?Chapter 1021:


    “Hey,” Ernest replied, his eyes scanning Eric’s weary expression. “I’ve been filled in. What’s the n now?”


    Eric’s face was shadowed with worry. At that moment, his options were few, and all he could do was pour his energy into whaty ahead. “For now, there’s no turning back the clock,” he said quietly. “I’ve asked Phillips to contact the finest specialists in SHxby. They’ll arrive tomorrow to examine Linda. We’ll know more once they’ve weighed in.”


    Ernest gave a slow nod, his jaw tight. It was the only course left to them.


    The next morning, the clock on the wall read 8:30.


    Joy stirred awake, her small voice calling out, “Eric?”


    At the sound, Hadley swept into the room and scooped her daughter into her arms. “Joy, you’re up, sweetheart.”


    “Mommy…” Joy rubbed her sleepy eyes, peering toward the door. “Where’s Eric?”


    Over the past few days, she had grown used to waking to Eric’s presence—his help with dressing, washing up, and sharing breakfast.


    Hadley faltered, then yfully tapped Joy’s nose with a smile. “He is tied up today, love.”


    “He didn’te?” Joy’s lip jutted out, her little face crumpling. “He broke his promise!”


    Seeing her daughter’s disappointment pierced Hadley like a needle. A re of irritation toward Eric surged within her. He could treat her however he liked, but letting Joy down? That was unforgivable. “Chin up, Joy,” Hadley soothed. “You get to wear your new dress today.”


    “Okay…” Joy mumbled, her head drooping, still crestfallen. She looked up at her mother. “Will Erice for breakfast?”


    Hadley hesitated, at a loss for words. “Joy, be a good girl. I’ll be right here with you.”


    Joy seemed to grasp the truth. “So he is noting for breakfast…” Her pout deepened, and she pressed, “Will hee see me today?” Once again, Hadley had no answer.


    After helping Joy into her clothes, Melba took her to wash up. Hadley turned, snatching her phone from the table. She dialed Eric’s number.


    The phone rang several times before Eric picked up.


    “Where are you?” Hadley demanded, her voice edged with frustration.


    “When are you getting here?”


    “Hadley,” Eric began, a trace of reluctance in his tone. “I was about to call. I can’t make it this morning. Can you exin to Joy for me?”


    “Humph.” Hadley’sugh was sharp, bitter. She had expected this. “So you’re bailing? That is not what you promisedst night.”


    Hadley’s voice sliced through the air, cold and unyielding, leaving no space for debate.


    “This is on me,” Eric replied. He could sense the storm brewing in her tone.


    Pinching the bridge of his nose, he tried to justify himself. “It wasn’t intentional. Last night, I was on calls with experts from different hospitals, arranging a meeting. I didn’t think they’d show up so early this morning…”


    His n had been to swing by to hang out with Joy before heading back to the hospital.


    “And?” Hadley’s words oozed mockery. “Exactly what do you need to do at a doctors’ consultation? Scribbling notes for them?”


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice grew heavier, strained. “I need to hear their advice on the following treatment…”


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