?Chapter 1186:


    His heavy brows knitted as he nced at Cordell.


    “Mr. Scott?”


    Ferris’ eyes flickered, calcting something. After a brief pause, he ordered, “Go fetch Linda.”


    Cordell hesitated, casting a confused look inside. “But aren’t you aware? Mr. Scott likes that one in there.”


    “He likes her?” Ferris scoffed. “Love can sometimes be a poison.” Wasn’t Eric’s condition proof enough?


    “He’s the only son I’ve got worth anything. I want him to live a long life.” He gestured dismissively at Cordell. “Do as I say!”


    “Yes, sir,” Cordell replied, asking no more and leaving to follow orders.


    Ferris narrowed his eyes, peering inside.


    His bond with Eric was fragile, unable to endure further strain. He resolved to stay out of his son’s love life for now.


    Hadley was led by guards to a sofa in the outer room, where she sat in silence.


    Minutes dragged on, and her unease grew.


    Cordell had rushed to find her in Joy’s hospital room, and she had left her phone behind.


    She hadn’t even notified Melba when she was taken away.


    They would be frantic if they couldn’t reach her.


    Hadley turned to a guard. “May I use a phone?”


    “No,” the bodyguard replied tly. “Mr. Aston’s orders were that you stay in here and not contact anyone outside.”


    A phone call? To summon help?


    The guards weren’t concerned, but they would rather avoidplications.


    Hadley’s frustration red, and she tried to reason. “My daughter…”


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    The hospital room door swung open at that moment.


    Linda appeared.


    Hadley looked up, and their eyes locked, both startled.


    Linda’s brow creased, her mouth opening to speak, but then she noticed something odd. Why was Hadley restrained?


    She maneuvered her wheelchair closer, studying Hadley and the nearby guards.


    A spark lit her eyes, and sheughed sharply. “Hadley, don’t tell me you’re here against your will, dragged here by Ferris?”


    Her gaze hardened, her tone biting. “Eric’s in this state because of you, and you couldn’t even bother to visit him?”


    Hadley gave Linda a cool nce and then leaned back on the sofa, shutting her eyes.


    She and Linda could never speak without shing.


    Words between them always sparked an argument.


    This was a hospital, and Eric was still inside, his life hanging in the bnce. Thest thing Hadley wanted now was another sh with Linda.


    Feeling snubbed, Linda froze, but then clenched her jaw and let out a soft sneer. “I’m here for Eric—why waste my time on you?” She turned her wheelchair and headed inside.


    Just then, a nurse emerged from the room.


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