“I’m perfectly capable of finding my way back,” Hadley insisted with growing urgency.

“But…” Zane wavered, his ingrained sense of courtesy warring with paternal instinct as he struggled with the impropriety of abandoning her.

“But nothing!” Hadley dismissed his concerns with an impatient gesture. “Vivian needs her father right now! Go!”

As a mother herself, Hadley understood the profound pull of parental devotion. She recognized with crystal clarity the overwhelming compulsion that would drive Zane to abandon everything else when his child needed him.

“I can ask for directions if necessary. Stop wasting time and leave already!”

“Alright!”

Her fierce insistence finally broke through his hesitation. Zane clenched his jaw with determination and nodded decisively. “I’m leaving this instant!”

“Perfect.”

Zane spun toward the exit, his mind already focused on retrieving his vehicle from the garage.

Before his foot could touch the next stair, a figure materialized to obstruct his path. “Don’t take another step!”

Hadley’s gaze lifted, and her entire body went rigid. Shock dilated her eyes as recognition hit her. “Eric? What in the world are you doing here?”

Eric’s attention flickered briefly toward Hadley, his mouth compressed into a harsh, unforgiving line. His words, however, targeted Zane with unmistakable authority. “You’re not leaving this place today. Your responsibility is to remain here with Hadley. Do I make myself clear?”

Shock rendered Zane momentarily speechless before he attempted to clarify the situation. “Mr. Scott, please understand—”

“Shut up!” Eric’s voice sliced through Zane’s explanation like a blade.

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He had caught every word of their previous exchange from his position below. Yet despite understanding the circumstances, he remained determined to prevent Zane’s departure.

Eric locked his penetrating stare onto Zane, delivering each syllable with crystalline precision. “I told you to remain with Hadley. Under no circumstances are you to leave her alone!”

“Mr. Scott…”

“Eric, that’s enough!” Hadley surged forward, physically maneuvering Zane away from Eric’s imposing presence. “Zane, ignore everything he’s saying! Go to your daughter!”

The situation left Zane torn between conflicting demands.

Uncertainty paralyzed Zane as Eric’s commanding presence radiated an intimidation that made him question his paternal instincts.

“Listen to me carefully.” Hadley recognized the source of Zane’s internal struggle and spoke with fierce conviction. “He poses no threat to me whatsoever. You must leave now! Vivian desperately needs her father! Ill children become increasingly distressed, and delaying will only intensify her suffering!”

Her passionate plea shattered Zane’s remaining doubts. “You’re right—I’m leaving this instant! I’ll contact you as soon as possible!”

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