Maybe he was nothing more than Joy’s father in her eyes. Even so, knowing she still cared gave him enough to hold onto.

“Come on. I’ll take you to the training site,” Eric said with a light grin, pulling open the car door for Hadley.

With a nod, Hadley stepped forward. “Thanks.”

Training filled every hour of her schedule that day. By the time the rest of the team had wrapped up, Lisa had asked Hadley to stay behind for a personal session. That meant she was the last one to leave the facility.

A glance at her screen showed two missed calls—both from Zane. Just as her thumb hovered over his name to return the call, her phone lit up again. Zane’s name appeared.

“Zane,” Hadley answered quickly, her tone apologetic. “Sorry, I didn’t pick up earlier. Hectic day at work, and we’re required to keep phones off or silent.”

“No worries,” Zane replied with a light laugh. “I figured it was something like that… Anyway, I’m almost there, wait for me for a bit.”

The moment he said it, Hadley froze for a beat. She hadn’t expected him to show up.

Then she remembered what he’d said before. He was keeping his word. Since he was already on his way, Hadley made up her mind. It was time to tell him the truth about the attack.

“Hadley.” Tamara leaned in and spoke gently. “Mr. Scott has arrived.”

Hadley lifted her head in response. A sleek black Bentley rolled to a gentle stop near the steps of the main entrance.

“Hadley.” Stepping out of the vehicle, Eric called her name.

He strode up the stairs with quiet confidence, his long coat swaying slightly as he halted before her. “I’ve come to pick you up.”

“You…” Before Hadley could finish her sentence, her eyes caught Zane’s car pulling in.

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Zane stepped out, raising a hand with a grin. “Hadley!”

With a gentle smile, Hadley gave a nod in return. “Zane.”

Meanwhile, Eric stood behind her, his expression already clouded.

Once Zane drew closer, his eyes and Eric’s locked for a long second.

“Mr. Scott, it’s good to meet you again.”

“Likewise, Mr. Hayes.”

The sharpness in Eric’s tone and the restrained way he spoke made it clear—he wasn’t pleased in the slightest.

“Hadley,” Zane said, shifting uncomfortably and casting a hesitant glance in her direction. “If you’re busy, I can head out…”

“Stay right there.” Hadley’s voice cut through his words, firm and quick. That single response made Eric stiffen. He stared at Hadley, stunned that she would ask Zane to remain.

From Eric’s point of view, he had shown up first. And as far as he was concerned, there was no official relationship between them yet.

“Zane, give me just a minute, please.” Lifting her chin slightly, Hadley turned toward Eric and spoke with calm resolve. “I need to talk to Zane for a bit.” The message was clear—she wanted a private conversation.

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