Witnessing Chelsey’s anguished sobs, Hadley felt her own eyes burn with unshed tears. Unable to bear the painful scene any longer, she averted her gaze completely.

Eric’s strong arms guided her trembling form to the safety of the sofa. “Rest now. I’ll handle everything from here.”

Moisture clung to Hadley’s dark lashes as she gave a wordless nod of agreement.

Eric pivoted and approached Chelsey with predatory intent.

Every trace of gentleness evaporated from his expression, replaced by an arctic chill that made the air itself feel dangerous.

“Your tears mean nothing at this point. Hadley deserves the complete truth. Tell us who orchestrated this betrayal.”

Chelsey raised her head with agonizing slowness, her vacant stare drifting toward Hadley’s broken figure.

Silence stretched between them before she managed a painful nod. “You want the truth? It was… Gifford Scott. He’s the one who pulled my strings.”

Gifford?

Eric’s jaw tightened as tension rippled across his features, though the revelation didn’t entirely shock him. Despite his careful precautions, Gifford had somehow identified and exploited Chelsey as his perfect weapon.

A meaningful look passed between Eric and Phillips—verification needed to happen immediately.

“Consider it done, Mr. Scott.” Phillips grasped the unspoken command and reached for his phone without hesitation.

Eric’s hand cut through the air with finality. “Remove her from my sight. Deliver her to the authorities and ensure they extract every detail.”

“Understood!” Phillips motioned sharply, and the bodyguards advanced to haul Chelsey’s crumpled form upright.

“You’re sending me to jail?” Terror consumed Chelsey’s entire being. Her eyes widened with panic as she turned desperate pleas toward Hadley. “Hadley! You have to help me! I don’t want to go to jail!”

She understood exactly what horrors prison would bring.

“They’ll lock me away forever! Hadley, I’m begging you—don’t let them take me!”

“Silence!” Eric’s voice cracked like a whip as his blazing eyes fixed on her. “Gag her! Get her out of here this instant!”

“Yes, sir!” The bodyguards responded in unison.

“Mmmph…” Chelsey’s protests died behind the cloth that sealed her lips as the bodyguards seized her arms and dragged her toward the exit.

Within moments, Phillips and the remaining staff filed out, leaving only silence behind.

Stillness settled over the room like a heavy blanket.

Eric returned to Hadley’s side, the sofa cushions dipping under his weight. His fingers intertwined with hers before his palm curved tenderly against her ashen cheek.

“It’s okay, Hadley. The nightmare ends here. Now that we know what’s been poisoning you, healing can finally begin with treatment.”

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