?Chapter 702:


    She paused to visit Eric, waiting for Ernest to fetch her.


    As Hadley entered, she arrived just in time to catch the tail end of a conversation, marked by Linda’s subdued crying.


    Eric offered her a tissue, saying,


    “You should talk to Ernest. Yes, he made errors, but…”


    His voice trailed off as he noticed Hadley.


    “Hadley,” said Eric, his face breaking into a gentle smile. “You’ve arrived.”


    “Yes.”


    Looking from Eric to Linda, Hadley voiced her concern.


    “Eric was searching for you all night, and he ended up getting hurt. How are you holding up?”


    Taken aback by the question, Linda answered,


    “I’m alright, thank you.”


    She wiped away her tears, stood, and added,


    “Ernest will be here shortly. I think I’ll wait for him outside.”


    “Sure thing,” Hadley said with a smile as she escorted Linda to the door, which she opened gracefully.


    “Take care,” she added.


    “Will do.” With a tentative smile, Linda exited.


    “Hadley,” Eric called from the bed, extending his hand toward her. “Join me here, please.”


    L?t??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l?ov?l??.??о??


    After closing the door, Hadley approached and took the seat Linda had just left, deliberately overlooking his extended hand.


    “How are you holding up?” she inquired.


    Eric’s expression shifted to one of disappointment.


    “Why sit so far? Move closer; let’s befortable.”


    Hadley eyed his bandages and offered a cautious smile.


    “Aren’t you worried about aggravating your injuries?”


    His grin broadened.


    “Are you concerned for me?”


    What did he just say? Perplexed by his reasoning, Hadley stared at him.


    “Your injury wasn’t my fault. Why should I feel concerned?”


    “Hadley!”


    Eric’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and unyielding. His expression darkened, the muscle in his jaw tightening as he stared her down. His lips pressed into a hard line, every inch of him radiating frustration.


    “Why so tense?” she said, tilting her head slightly. “Am I wrong?” Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering.


    “You got hurt protecting the person you care about—shouldn’t she be the one here, feeling concerned?”


    “Enough,” Eric snapped, his voice edged with warning. “Stop bringing her up every chance you get.”


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