?Chapter 1165:


    Eric rose from the sofa and stepped into the outer room.


    In the dining area, Melba was already there, unpacking and arranging the things she’d brought with her.


    “Mr. Flynn, you’re up,” she said, gesturing toward the table. “I brought breakfast. Would you like to have some?”


    Eric shook his head. “I’ll check on Hadley first.”


    He wondered whether she’d gotten any real rest through the night or if she was feeling any better.


    But just as he turned to head toward her room, Hadley appeared, stepping out quietly. She looked freshly tidied, her long hair neatly brushed and tied back. Yet, the redness in her eyes betrayed her sleepless night.


    “Hadley,” Eric called as he approached her. “Melba brought breakfast. Do you want to have some?”


    “Sure.” She nodded faintly, offering nothing more.


    The night had visibly taken its toll. Her face seemed thinner, her jawline more defined, and shadows clung beneath her eyes.


    Eric hesitated, ready to speak, but his phone suddenly rang.


    “Hello…”


    It was Linda on the other end.


    He turned slightly away, lowering his voice. “Yes, that’s right… Alright, I understand…”


    Once the call ended, he turned back to find Hadley already seated at the table. She sat there quietly, head lowered, absently holding a cup of milk that had barely been touched.


    “Hadley.” Sliding his phone into his pocket, Eric walked over to her.


    His chest tightened as he noticed the ss of milk still nearly full, despite how long she’d been holding it.


    “I have something to take care of,” Eric said gently. “I’ll need to step out for a while.”


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    Hadley slowly lifted her head, meeting his eyes with a faint, distant smile. “You’ve got something to handle? Alright… go on.”


    “Hadley…” Eric paused as that strained smile lingered on Hadley’s face. He swallowed hard. “I’lle back as soon as I can.”


    “Go on already!” Hadley urged him, her smile stretching wider. “Don’t keep your business waiting.”


    “Fine then.” Eric gave her a long, searching look before finally turning to leave.


    The moment his back was to her, the light in Hadley’s eyes faded, and the smile slipped away without a trace.


    He left.


    Just like so many times before, she was left behind, alone to care for Joy, to carry every burden without help.


    Who had called him just now? Was it Linda?


    There was another woman in his life. In the end, his daughter could only im whatever scraps of his time and love were left.


    Drawing a deep breath, she tilted her head back and drank the milk in heavy gulps, forcing it down.


    Joy was her child. And Hadley knew better than anyone that Joy only had her to depend on.


    Down in the garage, Eric moved briskly toward his car, dialing Phillips on his phone. “It’s me.”


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