Gifford’s thirst for vengeance burned fiercely, fueled by the schemes that Ernest and Eric had once used to bring him low. His aim was to sow discord between the two brothers, turning their bond to ashes.
Linda, meanwhile, nursed her own grudge, her heart embittered by Ernest’s broken engagement and subsequent abandonment of her. United by their dark intentions, the two formed a nefarious alliance with alarming speed.
Yet Gifford, ruthless enough to harm his own kin, misjudged the unyielding loyalty between Ernest and Eric. A brief rift had indeed flared between the two, but when Eric fell gravely ill, upon hearing the news, Ernest rushed to his side, steadfast as ever.
With Ferris weakened by age and no other Scott family members to lean on, Ernest became Eric’s rock during his hospitalization and recovery.
In the end, however, both brothers were left bereft, their loved ones stolen by Gifford and Linda’s cruel machinations.
“Hadley,” Ernest murmured, his voice heavy with regret. “Tell me truly—if, by some miracle, Elissa were to return, would there still be hope for you and Eric to mend what was broken?”
“If?” Hadley took a slow sip of water, her lips glistening as she set the glass down. “Ernest, I don’t entertain hypotheticals. Unless Linda faces justice for her crimes! Unless Elissa herself stands before us, alive and whole…”
“Hadley…” Ernest’s brow furrowed, a plea in his tone. “Don’t be so resolute.”
“Ernest,” Hadley interrupted, exhaling a trembling breath, “it’s not Elissa’s loss alone that drove Eric and me apart.”
She paused, her gaze steady but laced with pain. “You, of all people, should see it. You and Elissa, Eric and I—we were all torn apart by the same venomous hand…”
Her voice hardened. “Linda.”
Ernest froze, the truth of her words striking like a thunderbolt.
“Ernest,” Hadley continued, her eyes clear and piercing. “How did we lose Elissa?”
Her voice quivered with reproach. “If you had been more decisive with Linda back then, would we be grieving now?” Her eyes burned as tears welled up.
ν?
“I’ve always held you in high regard, but I must speak plainly. You and Eric indulged Linda far too long. If you hadn’t, Elissa might still be here with us.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks, unstoppable.
Ernest’s face paled, his eyes closing as he nodded solemnly. “It is my fault,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I failed.”
Regret, however, was a hollow companion, offering no solace. Yet Ernest refused to surrender to despair. He vowed to find Elissa, to bring an end to this torment.
“Hadley…” he began again, his voice softer now.
“Ernest!” Hadley cut him off, a bitter smile curling her lips. “I stand here now, alive and breathing, but don’t think I haven’t suffered just as deeply.”
She pressed a hand to her heart, her voice rising with fervor. “I’m exhausted, consumed by a fire of resentment. Think about Elissa! Can’t you understand my pain now?”
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