Hadley’s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. “Then, after his car accident, when it seemed like he wouldn’t recover, she turned her attention to you. After all, if Ernest was out of the picture, the Flynn family inheritance would fall to you. But when he regained consciousness, she thought she had another chance! And when she learned Ernest had Locke and you had become the heir to the Scott family, she switched back to targeting you!”

Hadley’s eyes shone with clarity as if she saw through everything. “She has always known exactly what she wants. Her entire mindset revolves around gain and control. So tell me—how could someone like that possibly break down?”

Something came to mind, and she offered an example.

“If Linda were really going to lose her mind, it would have happened years ago—just like what happened to Elissa! Think about it. Five years ago, Elissa broke under pressure and lost her sanity, even forgetting an entire year of her life!”

Hadley looked directly at Eric, her gaze steady and intense. “And Linda? She managed fine for years and now she just suddenly broke down? Does that make any sense to you? Can you honestly believe that?”

“Everything you said makes…”

“Sense. I get it,” Eric replied with a troubled frown. “But this isn’t about what I believe. The doctors diagnosed her. That’s the reality.”

He gestured toward Linda, who appeared increasingly frightened by their heated exchange. “Just look at her. She—”

“She is putting on an act!” Hadley shot back without hesitation. “I’m certain she’s faking it! Mental illness is incredibly complex to diagnose. If she is determined enough, she can deceive even a professional!”

“Hadley, calm down and think logically. This is just your assumption. Why don’t I call her psychiatrist here to assess the situation?” For more chapters visit F?ndNovel.net

“There is no need!” Hadley snapped, her eyes locked onto his. “What if she’s already in cahoots with the doctor and has already paid him off?”

Eric was at a loss for words.

“I just have one question,” Hadley said, lifting her chin slightly. “Do you trust her or me?”

“I trust you,” Eric replied without missing a beat, but his voice softened as he added, “But what do you expect me to do? Kick her out of the hospital, turn my back on her, and leave her to fend for herself?”

He lowered his gaze and gave a small shake of his head. “Hadley, I can’t do that. I don’t have that kind of choice. Just like I didn’t choose my parents, I can’t turn away from someone who has greatly helped me. Like it or not, she did me a favor I can’t forget.”

“You are right.”

Hadley couldn’t bear to listen anymore. His words felt like a broken record, stuck on repeat.

With a furrowed brow, she closed her eyes and shook her head.

“You might not get to choose your family or those who have helped you, but you can choose who you love! So why can’t you just let me go?”

She fixed her gaze on him, lifting her arm to point at Linda.

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