Naturally, Hadley didn’t believe him.

If it truly wasn’t serious, Phillips wouldn’t have rushed him to the hospital in front of the entire board.

Tamara had already explained what happened.

Hadley’s brows knit together in concern. “How did this happen? How did Gifford even get those photos?”

Eric’s expression darkened. “That’s what I don’t understand. He shouldn’t have had access. From the angle and distance, the photos were taken by someone very close.”

And everyone in his inner circle was handpicked by him.

“Someone close?” Hadley echoed. Her thoughts churned. “Do you think there’s a traitor on your side? Someone who got bought off? Or maybe Gifford planted someone from the start?”

Eric nodded. “All of that is possible.”

Hadley paused, unsettled by the thought. If that were true, then it meant the enemy was already inside—close and watching.

“Do you have any leads? Any idea who it might be?”

If the mole wasn’t found soon, it could be dangerous—like a time bomb ticking right beside Eric. Someone like Gifford would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. And now, he wanted Eric gone.

“Not yet,” Eric said, shaking his head. “Phillips is handling it.”

There were too many people in his circle. Pinpointing the traitor wouldn’t be easy.

Hadley understood, but it didn’t ease her worry.

“Then…” she asked softly, “what about the surgery? Can you do it now?”

Eric gave a faint, bitter smile and shook his head again. “Not yet.”

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That answer confused her. “Why not?”

Before today, his delay made sense—he needed to hide his condition to get certain things done without trouble. But now the board knew. Gifford had exposed everything. What was there to hold back?

“Well…” Eric’s voice was calm, almost too calm. “I haven’t been at the Scott Group long. But I do have a few board members on my side. Do you know why they back me?”

Hadley hesitated, and then guessed, “Because… they benefit from it?”

“Exactly.” His eyes narrowed with a tired smile. “It’s all about profit.”

With Gifford’s stunt, Eric’s illness was out in the open. Gifford wanted Eric removed. However, that would affect the shares and influence of those who supported Eric.

Hadley’s expression turned cold. “So they won’t let you get the surgery now.”

“That’s right.”

Her breath quickened. Then came a sharp, bitter laugh. “So your life doesn’t matter to them?”

“In business,” Eric said quietly, “profit comes first. Always.” His tone was almost too accepting. He went on, “If I want that surgery, I have to win the board battle first. I need to make sure my side stays in power.”

Hadley fell silent, struggling to take it all in. It was more than she had ever imagined.

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