Eric, however, didn’t walk out right away. Instead, he paused and glanced back, noticing Quentin moving with a bit of secrecy.

Over in the waiting area—

“Miss Pearson!”

“Quentin.” As soon as she heard him, Hadley got up and greeted him with a smile. She reached into her bag for a folder.

“Would you mind giving this to Ernest? It’s Joy’s enrollment paperwork.”

“Of course.” Quentin took the folder from her, then asked, “Aren’t you coming upstairs? Mr. Flynn has a moment to spare right now.”

“No, I’m just stopping by,” Hadley said, shaking her head.

“Also…” She lifted a small bag from the coffee table and handed it to him.

“I baked some blueberry cupcakes and cookies for Locke.”

“That sounds nice.” Quentin accepted the treats with care.

Hadley smiled.

“I’ll head out now.”

Quentin, already aware of her plans, asked, “Would you like me to arrange a car for you?”

“You’re sounding more and more like Ernest, you know.” Hadley let out a laugh.

“I’ll drive myself, but thanks for asking. I’m heading out now.”

“Alright,” Quentin replied.

“Everything is set up. Once you arrive, someone will meet you there.”

“Perfect. Bye.” With a cheerful wave, Hadley smiled and turned to leave.

From across the lobby, Eric looked away and quickly left the Flynn Group building.

Outside, the car had been brought around and was waiting at the curb. Phillips was there, holding the door open.

“Mr. Scott.”

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Eric nodded and climbed into the back seat.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Eric glanced into the rearview mirror and caught sight of Hadley in the distance.

Hadley opened the door to her own car, tossed her bag inside, and got behind the wheel. A moment later, she disappeared from his view.

Eric dropped his gaze, staring at his hands. Hadley had visited the Flynn Group with her arms full, yet Ernest hadn’t called her upstairs or even come down to greet her in person. She ended up leaving on her own. But even if she felt slighted, she never showed it.

Eric thought she must care deeply for his brother.

Hadley, unaware of everything that had just played out, drove straight to her first destination—Srixby No. 2 Psychiatric Hospital.

At the registration desk, she signed in, and the security guard quickly reached out to someone inside. It wasn’t long before a staff member appeared.

“You must be Hadley Pearson?”

“That’s me,” Hadley nodded.

“Welcome.” The person introducing himself turned out to be the administrative director of the facility.

“Would you come with me, please?”

“Of course.” As they walked, the director explained the situation.

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