“Tonight’s not going to work.”

Turning his attention to Ernest, he chose his words carefully.

“Mr. Flynn, this is a major criminal investigation.”

Hadley’s pale face looked as if it might collapse under the weight of the news.

Ernest clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling at Cristian’s directness.

“What? Are you telling me you can’t manage this case?”

“Mr. Flynn, that’s not—”

Hadley steadied herself by gripping Ernest’s arm, trying not to falter.

Her eyes were still glistening, never once drying since earlier.

“Cristian, Eric couldn’t have done this!” she said, her voice shaking.

Eric had vanished for days after being kidnapped, only to turn up at Bianca’s hideout.

And now this had happened…

“This has to be a setup!”

“I agree.” Cristian nodded.

“I see it the same way.”

“So…” Hadley fixed him with a determined gaze.

“There has to be proof. You can prove that he’s innocent!”

“Hadley.” Cristian gave a firm nod.

“I’ll do everything I can.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Ferris’ voice rang out, strained and desperate.

“Where is he? Tell me, where’s my son? Where’s Eric?”

“Please, sir, take it easy.” Cordell’s calm tone tried to meet his urgency.

Stay updated with g?lnσvs?com

“The police said no visits are allowed tonight—”

“Why would they do that?!” Ferris’ voice rose sharply as he stormed in, his gaze landing on Hadley immediately. Rage burned in his eyes, fierce and unrelenting.

On the way to the police station, Ferris had already pieced together a rough understanding of what had happened. But when his eyes landed on Hadley, his simmering anger found its target.

“Hadley!” Ferris’ fingers trembled as he pointed at her.

“I knew it—nothing good ever comes whenever you’re involved!”

Hadley jerked her head up, meeting his fury with a glare just as fierce.

For the first time in what felt like ages, she stared at Ferris with unbridled defiance.

“You—” Ferris faltered under her burning gaze, his words caught in his throat. But the fury boiling inside him surged back.

“You dare glare at me?”

“Yes!” At that moment, something inside Hadley finally snapped. She shook off Ernest’s restraining hand and strode toward Ferris, her almond-shaped eyes blazing.

“I am glaring at you! So what?”

Ferris’ voice trembled with indignation.

“No upbringing! Look at you—such poor upbringing!”

“Upbringing? Ha!” Hadley’s laugh was bitter, almost hollow with disbelief.

Her eyes narrowed with scorn.

.

.

.