“Hadley…” Eric began. He didn’t see any reason to keep it from her.

There was a silence between them—the kind that needed no words, just a look to understand.

With a sigh, Eric revealed, “Her test results… came back.”

There was no need to ask who he meant. Of course, it was Linda. But what results?

Eric rubbed the back of his neck, his brow furrowing. “You remember… she said her legs were hurting?”

Hadley nodded. She remembered that night clearly.

“Well, Ernest made sure she got a thorough medical exam. And the results are not good.” Eric’s expression turned grim. “Do you… want to know?”

Since Hadley was already there, Eric saw no reason to keep it from her. Still, if she didn’t want to hear it, he wasn’t going to force it on her.

Hadley sat in silence, thinking. Linda no longer had anything to do with her. To be honest, she didn’t care if Linda lived or died.

But Elissa…

After a moment’s silence, Hadley finally spoke. “What were the results?” She wanted to know.

Eric didn’t question her reason and simply answered, “It’s… a bone tumor.”

Hadley froze. The words landed like a blow. Even with all her resentment, she hadn’t expected that.

A bone tumor?

It was tragic, no doubt. But still, it wasn’t her burden. Beyond the shock, Hadley felt nothing. No pity. No sympathy. Not gloating over the news was already more kindness than Linda deserved.

“I see,” Hadley said as she recalled something. “You can pull over and drop me off. I can manage from here.”

“Why?” he asked, confused. “Didn’t you say you were going home?”

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Now, it was Hadley’s turn to be surprised. “You’re still taking me?” Wasn’t he supposed to rush to Linda’s side?

But Eric had already read her thoughts. With his brow furrowed slightly, he shook his head and said, “I’m taking you home. Ernest is with her. If she needs anything and he can’t manage, he’ll call me.”

So… he wasn’t going?

Hadley remained silent. No… that couldn’t be it. She believed he’d probably go to Linda after dropping her off.

“No need.” Hadley chuckled and shook her head. “Tamara’s here. I don’t need you to drop me off.”

Had he already forgotten why she’d gotten into his car in the first place? It was only because he’d been worked up, and she was worried he’d go back and stir things up with Zane.

“Go ahead to her. I’ll—”

“I said, I’m not going!” Eric snapped, his voice cutting through her words. “I don’t want to see her!”

Hadley blinked, startled by the sharpness in his tone. There was no need to be that harsh.

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