?Chapter 186:


    Hadley tried to speak, but no sound emerged. Worse still, her throat felt like it was on fire, as if every breath drew mes through a torn and tender passage. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes.


    Damn it!


    Eric’s expression tightened, veins standing out on his forehead. He quickly adjusted his grip to hold her more securely. His voice softened, but it was filled with resolve. “Don’t worry. We’re heading to the hospital now. Everything will be alright.”


    Clutched to his chest, Hadley felt a surge of disorientation. Was she seeing things? There seemed to be a flicker of concern in Eric’s eyes, and… sorrow? It had to be her imagination.


    At the hospital, Hadley underwent a thorough examination. As the doctor reviewed the scans, his expression darkened with concern.


    “Her vocal cords and soft tissues are damaged.”


    The doctor cast a wary nce at Eric, as though suspecting him of wrongdoing.


    Eric’s face hardened. “Can we focus on what’s next instead of throwing usations?”


    The doctor nodded. “She will recover. However, she requires medication—both pills and creams. Most importantly, she must avoid speaking for a while. Trying to talk will cause her pain and could worsen the injury. Complete vocal rest is crucial.”


    The severity of it hit Eric hard. A storm seemed to gather in his eyes. Could Duran’s daughter really have caused this much harm?


    The doctor handed him a prescription. “Take this and get her the necessary medications.”


    “Understood.”


    Eric turned to Hadley with a firm, reassuring tone. “Stay here. I’ll be back with your medications.”


    As he made his way toward the pharmacy, a memory stopped him—an earlier hospital visit where he’d only stepped out to settle a bill, only to return and find her missing.


    He turned quickly, his tone sharp with a warning. “Don’t even think about leaving before I return. Understand?” Hadley gave a faint nod.


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    Satisfied, he left.


    When he returned with the medications, he watched as the doctor applied the cream. “Just about this much each time,” the doctor instructed.


    “Understood,” Eric replied, his voice calm yet distant.


    He turned his gaze to Hadley, his expression unreadable. “Let’s go.”


    Hadley tried to push herself up from the chair, but as she attempted to rise, a sharp pain shot through her chest, making her gasp for breath.


    Eric nced back, his irritation clear as his brow furrowed. “Honestly, you’re such a burden. Tell me, Hadley, what are you good for, besides causing trouble?”


    Even with his sharp remarks, Eric moved closer and gently lifted Hadley into his arms.


    “Make sure you hold on,” he instructed. “Don’t slip.”


    Hadley remained silent, leaning against him.


    Seeing herply, a faint smile tugged at Eric’s lips. It was good that she could follow directions when needed. He helped her into the car and fastened her seatbelt securely.


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