Eric sat in heavy silence and finally shut his eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, he let out a breath. “Do whatever you need to do to get ready. I just need a little time.”

With odds like that, he had unfinished business to take care of.

Time was suddenly in short supply.

He needed to know if Zane could be counted on to take care of Hadley. He also wondered what he could do for Ernest and the Flynn family before it was too late.

The Scott family had never been his true home. Still, he had to tie up some loose ends. At the very least, he had to make sure his siblings could never hurt Hadley or Joy in the future.

If something happened before he managed to set things right…

A harsh, humorless laugh slipped from Eric. That would be the worst kind of luck.

So bad, he thought, that even fate wouldn’t allow him enough time for one last wish.

“That’s it.” Eric got to his feet as he spoke.

“Yes, Mr. Scott. Please look after yourself.”

Turning to leave, Eric caught sight of the door—left partly open.

Megan’s face appeared in the gap, peeking inside.

He hadn’t let her come in with him earlier, but honestly, no door was strong enough to keep her out. He decided to let her be. She was already aware of what was happening.

If she couldn’t keep things quiet, how much she knew wouldn’t really change a thing.

Just outside the office, Megan waited.

“Eric…” Megan’s eyes shimmered with tears.

Lλtτ чhαρτ?r? ιn gl?ov?ls.

“What do you want now?” Eric gave her a sidelong look. “So, you were listening at the door? Did you catch it all? Trying to find new material for blackmail?” He didn’t wait for a reply and just kept walking.

“Hold on!” Megan dashed after him and caught his arm, whispering, “Don’t talk like that… I would never breathe a word of this.”

“Oh, really? How kind of you!” Eric’s mouth twisted into a half-smile. “Should I send you a thank-you card for that?”

“Listen—”

Eric’s patience ran out, and he cut her off with a scowl. “Don’t start asking for anything. I’m barely holding it together as it is. The best I can do is not push you away right now.”

“Don’t say things like that!” Tears welled in Megan’s eyes as her voice cracked. “Why do you have to talk like you’re already gone?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Eric let out a cold laugh. “Isn’t that the only reason you keep threatening me? Because you know my secret—that I’m dying?”

Megan’s voice trembled as she replied, “I’m sorry.”

Eric lifted an eyebrow. “If you mean that, then maybe you could vanish from my life?”

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