“Ernest!” Elissa threw her arms around his waist, holding him tight. “That’s enough! I said stop!”
Ernest froze, staring down at Elissa clinging to him, his fist halting in midair.
Elissa let out a sharp scoff. “Took you long enough.”
She jabbed a finger in Eric’s direction. “He’s your brother, Ernest! How could you go this far?”
She shot him a look filled with contempt. “You force people into things they never wanted, and now you’re merciless to your own brother. Mr. Flynn, you do live up to your reputation.”
Ernest’s jaw tightened. He looked ready to speak but said nothing.
Suddenly, Elissa clutched his arm, struggling for breath.
Her chest heaved as the combination of fear and anger left her lightheaded and gasping.
The sight jolted Ernest from his anger. He immediately reached out to steady her.
“How do you feel? Why did you leave before finishing your oxygen?”
He bent down, slipping an arm under her knees to lift her gently. “We’re going back to the oxygen room, now.”
His gaze lingered on Eric, sprawled across the floor, his eyes turning cold and empty. He said nothing more. Without another word, he turned away and carried Elissa swiftly down the hall.
That silent look sent a chill down Eric’s chest. Hadley felt the same ache. She wondered if Ernest would ever let this go, or if he would carry this betrayal forever.
From the sidelines, Linda watched with an icy stare. Ernest left with Elissa in his arms, not sparing Linda a single glance.
Had he really grown so cold and uncaring toward her now?
“Eric.” Hadley pushed her worries aside, dropped to her knees, and reached out to support Eric. “Let’s get you up.”
“Okay.” Eric gripped her arm, trying to get his balance, but then winced as a sharp pain shot through him. “That hurts…”
For mr?, vt glov?ls.○
Hadley stiffened in surprise, unable to move. “Did I cause you pain? Where exactly does it hurt?”
She glanced at the man before her, searching his battered face for answers. His face, once striking, looked battered and swollen. Only the obvious injuries showed. Who knew what pain he hid beneath his clothes?
“It’s really nothing serious.” Eric squeezed her hand and tried to smile. “Just a few scrapes and bruises… ouch.”
He winced as he tried to brush it off, then forced a crooked grin. “Honestly, my whole body aches.”
Panic swept through Hadley as she called out, “Phillips!”
Phillips answered right away, “Right here!”
He had stayed close the whole time but never dared to step in unless Eric gave the word.
.
.
.