?Chapter 704:


    “What is it?” Eric’s tone was sharp, edged with irritation. Of all times, why did Phillips have to show up now?


    Reading the room, Phillips hesitated at the doorway, an inexplicable chill running down his spine.


    Why did it feel like Eric’s stare was filled with… irritation?


    Clearing his throat, Phillips straightened and quickly said,


    “Mr. Flynn, I was wondering if Hadley wanted to go back and bring some of your things over?”


    It was a practical suggestion.


    Eric would be in the hospital for a few days. While it was easy enough to buy anything he needed, personal items—his own clothes, a razor, his phone charger—were always morefortable than whatever the hospital could provide.


    Even Hadley hadn’t thought of that.


    In the past, Phillips would have handled such things himself. But now that Hadley was Eric’s girlfriend, naturally, it was a task that fell to her.


    “Good thinking,” Hadley said with a nod. “I’ll go grab them. I know exactly where to find them.”


    Eric gave a small nod.


    “Alright.”


    Hadley adjusted her coat, then turned to Phillips.


    “I’ll leave everything here in your hands. I’ll head back and pack.”


    . brings magic to life


    Phillips acknowledged her with a slight nod.


    “Sebastian’s waiting downstairs. He’ll drive you home.”


    “Got it.”


    She started toward the door, but before she could step out—


    “Hadley.” Eric’s voice halted her in her tracks.


    She turned, her eyes meeting his. His expression had shifted—less guarded now.


    “You’ll be back, right?”


    The quiet uncertainty in his question made her pause.


    “Obviously. I am bringing your things—I have to return, don’t I?”


    “Yeah…” Eric’s lips lifted into a faint smile.


    “Be careful on the way. Come back soon.”


    “I will.”


    With a final wave, she stepped out.


    As the door clicked shut behind her, Eric felt an unfamiliar unease settle in his chest—an irrational panic creeping in. What if she didn’te back?


    Outside, Hadley slipped into the car where Sebastian was already waiting.


    As they pulled away from the hospital, her gaze drifted to the passing scenery. For a fleeting moment, through the window, she caught sight of Ernest and Linda standing beneath the trees in the hospital garden.


    They seemed deep in conversation.


    The moment barelysted a second before the car moved on, the figures disappearing behind the grove.


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