“Enough!” Nyla stepped forward, her voice cutting through the chaos. She turned sharply to Ernest, her eyes narrowing.

“What are you waiting for?”

“Take him out of here. Now!”

Seeing little Joy in that state was too much to bear.

“Oh, my sweet Joy…”

Her glare snapped back to Eric, blazing with blame.

“Look what you’ve done. Now leave before you make it worse!”

“Eric, let’s just go.” Ernest didn’t wait another moment. He grabbed Eric firmly by the arm.

“This isn’t the time. Don’t make it worse for her.”

No words came from Eric’s mouth. He simply lowered his head, face pale and empty, and let himself be pulled away in silence.

“Joy, sweetheart, it’s alright now.” Nyla’s voice trembled as she looked at the trembling child in Hadley’s embrace.

“I made him leave. He’s not here anymore.”

Warm tears still stained Joy’s cheeks as she stayed curled up against her mother, her face red and flushed from crying.

“She’s overheated from all that running and sobbing.” Nyla’s worry spilled out.

“And now all the crying? Quickly! Take her inside before she catches something.”

“I will.” Hadley nodded gently and lifted Joy with care.

“Miss Pearson, would you like me to carry her?” a nearby maid asked politely.

“No!” Joy wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck like a lifeline. She wasn’t letting go.

“Mommy, stay with me!”

“Of course, baby.” Hadley’s heart cracked further.

“Mommy’s not going anywhere. I’ve got you.”

Back at the main residence, Hadley brought Joy up to the same bedroom where she had stayed before.

Bit by bit, the sobs faded. Although the crying stopped, Joy remained quiet, tucked safely in her mother’s arms, worn out and fragile.

Guilt weighed heavily on Hadley’s chest.

She blamed herself entirely—agreeing to Eric’s request had been a mistake.

Nyla and Ernest came to check on Joy later. After pulling the door shut behind them, they left the room in silence and quietly stepped away.

With a furrowed brow, Nyla exhaled deeply.

“This isn’t just a tantrum. Joy’s really hurting.”

“I know.” Ernest gave a slow nod, his concern growing. He hadn’t seen this…

“I’ll speak with Hadley. Maybe it’s time we consider taking Joy to a therapist.”

Without missing a beat, Nyla responded firmly, “This can’t wait. It needs attention now.”

“I’ll take care of it, Grandma. I promise.”

Meanwhile, Eric still hadn’t gone. He lingered near the staircase, eyes searching for answers.

Spotting the two, he asked hesitantly, “Is Joy doing any better?”

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