She went on to tell him about the encounter at White Lake Prison.

“And counting today…” she added, lifting her hand and giving it a slight shake.

“It’s been no more than five times.”

Eric frowned but said nothing. Maybe he was overthinking it.

In the dining room, breakfast was already laid out on the table. Ernest sat at the head of the table, coffee cup in hand. When he spotted Hadley and Eric, he waved them over.

“Come on. Breakfast is ready.”

“Good morning, Ernest.”

“Hi, Ernest.”

They headed toward the table. Eric reached out and pulled a chair for her first.

“Thank you.”

Hadley had just taken her seat when her phone buzzed. She picked it up, and the moment her eyes landed on the screen, her heart skipped a beat.

It was a message from Ellis.

There was only an attachment.

Hadley didn’t open it. She already had a good guess. It was probably his detailed résumé. He was quick to move.

“Hadley?” Eric, seated beside her, noticed the way she stared at her screen.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Hadley shook her head, turned off her phone, and slipped it into her pocket.

Nothing? Eric found that hard to believe. From the look on her face, it clearly wasn’t nothing. If anything, it seemed important. So why wasn’t she saying anything?

Ernest and Eric finally had some free time that day. Once Nyla and the children were up, the whole family headed out to the cove. It was a quiet little spot, closed off from visitors.

When they arrived, Eric opened the car door and leaned in.

“Joy, come to Daddy!”

Latest chapters g@lnσvls?c〇m

Joy pursed her lips but still raised her arms, waiting for him to lift her.

“There you go!”

Eric laughed and scooped her up. But instead of setting her on the ground, he raised her higher and settled her on his shoulders.

“Wow! Ha-ha!”

“Hold on tight.”

“Okay!” Joy giggled and clung to her father’s neck. Her wide eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in everything around her from up high.

Hadley stood off to the side, watching them. Her daughter looked so happy. And in that moment, it was clear—

for a child, both parents mattered. Being without either one would leave a space that nothing else could fill.

Locke stood beside the car, pouting as he watched Joy laugh with her father. He didn’t say anything, but the look in his eyes gave him away. Ernest glanced at him.

“What’s wrong? Do you want a lift too?”

His son’s face lit up.

“Can I?”

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