?Chapter 1024:


    “And when it happens again?” Hadley didn’t yield, her expression tight with resolve. “Can you promise it won’t?”


    Eric wavered, words failing him.


    Hadley let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. “Let’s be clear—I only said yes to your ‘proposal’ for Joy’s sake. To me, my daughter’s joy outweighs your woman’s life by miles! If you hurt Joy…” Her voice dipped, cold and unwavering, each syble a dagger. “I won’t let it go quietly! Trust me—I’ll fight tooth and nail!”


    Her ferocity sent a chill through Eric.


    Hadley arched a brow, her tone irond. “So either walk away now, while Joy’s not too hooked on you and can still move on easier. Or step inside, and from here on out, you’re there every single time she needs you—no excuses!”


    “Mommy! Is that him?”


    Before Eric could answer, Joy’s little feet pattered closer, her voice bubbling up.


    “Whoa!”


    Her face lit up like a firework when she spotted Eric.


    “You’re here! Hug me!”


    “Joy, my little star.” Eric’s heart softened as he scooped her up.


    “You finally made it.” Joy snuggled into his chest, her small arms looping tightly around his neck. “I’ve been waiting for you to read me a story and tuck me in!”


    “Is that so?” Eric cast a quick look at Hadley before stepping inside with Joy in his arms. “I’m sorry, Joy. I got held up.”


    Hadley remained rooted to the spot, her fingers pressing against her temples after a drawn-out silence.


    Joy’s growing bond with Eric was deepening by the day, and the timing felt utterly disastrous…


    Eric hadn’t been around all day, and when Joy finally saw him, shetched on tightly, not willing to let go.


    “Time for bed, Joy. Be a good girl, or Mommy will get upset, and I won’t be allowed to visit anymore.”


    That did the trick. Joy’s eyes shut tight immediately. “I’m sleeping already!”


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    “That’s my girl.” With a softugh, Eric adjusted the nket over her and waited until her breathing evened out. An hourter, he rose to leave.


    Hadley was by the door, her turn to stay with Joy through the night.


    She entered without a nce at Eric as he opened the door.


    “Hadley…” Eric reached out, trying to catch her, needing to exin.


    “Linda’s really out of sorts right now. Just give it a bit of time and…”


    “Shh!” Hadley peered back into the room, cautious not to wake Joy, and then softly shut the door.


    Yet, she spoke in hushed tones. “I don’t want to hear about your problems with Linda. I’m here for Joy’s sake.”


    “Hadley?” Eric’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I know you two aren’t exactly friends, but can’t you muster even a little sympathy for her state?”


    “Not a bit,” Hadley answered without missing a beat, her mouth curling into a sly smile. “Honestly? I think she deserves every part of it.”


    “How can you be so harsh?” Eric’s expression hardened.


    “You think that’s harsh?” Hadley’s smirk grew. “I could say far worse. She’s merely facing the repercussions she’s earned.”


    With a swift motion, she pulled away from his hold and swung the door open, stepping back inside.


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