Given Linda’s past, her involvement seemed almost too plausible. Yet Linda’s paralysis from the waist down cast doubt on her ability to mastermind such a meticulous scheme. Eric couldn’t help but wonder if Linda truly had the means to execute such a plan. Then again, Gifford was no stranger to devious tactics.
A lingering suspicion tugged at Eric’s mind. Could Linda and Gifford be entwined in this somehow? The notion felt all too credible. But Gifford, too, had vanished, likely having fled overseas, leaving no trace at the immigration office.
“Keep a vigilant eye on Ayla’s mother and try to locate Abigail,” Eric directed. “And instruct the immigration office to prevent Linda from leaving the country for now.”
“Understood,” Phillips replied, turning to depart when his phone buzzed. It was Tamara.
“Hello?” he answered, his face paling as panic flashed in his eyes. “Mr. Scott, Miss Holland—she has been found!”
Eric hurried to Jewel Avenue, his pulse racing.
Tamara stood at the door. “Mr. Scott, Hadley was overwhelmed with grief and wept for hours. She has just taken medication and is resting now.”
“Very well,” Eric murmured, steadying his breath before softly opening the door.
To his shock, the bed was empty.
“Hadley?” Eric’s voice quavered, his heart gripped by fear.
“I’m here,” Hadley’s calm, almost serene voice called from the walk-in closet.
Eric exhaled quietly, relief flooding him as he approached.
“You’re back?” Hadley emerged, a coat draped over her shoulders, her face aglow with an almost unnatural smile, untouched by sorrow.
“Hadley?” Eric sensed something was terribly wrong. He spoke softly, his breath cautious. “Are you going out?”
“Yes,” Hadley replied, glancing at him casually. “Why are you back so early? Didn’t you say you would be swamped today and would be home late? I told you I’m visiting Elissa tonight since you’ll be working.” Eric’s heart sank, a sharp pain twisting within him.
He had dreaded this. Hadley was struggling to accept Elissa’s tragic fate.
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“I don’t have time to chat,” Hadley said, brushing her hair aside and stepping toward the door.
“Hadley!” As she passed, Eric gently grasped her wrist, pulling her into a tender embrace. Cradling her head, he pressed her close to his chest. “Look at me. Do you know who I am?”
“Hmm?” Hadley tilted her head, her radiant eyes sparkling with a faint curve of amusement. “What is this nonsense? You’re Eric, of course.”
“Yes, I am,” Eric said, relief washing over him as Hadley recognized him.
His voice trembled, tears welling in his eyes as he gently cupped her face. “Listen to me, Hadley. Something terrible has happened to Elissa. She is gone, and you must face this truth.”
“Gone?” Hadley froze, her lips repeating the word as if in a daze.
“Yes,” Eric said, his voice heavy with emotion. “You weren’t meeting her today. That was a week ago.”
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