Eric’s phone buzzed. The caller ID lit up—Phillips.

Could this be it? News about Linda?

“Hello,” Eric said briskly, answering on the first ring.

“Mr. Scott,” Phillips reported, “Linda had to be rushed into emergency surgery.” A deep abdominal wound had forced the surgeons to perform an urgent exploratory procedure. She had just made it through and was now being moved to intensive care.

“She hasn’t regained consciousness yet,” Phillips continued. “They’ll transfer her to a standard ward once she does.”

Eric’s brows knitted. “Is she going to make it?”

“It looks likely,” Phillips replied. “But it all hinges on whether or not she wakes up.”

Eric exhaled slowly. “Understood.”

He then added, “Keep tight surveillance. I want her protected. No slips.”

“Got it.”

“Mr. Scott, is Linda stable now?” Cristian asked, having caught the gist of the conversation. “If she’s lucid, maybe we can get her to cooperate. If she talks, this could be over.”

It was the cleanest route to the truth—and to Hadley’s freedom.

Eric nodded. The strategy was sound—and obvious. But Linda hadn’t acted out of innocence. She had tried to frame Hadley once already. Could they really expect her to cooperate now?

Cristian read the doubt in Eric’s silence and sighed. “Still… it’s a blessing she made it. A living witness changes everything.”

Linda’s survival made all the difference. From murder to assault—the legal gap was wide.

Eric checked his watch. Time had slipped through his fingers—it was already late. He had someone waiting—someone small and precious. He had to get back to Joy.

Morning light spilled into the room as Eric shared breakfast with Joy.

gα?ησν?s?c? brings imagination alive

“Daddy, where is Mommy?” Joy’s cheeks puffed out as she chewed, her voice laced with curiosity. Today, it was just her father—her mother was nowhere in sight. “Did Mommy go to work again?”

“Yes, sweetheart,” Eric replied gently, forcing a smile. Thank goodness for Hadley’s unpredictable schedule—it made the lie easier. “When she’s done with work, she’ll come home and be with you, just like always.”

“Okay then!” Joy chirped, cradling her plate like treasure. “I’ll be a good girl and wait for Mommy!”

“You are, baby,” Eric whispered, wiping her mouth tenderly. He handed her off to Melba—her teacher was already waiting upstairs.

“Bye, Daddy!” Joy waved, full of innocence and trust.

“Go on and learn something, sweetheart,” Eric said with a soft smile, watching her disappear up the stairs.

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