?Chapter 815:


    “For you and our little one, I’ll make sure I’m untouchable.” Hadley sensed a shadow lurking behind Eric’s words—he was wrestling with something heavy, something he wasn’t spilling.


    She had once dreamed of breaking free from him—she still did, but the fact remained that he was the father of her two children. Even if their paths diverged, she never wanted anything bad to happen to him. After a pause, she asked, “What did Ernest tell you? Who was behind the attack?”


    “Just some nutcase,” Eric said smoothly, cradling Hadley as hedled soup to her lips. “A rich-hater with a grudge. Xander nabbed him on the spot—police have him now. Nothing to lose sleep over.”


    “Okay,” Hadley sighed, tension easing from her shoulders. “But let Theodore stick by you, alright? I don’t need a bodyguard—you do. I would feel better knowing you’re covered.”


    She looped her arms around Eric’s neck, her voice turning coaxing, yful.


    “My life is simple. Drop me at the TV station in the morning, scoop me up at night. Deal?”


    Eric couldn’t resist her charm, especially not when she was this adorable. “Fine, you win,” he conceded.


    He popped a piece of beef into her mouth, and then added with a sly grin, “But there is a catch—you can’t see Denver anymore.”


    Hadley froze mid-chew and then cupped Eric’s face with sternness. “Listen close, because I’ll only say this once. I’ve met Denver exactly one time. Believe me or not—”


    “I believe you!” Eric cut in, his expression melting into something softer as he sped Hadley’s hand. “I trust you—whatever you say, I’m sold!”


    A memory flickered, and he squinted yfully. “Wait a sec—were you just spouting nonsense before to rile me up?”


    ?????????????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ??????????ν????????????


    “Humph!” Hadley huffed, turning her face away with a dramatic ir.


    “That is what you get for being a grump with me.”


    “Haha!” Ericughed, a rich, rolling sound. “My bad, I’ll own that. But let’s be real—weren’t you a little in the wrong too? Care to fess up?”


    Hadley dipped her head, resting it against his shoulder, her silence a quiet truce.


    Noticing her quiet admission, Eric eased off, his tone softening. “Fine, let’s put it behind us. No point in dredging it up again.”


    “Alright,” Hadley replied, her voice a tender whisper.


    Eric let out a quiet breath, a wave of gratitude washing over him. After all the storms they had weathered, Hadley was still here, by his side—and he felt certain their forever was sealed.


    Later that night, as Eric showered, Hadley slipped her phone from the nightstand and dialed Colleen.


    “Shifting assets, offloading properties and real estate?” Colleen repeated Hadley’s request, sounding surprised.


    “Exactly,” Hadley confirmed. “I’m out of my depth withwyers, so I’m leaning on you again.”


    “No need to stand on ceremony!” Colleenughed, her tone light and familiar. “We’re friends, aren’t we? Consider it handled.”


    She paused and then added warmly, “Hadley, I’m waiting for you, Joy, and the little one in the.”


    “Hadley!” Eric’s voice echoed from the bathroom, a touch of urgency in his tone.


    .


    .


    .