?Chapter 1353:


    “Nothing,” Eric said, still smiling. “It’s just… you’re practically a rich woman, and you’re pinching pennies over a movie?”


    “I’m just used to it,” Hadley replied lightly, hitting y. “Old habits die hard.”


    Eric’s brow furrowed, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze. Since she was fifteen and joined the Flynn family, Hadley had wanted for nothing. Why would she hold onto such frugality? What kind of habit was she talking about?


    Yet, Eric’s thoughts couldn’t linger on Hadley’s words.


    The pain was too fierce, a relentless fire coursing through him.


    It sapped his strength and muddled his mind. Slumped against the headboard, he stared at the flickering screen, groans escaping despite his efforts to stay silent. His eyelids drooped, heavy with exhaustion.


    “Eric?” Hadley’s voice cut through, sharp with concern as she caught the sound of his distress. “Is it getting worse?”


    Eric managed a weak shake of his head. “It’s… always been this bad.”


    Hadley’s heart twisted, her mind racing. “How did you even endure it?” Was there truly no other way back then instead of cutting his own finger?


    “I had to do this.” Eric shook his head with a measured slowness. “Both Ferris and Gifford aren’t the sort you can easily outwit…”


    A faint smile curved his lips. “But it was worth it. For Joy’s sake, even if this finger is gone for good, it’s a price I would dly pay. I owe her—more than I can ever repay…”


    Hadley’sposure shattered at his words. She shot to her feet, her voice trembling with fury. “Do you honestly think this makes amends?”


    “That is not what I meant!” Eric’s face paled, his voice unsteady. He rushed to rify, “I’m terrified for Joy. Gifford is merciless—I can’t bear to think what he might do to her. Every moment she is with him, she is at risk. I can’t take that chance…” He pressed on, his tone earnest. “I’m not trying to atone or prove anything. I just…”


    Hadley squeezed her eyes shut, realizing her reaction had been too sharp.


    She crumpled the tissue in her fist and flung it into the wastebasket. “You’re drenched in sweat,” she said curtly. “I’ll grab a towel.” Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the bathroom. Eric watched her go, a hollow ache settling in his chest.


    The pain gnawed at him through the night, only relenting as dawn approached.


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    The doctor had warned that difort often worsened after dark.


    “Feeling any relief?” Hadley asked, noting the ease in his expression.


    “If so, try to get some rest.”


    Eric nodded, but then hesitated, shaking his head.


    “What is wrong?” Hadley asked, her brow furrowing.


    Eric’s face creased with difort. “I’m soaked through. It’s unbearable—I can’t sleep like this.”


    His hospital gown clung to him, heavy with sweat.


    “Shall I fetch a fresh set for you to change into?” Hadley offered.


    “Yes, please,” Eric replied.


    Hadley moved to retrieve a clean set of clothes from the closet.


    With Eric’s left hand out ofmission, she didn’t hesitate to assist, deftly undoing the first two buttons before pausing, a sudden realization dawning.


    She blinked, a flush of awkwardness creeping in. “Since you’re changing, maybe you should freshen up a bit too. It would be morefortable, even without a proper shower.”


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