There was no need to rush. Joy was still fast asleep, and with the jet lag, Hadley wasn’t feeling sleepy anyway.

Once she sent the message, she slipped the phone back into her bag and stood up. Facing south, her eyes drifted toward the direction of the VIP building. That was where Eric had been staying.

She stared in that direction, pausing briefly before her feet moved forward on their own.

That was the VIP wing.

Eric had been put on the 29th floor—an entire level cleared out for him alone. No other patients were allowed. Every resource on that floor was focused solely on his recovery.

Outside the building, uniformed hospital guards weren’t the only ones stationed. The Scott family had posted their own men as well. From where Hadley stood, reaching the entrance already felt impossible.

Getting to the upper floors was out of the question. Brady hadn’t exaggerated—their protection around Eric was unbreakable.

Still, she stayed rooted in place. Her eyes followed the sleek lines of the windows above. Slowly, she lifted her hand and began counting under her breath.

“One, two, three…”

She kept counting until her voice reached it, saying, “Twenty-nine.” That was the floor she had been looking for.

Lifting her chin, she let the gentle light of morning warm her skin. A hand rose to shade her eyes as a small, wistful smile appeared. Barely above a whisper, she spoke.

“Eric, I’m here. I won’t come any closer, but please… stay strong.”

Her hand fell back to her side, the moment passing. Without another glance, she turned away and began walking in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, Megan stepped through the main entrance, a bag cradled in one arm.

? : g?ν

“Morning, Miss Aston,” said one of the guards posted near the doors.

“Morning,” Megan replied with a polite nod and a smile, wasting no time as she headed inside. The elevator doors slid open, and she pressed the button for the 29th floor.

Silence covered the entire floor. For a hospital, the absence of that sharp, sterile scent was almost surprising.

Megan gently opened the door and stepped in with deliberate care. Knowing Eric was still unconscious, she moved lightly, not wanting to stir the quiet. But something made her stop cold.

Megan stood frozen, eyes widening at the sight of a figure by the bed—a man in a hospital gown. Their eyes met. His face showed a flicker of uncertainty… and alarm.

Within seconds, Megan rushed forward and seized his arm, unable to hide the emotion in her voice. “You’re awake… You’re actually awake!”

Eric looked down at her hand gripping him and scowled. He had never liked being touched so openly. With a sharp tug, he yanked his arm back.

.

.

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