?Chapter 528:


    Losing her bnce, Elissa fell backward, colliding with Ernest, who had just entered the room in his wheelchair.


    “Watch out!”


    Reacting swiftly, Ernest reached forward and steadied her before she fell.


    Elissa’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she realized she was nearly sitting in Ernest’sp. Oh no! She’d justnded on someone in a wheelchair. Was he hurt? Had she hurt him?


    “Oh my gosh!”


    Springing up instantly, Elissa stumbled over her words in embarrassment. “I’m really sorry! Are you all right? I didn’t mean tond on you!”


    Instead of letting go right away, Ernest held her firmly until she regained her bnce. “You’re steady now, right? Can you stand?”


    “Yes—yes, I’m fine!” Elissa replied anxiously, waving her hands to reassure him. “I’m perfectly steady now!”


    “Good.” With a gentle nod, Ernest carefully withdrew his hands. For a moment, he studied Elissa’s flushed face quietly before turning his attention elsewhere without another word.


    Meanwhile, Eric approached the bed and seated himself at its edge. “Hadley.”


    Hadley turned her back to him, closing her eyes and ignoring his presence. Her cold reaction didn’t surprise him. From this angle, he clearly noticed how damp and shaky her eyshes were.


    His gaze drifted to the bedside table, taking in the scattered medical supplies: fever patches, ice packs, antiseptic solution, and gauze. Frustration surged violently inside him, mingled with a powerful pang of guilt.


    “Hadley.”


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    Gently, he enveloped her in his arms, pulling the nket around her. His voice trembled with regret. “I’m sorry, Hadley. I was a fool, and I hurt you badly.”


    Still stubbornly facing away, Hadley clenched her fists beneath the nket. Remembering his earlier cruelty made her want tosh out—how dare he act sorry now!


    “Get your hands off me!” She fought against his embrace.


    “Hadley, please!” Eric captured her wrists. “You’re furious, I get it. Go on, take a swing at me if it’ll help you cool down!”


    “Seriously?” Hadley’s eyes shed angrily. “You think I won’t do it?” She swung her arm back sharply.


    “Come on then!” Eric said, tilting his head back, bracing for the blow. “Hit me until you’re satisfied!”


    “All right!”


    However, instead of a p, Hadley delivered a sharp kick.


    “Ugh!” Eric doubled over, clutching his abdomen, gasping in pain. “Okay, you can hit me, but please, aim carefully next time!”


    Hadley stared at his wincing face, a realization dawning on her—had she identally hit something… sensitive?


    It wasn’t that she cared about him, but she still needed him for now.


    Her heart raced, frustration boiling over. Why did she have to restrain her anger?


    Overwhelmed, Hadley broke down in tears. “Why are you here? Can’t you just leave me alone? I don’t want to see you anymore. Just go!” Her involvement with him wasn’t about affection. All she wanted was a child. Why couldn’t they just avoid crossing paths otherwise? But he persisted, not only ignoring her wishes but also treating her harshly.


    Hadley seized his cor, her whole body shaking. “Why can’t I escape your shadow now?” Was he not capable of finding her back in the when she and Joy were desperately trying to make ends meet? He had the means to locate anyone easily—yet he chose to leave her to fend for herself. Four long years! So why did he start caring? Why now?


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