The island, after all, belonged to the Scott family.

“But why?” Hadley pressed, confusion evident in her voice. “Why would he care about Elissa? Why involve her at all? I doubt he even knows who she is.”

“Exactly.” Eric agreed, frowning. “That’s what doesn’t add up.”

If it was indeed Gifford, his intentions remained shrouded in mystery.

“Do you think…” Hadley’s voice trailed off, her thoughts tangled. “Could this have something to do with those photos of you?”

She shook her head almost immediately. “It makes sense for him to target you—but involving Elissa doesn’t.”

“True,” Eric said quietly.

Their eyes met, each mirroring the other’s frustration. Nothing seemed to fit.

After a pause, Eric offered a path forward. “Since the call was made to the island, let’s start by tracing it. Maybe we’ll find a clue.”

“Alright.” Hadley nodded, welcoming the idea.

Eric lifted a hand to his forehead, massaging his temples. The past few days had been relentless—one wave crashing after another.

Hadley watched him carefully, debating whether to bring up what else Elissa had said.

Sensing her hesitation, Eric asked, “She contacted you even though she wasn’t supposed to… Does she want to return to Srixby?”

“She does.” Hadley nodded slowly, biting her lip.

Eric didn’t look surprised. He grew quiet, thoughtful, and then said, “Has she really thought this through? That call was no coincidence—someone clearly wanted her to know. And if it’s a trap…”

He sighed. “If the target is just me, I can handle it. But doesn’t she fear being caught again?”

Because if Ernest discovered she had returned… she might never get another chance to escape.

g ? ln σ ν s?com, your fiction escape

“She’s thought about all of it,” Hadley answered, her voice heavy. “But Addy’s condition is… serious. She couldn’t stay away.”

Addy’s situation was undoubtedly severe, which left Elissa with no other choice.

Eric nodded, understanding. “Of course she’s worried. Is she still at the island?”

“Yes!” Hadley said quickly. “I told her to wait for my update. I told her not to make any moves yet.”

“Good call.” Eric gave her an approving smile. “I’ll handle it. I’ll make arrangements for her to return discreetly. She should see Addy.”

He spoke with such ease, as though solving a simple matter.

Hadley said nothing. She merely looked at him, lips pressed into a line. Shadows danced across his face, dimming his features—but his expression remained as gentle as ever.

“Why are you staring?” Eric teased softly, eyes glinting. He nodded toward her barely touched salad. “Eat. I’m almost done, and you’ve hardly started.”

“Okay…” Hadley nodded and quickly scooped a large spoonful into her mouth.

“Not so fast—no one’s stealing your food.” Eric laughed, reaching over to wipe a bit of sauce from the corner of her lips. “You’re making a mess.”

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