?Chapter 527:


    Eric wondered whether destiny was ying tricks on him. An unexpected feeling stirred in his chest, tempting him to rush over and pull the little girl close. Yet before he could act, Phillips yanked him back, and the elevator doors slid shut, sealing off his view.


    “Mr. Flynn, what’s gotten into you? That’s dangerous! Besides, aren’t we supposed to go upstairs?” Phillips snapped, shattering Eric’s brief daze. He reminded himself of his purpose—he was here to find Hadley, not to be distracted by a child.


    The elevator chimed softly at the ninth floor. Two apartments upied this level, but since one stood empty, there was no question about his destination.


    In Hadley’s apartment, Elissa sat at the edge of the bed, carefully pouring water into a ss and brushing Hadley’s forehead. “You’re not burning up as much now,” she said, pressing a fresh fever patch against her skin.


    “You’re still sure about skipping the medicine?” Elissa asked with concern.


    “I’ll be fine,” Hadley replied softly, shaking her head as she took a few sips. “I’m already feeling better.” A chill had crept through her body, but with the possibility of pregnancy, she couldn’t risk medication.


    “All right then.” Respecting her friend’s wishes, Elissa rose and picked up the melted ice pack. “Let me get you a fresh one. Do you want something to eat? Melba prepared some chicken soup for you. Can you stomach anything right now?”


    “I think I’d like that…” Hadley’s voice trailed off.


    Elissa stepped into the kitchen, but the sudden chime of the doorbell startled her. “Just a minute!” she called over her shoulder.


    Opening the door, she froze. “Mr. Flynn?”


    A mockingugh, bitter and sharp, drew her gaze back to Eric. Without waiting for an invitation, he pushed past Elissa and strode directly into the master bedroom.


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    Inside, Hadley flinched at his sudden appearance, clutching the nket tightly around herself and pressing back against the pillows as if they could shield her. He had found her after all.


    Somehow, he’d managed to track her here.


    Elissa rushed inside, standing firmly in Eric’s path with her arms stretched wide. “Mr. Flynn, you have to leave right now. Hadley made it clear she doesn’t want to see you!”


    “Hmm?”


    Eric paused, tilting his head slightly. An amused smirk yed at the corners of his mouth. “And you believe you’re capable of stopping me?”


    Then his expression darkened as he recalled something else. “But I suppose you’re good at hiding things, aren’t you? Knowing everything and keeping it a secret from me all this time!”


    He dismissed her with an irritated wave. “Get out of my way.”


    “Never!”


    Elissa stood her ground defiantly, even though her legs shook and her face had drained of color. “Hadley is hiding here precisely because she doesn’t want anything to do with you!”


    Elissa might not understand the full picture, but she had no intention of abandoning her friend at a time like this.


    Eric released an exasperated sigh, his patience nearly gone. Wasting time arguing wasn’t on his agenda today.


    Reaching forward abruptly, he seized Elissa’s wrists. “If you insist on getting in my way, I’ll have no choice but to remove you myself.”


    With one swift motion, he moved her aside and roughly tossed her out of his path.


    “Ah!”


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