?Chapter 465:


    “Really, Mommy? My love?”


    Hadley, tears still in her eyes, tenderly wiped away Joy’s remaining tears.


    She had initially left Joy in the primarily for her surgery. With the donor now backing out and the surgery off the table, staying apart no longer made sense.


    “Yay!”


    Joy’s mood changed instantly, her excitement palpable.


    “I’m going home with Mom! Being with Mom is the best!”


    For a child, their mother’s presence was their sanctuary, their home.


    “My little darling,” Hadley chuckled as she lifted Joy, teasing her gently. “You’ve cried enough. Let’s clean up and get you ready for bed.”


    “Okay.”


    Back in his room, Eric pondered, phone in hand, wondering whether to call Hadley or visit her at the hotel.


    The phone’s ring broke the silence in Eric’s room.


    “Eric?” It was Marshall on the line, his tone urgent. “Are you still in the? I need your help with something. Denver’s been in an ident, and I can’t make it there. Can you check on him?”


    Confusion and concern washed over Eric. An ident? Denver?


    His voice tightened with worry. “What exactly happened, Marshall?”


    “It’s a car ident. That’s all I know,” Marshall responded, his voice strained. “Aunt Wilma was too upset to give me any details over the phone. She sounded overwhelmed, unsure how to deal with everything.”


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    “Understood,” Eric replied, his decision firm. Helping a friend in need required no second thoughts.


    “I’ll take care of it. I’m on my way now.”


    “Appreciate it,” Marshall replied before ending the call.


    Eric wasted no time and rushed to the hospital’s emergency department.


    Upon arrival, he found that Denver had already been moved to the surgery room. He watched as a doctor handed Wilma some documents.


    “Please sign the surgery consent form…”


    Eric approached quickly. “Mrs. Moran.”


    Wilma turned, her distress evident as she clutched Eric’s arm. “Eric, thank God you’re here. It’s Denver…”


    “Don’t worry, Mrs. Moran. I’m here now.”


    “Thank you, Eric.”


    After signing the necessary forms, the medical team wheeled Denver into surgery. Eric watched as Wilma sat on a nearby bench, visibly shaken. His thoughts drifted to Hadley. Was it the right move to call her?


    Denver’s ident was undoubtedly connected to their recent troubles. What if Denver didn’t make it? Didn’t Hadley deserve a chance to see him, possibly onest time? But was it the right decision?


    Could their separation be maintained if Denver recovered?


    After wrestling with his thoughts, Eric finally picked up his phone and called Hadley.


    There was a brief dy before she answered. “Hello?”


    Hadley had actually wanted to ignore the call but was also worried Eric might persist.


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