?Chapter 1657:


    “All right.” Eric downed it in one go.


    At once, Hadley passed him a piece of candied fruit. “Finish up what you were doing. I’ll take the tray down.”


    “Okay. I’m nearly done anyway. I’ll join you soon.”


    “No problem.” Hadley walked out, closing the door behind her.


    As soon as she was gone, Eric’s rxed expression disappeared.


    He picked up his phone again and quickly called Ernest.


    “Hey, Eric.”


    “Ernest!”


    Without dy, Eric exined what had just happened.


    “Why would Linda suddenly bring up Robin? What is she trying to pull?”


    “I have no idea,” Ernest replied in a deep voice. “She’s not even in the country. Whatever she’s thinking, she can’t do much from that far.”


    “True,” Eric mumbled, but the uneasy feeling wouldn’t go away. “Still… keep an eye on things. If anything feels off, just let me know.”


    “I will,” Ernest said.


    After the call ended, Eric rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to shake the feeling that something was brewing. Hopefully, Ernest could handle it without issues.


    He considered for a moment whether to tell Hadley. But then he decided against it.


    Ever since Linda had left the country, Hadley had been more at ease—smiling more, humming while she worked, excited about the wedding. Better not ruin her mood.<fn2115> Official source is find?novel</fn2115>


    The next morning, Eric rose with the dawn, taking care not to rouse Hadley, who slumbered peacefully, her cheeks glowing with a soft warmth.


    He gently lifted the nket, cing his feet on the cool floor, when a faint murmur drifted from behind him.


    g?lnσν???s．c????, a world of tales


    “Mmm…”


    Eric spun around, catching sight of Hadley, eyes still closed, rolling over and stretching her legs from beneath the covers.


    She hadn’t stirred awake.


    A faint frown creased his brow as he tucked the nket back over her exposed legs. Hadley had a habit of kicking off the covers, and Eric couldn’t help but worry she would catch a chill.


    It was a small concern, yet he found quiet joy in tending to herfort.


    Once assured that she wasfortably settled, Eric glided out of the room with the finesse of a fleeting shadow, careful not to stir her slumber.


    He retreated to his own room to freshen up and prepare for the day ahead.


    As he was dressing, his phone pierced the quiet with its ring—it was Ernest on the line.


    “Hey, Ernest.” Eric greeted.


    “Eric.” Ernest’s voice carried a weight of worry. “Linda has vanished from Mayo Hospital.”


    “What?” Eric’s brow creased in disbelief. What could Ernest possibly mean?


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