?Chapter 1689:


    “Melba,” Hadley addressed the girl’s nanny with quiet authority. “I have an errand requiring my immediate attention. Should Joy awaken during my absence, please inform her of my temporary departure and providepanionship until my return.”


    “Certainly,” Melba responded, her warm smile conveying absolute reliability. “Consider it handled without concern.”


    With arrangements secured, Hadley departed the residence with purposeful strides.


    “Take me to Dr. Perkins’ medical practice,” she instructed Tamara with practicedposure.


    “Of course, Miss Pearson,” Tamara acknowledged, though curiosity flickered unmistakably across her features.


    Anticipating scrutiny, Hadley offered a carefully constructed exnation. “I’m collecting prescription medication on Elissa’s behalf—her work schedule prevents personal visits to the clinic.”


    Leaving Tamara uninformed would inevitably result in detailed reports to Eric—aplication she desperately needed to avoid. Providentially, her previous apaniment of Elissa to medical appointments provided usible credibility to her fabricated excuse.


    “Very good, Miss Pearson,” Tamara replied, apparently satisfied with the reasonable exnation.


    Predictably, Tamara harbored no suspicions about the fabricated excuse. Even if Tamara reported this excursion to Eric, the carefully constructed exnation would withstand scrutiny.


    “We can proceed now.”


    “Certainly, Miss Pearson.”


    While settling into the vehicle’s leather interior, Hadley cast a wary nce over her shoulder. The trailing sedan typically amodated her standard security detail of two men, yet today’splement had mysteriously doubled to four operatives.<fnd4bd> Chapters first released on find?novel</fnd4bd>


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    “What prompted this change?” Hadley’s brow furrowed as she fixed Tamara with a questioning stare. “Why has my protection detail suddenly doubled?”


    “Indeed,” Tamara confirmed with a respectful nod. “Mr. Brown implemented these additional security measures, citing recent agitation from the Scott brothers. The enhanced personnel should guarantee yourplete protection.”


    Could that exnation be trusted? Hadley remained uncertain whether legitimate threats from the Scott family warranted this precaution or whether Eric’s anxieties had motivated the increase in surveince. Regardless of the motivation, additional eyes now monitored her every movement with professional vignce.


    Their convoy departed smoothly, navigating through morning traffic toward the medical district.


    Inside the sterile confines of the clinic, Hamza’s surprise was evident upon encountering Hadley’s unexpected arrival. Her unscheduled presence triggered immediate confusion.


    “Hadley?” His voice carried bewilderment. “Have youe regarding…?” Memory stirred as he consulted his mental schedule. “Elissa has no appointment scheduled today—or have I somehow confused the dates?” His gaze swept the reception area, seeking Elissa’s familiar presence among the sparse gathering of patients.


    “Your memory serves correctly, Dr. Perkins,” Hadley replied, managing a strained smile. “Elissa indeed has no scheduled session. I’vee seeking consultation for myself.”


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