“No need,” she said, pushing him lightly. “Don’t you have work to do?”

Eric glanced at his watch. There was indeed a pile of tasks waiting at Scott Group, but he hesitated to leave. “Dr. Brooks will be here soon. After your bath, he’ll check on you, and then I’ll head out.”

Hadley laughed. “What, are you afraid I’ll collapse or something?”

“Better safe than sorry,” Eric said, his tone serious. He wasn’t joking—given her condition, he wanted someone nearby constantly.

Seeing his genuine concern, Hadley dropped her teasing. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Eric was waiting by the door. He scooped her into his arms, pulling her close and burying his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. “You smell amazing.” His breath tickled her, and she squirmed.

“It’s the same shampoo as always,” she said with a laugh, trying to wriggle free.

“Mr. Scott,” Tamara’s voice sounded from outside, “Dr. Brooks is here.”

“Got it!” Hadley quickly pushed Eric back. “Let him in!”

“Sure,” Tamara replied.

A knock followed shortly.

“It’s Dr. Brooks.”

The doctor entered and examined Hadley. “You’ve had a few IVs, and the fever’s down for now. I’ll prescribe oral medication. Only take it if your temperature goes above 38.5°C. For a mild fever, drink lots of water and use cooling methods.”

“Understood,” Hadley replied.

After seeing Dr. Brooks out, Hadley turned to Eric. “Go on. Get to work.”

Eric nodded but added, “Tamara’s right outside. Call her if you need anything.”

“Okay.” Hadley hesitated, then asked, “What about my case? Any updates?”

“You’re exhausted,” Eric said calmly. “Rest now. We’ll discuss it tonight when I’m back.”

The rest on g?ν?

“Fine,” Hadley agreed reluctantly.

After Eric left, Hadley leaned against the bed, took her medication, and slowly drifted off.

Before sleep took her, a thought lingered—she hadn’t seen Cristian at all today. And when she left the hospital, only Phillips and Tamara were outside, with no police officers in sight.

That evening, Eric returned later than usual, swamped with work he had pushed aside earlier because of Hadley’s situation. When he arrived, Hadley had just tucked Joy into bed and was stepping out of her room.

“Hadley.” Eric’s face brightened with clear delight. He seemed unusually cheerful.

Hadley stayed calm. “You’re back? Go downstairs and take your medicine.”

“Alright.”

In the dining room, Hadley handed him the bowl of his usual herbal remedy. “Here.”

Eric swallowed the contents without hesitation, leaning in expectantly for her to pop a piece of candied fruit in his mouth and wipe his lips.

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