?Chapter 1066:


    Having observed Eric’s prowess up close, Phillips was immensely impressed.


    It was only recently that Phillips discovered Eric’s true lineage—that he was a Scott, not a Flynn!


    This talent, no doubt, was a legacy from his biological father, Ferris. Ironically, fate had woven a harsh narrative, and now Eric was poised to use his innate skills against his own father!


    Indeed, Eric saw it this way; his family had never shown him affection, leaving him with nothing but his talent.


    His phone vibrated with an iing message from Hadley.


    “Still at it, so tonight’s ate one. I’ll swing by the hospital first thing tomorrow. Try to get some sleep.”


    A wave of relief washed over Eric. Though she couldn’t be there, her words calmed his uneasy heart.


    He shut his eyes, willing himself to sleep. Tomorrow, Hadley would be there.


    Eric wasn’t certain what time he awoke, but Hadley’s voice seemed to float through the air.


    She was speaking with the nurse, inquiring about his recent health updates.


    “He’s been holding up well, though his temperature did spike brieflyst night. However, it never exceeded 100.4°F.” That was a relief.


    In a sudden move, he stood, closed the distance between them, and knelt in front of Hadley, gently grasping her knees.


    Looking earnestly into her eyes, he pleaded, “Hadley, my feelings for you are genuine.”


    “I know.” Hadley remained still, her voice soft yet firm. “I do believe you care for me deeply.”


    Otherwise, he wouldn’t keep chasing after her. He wouldn’t havee to her when his whole world was unraveling, stripped of everything.


    “If you believe me, then why?” His voice cracked slightly. “Why?”


    Hadley’s face showed no change as she posed her own question. “Remember when I adored you, always stayed by your side, and you never reciprocated my feelings?”


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    Eric fell silent. Words failed him.


    Hadley’s response seemed to weigh heavily in the air.


    “I’m not dredging up the past,” she rified gently, shaking her head. “I’m trying to exin that just because you have feelings for me doesn’t mean I’m obligated to reciprocate them or ept them.”


    “I don’t believe that! I don’t believe you don’t feel anything for me!” As he spoke, his grip on her hand tightened, his eyes welling up with tears. “You do care—you’ve shown concern for me!”


    “That’s because…” Hadley stayed calm, her voice steady andposed. “When I look at you now, I see the person I used to be. Powerless. Alone. Forced to rely on someone else’s mercy. It’s not easy—I know how hard that is.”


    She paused, then let out a slow breath. “What I feel for you is sympathy, perhaps even empathy, but Eric, it’s not love.”


    Not love. She didn’t love him.


    Eric felt like something inside him had been torn open. The pain came fast, deep, and relentless.


    Tears glossed over his eyes, threatening to spill over as he struggled to speak. “What about Joy? Have you not cared about her too?”


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