Chapter 1340:


    When they made it downstairs, Phillips and Cordell were already waiting.


    Cordell stepped forward and offered a respectful nod. “Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson… we’ve located Gifford’s hideout. But Joy is with him. Our team didn’t move in—they were waiting on your word.”<fne197> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find{n}ovel</fne197>


    “Get in. Show me the way.”


    “Yes, Mr. Scott.”


    With one hand holding Hadley’s, Eric helped her into the car before sliding in beside her.


    Cordell and Phillips took the lead, their vehicle pulling ahead.


    Hadley sat tense and still, her fingers interlocked so tightly her knuckles had gone white. She barely breathed, as if any sound might shatter the fragile hope she was clinging to.


    The car sped away from Milnd Road, weaving through the old town, cutting across the heart of the city, and finally slipping into the quiet edges of the suburbs.


    Finally, it stopped.


    When it stopped, Hadley stepped out and looked around.


    If not for someone leading the way, she would never have known this corner of Srixby even existed.


    “Mr. Scott.” Cordell approached, holding a phone out toward Eric. “He’s on the line.”


    “Alright.” Eric gave a short nod and took the device. “Hello.”


    “Brother,” came the voice on the other end—unfamiliar, butced with a smug familiarity. There was a smile behind it, cold and mocking. “Long time, huh? You always had the patience of a saint back in the Scott house. I knew there was steel under that calm.”


    Eric didn’t give him the satisfaction of ying along. His brows pulled tight as he cut in, his voice sharp. “Where is my daughter?”


    Gifford’s tone shifted like someone pretending to recall a lost detail. “Right, your little girl. Slipped my mind. She’s adorable, you know? Have your eyes. Anyone looking at her would never guess she’s not your blood.”


    The more Gifford spoke, the more Eric’s anger red, each word pushing him closer to the edge.


    Your imagination thrives at  punt


    “Gifford!” His voice dropped, low and sharp. “What did you do to my daughter?”


    “Oh! Easy now… No need to shout. What’s got you so worked up?” Gifford replied with mock surprise. “Rx, she’s fine—for now. She’s asleep. Peaceful, really. But…”


    His voice suddenly shifted, the amusement vanishing.


    “Whether she stays that way depends entirely on how much her dear father is willing to prove he cares.”


    “Gifford! Whatever you want—take it out on me. Leave my daughter out of it.”


    “Perfect,” Gifford said smoothly. “Thene inside. Let’s have a little chat. Just you and me. Alone. If I see anyone else—” He didn’t finish the sentence, but he didn’t have to. Gifford had Joy. That left Eric with no room to negotiate.


    “Alright.”


    After ending the call, he turned to Cordell and Phillips. “I’m going in alone. Stay out here and keep your eyes sharp.”


    His eyes shifted to Hadley, and his tone softened just enough. “Make sure she’s safe.”


    “Sir—”


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    Message from Noah: Great wednesday loved ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ?? ? – ? ) ?


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