?Chapter 1389:


    “Linda?” he called again, his tone gentle but unmistakably firm. “Would you mind waiting on the balcony for a moment?”


    Ernest hadn’t raised his voice. He didn’t need to. There was a quiet authority in the way he spoke—polite, but resolute.


    “Sure,” Linda replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Without protest, she turned her wheelchair and headed toward the balcony, giving them the space they asked for.


    Ernest watched her go, his eyes fixed on her until she reached the balcony and the sliding door shut behind her. Only then did he rx enough to speak.


    The room was silent. The soundproofing kept everything inside these walls. Now, he could speak openly with his brother.


    “Ernest,” Eric nced around, confused. He wasn’t the only one thrown off by the situation. “What is it you’re not saying? Why send her out?” If this were about Linda, shouldn’t she be here to face it?


    “Eric.” Ernest met his eyes, struggling to pull the right words together. If things hadn’t gone this far, he might have chosen to carry the truth alone until the end of the world.


    “Ernest?” Eric leaned forward, noticing the hesitation. “What’s going on? You’re holding back—why?”


    “Well…” Ernest finally exhaled, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. “It all started five years ago…”


    The two brothers sat across from one another, the air between them heavy. Even with Linda out on the balcony, Ernest kept his voice low, deliberately quiet—he wasn’t taking any chances she might overhear.


    “And that’s everything. That’s the truth.”


    After hearing it all, Eric sat inplete shock. He didn’t blink, didn’t move—like he’d turned to stone. Words escaped him entirely.


    “Eric.” Ernest’s voice wavered, heavy with guilt. “This is on me. I failed you… failed Hadley… and failed Linda too.”


    His actions ended up hurting more people than he could ever imagine.


    “Eric.” Ernest’s brows drew together, his face clouded with frustration and regret. “I’m not someone who gets everything right. All I’ve ever been able to do is try my best.”


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    Ernest sighed and continued, his voice rough around the edges, “Hadley’s suffered more than she ever should’ve. I’ll return the money to her. I’ll make things right…”


    “No,” Eric finally responded, shaking his head slowly. His face was pale, his expression stiff, but his eyes were filled with quiet regret and a deep, aching sympathy for Hadley.


    He said, “Ernest, Hadley doesn’t need your money. She’s notcking anything now.” And he was right.


    Ernest knew that, too. Hadley wasn’t someone who needed financial help anymore. She was with Eric now, and wealth was never her concern.


    Still, the apology pressed at Ernest’s chest like a weight he couldn’t shake. His voice came out strained. “I’m sorry. Just tell me if I can do anything for either of you.”


    “You don’t have to keep apologizing, Ernest,” Eric replied, forcing a faint smile. “The one who really failed Hadley was me… not you. And anything I do for you, it’s only right. It’s what I owe you.”


    When Ernest brought him home, Eric made a promise—a quiet, unshakable vow to protect Ernest forever, no matter what.


    .<fn37e6> Original content can be found at FιndNovel</fn37e6>


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