He quickly added, “All I did was see her through the door yesterday. I didn’t even speak with her.”

There was no need for Hadley to hear about his exchange with Linda. Even the mention of his hospital visit was enough to unsettle her. Sharing the rest would only make things worse. Besides, nothing good had come out of that meeting with Linda. Whether Hadley knew about that conversation or not made little difference now.

Hadley stopped short, caught off guard. “Is that true?”

“It’s true.” Eric gave a firm nod.

“Then how did I get released?” Hadley’s doubt lingered.

“It was Cristian, of course.” Eric spoke plainly. “Cristian is handling your case. He’s confident, but he also mentioned this would take a while, and it wasn’t going to be easy.”

“That doesn’t bother me!” Hadley shook her head, her eyes shining with resolve. “I have nothing to hide. I know I’m innocent. There’s nothing for me to fear!”

“You’re right.” Eric nodded in agreement.

He glanced at her, noticing both her stubbornness and the weariness in her face. “You must be starving. Let’s find you something to eat, and then you can relax with a bath and finally get some rest.”

She had endured a long, exhausting day without proper food or sleep. “Alright.” Hadley pressed her palm to her stomach and realized how hungry she actually was.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Eric’s lips twitched into a small smile. He stooped low and scooped her up in one swift motion. “You’re still recovering. Let me help.”

Hadley protested, voice barely above a whisper, “I’m fine. I can walk by myself.”

“I want to take care of you.” With a teasing grin, Eric added, “It’s not every day I get to carry you. You need to take it easy, so just let me.”

Before she managed another word, he lifted her off her feet.

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The table downstairs had already been set by the household staff. Eric helped her into a seat and then took the spot beside her. “I haven’t had anything to eat either. Let’s share this meal.”

Hadley picked up her fork and looked around. “Where did Brady and Colleen go?”

“They headed back. Before your brother left, he told me to make sure you’re looked after,” said Eric with a smile. “Those two make a great pair, don’t they?”

“They really do.” Hadley nodded, then blurted out, “By the way—”

She tried to speak too quickly with food still in her mouth and accidentally choked before she started coughing violently.

“Take it easy!” Eric raised his hand and gently patted Hadley’s back. Without wasting time, he reached for a glass of water and passed it to her. “Here, have some water.”

Hadley managed a small nod while she kept coughing.

“Here, let me help.” Eric held the glass as she took a few sips. “Is that helping?” he asked.

“Yes.” Hadley gave a gentle swallow and nodded again.

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