Before Eric could answer, a knock sounded at the door, and Tamara peeked inside. “Mr. Scott, the police officers have arrived.”

Eric gave a small nod, his face torn with worry as he looked at Hadley, struggling to find the right words.

“The police?” Hadley’s face lost all color as she caught what Tamara said. Her confusion only deepened. “Why would they be here?”

There was no hiding it anymore. Eric’s tone turned gentle, but every word was careful. “They just need to ask you a few things…”

“Me? They want to see me?” Hadley’s voice was barely more than a whisper, her face turning even paler as the realization hit. Suddenly, everything came flooding back.

“Linda?” Hadley grabbed Eric’s arm, her whole body trembling. “What happened to her? Did—”

“Don’t panic.” Eric tightened his hold on her hands, steadying her. “Take a breath. She’s at the hospital now. Phillips went with her. So far, they haven’t heard any bad news.”

“Then…” A quiver passed through her lashes as Hadley blinked away tears. Her voice broke. “So they showed up because they suspect me?”

Eric seemed frozen, caught between agreeing and denying. The best he could manage was a soft reassurance. “This is just a routine step. Try not to worry. I’ll be by your side. You won’t go through this without me.” But nothing he said seemed to settle her nerves.

“No, that’s not true.” Hadley started shaking her head, panic painting her face. “I didn’t do anything to her. She asked me to peel her an apple. The next moment, she darted forward and threw herself onto the knife in my hand. She did this!”

The truth of what happened finally sank in for him.

“I believe you.” Eric placed both hands on her cheeks and gave her a firm nod. “You haven’t done anything wrong. You’re going to be all right. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

For a long moment, Hadley remained silent, her eyes shiny with tears as she searched his face. A shaky question left her lips. “Do you really trust me?”

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“Of course.” Eric responded instantly, nodding. “I’ve already reached out to Cristian. He’s coming. Listen, Hadley…”

With slow care, his fingers caressed her cheek. Eric looked at her seriously. “Pay close attention to what I’m saying now. No matter what happens, you must stay silent. Let Cristian take care of all the questions for you.”

“Eric…” That drew her attention at once, and she stared at him.

He noticed her intense look and replied, “What’s on your mind? I’m here. Tell…”

“I never hurt her…” Tears streamed down Hadley’s cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut. “And it wasn’t me who pushed her down the stairs years back, either. I swear I didn’t do it.”

Upon hearing Hadley’s words, Eric hesitated, his mind scrambling to grasp what she meant.

“That year!” Hadley’s fingers dug into his arm. “We had just exchanged our vows, and Ernest collapsed into a coma, left completely helpless! How could you forget something so devastating?”

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