“What is it?”

“It’s a gift.” Nyla patted Joy’s cheek.

“Mommy to keep it safe for you until you grow up and become a big girl, alright?”

“Thank you, Great-Grandma!” Joy said brightly.

“That’s my girl.”

Hadley considered opening the folder to see what was inside, worried it might be something too valuable. But Nyla gently stopped her.

“This is for Joy—just like what I gave Locke. They’re both my great-grandchildren. Both precious to me. Check it later. Just tuck it into your bag for now and don’t lose it.”

“Alright.” Hadley nodded, no longer insisting. She slipped the folder into her bag.

Leaving Joy with Nyla, she and Kira went to sort out the discharge procedures and prepare for the move home. There was more to do than they expected. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that they finished and brought Nyla back to Flynn Mansion.

Once there, everything had to be arranged—from Nyla’s medications to the caregivers, down to the smallest comforts of her daily routine.

By the time everything had finally been arranged, Hadley went upstairs. She found Nyla and Joy curled up on the bed, fast asleep. Smiling to herself, she sat on the nearby sofa and let out a quiet breath.

Only then did she take the file folder from her bag. She opened it—and her eyes filled with tears. It was a generous gift. With this, Joy was already a wealthy girl, even at her age. Nyla had raised Hadley with love. And now, she had also embraced Joy as if she were her own blood.

Hadley carefully closed the folder and tucked it safely away. She looked toward the bed, eyes softening as she took in the sight of Nyla sleeping peacefully beside Joy.

“Stay healthy,” she whispered.

“Please.”

They stayed at Flynn Mansion until after dinner, making sure Nyla was fully settled in for the night. Later, Hadley carried a drowsy Joy to the car, preparing to head home.

It was only then—under the soft glow of the porch lights—that Ernest and Eric returned. Their cars pulled up, one after the other, in front of the house.

Ernest stepped out of the car first.

“Hadley, heading out already?”

“Ernest.” Hadley secured Joy in her seat, closed the car door, and nodded toward the house.

“Everything’s been taken care of.”

“Thank you.” Ernest gave a satisfied nod.

“You’ve done a lot. No wonder Grandma always says boys can be useless at times—when it really counts, it’s the girls who handle everything with care.”

“You’re teasing me again.” Hadley laughed, shaking her head.

“You’re not useless—you’re busy with real responsibilities. I can’t help much, so I just try to keep her company.”

As the two chatted, Eric got out of his car and walked over to join them.

“Ernest.” Hadley quickly wrapped up their conversation.

“I’ll be heading out now.”

“Alright,” Ernest nodded, and then asked, “Can you manage? Do you want Sebastian to drive you?”

“It’s okay.” Hadley smiled, shaking her head.

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