?Chapter 1163:


    “Dad…” Tears filled Hadley’s eyes as she pleaded with a trembling voice, “Please, I need your help! Joy is your only grandchild, just starting her life! She’s only four! We’ve finally found a bone marrow match, and Brady has agreed to donate. Joy’s surgery is scheduled for this week, and she’ll recover fully afterward. Please, I am begging you—where is Brady? You have to convince Noreen to tell me his whereabouts!”


    By now, Hadley was weeping uncontrobly. “After Mom died, I pleaded with you to take me in, but you refused. You didn’t want me when Grandma died either… Even when I was sent to the and begged you to rescue me, you left me stranded…”


    Eric felt a sudden shock run through him.


    Had Hadley really sought Cade’s help before her flight to the? Despite her deep resentment towards Cade, she had reached out to him in her fear.


    The thought of Hadley, terrified and pleading with the father she loathed, was haunting.


    Before Eric could fully grasp the gravity of these revtions, Hadley’s voice, heavy with tears, broke through his thoughts.


    “When I got back to Srixby, I asked you for five hundred thousand dors for Joy’s surgery. You were worried she might learn the truth, so once again, you abandoned me…”


    Cade’s actions consistently revealed his unforgiving and cold-hearted disposition.


    “Dad!” Hadley cried out, her lip bleeding from the pressure of her teeth. “Please, just this time—I’m begging you, help me! Joy is all that matters to me!”


    Her breath caught sharply, and she nearly copsed.


    Catching her swiftly, Eric supported her, his voiceced with concern. “Hadley, are you alright?”


    “Dad!” Ignoring Eric, Hadley grasped Cade’s arm with urgency. “Please… I need your help.”


    “Hadley…” Tears streaked down Cade’s cheeks as he looked at her, his expression torn. “I’ll do what I can, but I can’t promise anything.” Years of being together had given him an intimate understanding of Noreen.


    Hadley suddenly straightened up, herplexion ghostly pale and her eyes distant.


    “Are you alright, Hadley?” Eric asked, concerned.


    Your story hub g?lnσν????s


    Turning her head towards Eric, she clutched at his shirt, desperation in her voice. “What should I do now? How can I help Joy? Why do I feel so powerless? I can’t even save my own child! Oh…”


    As darkness clouded her sight, she slumped forward into Eric’s supportive grasp.


    “Hadley!” Eric quickly lifted her, leaving the house without a second thought.


    Gazing down at Hadley cradled in his arms, concern etched across his face.


    If he couldn’t shield Hadley and their little girl, did he deserve to be called a man at all?


    Eric carefully settled Hadley into the car before starting the drive back to the hospital.


    His fingers mped around the steering wheel, every so often stealing a nce at the pale figure beside him.


    Hadley wasn’t unconscious for long; she came to shortly after. Hershes trembled faintly before her eyes struggled to open.


    “You are awake?” Eric’s voice came out gentle, like he was afraid she might break. “Are you feeling okay?”


    Hadley didn’t reply to him. Instead, she shook her head slowly and turned toward the window.


    .


    .


    .