“Argh!”

A splitting pain ripped through his head. Groaning, he clutched his skull as he staggered. Then, with his body trembling, he tilted his head back and roared into the shaft above.

A desperate scream ripped from his chest.

“Hadley!”

And this time, she heard him.

“Eric!” Hadley leaned halfway into the elevator shaft and repeatedly called out his name.

“Eric!”

“Miss Pearson!” Xander’s eyes widened when he saw her teeter forward. He lunged and yanked her back with both hands.

“Get out!”

With sheer force, he dragged her to safety.

At the same time, he barked over his shoulder at the guards, “Move! Find Mr. Scott below!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Eric!” Hadley pushed herself up from the floor. Her eyes were rimmed red, and her legs were trembling. She staggered as she tried to stand.

“Careful!” Xander caught her before she stumbled again.

“Are you alright? The doctor’s here. Let him check you.”

While waiting for rescue, he had already summoned the on-duty physician from the emergency department. The plan was to make sure Hadley received immediate medical attention the second she was safe.

“I’m fine!” Hadley insisted. After all, how could she think of herself now? “Let’s go find Eric. I’m coming with you!”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Xander’s brow furrowed. As much as he feared for Eric, he knew that if Eric were here, his priority would also be Hadley.

“I’m fine!” Hadley screamed, her voice breaking with desperation.

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“Hurry! We need to find Eric!”

“Alright!” Xander wasted no time. He nodded and offered his arm.

“Hold onto me. The bodyguards are already sweeping every floor. Don’t panic.”

“Got it!” she snapped through clenched teeth.

But words were easy. Her chest heaved, and her frantic steps betrayed her turmoil.

“He’ll be okay,” Xander assured her as they hurried on.

“If you’re not hurt, then Mr. Scott will be safe too.”

What he said made sense, but Hadley remained uneasy.

She had seen it with her own eyes. Eric was hurled against the wall when the elevator plummeted. He hadn’t even had time to react. But she knew panic would do nothing now.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she demanded, “What’s the situation?”

Her question was directed at the maintenance crew.

“Miss Pearson,” one of them replied, his face slick with cold sweat.

“It was a system malfunction. We never expected—”

“I don’t care about your system! Can you guarantee his safety?”

“Found it!” another staff member cut in.

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