“Coming,” said Hadley.

She tucked the bracelet back into the box, closed the drawer, and opened the door.

Joy threw her arms around her. “I’m hungry!”

“Of course, baby.” Hadley scooped her up. “Let’s get you some food.”

“Okay!” Joy held up two fingers. “I could eat two—no, three horses!” She made sure to add one more for good measure.

“Impressive.” Hadley chuckled.

Joy had just gotten her new little plates. A few days ago, Joy had overeaten and ended up with indigestion. After that, Eric had a set of custom plates made just for her.

They were crafted from eco-friendly materials, unbreakable, and printed with her favorite cartoon characters. The full set came with matching utensils as well.

Eric knew exactly how to spoil Joy.

Maybe it was because of her that, lately, Hadley only seemed to recall the better parts of him.

After dinner, she put Joy to bed and returned to her room.

A message from Elvin popped up on her phone. It was her updated schedule. Time to focus.

She set the phone aside and pulled out the materials Elvin had given her earlier.

But in her mind, Eric’s face kept shifting—sometimes his, sometimes Joy’s. They were starting to look more and more alike.

Hadley sighed, set the papers down, and went to change clothes.

At the hospital, Hadley arrived at the ward. Phillips opened the door. Tamara had already told him they were coming.

“Hadley.”

“Phillips.”

They exchanged brief nods.

“Mr. Scott is awake,” said Phillips. “You can go in.”

“Thanks.”

As she stepped into the suite, Megan came out of the kitchen with a tray.

Phillips hesitated. “Uh, Hadley—”

He stepped forward, ready to intervene should the two women clash again.

“It’s fine.” Hadley shook her head. “We’re good.”

She didn’t know Megan well enough to judge her, but at least for now, Megan had Eric’s best interest at heart.

“Look who’s here?” Megan’s eyebrows lifted, a mix of surprise and amusement. “Finally changed your mind? Ready to face him?” Hadley didn’t answer. She wasn’t really ready. But she and Eric had known each other for over ten years. And he was Joy’s father. She had every reason to be there—even if she didn’t know whether it would make a difference.

“Alright.” Megan let out a long breath, then smiled as she held out the tray. “Good. You’re here. I feel better already. Here, take this.”

Without hesitation, she handed the tray to Hadley. “Hold it tight—don’t want it to spill.”

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