He remembered clearly—Megan had acted like she didn’t even know Hadley.

Megan was shocked, immediately looking at Phillips.

Did Eric find out? How did he know?

That one panicked look triggered something in Eric.

“Right!” His voice sharpened as he turned toward Phillips.

“And you—didn’t we grow up together? How could you not know who my ex-wife was?”

“Mr. Scott.” Phillips lowered his head without hesitation. He had expected this moment ever since Eric asked him to investigate Hadley’s past.

He didn’t offer an excuse.

“I have no defense. I’ll accept whatever punishment you decide.”

“Humph!” Eric let out a short, bitter laugh.

He lifted his hand and pointed directly at him.

“You’ll answer for this.” With those words, he turned to leave.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Megan moved quickly, stepping into his path.

“Move.” His voice was low, tight with emotion. He didn’t want to talk. Not now. Not to anyone.

“No.” Megan’s eyes burned with anger.

“You’re going to find Hadley, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” He didn’t even blink.

“I am.” His brows lifted as he met her glare.

“Is that a problem?”

Megan went pale. Her voice shook.

“I won’t let you go. You said it yourself—she’s your ex-wife. Ex-wife!”

Eric stopped.

Your new favorite stories are at gα?ησν?s?com

“Then explain this to me,” he said, his voice rising.

“You—” He pointed to Megan, and then to Phillips.

“Both of you. Why did you hide it from me?”

“You want to know?” Megan snapped.

“Fine! I’ll tell you.” She had to do something.

“I’ll call your father. He’ll explain everything,” she said.

What did that mean?

Eric stood frozen. He then had a rough idea. It had to be his father. Only Ferris had the power to keep something like this from him. Without Ferris pulling the strings, no one else would’ve gone along with it.

“Hello?” Megan’s voice turned formal.

“Mr. Scott, it’s me…”

When she hung up, she met Eric’s gaze head-on.

“Wait here. Your father’s on his way.”

When Ferris arrived, chaos had already broken out in the south wing.

“You—” he barked, pointing first at Eric and then at Megan.

“And you. Upstairs. Now.”

Gripping his cane, he led them both up to the study without another word.

Once the door shut behind them, Ferris turned sharply to Eric.

.

.

.