If Linda’s condition was as dire as it sounded, it meant Hadley’s instincts had been right all along. Even confined to a sanatorium, Linda seemed determined to stir trouble for Ernest and Eric.

But Hadley? She was beyond Linda’s reach now.

Hadley’s thoughts then drifted to Elissa. Nyla had just given the green light for Elissa and Ernest’s relationship, but Linda’s latest crisis cast a shadow.

Hadley felt no pity for Linda; her concern was solely for Elissa. She could only hope this wouldn’t derail Ernest and Elissa’s wedding plans.

Meanwhile, Eric returned to Olisvale Bay. A servant brought his herbal remedy to the study, and after swallowing it, he reached for his usual candied fruit.

Instead, the servant offered a piece of candy.

“What is this?” Eric asked, his brow knitting. “Where is the candied fruit?”

“We’re out, Mr. Scott,” the servant replied.

“Out?” Eric gave a wry chuckle. “Then go get more.”

“But Miss Pearson always handled that, and she is no longer here…”

The mention of Hadley stung, and Eric waved the servant off with a sharp gesture. “Fine, just go!”

“Okay.” The servant scurried out with the empty bowl, quietly shutting the door.

Eric popped the candy into his mouth, grimacing.

He didn’t care for candy. Hadley had known that and always kept candied fruit in the house.

He toyed with his phone, hesitation gnawing at him. After a long moment, he finally gathered the courage to dial Hadley’s number.

Hadley had made it clear she wanted no more interruptions, but surely one question wouldn’t hurt, right?

As the ringtone echoed in his ear, Eric held his breath, the weight of anticipation pressing down on him.

Hadley had just checked on Joy and was stepping out of her room when her phone buzzed.

Why was Eric calling now? What could he possibly want?

Pristin Mountain Sanatorium was a fair distance away. Had they already arrived? Even if they had, shouldn’t he be with Ernest, tending to Linda? Why was he calling her?

The phone rang on, nearly going to voicemail before Hadley swiped to answer.

“Hello?”

Eric’s familiar, low voice came through, tinged with apology and a touch of charm. “Hadley, are you asleep?”

Hadley paused, caught off guard. Was he really asking that?

“Eric,” she said, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “Didn’t I make myself clear the other night?”

“No, no,” Eric rushed to explain, his tone flustered. “I’m not trying to bother you, I swear. I just… I have a quick question.”

Hadley let out a soft, skeptical laugh. “Oh? And what might that be?”

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