Fearing the worst, Savannah had turned to Robin in hopes of finding out what happened to Elissa. Unfortunately, Robin didn’t have much to offer. After asking around, he eventually managed to track down Hadley’s contact number.

Left with no better option, Savannah decided to call Hadley herself.

“Please try not to worry, Mrs. Brown,” Hadley said gently, trying to soothe her. “Elissa is most likely okay.”

Although Ernest had hurt Elissa emotionally, Hadley knew he wasn’t the type to let her suffer physically or financially.

“How can I possibly stay calm?” Savannah responded, her concern heavy in her voice. “I already know what went on between her and that Flynn guy.”

For a moment, Hadley didn’t know what to say.

Then, after taking a breath, she said, “How about I try reaching out to her myself? As soon as I hear anything, I’ll call you back.”

“That’ll be great! Thank you so much!” Savannah’s response came quickly, her appreciation unmistakable. “Really, thank you. I truly mean it.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Mrs. Brown…”

“I do!” Savannah’s voice was full of sincerity. “Miss Pearson, I’m placing my trust in you. Please look after Elissa on my behalf for now. At least until…”

That caught Hadley off guard. Her expression shifted, brows drawing together in confusion. What exactly was Savannah implying?

After Hadley ended the call, Eric glanced over and said, “Eat up. That was Elissa’s mother, wasn’t it?”

Even without speaker mode, their closeness had made it easy for him to catch bits of the conversation.

“Yeah,” Hadley gave a small nod, chewing her breakfast with puffed cheeks like a chipmunk. “I’m heading to Lion Bay to check on Elissa later. You’ve got work too, right?”

Eric paused before saying, “Actually, I was thinking of bringing you with me. You always say you hate being apart from me, don’t you?”

? ν[?]

Given her tendency toward auditory hallucinations, she only felt secure when he was near.

A smirk tugged at Hadley’s lips. “What, planning to keep me under constant surveillance now?”

“Exactly,” Eric replied without missing a beat. He threw on a mock-threatening expression. “So? Are you going to let me or not?”

“Pfft.” A laugh escaped Hadley’s lips—light and melodic. “Like I’d ever say no.”

The way she gave in so easily made his heart stir. Without thinking twice, Eric pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

“I won’t be long,” Hadley said, assuring him gently.

Using the moment to her advantage, she looped her arms around his neck and rocked from side to side.

“I promised Elissa’s mom I’d check in on her first… but then I’ll come right back to you, alright?”

There was no way Eric could say no to that. Completely disarmed by her gentle tone, he gave a reluctant nod.

“Fine. But don’t take too long. And stay out of their business. It isn’t your problem to fix.”

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