?Chapter 299:


    “Thank you,” Hadley gave a distracted nod.


    However, as soon as Eric turned his back, Hadley’s resolve hardened. She couldn’t stay here a moment longer. Without a second thought, she dashed toward the hospital exit, driven by an urgent need to escape.


    She knew now—Linda had spoken the truth.


    Ernest was conscious again. Eric, who had always held his brother in high esteem, was likely torn by his loyalty. With Ernest awake, Eric could no longer remain by Linda’s side without raising suspicions. He probably saw Hadley as a convenient buffer against any potential misinterpretations by his brother.


    This realization exined Eric’s sudden kindness toward her.


    A cold shudder passed through Hadley as she grasped this reality. All of Eric’s recent attentions, his pursuit of her—it was all a facade, not truly meant for her.


    The weight of those long, loveless days in their marriage pressed down on her once more, suffocating her like a relentless wave. She vowed never to return to such depths.


    At that moment, Eric came back, ice pack in hand, only to discover her absence.


    He stopped a nurse and asked, “Did you see the girl I came with?”


    A nurse responded, “The youngdy that was with you? She just rushed out.”


    Eric didn’t even wait for her to finish; he dashed off, his long legs carrying him swiftly.


    “Hadley!”


    Hearing her name called out, Hadley felt her heart skip a beat. She turned around and saw Eric approaching fast, his expression one of concern. A surge of panic washed over her.


    “Hadley!” Eric eximed as he gripped her wrist and pulled, causing her to stagger and nearly fall into him.


    Hadley’s reaction was one of sheer panic; her body trembled violently, and a cry of rm escaped her lips.


    Eric, taken aback by her intense response, momentarily froze, wondering if this was a sign of another distressing “episode” she was experiencing.


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    It had been some time since Hadley had shown such a severe reaction.


    What was causing this now?


    “Release me now!” Hadley demanded, her voiceced with panic.


    “Okay, okay!” Eric quickly let go of her hand, showing his palms in a gesture of peace. “Look, I’ve let go. There’s no need to be frightened.”


    Breathing heavily, Hadley fixed him with a wary stare. “Move away from me!”


    “Understood, I’m moving back.” Ericplied, his voice calm, retreating slowly to give her space.


    Hadley remained tense, clearly on guard. Eric, recognizing her difort, continued to back away, ensuring not to provoke further distress.


    The elevator dinged just in time.


    Hadley whirled around, darted into it, and furiously tapped the button to close the doors.


    “Please, please,” she muttered urgently to herself.


    “Hadley!” Eric’s voice echoed in the hall. He was just a few steps toote as the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he hit the elevator doors with the palm of his hand, eximing, “Damn it!”


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