“Nyla…” she added softly, “she’s fine…”

An adult could accept a grandson’s absence for a while.

“Joy, though… she asks for her daddy every day.”

The “business trip” excuse was wearing thin. It held for now—but how much longer?

Eric’s heart clenched upon hearing that.

He had only just regained his memories, and the weight of remorse he felt toward his daughter had grown heavier than ever.

After finally beginning to make up for lost time, fate struck again.

He had vowed to see her every single day… yet here he was, breaking that promise once more.

“It’s my fault.” Eric frowned, a sigh laced with self-reproach escaping his lips.

“I’ve let Joy down again.”

“It’s not your fault.” Hadley shook her head, the memory of the elevator incident flashing in her mind.

“They set you up deliberately. There was no way you could have prevented it.”

She reached out gently, her voice soft yet steady.

“I’ll explain everything to Joy. When Daddy returns from his ‘business trip,’ he’ll make it right for her.”

“Alright.” Eric nodded, a faint, bitter smile tugging at his lips.

“Once I’m out…” He hesitated, his gaze clouding over.

“If… I manage to walk out safely this time… Mph—”

“Don’t say such ominous things!” Hadley quickly pressed her hand over his mouth.

Her brows knitted as she shook her head with firm resolve.

“No ‘if.’ There’s no room for that. You will come back safe and sound.”

Eric went still, his gaze locked on Hadley.

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Hadley’s soft pink lips parted slightly, but no words followed.

From what Cristian had told them, she already knew… After that day—when Eric had been thrown against the elevator wall—his memories had returned.

Of all moments, why now?

“Hadley.” Eric’s eyes lingered on hers, mirroring her thoughts. His throat tightened, as though a thousand words were trapped there.

Suddenly, he clasped her hand, a faint smile flickering in his eyes as he picked up where she had left off.

“Yes, you’re right, Hadley…”

An impulse rose within him—fierce, unstoppable.

He wanted to ask if there was still a chance for them once he got out.

But just then, a knock broke the moment.

The door swung open.

An officer stepped in, reminding his colleague, “Time’s up.”

“Understood. That’s enough for today,” the officer inside said as he approached Eric.

“Hadley!” Eric rose abruptly, swallowing the words he couldn’t say, his eyes full of reluctance.

“Wait for me. Wait until I come home.”

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