Lyla stared at him, stunned. Her mouth opened, but no words came at first. Then, as if reality finally hit her, she burst out, “No. No, that’s impossible! She was married before! She has a child!”

“So what?” Zane spat back, his jaw tight. “She’s genuine. And she’s a far better person than you ever were.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned away and tossed his final words over his shoulder. “Vivian is my daughter. I’ll always be there for her. But you… you’re no longer part of my life.”

Lyla stood frozen, her face drained of color.

In the car, Hadley sat with her body angled toward the window. Not once did she glance at the man beside her. She had only gotten in earlier to make sure Eric wouldn’t double back and stir up more trouble for Zane.

Meanwhile, Eric sat in silence, but he was anything but calm. His fingers tapped against his leg. With Hadley right next to him, he sneaked glances from the corner of his eye.

But soon, he found himself staring at her openly. Still, Hadley didn’t look at him.

Eric frowned. What could be so fascinating out there? Was she upset? Was she still thinking about Zane? If so, then why pull him away? She should have just let him handle the situation!

The more Eric dwelled on it, the more justified he felt. At last, his patience snapped.

“Turn around,” he told the driver. “We’re going back.”

“Sir?” the driver asked, uncertain.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“Uh, yes, sir.”

“What are you doing?” Hadley whipped around to face Eric, then turned to the driver. “Don’t listen to him. Keep going straight.”

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“Uh…” The driver hesitated, caught between the two.

Eric slumped in his seat and pouted. “Hadley, I’ll bring Zane to you. How can he let you leave while standing there with his ex-wife?”

Hadley paused for a second, then let out a chuckle. “Just shut up.”

“Oh.” Eric opened his mouth again but said nothing more.

“I just wanted to stand up for you… You looked upset,” Eric muttered under his breath, his voice low and wounded.

Hadley was speechless. She heard him, but her thoughts tangled. He was standing up for her? Had he already forgotten what she had said?

Before she could find the right words, Eric’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and answered the call. “Hello. Ernest?”

Hadley turned slightly, listening without making it obvious. What could Ernest be calling about?

Whatever was said on the other end made Eric’s expression shift. His eyes lifted to Hadley, now serious and unreadable.

“Yes, I understand,” he replied, his voice turning grave. “Right. Goodbye.”

Hadley stared at him, her stomach tightening into knots.

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