He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. What was he even doing? What had he been hoping for? Shaking his head, he turned and walked away—this time without looking back.

After more than two weeks of nonstop work, Hadley finally wrapped up all her filming. Next on the list was the new product launch. The Flynn Group and the Scott Group would formally announce their partnership, and she’d assist with the upcoming promotional campaign.

One more thing had happened in the past few days—Nyla had decided to return to Flynn Mansion. The doctors had already discussed her condition in detail with the family. Everyone understood. From now on, her care would focus on comfort—treatment aimed at improving the quality of her remaining time. Her latest reports showed that her condition had stabilized for now.

Nyla had expressed her wish to come home. At her age, being surrounded by loved ones mattered more than anything else. No matter how attentive the care was at the sanatorium, or how often her family came to visit, it wasn’t the same as being at home with them. The doctors had no ions, so Ernest agreed.

They prepared everything—her medications, two live-in caregivers—and arranged for her to stay at Flynn Mansion for as long as she wished.

If her condition changed, she could always return to the facility for treatment. Meanwhile, both Ernest and Eric were swamped with work tied to the launch. There was barely time to breathe. So Hadley volunteered to handle it. She assured Ernest he could focus on work—she and Kira would take care of everything.

That morning, she arrived at the sanatorium early, Joy in tow.

“Joy.” Hadley gently guided her forward.

“Come say hello to your great-grandma—she’s Mommy’s grandma.” This was their first formal introduction.

Before this, the timing had never been right. Both Nyla and Joy had needed rest—Joy especially, still recovering and rebuilding after surgery. Then, life got complicated. But now, the moment was here. A proper introduction felt right for their first real meeting.

Joy, sharp as ever, toddled over and took Nyla’s hand.

“Hi, Great-Grandma! I’m Joy.”

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“Oh!” Nyla’s eyes lit up at the sound of the sweet little voice. She held Joy’s tiny hand with care.

“Good girl, Joy. Such a lovely girl.”

She studied her great-granddaughter’s face, smiling warmly.

“She’s beautiful.” Then she looked at Hadley.

“She takes after Eric.”

Her fingers gently traced Joy’s eyebrows.

“Look at these—they’re perfect. You don’t often see brows this nice on a child. Just like Eric’s.”

Hadley simply smiled and nodded. It was true. Joy looked more and more like Eric as she grew. With her pigtails and that stubborn tilt of her chin, she could’ve been a miniature version of her father. Except for the dimples. Those were Hadley’s.

“Sweetheart.” Nyla couldn’t take her eyes off Joy. The longer she looked, the more she adored her. She turned to Kira.

“Go on. Bring it here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kira stepped out and returned a moment later, holding a file folder.

“Take this, Hadley. It’s for Joy,” Nyla nodded at Hadley.

“Oh. Okay.” Hadley accepted it, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

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