Tears overtook her voice as she said, “Mom’s here now. No more pain, sweetheart. Never again.”

Across from her, Hadley pressed her lips together, unable to stop the tears that poured freely down her cheeks.

Gently, Savannah unzipped the luggage and retrieved the urn. She held it close as if it were a fragile child—secure, steady, and full of love.

“Elissa, it’s me. Mom’s here.” Lifting her gaze to Hadley, she added, “Come on. You said you had something important to tell me. Let’s talk on the drive.”

“Alright.”

Without another word, Hadley followed Savannah into the car. While the car eased down the road, Savannah clutched the urn against her chest, silently absorbing every word Hadley shared.

A shift in her face gave her thoughts away, followed by a bitter laugh. “So… she really had the nerve to show up in Ontmond? Well then, she’s exactly where she belongs.”

Meanwhile, in Srixby.

Inside the hospital.

The clock struck three in the afternoon just as Ernest showed up. Phillips approached without delay.

“Mr. Flynn.”

With a brief nod, Ernest acknowledged him. “Are the arrangements complete?”

“All set,” Phillips said. “You’ll need to put on the isolation gown before going inside.”

Saying nothing more, Ernest gave another short nod and looked toward the closed doors. “Ring the bell.”

“Yes.” Phillips reached out and rang the bell. A nurse answered shortly after and gave a polite nod. “Mr. Flynn, right this way.”

Without a word, Ernest moved to follow her, though he halted just before crossing the threshold. He glanced back and asked, “Still nothing from Hadley?”

Complet3 c0nt3nt at glnovels.

“None.” Phillips gave a quiet shake of his head, a crease forming on his brow.

Saying no more, Ernest turned and walked into the room.

Left standing in the hallway, Phillips let out a weary sigh. Surely, by now, Hadley had read every message he had sent. Still, there had been no response.

How bitterly things had turned. For all Eric had endured, this was the end he faced—a cruel twist of fate.

When a woman chose to cut ties without mercy, the damage could be boundless.

Seven days had passed.

Srixby came into view. The morning had only begun to stretch across the sky.

Hadley got off the plane. Just outside the gate, she saw Brady waiting.

“There you are.” Brady took her suitcase without a word of protest, and together they walked toward the parking lot.

“You wouldn’t believe how well-behaved Joy’s been lately. She finishes her meals without a fuss. For someone so tiny, she sure knows how to eat!”

Once they were settled in the car, the vehicle rolled smoothly out of the airport. As they merged onto the main road, Brady spoke up.

.

.

.