ernest frowned, clearly searching for the right words. “Elissa won’t see me. She won’t even let me explain. I was hoping… maybe if you talked to her, she’d be willing to listen.”

Hadley didn’t answer right away. She looked him straight in the eye. “Ernest, I need to know what happened before I decide anything.”

“Hadley…” Eric frowned, starting to speak.

“You stay out of it.” She shot him a sharp look.

Eric raised his hands in surrender and obediently fell silent.

“If being around you only makes things harder for Elissa…” Hadley turned back to Ernest. “Then I’m sorry. I won’t get involved.”

“I understand.”

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