Upon hearing this, Elissa closed her eyes. Her body swayed, unsteady. She struggled for words. “How did this happen? When did it start?”
“The day after you left,” said Hadley quietly.
Elissa’s breath caught. “So it’s my fault.”
“Don’t say that.” Hadley frowned and shook her head. “It’s not.”
She had never defended Ernest when it came to this matter. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s Ernest.”
If he hadn’t pushed Elissa so hard, she wouldn’t have had to flee, and Addy might have held on. No matter how weak he had become, it wouldn’t have turned critical like this. But Elissa couldn’t absolve herself so easily.
“How bad is Grandpa’s condition?”
“He’s already… barely conscious,” Hadley admitted. Her voice dropped. There were things she couldn’t say outright, but in her heart, she knew—Addy might not make it.
She was devastated. How much more for Elissa?
“Grandpa…” Elissa murmured. After a long pause, she asked in a fragile voice, “Hadley… can I ask you something?”
She hesitated, as though even forming the words took effort. “I know this is a lot. You and Eric have done more than enough. But… I want to see him.”
Silence followed. They both understood what that meant.
Elissa returning to Srixby now would undo everything Eric had risked to protect her. If Ernest found out, it could turn into something far worse than a broken promise.
“I’m sorry,” Elissa whispered. “This is selfish. I’ll find another way—”
“What other way?” Hadley cut in sharply.
Elissa couldn’t even leave the island by herself. And even if she managed that, Quentin would have her tracked the second she reached Srixby.
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“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Hadley muttered, her voice heavy. “Mr. Holland’s condition—none of us saw it coming.”
Elissa’s longing to be with her family… it was totally understandable. And it might be her last chance to say goodbye.
“Stay where you are.” Hadley drew a deep breath. “I’ll think of something.”
“Hadley…” Elissa’s voice cracked. “Thank you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take full responsibility. It has nothing to do with you or Eric. It’s all on me.”
“Stop,” Hadley said. “Don’t think about that right now. Just stay put. Wait for my update.”
“Okay,” Elissa said softly.
After the call ended, Hadley sat still, her phone in hand. She rubbed her forehead, deep in thought. Then, she sent Eric a message.
Hadley arrived at the Scott Group shortly after six in the evening, the golden hue of twilight trailing behind her.
In the CEO’s office, Eric sat amid a sea of documents, his brow furrowed, shoulders heavy with responsibility.
Phillips entered quietly, ushering in a servant who carried a large bag with practiced grace.
Hadley recognized the man—he was from Olisvale Bay, likely sent to deliver Eric’s dinner and usual herbal remedy.
.
.
.