Eric stood to the side, eyeing Hadley. The entire evening had passed without him finding a moment to speak to her.

He hesitated, trying to find the right words to start a conversation.

Just then, Ernest’s phone rang.

“Hello?” He answered, holding the phone to his ear.

Whatever was said on the other end made his expression change immediately.

“What? Say that again… clearly, this time.”

“What is going on?” Eric inquired the moment Ernest ended the call, his voice laced with urgency.

“It’s…” Ernest paused, casting a hesitant glance at Hadley. She was right there, and it wouldn’t do to keep secrets.

“It is Linda,” he said softly.

“Linda?” Eric’s brow furrowed, irritation flashing across his face. “What has she done now?”

Linda had been whisked away to a sanatorium for secluded treatment not long ago. How could trouble be brewing already?

Ernest let out a weary sigh, mirroring Eric’s frustration. This time, though, it wasn’t Linda’s fault.

“Her condition has taken a turn for the worse.”

“What is wrong?” Eric pressed, glancing at Hadley, who was equally eager for answers.

“The doctor mentioned she has been in severe pain these past few days—her legs,” Ernest explained, his tone grave.

What was that supposed to mean?

Eric’s gaze dropped, exchanging a puzzled look with Hadley. “Leg pain?” he blurted. “Didn’t she lose all feeling in her legs?”

Stay updated g?lnσνes?com

“Yes, she certainly did,” Ernest confirmed, his expression somber. “That is why the doctor is concerned. It’s not a good sign.”

Just then, a car pulled over before them.

Tamara stepped out to open the door. “Hop in, Hadley,” she called with a warm gesture.

“Alright,” Hadley replied, turning to Eric and Ernest. “I’ll head out now.” Whatever was happening with Linda, it didn’t concern her.

“Safe ride,” Eric said, his voice softening. He glanced at Tamara. “Drive carefully, no need to rush.”

“You can rest assured, Mr. Scott,” Tamara replied calmly.

Hadley slipped into the car, and it glided away.

Through the rearview mirror, she caught glimpses of Ernest and Eric deep in conversation.

Moments later, their cars arrived, and the brothers climbed in. The three vehicles departed the place in near unison.

At the first intersection, both Pristin Mountain Sanatorium and Olisvale Bay headed south, while Jewel Avenue stretched to the north. After passing the turn, they went their separate ways.

Hadley’s gaze lingered briefly before she turned away, certain the brothers were bound for Pristin Mountain Sanatorium.

.

.

.