?Chapter 47:


    She tucked the rest of her belongings into her bag and zipped it shut.


    “Appreciate it, officer.”


    “No problem.”


    Without another word, Hadley turned and strode out of the police station. Her pace was brisk, her movements decisive.


    “Hey! Hadley!” Eric’s voice rang out as he hurried after her, struggling to keep pace. “Slow down! I’ll drive you home!”


    “Don’t touch me!” Hadley whirled around, her eyes shing with rm as she shot him a sharp re.


    “Stay back!”


    Eric halted instantly, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Alright, I won’t touch you. I won’t get any closer. Just take a deep breath.”


    This was unfamiliar territory—he had never seen Hadley this guarded, like a cornered animal prepared to fight back at any moment.


    Without thinking, his tone softened, bing careful and measured. “My car’s parked just over there. It’ste. Let me take you home, alright?”


    Hadley’s rigid posture slowly eased.


    Fatigue weighed heavily on her, and the thought of another unexpected encounter—or worse, another trip to the police station—was too much to bear.


    “Fine.” She nodded, gripping her bag tightly. “Let’s go.”


    Eric exhaled, relieved that she didn’t refuse, and guided her toward the car, holding open the passenger-side door.


    Instead of getting in, Hadley bypassed itpletely, heading for the back seat. She pulled the door open and slipped inside without a word. Eric hesitated before shutting the passenger side door and circling around to the driver’s seat.


    As the car cruised through the quiet streets, his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror.


    Hadley had curled herself into the corner, her eyes shut tight, making it clear she wasn’t in the mood for conversation.


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    A deep frown creased Eric’s forehead.


    This version of Hadley felt unfamiliar—so far removed from the girl he once knew.


    Nearly thirty minutester, they pulled into Silver Vis. He eased the car to a stop and said, “We’re home.” Yet, the person in the back seat remained silent. “Hadley…”


    ncing back, he found her slumped against the seat, her eyes shut and lips slightly parted. Had she fallen asleep?


    Without giving it much thought, he stepped out, opened the back door, and gently nudged her shoulder. “Wake up. We’ve arrived.” She remained unresponsive.


    “Hadley…”


    Eric parted his lips to call her name again but paused. A second thought crossed his mind. Tonight had been a disaster, and much of it was his fault. The least he could do was carry her inside.


    He bent down, one arm sliding beneath her neck to support her shoulders, while the other tucked under her knees.


    Just as he prepared to lift her, Hadley’s eyshes fluttered, and her eyes snapped open.


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