Self-loathing consumed him completely.

Hadley remained silent, her body shaking with unrestrained sobs that seemed to pour from her very soul.

After countless years of silence, he had finally opened his heart to hear her truth and embrace her innocence.

Suddenly, a sharp knock at the door shattered their fragile moment of reconciliation.

This time, Tamara remained respectfully outside the door, her voice carrying through the wood. “Mr. Scott, they’re growing impatient…”

“Understood.” Eric’s voice rang out with sharp authority.

“Eric!” Hadley’s fingers wrapped around his hand like a lifeline, her anxiety radiating through her trembling grip.

“Don’t be afraid.” Eric’s eyes blazed red with emotion, his damp eyelashes glistening with unshed tears. “You’ll be safe. I refuse to let any harm come to you. I’ll accompany you to the police station, and we’ll return home together.” He lifted his hand with infinite gentleness, brushing away the tears that traced silver paths down her cheeks.

“Really?” Hadley stared at him through a haze of disbelief. “Will I truly be safe?”

“Of course.” Eric nodded with unwavering conviction. “Let me get you a coat. Which would you prefer? Perhaps the mustard-green cashmere one? That sounds perfect.”

Downstairs, Cristian had already taken his position and was engaged in tense negotiations with the waiting officers.

Eric guided Hadley down the staircase, and Cristian immediately moved to intercept them. “Mr. Scott, we should proceed to the station now.”

He dropped his voice to a reassuring whisper. “Rest assured. I’ve negotiated with them—they’ve agreed not to use cuffs on her.”

“Very well.” Eric nodded while maintaining his protective stance—one arm encircling Hadley’s shoulders, the other clasping her hand. “Let’s proceed.”

? ? g?ν?

At the police station, regulations prevented Eric from remaining by Hadley’s side during the interrogation. He entrusted Hadley to Cristian’s care, his instructions clear and protective. “Stay calm. Remember my words—you don’t need to speak at all. Cristian will handle every question they pose. I’ll be right outside, waiting for your return.”

“I understand.” Hadley nodded, her eyes finding his face again and again as she reluctantly followed Cristian into the interrogation room.

Eric remained in the corridor, each passing second stretching into an eternity of torment.

After what felt like an endless thirty minutes, Cristian finally appeared. Eric whirled toward him, his desperate gaze immediately scanning beyond Cristian’s frame in search of Hadley.

“Where is she?” Eric’s demand cut through the air like a blade.

“Mr. Scott…” Cristian’s face bore the weight of bad news as he delivered his apology. “Based on the evidence they’ve gathered, Hadley’s situation has taken a troubling turn. The police have exercised their authority to hold her in temporary custody.”

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