“It’s nothing.”
After giving her instructions, Hadley let Eric guide her out of the hospital room.
Behind them, laughter echoed, and then Linda’s voice rang out.
“Hadley, you’re really something!”
Hadley’s back stiffened slightly. She knew exactly what those words meant.
Back when she left Srixby, Linda had believed she’d succeeded. She thought she had torn Hadley and Eric apart for good.
But now, watching them together like this, with Eric still by Hadley’s side and more devoted than ever… it must have been a slap in the face.
“Who could have thought…” Linda took a shaky breath.
“Who could’ve thought you’re still together?! You really know how to look the other way, don’t you? Ha-ha-ha…” Her laughter was sharp and mocking.
Puzzled, Eric glanced at Hadley.
“What is she talking about?”
“Let’s just go.” Hadley gripped his arm and urged, “I said let’s go.”
“Hadley, don’t leave! I still—mmm!” Linda’s shouting was cut off as one of the caregivers stepped forward and clamped a hand over her mouth.
Linda froze and stared at the caregiver in utter shock.
What was she doing?
No, who were these two?
These people weren’t her caregivers.
Where was Jane?
A gurgle escaped Linda’s throat as she shook her head in alarm.
“Be quiet.”
The new caregivers were towering foreigners—stoic and strong, with an air of cool detachment. Yet, when they spoke, their voices were unexpectedly soft.
L?tt ?hαpt?rs n glov?l.?m
“Miss Harris, if you continue acting out, we’ll be forced to sedate you.”
One calmly motioned to the other.
“She’s authorized to administer medication—no doctor needed.”
Linda’s eyes widened, frozen in disbelief.
Who were these people?
Linda realized Hadley had sent them—to trap her, to haunt her, to make sure she never tasted peace again.
Hadley clutched Eric’s arm and briskly exited the hospital room. They went straight to the elevator and descended to the underground parking.
Inside the car, Hadley grabbed her phone and typed a message to Savannah.
“Everything’s settled. Your people are here. Linda’s now their responsibility.”
The reply came fast.
“Thank you. Sorry I’ve been away this week. Let me treat you to dinner next time.”
“No worries. Let’s catch up later.”
She then put her phone away and turned to the window, falling into silence.
She didn’t speak for the rest of the ride.
Eric stole glances at her, hesitating, his lips parting and pressing shut again.
At the hotel, he walked her to her room.
.
.
.