?Chapter 912:


    With a grateful smile, Elissa nodded.


    A sudden surprise caught Hadley off guard. “What’s with all these holiday gifts?”


    “A lot of them, really?” Elissa, who was visually impaired, asked. “I’m not sure. Laney mentioned the sanatorium handed them out.”


    “Seems like the facility is really considerate,” Hadley said, casually examining the gifts with interest.


    The gifts were strikingly simr to those Eric had recently sent her.


    Could the sanatorium truly afford to give out such nice items?


    Hadley’s brow furrowed as an inexplicable feeling washed over her.


    “Hadley,” Elissa called out, now prepared to depart. “Ready to leave?”


    “Absolutely,” Hadley responded, snapping out of her thoughts and moving to assist Elissa. “Let’s head home.”


    Hadley’s apartment offered a sanctuary of safety, unknown to Robin, ensuring a tranquil Christmas celebration.


    On Christmas Eve, Joy awoke excitedly early in the morning, and Hadley dressed her in a festive red sweatshirt, arranging her hair into cute twin buns. She even added a yful swipe of lipstick to Joy’s forehead for a holiday flourish.


    “There, all set!” she announced with a smile.


    Joy dashed to the mirror to see her reflection. “Wow, I look so pretty!”


    Hadleyughed gently at her daughter’s excitement.


    “Haha.” Elissa chuckled. “Joy, you’re absolutely adorable.”


    Joy corrected her firmly as she said, “No, Elissa, I’m pretty!”


    “Yes, of course!” Elissa quickly agreed,ughing again. “You are definitely pretty.”


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    Gently, Hadley touched Joy’s hair buns. “Now, be a good girl and keep Elissapany. She needs your help to see things, okay?”


    “Alright, I understand,” Joy responded earnestly, her curiosity then piqued. “Mom, when is Mr. Flynn supposed to arrive?” She still held on to the promise made by Eric.


    At the mention, Hadley paused, caught off guard.


    It had been quiet since that evening; Eric hadn’t made any contact. It seemed likely he hadn’t made it back to Srixby yet. Hadley was uncertain about his arrival that night.


    “Mom, Mom!” Joy persisted, pulling at her mother’s sleeve. “Please, tell me.”


    “Joy,” Melba cut in, offering a smile to ease Hadley’s burden.


    “That’s an arrangement you have with Mr. Flynn. Your mom might not be in the loop. Also, it’s still early. Mr. Flynn mentioned he’d join us after sunset. It’s still bright outside, so there’s no need to worry.”


    “Do we really need to wait until it’s dark?” Peering out at the daylight, Joy’s face fell into a pout. “I get it now. I’ll go and y with Elissa.”


    The day continued to be a whirl of activity.


    Hadley and Melba busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing a feast for Christmas Eve. Although it was a small gathering, theyid out a generous spread of dishes, carefully managing the portion sizes to avoid any waste.


    On her stool, Joy handed Elissa a te. “Here, Elissa, try some.”


    “Thank you, Joy,” Elissa responded with a gentle smile. “You’re truly a little angel.”


    Meanwhile, Joy nibbled on her food, ncing outdoors asionally. “Mom, it’s starting to get dark.”


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