Tamara’s face drained of all color at the sight.

Hadley’s expression mirrored Tamara’s shock, but she managed to remain composed. She extended her hands in compliance while casting a meaningful glance at Tamara.

Tamara needed no further instruction. “I’ll call Mr. Scott immediately. You go ahead—I’ll follow in another car!”

Hadley nodded, forcing herself to stay calm.

“Let’s go,” said one of the officers.

“Okay,” Hadley murmured, dipping her head slightly.

As soon as they departed, Tamara dove into her car, trailing the police vehicle while frantically dialing Phillips’s number.

“Mr. Brown, bad news. Hadley’s been arrested by the police!”

When Eric received the news, it felt like a frozen sledgehammer had crashed into his chest. The pain sliced through him like a blade of ice.

“Arrested? And in handcuffs, no less. Did they provide a reason?”

“No,” Phillips said grimly. “They only mentioned it was to assist with an investigation.”

“Contact Cristian. Prepare the car!”

“Yes!”

Eric shot to his feet, snatching his jacket from the coat rack. As he shrugged it on, Phillips finished the call. “Cristian will head straight to the police station.”

“Good.”

Eric nodded, and the two of them rushed out together.

In the garage, Phillips’s phone erupted with a ring—it was Linda. He showed the screen to Eric before answering and putting the call on speaker.

“Phillips.” Linda’s voice cut straight to the point. “Eric’s with you, isn’t he? He can hear me, right?”

Eric’s face darkened, his voice turning arctic. “What do you want to say?”

“Oh… nothing much.” On the other end, Linda’s voice carried a faint, chilling amusement. “I told you before I’d give you time to think. It’s been several days now.”

She chuckled lightly and then continued, “And yet, I haven’t heard a single word from you. My patience has its boundaries. You know me—I’ve got nothing left to lose. I’m not afraid of anything.”

Her voice transformed into something sinister, saturated with venom. “I called to inform you that I have formally filed a criminal complaint with the police, charging Hadley with attempted murder.”

With that declaration, she severed the call without hesitation.

“Hello?” Eric stared at the phone in stunned disbelief, immediately redialing her number. The line connected, but Linda refused to pick up. Once, twice—he called repeatedly, but she wouldn’t answer.

Eric swore under his breath, driving his foot against the car in explosive frustration.

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