In that moment, her words carried the sharp clarity of her former self. Her fingers tightened around his hand as wisdom flowed from her lips.
“Your happiness with Hadley is all that matters to me. My contentment depends on your well-being, not on these visits.”
“Huh?” Eric’s smile froze. Confusion crashed through his mind.
She had probably confused him with his brother Ernest again—surely that explained everything. A soundless sigh escaped his chest. Profound sadness settled in his heart like a stone.
Rather than cause her distress, he chose to honor her confusion.
“Absolutely, Grandma. Hadley and I will look after each other perfectly. Please don’t worry about us.”
Satisfaction spread across Nyla’s face as she patted his hand affectionately.
“Exactly as it should be. Continue spending time together like you did today. That poor girl shouldn’t have to visit me alone so often.”
“Of course…” Eric’s agreement died in his throat. The implications of her words suddenly crystallized in his mind. What did she just say?
“Grandma, are you saying Hadley was here today?”
“What?” Confusion clouded Nyla’s features.
“Why would you ask that? Didn’t you arrive together?”
Eric shook his head frantically.
“Grandma, where did she go?”
“She left only moments ago…”
Had he missed her by mere minutes?
Eric bolted from his chair.
“Grandma, I need to leave immediately! But I’ll return tomorrow!”
“Wait, what?” Nyla stared after him in confusion.
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“What’s going on with you two? Oh dear…” Deep concern washed over her as she watched the interaction.
“Did you have another argument? Eric! You’re the man! You should treat your wife well!”
But Eric had already rushed out and missed her words entirely.
Hadley found herself standing in the garage. She approached her car with determined steps, ready to leave.
The sudden ring of her phone broke the silence. The caller ID displayed the officer she had met during her last visit to White Lake Prison.
“Hello?” Hadley answered, her voice carrying a note of recognition.
“Miss Pearson,” the officer’s familiar voice came through the speaker.
“I’ve attempted to reach Mr. Miles, but his phone appears to be out of service. That’s why I’m calling you instead.”
Quentin had accompanied Ernest to verify the news about Elissa, which was probably why he didn’t pick up.
“I see,” Hadley replied, sensing the gravity in his tone.
“Is there something urgent?”
“Yes, there is.” The officer’s voice carried a thread of anxiety.
“The person I mentioned during our last conversation—the one who visited Chelsey—has returned today. She’s currently at the entrance, going through the registration process.”
“What?” Hadley’s heart hammered against her chest, her breathing quickening.
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Message from Noa: Happy beautiful Friday, dear readers. Between yesterday and today, there are 2 novel premieres that you chose in thega lnovels WhatsApp community, and tomorrow there will be 3 premieres of completed novels. God loves you, and Noa loves you very much. ( ? )?
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