Exhaustion clung to Eric’s features as he approached, rubbing at his temples. He didn’t waste a second. “Drop the charges.”

“What?” Linda blinked slowly, her expression untouched by his tone. “That’s how you ask for a favor? I’m not expecting you to grovel, but you could at least speak nicely.”

Eric’s eyes, dark and hollow, fixed on her without emotion. After a stretch of silence, his voice came low and firm. “Drop the charges, and I’ll make sure you’re sent to Ontmond. Does that make it clear enough for you?”

“Perfectly.” Linda gave a slow nod, the corners of her lips lifting in triumph. “You should’ve said that from the start. Why drag us both through the mess?”

“Then we’re done here.” Eric didn’t bother with pleasantries. “It’s a deal.” Without another glance, he turned to leave.

“Eric!” The arms of her wheelchair trembled under Linda’s grip as she called after him. Her voice sharpened, her gaze drilling into his back. “You still feel something for me, don’t you? I know it. This isn’t just about Hadley—part of you came because of us. Even if she has your heart now, you can’t erase those ten years with me. I know you, Eric. You can’t walk away from that like it never mattered!”

A dry, joyless laugh left Eric before he slowly turned to face Linda again.

“You’re delusional,” Eric said, his gaze locked onto Linda’s, steady and unyielding.

He enunciated each word with deliberate precision, his voice sharp as a blade. “I don’t care about what happens to you. If it weren’t for Hadley, I wouldn’t be here at all. Is that clear enough?”

“No, that’s not true.” Linda’s face drained of color as she shook her head frantically. “You’re lying! You’re just hiding how you really feel!”

Eric let out a bitter chuckle. “Do I strike you as someone who plays games? I’m straightforward—I love what I love, and I despise what I despise. My feelings don’t waver.”

He paused, his mind drifting to memories long buried. “You’re not wrong—I was kind to you once, but that’s ancient history. Look at you now, scheming and clawing for what you want. It’s pathetic.”

“Then why did you let me go?” Linda’s eyes, wild with desperation, bored into him.

“I didn’t let you go!” Eric snapped, his voice firm. “I was protecting Hadley. You’re not worth her throwing herself away for! You think you’re cunning, teaming up with Gifford? You’re on your own now, Linda.” With that, he spun around and strode out, never glancing back.

Linda’s voice echoed behind him, desperate and pleading, but he didn’t falter. A sardonic smile twisted her lips as she muttered to herself, tears welling in her eyes. “You’re lying. I don’t believe you. I refuse to.”

Hadley’s fever had been relentless, subsiding with medication only to flare up again hours later.

That afternoon, Eric arrived to take her home. She had just finished her IV treatment, and the nurse was removing the needle. A fresh set of hospital clothes sat on the bedside table. Her fever had left her drenched in sweat, and she needed to change.

Eric pushed open the door and stepped inside. Seeing her soaked and uncomfortable, his face softened with concern as he pulled her into a gentle embrace.

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Message from Noah: Have a wonderful weekend, lovely people. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ? – ? ) ?

P.S.: The new improvements are now live ? you can tweak your reading settings from the little gear icon to make things more comfortable. All updates and announcements are shared first in the galn0vels community on WhatsApp/Telegram. ( ? ? – ) ?

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