“Right. Of course.” Ernest nodded, then eased Elissa back against the sofa cushions. His eyes lingered on her pale face, filled with worry. “Get some rest. I’ll stay right here with you.”

Hadley and Eric exchanged a glance, silently deciding to give them some space.

As they stepped out, Eric glanced at his watch. “Did you eat enough earlier?”

“Yes,” Hadley replied with a nod.

“Then I’ll take you back to the set.”

Hadley cast one more look toward the lounge, hesitant. She was worried for Elissa, but she had already taken the morning off. There were scenes scheduled for the afternoon and evening—she couldn’t delay much longer.

“Don’t worry. Ernest is with her,” Eric reassured her. “If you’re not around, Elissa will have to lean on him. And honestly, he’ll appreciate you more for stepping back.”

Hadley nodded in understanding. “Alright then.”

She wasn’t doing it for Ernest’s gratitude, but she understood what Eric meant. He was right—Ernest could take better care of Elissa right now than she could.

“Let’s go.” Eric reached for her hand and led her to the car. “I’ll drop you off at the set, then I’ll head back.”

With Ernest focused on Elissa, the rest of the funeral details would likely fall to him. Eric didn’t mind. He had always had Ernest’s back.

After a short drive, they arrived at the set.

“Hadley!” Chelsey called out, already waiting by the entrance. “You’re finally here!”

“What’s the matter?” Hadley asked as she stepped out of the car. “Did the director ask for me? Or was it Ms. Beckett?”

“It was the director! He asked about you twice already!”

“Oh, that’s not so bad.”

To Hadley, the director was far easier to deal with than Lisa.

Hadley turned to Eric and waved. “I’m heading in!”

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“Alright.”

With that, she flashed him a smile before jogging toward the set.

“Slow down…” Eric chuckled. Realizing Hadley had rushed off without her bag, he handed it to Chelsey. “Take this inside for her.”

“Got it, Mr. Scott.” Chelsey accepted the bag with both hands, careful not to jostle it.

Eric glanced at her and said, “Please take good care of her.”

“I will.” Chelsey straightened, her expression turning serious. “You don’t have to worry, Mr. Scott.”

Eric nodded and gave her a faint smile. With that, he turned and headed back to the car.

Chelsey stood there, watching as his figure grew smaller in the distance. When he finally disappeared from view, she let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

Chelsey stepped inside with Hadley’s bag.

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