?Chapter 698:


    Ernest seemed to read the situation instantly. He stood, straightening his coat.


    “Hadley, I’ll leave Eric to you,” he said. “I’m going to check on Linda.”


    Hadley met his gaze, hesitating for only a fraction of a second before nodding.


    “Okay.”


    She remained seated, watching as Ernest walked away. His steps were firm, purposeful.


    The worry that had been clouding her mind all night suddenly felt… misced.


    What was she even worrying about?


    The one who should be concerned wasn’t her, and it wasn’t her turn…


    A tired sigh escaped her lips. She leaned back in the chair, closing her eyes. The exhaustion she had been holding at bay finally crept in, numbing her thoughts.


    Time slipped away from her.


    “Hadley… Hadley?”


    Her brow furrowed as she blinked awake, her mind sluggish from exhaustion. The overhead fluorescent lights cast a dull re, making her squint.


    Phillips stood before her, arms crossed, his expression caught somewhere between shock and disbelief.


    She had fallen asleep? Eric was in surgery, and she was out here sleeping? Didn’t she care at all?


    “Wake up,” he said briskly. “The surgery is over. Mr. Flynn is out.”


    “Oh, okay.”


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    Hadley’s breath caught, and any remaining drowsiness vanished instantly. She looked up and, sure enough, the doors to the operating room were open. At some point, Ernest had returned. He was standing just ahead, speaking to the doctor in low tones.


    “Mr. Flynn will be transferred directly to a VIP ward,” the doctor said. His tone was calm, professional.


    “There’s nothing critical to worry about. He will need time to recover, but rest assured, his condition is stable.”


    “Thank you, Doctor.” Ernest nodded, his tone polite but firm.


    Hadley stepped forward, her voice soft but steady.


    “Ernest?”


    “Yes?” He turned toward her, his sharp gaze scanning her face. His frown deepened slightly as he took in her sleepy expression.


    “Eric has been moved to a regr ward. We can see him now.”


    Hadley swallowed, nodding quickly.


    “Alright.”


    Inside the private VIP ward, the atmosphere was quiet, almost too still. Ericy motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale, his breathing steady but shallow. The anesthesia still held him in its grip, keeping him locked in unconsciousness.


    Ernest, standing beside her, finally broke the silence.


    “Eric should be fine now. You should stay here with him. At least for a while.”


    Hadley nodded.


    “I will, Ernest. Don’t worry.”


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