“I’ve got to return to the Flynn Group first,” Hadley replied.

Although she had driven earlier, she’d left her car behind and ridden with Ernest to lunch, which meant her own car was still in the company’s underground parking.

“In that case, I’ll give you a ride,” Eric said while pulling out his phone.

“I’ll tell the driver to bring the car around to pick us up.”

He spoke in a way that didn’t leave any room for Hadley to decline.

Just as Hadley was weighing her options, her phone buzzed in her hand. Quentin’s name flashed on the screen.

Quickly, she answered the call.

“Quentin? Are you with Ernest right now? Did you catch up to her? Was it Elissa?”

Quentin’s voice came quietly as he explained the situation.

“I see…” Hadley gave a small nod, though a quiet sense of disappointment lingered. Deep down, she knew the chances were small, but she still held some hope.

“Where exactly are you now?”

“We’ve already brought the car around,” Quentin said through the line.

“We’ll come get you.”

“Alright, um…” Hadley’s eyes scanned the area before she relayed her location.

“We’ll be there soon. Just hang tight.”

“Got it.”

After ending the call, Hadley lifted her phone toward Eric.

“Quentin’s on his way, so there’s no need for the ride anymore. I appreciate the offer, though. You should get back to work.”

Eric’s car had already pulled up at the curb while they spoke.

“Understood.” Eric gave a simple nod. Judging by the conversation he overheard, he had already expected that outcome.

“I’ll head out then. Oh, almost forgot—” He passed her a small paper bag.

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“That’s a spare ice pack. When you need it, just press it the way I showed you. It’ll turn cold in seconds.”

He paused for a moment, then reconsidered.

“You should probably let Ernest or Quentin handle it. Your hand’s hurt, and you’re not exactly at full strength.”

His words kept coming, full of concern as he continued fussing over her.

“I know,” Hadley replied, accepting the bag, her eyes fixed on his face. An unexpected wave of emotion rose inside her. A second later, she blurted, “Eric…”

Eric glanced up right away.

“Yeah? What’s on your mind?”

Hadley’s lips parted, but the words wouldn’t come. Despite losing every memory, he still treated her with care. He remembered nothing about her or their shared past, and he was about to meet Megan’s parents soon.

“Are you… feeling okay?” Eric asked, though his voice wavered near the end.

Hadley opened her mouth, ready to answer, but Eric’s phone chimed before a word could leave her lips. The sudden noise startled her. Whatever Hadley meant to say disappeared just as fast.

“Who’s calling?” Eric narrowed his eyes at the screen. Phillips.

Without hesitation, he ended the call and looked at Hadley again.

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