“By the way, about my surgery…” he said, the candied fruit still between his teeth. “When do you think we should schedule it?”

Hadley froze. Was he ready for surgery already?

“But isn’t that the doctor’s call? And your schedule?”

“The hospital said they will work around my availability,” Eric replied, taking her hand. “I’ve cleared everything. Later this month, any day. You pick.”

“Any day works?”

“Yeah. Whatever day you choose.”

Hadley frowned, her unease growing. “But… aren’t I out on bail? I could be called to court any time.”

Eric bit down on the candied fruit, swallowed, and said evenly, “There won’t be any trial for you. It’s over.”

“It’s over?” Hadley turned to Eric, a chill blooming in her chest. “What do you mean by that?”

“Hadley.” Eric raised his head and met her gaze. “Calm down. Just let me explain.”

She gave a slight nod. Her voice was even. “Alright. Go ahead.”

His brow tensed as he spoke, his voice slow. “Linda has withdrawn the lawsuit.” The words dropped like weights. They settled heavily in her chest, sinking deeper with each breath.

She didn’t answer. She just stared at him, unblinking.

That silence unsettled him. His chest tightened. “Hadley…”

Suddenly, she let out a sharp laugh. “She has withdrawn it? Just like that?” Her eyes narrowed. “What did you do to make that happen?”

Eric’s face twitched, hesitation flickering in his expression.

He took her hands. “I promised her she could go to Ontmond.” The light drained from her eyes.

“You promised her?” Her lips twisted into a quiet, bitter smile. “Do you even understand what she’s done?”

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Her tone was flat. Cold.

He said nothing.

Then her voice cracked open. She tore her hands from his and grabbed his collar.

Her glare cut through him. Her voice was rough. “She killed someone. She’s a murderer, Eric.”

“I know.” He gently took hold of her wrists, his voice low. “But I just want you safe. That’s all I care about. Can you try—for once—to put yourself first?”

“Fine!” Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I’m here. I’m breathing. But Elissa—”

“You’re not fine!” His voice came hard, slicing through hers. His brows pulled tight. “You’re still sick.”

Even now, while they were arguing, her fever hadn’t broken.

He went on. “And with Ayla’s testimony… it’s bad. If this went to court, it’d be a nightmare.”

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