“Enough, Ernest! You’re going to kill him!”

“Let go!” Ernest shouted, trying to break free.

All sense had left him. Fury had taken over. Gasping for breath, he roared, “I want him dead! This is his fault! If not for him, Elissa—”

His voice cracked into a guttural cry, unable to finish the thought.

With no certainty about the crash, the sense of impending disaster hung over all of them—Elissa and Locke might never come home.

“Ernest!” Exchanging glances, Eric and Quentin dragged him further back with all their strength.

“Hadley!” Eric called urgently.

“I’m here!” She ran to his side, her eyes red and swollen, wrapping both arms around Ernest’s.

She understood Eric’s plan. Ernest might overpower the others, but he would never hurt her.

“Hadley, let me go!”

“No!” Hadley shook her head, her voice cracking through tears. “I’m not letting go!”

Ernest squeezed his fists and shut his eyes, surrendering to the moment. Some of his composure began to return.

“Quentin!” Eric reacted quickly, signaling him with urgency. “Take him to the hospital right now!”

“Right away!” Quentin nodded and summoned the bodyguards, helping them carry Robin out.

Stillness fell across the living room.

“Ernest, please sit down…”

Every story starts at gα?ησν?s?com

Ernest looked ghostly, and as Hadley moved closer to guide him into a chair, her eyes fell on his hands.

Earlier, she had only witnessed him striking Robin, but now she saw the deep gashes on his hand. Blood streamed from his knuckles, staining his skin.

A wave of panic hit her. “Laney! Bring the first aid kit—hurry!”

“Right away! I’ll get it now!” Laney dashed off without hesitation.

Moments later, she rushed back holding the kit.

“Sit down, Ernest!” Hadley held his arm, her voice trembling. “Your hand’s bleeding a lot. Let me help—”

“That’s not necessary.” Ernest pulled away. He turned to Eric, his voice low. “Eric, take Hadley home.”

Uncertainty flickered across Eric’s face. “No, we can’t leave you alone.”

“Just go.” Under the harsh light, Ernest tried to smile, but his expression only looked strained and empty. “I want to be alone for now.”

Without waiting for a reply, he spun around and headed upstairs.

“Ernest!” Hadley jumped to her feet, about to follow him.

“Hadley!” Eric gently blocked her. “Just let him be.”

“How about his hand—”

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