Meanwhile, inside the observation room, Eric stirred and blinked at the ceiling before noticing a figure beside him.

“Hadley?” His features brightened as he reached for her hand. “I can’t believe you’re here. It means a lot.”

It was clear to him then. Hadley hadn’t given up on him after all.

Without withdrawing her hand, Hadley glanced down and said gently, “I’m here. How do you feel? Is there anything bothering you?”

“Not at all.” Eric gave her a faint, contented smile. “Now that you’re here, I feel like everything’s alright.”

“Oh, come on.” Ernest scoffed nearby.

That reaction caught Eric off guard.

He turned his head and finally spotted Ernest standing on the other side of the bed.

“Wait—Ernest? What are you doing here?” His eyes widened in surprise. “Hal?”

Ernest let out a mocking sound. “What do you think? If it weren’t for me, how exactly would you have ended up at the hospital?”

“Oh. Right.” Eric’s memory caught up with him. He had collapsed back at the Flynn estate. A bashful smile crept onto his face as he looked at the other man. “I really appreciate it, Ernest.”

Without much reaction, Ernest gave a small nod. “If you’re fine now, I’ll be heading out.”

Before turning to leave, he shot a glance at Hadley. “Thanks for staying with him, Hadley.”

“Take care, Ernest.”

Eric mimicked her words with playful precision. “Take care, Ernest,” he said, repeating in the same tone.

With a brief look in Eric’s direction, Ernest stepped forward and gave his shoulder a light pat. “Don’t mess this up with Hadley. Catch you later.”

Your imagination thrives at puntocom

Once Ernest left, Eric turned his full attention to Hadley, still holding her hand as if afraid to let go.

“Hadley…” He barely got her name out before Hadley cut in, her voice even and composed. “If you’re feeling okay, the doctor said you’re clear to go home.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to return to the set.”

“Got it,” Eric gave a small nod. “I’m okay now. Let’s head out.”

As he shifted to sit up, Hadley steadied him and said, “Easy now… Just stay seated for a bit before trying to stand.”

“Sure.” Updates are released by Find~Novel.net

“You stay here and rest a while,” Hadley said. “I’ll inform the nurse and ask the driver to pull the car up front.”

“Got it.”

The door had barely closed behind her when a shadow passed over Eric’s face, his features tightening.

Since regaining consciousness, he’d noticed one thing—Hadley hadn’t looked him in the eye even once. A sudden buzz broke the silence.

It was a text from Ernest:

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