Just as Eric had requested Tamara’s silence about his actions.
“Ugh!” The physical struggle with Megan sent fire through Eric’s damaged back. A metallic taste coated his tongue.
“Eric!” Megan’s breath caught when blood stained his lips. “What’s happening? Are you coughing up blood?”
Dismissing her concern, Eric dragged his sleeve across his mouth before barking at Phillips, “Why do you hesitate? Did you not hear what I just told you?”
“Mr. Scott, you really shouldn’t proceed…”
“Where are you going?” Alarm bells rang in Megan’s mind. Despite lacking specifics about his intentions, she knew she had to intervene. “You’re not going anywhere. Are you attempting suicide?”
“Precisely.” Veins stood out in Eric’s neck. “I’d sacrifice everything for the whistle Hadley entrusted to me. Finding it is non-negotiable.”
Megan froze. Hadley commanded his devotion once more.
Rage exploded through her chest as she spat, “What ridiculous whistle? Is it worth your life?”
“Absolutely.” Crimson flooded Eric’s eyes, his mouth compressing into a hard line. “My entire existence has served others. Personal longevity holds no appeal for me.” His voice dropped to match the torrential downpour surrounding them. “You could never comprehend its significance to me.”
Terror seized Megan’s racing heart.
This man had lost his sanity completely, yet her presence demanded that she prevent his self-destruction.
“You’re not leaving. Rest is mandatory immediately. Also, emergency medical intervention cannot wait. We need to get you back to the city.”
“Unnecessary.” Eric shrugged away from her grasp, swiping blood from his lips. “The physician diagnosed merely a minor pulmonary capillary rupture.”
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“The doctor confirmed this diagnosis?” Megan whirled toward Phillips, obvious doubt in her eyes.
“The doctor theorized,” Phillips admitted reluctantly, his frown deepening. “No diagnostic tests have been conducted.”
“Theorized?” Panic consumed Megan’s voice. “Did those words register? Even accepting that diagnosis, healthy individuals don’t spontaneously rupture blood vessels!”
She spun toward Phillips desperately. “Will you truly permit him to work himself into the grave?”
Astonishingly, Phillips and Megan formed an unlikely alliance this time.
“Mr. Scott, please forgive this betrayal.” Phillips clenched his jaw and motioned for the bodyguards to block Eric’s advance. “Mr. Scott, I’ll go talk to the rescue squad immediately. The bracelet will be recovered, but you cannot advance one single step.”
“Phillips! You…” Shock rendered Eric speechless, his brows knitting together while conflicting emotions warred across his striking features.
“Ugh…” Without warning, excruciating agony pierced his skull.
“Eric!” Megan steadied him with trembling hands. “Please. If Hadley means anything to you, preserve your life. Should you perish, who could love her with such devotion?”
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