Ernest didn’t answer right away. Then, he let out a low, bitter laugh. “Since Addy passed. It’s fine, though.”

He massaged his forehead and shook his head lightly. “Let her get it out. Better she lashes out at me than keeps it in and lets it eat her alive.”

Colleen and Brady arrived not long after.

Colleen came as Elissa’s friend. Brady, on the other hand, came for Colleen. Besides, he was Hadley’s brother, so his presence didn’t feel out of place.

Before they left for the service, Hadley pulled Brady aside. “Look after Colleen, alright? There’ll be a lot of people today, and I need to stay with Elissa. I won’t be able to check on you two.”

“Don’t worry, Hadley. You can trust me.”

“Okay.” Hadley nodded. She trusted Brady without question.

At the funeral site, the atmosphere was quiet but heavy.

Addy had been a respected master of painting, and it showed. The crowd included many from the art world. Artists gathered to pay their respects. Alongside them, another kind of crowd had formed—numerous prominent figures from the business world. They weren’t there for Addy. They were there for Ernest.

At the entrance, he stood tall and composed, flanked by Becker and the rest of the Holland family, all lined up in formation.

When Hadley helped Elissa through the doorway and she caught sight of it all, Elissa laughed coldly and tightened her grip on Hadley’s hand.

“Look, Hadley. After knowing Ernest, I finally understand what it means to be two-faced and hypocritical. My grandfather’s gone. And he thinks a grand funeral somehow makes up for that?”

To Elissa, it was almost laughable. Ernest always gave what he believed was best, but never what she truly needed.

“It’ll be a while before it starts.” Hadley supported Elissa toward the lounge. “Let’s go rest for a bit.”

Sensing Elissa’s unease, she added gently, “Locke and Joy are with Melba. She’s watching over them, so you don’t need to worry.”

? .

“Alright.” Elissa acknowledged with a nod.

As soon as they reached the lounge door, Elissa wrinkled her nose and quickly covered her mouth.

“What’s wrong?” Hadley helped her sit down at once. One look at Elissa’s pale face, and she understood immediately. “It’s the wreaths, isn’t it?”

At a funeral, wreaths were expected. However, their heavy scent often clung to the air and could be overwhelming for pregnant women.

Hadley turned to the large floral arrangements sitting by the door. “I’ll move them right now.”

After moving the wreaths well out of range, Hadley poured a glass of warm water and handed it to Elissa. “Here. Drink some. It might help you feel better.”

“Okay.” Elissa accepted the glass and took a sip.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

It was Eric. A doctor stood beside him, medical kit in hand. Eric’s gaze landed on Hadley, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “May we come in?”

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