?Chapter 996:


    Without it, Hadley would never forgive him—of that, he was certain.


    “Mr. Flynn!”


    But this time, Eric found his path blocked by a phnx of bodyguards dressed in ck suits, forming an imprable barrier around Ferris.


    Ericughed mockingly. “Trying to stop me? Bring it on, all of you!” None of the guards made a move. With Eric recognized as the sole heir of the Scott family, they dared not act.


    Eric’s eyes bore into Ferris with the intensity of sharpened steel. “Ferris, listen carefully, I won’t end your life today, but this isn’t over! I told you if you dare harm anyone I hold dear, I would be your fiercest adversary, and I would ensure the downfall of your Scott empire! My words are my bond!”


    His expression then softened into a sly smile. “So, you’re left with no sessor? Just watch—the Scott empire will copse under your watch!”


    Eric whirled around to face another barrier of bodyguards. His expression darkened as he yelled, “Get out of my way!”


    The bodyguards hesitated, their eyes flicking to Ferris for direction. With a nod from him, they reluctantly cleared a path.


    Cordell exhaled deeply, his brow furrowed in concern. “Mr. Scott, what’s our next move?”


    Ferris responded with measured calm, “Quickly, find that person.” Cordell tensed, immediately grasping the gravity of the task. “Understood.”


    The atmosphere in the hospital room had settled into a subdued calm. A nurse was present, vignt but not obstructive. Eric could have forced his entry if he chose to. But he refrained.


    First, he dreaded the thought of causing Hadley further distress.


    Second, he was tormented by uncertainty—how could he possibly exin everything to Hadley now, even though he had found out the truth? Facing her seemed like an insurmountable challenge.


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    Hadley was already awake, her condition finally stable. A nurse gently held a cup to her lips, helping her sip water before nodding toward the door. “That gentleman—he stepped out for a bit but came back. He’s still waiting outside.”


    Hadley blinked, puzzled. Could it be Denver?


    Sensing her unspoken question, the nurse offered a small smile. “Not the one named Denver. It’s the other one. The short-tempered one.” Ah. That had to be Eric. He came back? Persistent as ever.


    Setting the cup aside, the nurse dabbed the corners of Hadley’s mouth. “But no visitors tonight. Doctor’s orders—strict rest only.”


    She guided Hadley to lie back down. “Try to get some sleep.”


    Hadley gave a soft nod. “Okay.”


    The nurse pulled the nket up, casting another nce at the door. “Still out there? It’s almost morning… Is he really nning to spend the night sitting there?”


    Hadley shut her eyes, pretending not to hear. Sleep took her in fragments—light, broken—but enough. By the time she opened her eyes again, the world felt different. Clearer. Her body no longer weighed her down, her breath came easier, and the raw burn in her throat had dulled. Morning light filtered through the window. It was a new day.


    The moment Denver stepped into the hallway, he spotted Eric standing outside Hadley’s room. He wasn’t surprised to see him—what caught him off guard was how rough Eric looked. Dark circles rimmed his bloodshot eyes, and unshaven stubble shadowed his jaw. He looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. His clothes were the same ones from the night before, rumpled and creased. Had hee back after Denver left and stayed all night?


    Eric remained by the door, unmoving. Maybe he was hesitant—unsure if Hadley would even want to see him after what happened.


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