?Chapter 1260:


    “Hadley.”


    Hadley’s reaction didn’t escape Eric. His brow creased slightly, but his voice grew even gentler, coaxing.


    “That half brick you wielded tonight… do you always carry it in your bag?”


    Hadley’s eyes snapped up, locking onto his. Her lips tightened, but no words came.


    “It’s true, isn’t it?”


    Hadley’s expression all but confirmed it. Eric’s throat tightened, his voice steady but searching.


    “Hadley, why do you keep a half-brick with you?”


    Their gazes held, unspoken questions hanging between them.


    The room grew still, the silence thick.


    Hadley’s heartbeat thundered in her ears, her chest rising and falling with quickened breaths. Should she confide in him?


    Could she trust him with it?


    Was it safe to let him in?


    A sudden chime of the doorbell shattered the moment.


    Eric’s jaw tightened. Who could be visiting at this hour? And why now, of all times?


    “Hold on. Let me check,” Eric said, rising.


    Ate-night visitor was likely Phillips or Cordell, and it wouldn’t be for something trivial.


    Sure enough, it was Cordell.


    Eric opened the door, ncing back to ensure Hadley was out of earshot before lowering his voice. “What’s up?”


    “Sir,” Cordell said with a sly grin, “we’ve tracked down Remy Deleon. The guy’s not exactly a mastermind—didn’t take long to pin him down.”


    Remy, the security guard from Gnt, had uploaded Hadley and Duran’s pictures online.


    Eric’s brow furrowed. “Did you bring him here?”


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    “Indeed!” Cordell confirmed, his head bobbing. “He’s near the garden entrance.”


    Without Remy’s capture, Cordell would never have considered interrupting Eric at such ate hour.


    “Okay, I’ll head there shortly.”


    Eric knew he had to wait for Hadley to finish eating and ensure she returned safely before addressing the situation.


    Surprisingly, Hadley emerged from the dining area. She caught snippets of their talk, particrly the mention of Remy. “Did you locate him?”


    “Hadley?” Eric swung around. “Did you catch that?”


    “I did.” Hadley moved closer, her gaze lifting to his. “Will you go meet him? I want toe along!”


    It was of great importance to her; she needed to identify the person she had inadvertently upset.


    “Hadley.” Eric took her hand, saying, “Please, finish eating first.”


    “Are you trying to keep me from going?” Hadley’s brow creased in confusion. “Why would you do that? This involves me directly. I deserve to know what’s happening—I need to be there.” Her expression began to darken with irritation.


    “No.” Eric, feeling cornered, shook his head. “It’s not that you can’te.”


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