?Chapter 440:


    “Thank you, Mommy! I absolutely adore it!”


    “Are you happy?” Hadley stroked her daughter’s hair affectionately.


    “Yes! I am!”


    Joy’s expression radiated pure joy, and Hadley’s heart swelled with happiness. She managed to hold back her tears, choosing instead to beam back at her daughter.


    “If Joy is happy, Mommy is happy too.”


    Colleen approached with a ss of water. “Take a drink. You must’vee straight from the airport, right?”


    Aware of Hadley’s arrival, she had hurried over from her department.


    Colleen, an intern doctor at the hospital and a PhD candidate at the University of the’s medical school, took special care of Joy.


    This allowed Hadley to travel back to Srixby without worry.


    “Colleen, your help during this time has been immense,” Hadley expressed her gratitude, though she knew mere words were never enough.


    “Mm,” Colleen responded with a raised eyebrow and a reassuring smile. “I’ll ept your thanks, but don’t let it burden you.”


    “Alright.”


    Hadley chuckled softly.


    That was typical of Colleen; she had a way of helping others without making them feel indebted.


    “Hadley.”


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    Taking Hadley’s hand, Colleen nced over at Joy, who was absorbed in her y, and spoke in a hushed tone.


    “Mathias isn’t around today, so I thought I should tell you — the surgery is set for the next few days. He’ll confirm the details with you shortly.”


    “Oh!”


    Surprised, Hadley quickly covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. “You’re relieved, right?”


    Understanding Hadley’s reaction perfectly, Colleen continued, “Joy’s condition isn’t life-threatening, but the surgery could vastly improve her quality of life. She’s got a bright future ahead of her!”


    “Absolutely.” Hadley’s eyes welled up as she struggled to find the right words. Ovee with emotion, she could only nod in response.


    That night, Hadley remained by Joy’s side until the little girl drifted off to sleep, slipping out quietly afterward.


    The day before the performance, Eric was finally released from the hospital.


    “Mr. Flynn, do you want me to book your flight for tonight or tomorrow?” Phillips asked.


    “Why would we fly?” Eric paused, hand on his shirt.


    Phillips looked puzzled. “Aren’t we heading back to Srixby?”


    “Oh.” Eric shut his eyes for a moment, his expression showing a hint of annoyance. “Apologies. I forgot to mention—dy our return by two days.”


    Phillips was confused. “But why the dy?”


    Eric smiledzily. “After spending most of my visit to the in a hospital bed, don’t you think I deserve a little leisure time?”


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