Having delivered his final blow, Eric turned toward Phillips. “Please see him to the exit.”

“Understood.” Phillips had anticipated this moment and signaled the security team, who moved forward to restrain Gifford.

Gifford trembled with such violent rage that he almost crumpled to the floor, his face burning scarlet as he thrust an accusing finger toward Eric. “You will pay dearly for this humiliation! Mark my words!”

The pure malice radiating from Gifford’s stare caused Eric’s left eyelid to flutter involuntarily.

Eric faced Phillips with sudden urgency. “Alert our security team immediately. I want comprehensive protection for both Joy and Hadley.”

He added with growing concern, “Where’s Hadley now? Do we know if she has returned home safely?”

“No, Hadley’s not home yet,” said Phillips, after checking the latest message from Tamara. “She is with Elissa on their way to the hotel to see Mrs. Brown. There’s no need to worry, Mr. Scott. Tamara and the security team are with them, so nothing will go wrong.”

Ever since Gifford’s attempt to kidnap Joy, both Hadley and Joy had been placed under close protection. After Chelsey’s betrayal, every person in their circle had been replaced by someone trustworthy. Gifford wouldn’t get another chance.

Elissa rode beside Hadley on their way to the hotel. Ernest had offered to send a car for them, but she turned him down.

While they drove, Elissa’s phone rang. Savannah was calling.

“Hi, Mom.” Elissa hadn’t expected Savannah to call and found herself wondering if something important had happened.

“Elissa, Neville is here!” Savannah’s voice bubbled with excitement.

Neville Brown was Savannah’s second husband. They had met and fallen in love after she moved abroad.

“You mean Neville came to Srixby?” The news took Elissa by surprise and filled her with happiness.

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Neville had stepped into Elissa’s life as a stepfather, but he had always shown her genuine kindness. Maybe it was just who he was, but he never failed to treat Elissa with respect and understanding. He treated her as his own, helped pay for her schooling, supported her decisions, and never let her feel neglected.

Because of that, Elissa felt deeply grateful to him.

“How come you didn’t tell me sooner?” Elissa asked.

“I was just as surprised,” Savannah said with a laugh. “He waited until he landed to tell me. That’s so typical of him…”

She paused for a moment, then added, “Neville’s been worried about you and really wants to see you. We’re actually on our way to the Flynn Mansion right now. We’ll be there soon.”

“You’re going to the Flynn Mansion?” Elissa was caught off guard and glanced over at Hadley. “Mom, I’m actually headed to the hotel to see you.”

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