?Chapter 1806:


    “There’s no need for that.” A bitter smile curved Eric’s lips as he spoke. “Measured against all the suffering she’s endured because of me, my contributions pale into insignificance. I’m simply thankful that I can still find ways to help her.”


    His deepest fear centered on the inevitable day when Hadley would no longer require his presence in her life. The warning signs had already begun to surface, hadn’t they?


    The following morning arrived—the day of the relocation ceremony.


    Hadley rose before dawn, the darkness still thick around her.


    Just as she descended the staircase, Colleen’s arrival interrupted the morning quiet.


    “Colleen, good morning.” Hadley greeted her, but then her gaze shifted past Colleen with unmistakable surprise. Why was Zane here too?


    “Well, here’s the situation…” Colleen drew Hadley aside, her voice dropping to an exnatory whisper. “We’re severely outnumbered on our side, and Elissa and I are both women. While Brady will be present, his loyalties ultimately belong to the Jenkins family.”


    They ced their faith in Bradypletely, yet no one could promise that his rtives wouldn’t createplications.


    “I decided we needed a man’s presence for support, so I asked my cousin to join us,” Colleen added.


    “Hadley.” Zane’s gentle smile apanied a respectful nod. “I apologize for the presumption of arriving without seeking your permission first.”


    “Not at all.” Hadley shook her head with immediate reassurance. “Your willingness to be here shows tremendous kindness, and I’m deeply grateful.”


    Unfortunately, she hadpletely forgotten to mention to Colleen that Ernest would be attending today’s ceremony to support her.


    “Actually…”


    Stories live now on g?lnσν???s.cοm


    The words had barely begun to form when the doorbell’s chime cut through the morning air.


    Ernest stood waiting on the other side.


    “Ernest.”


    Hadley pulled the door wide and gestured for him to enter.


    “I haven’t kept everyone waiting, have I?” Ernest asked as he stepped across the threshold.


    “No, we still have plenty of time.”<fn160f> For original chapters go to FindN()vel</fn160f>


    “Perfect.” Ernest nodded with relief. “Locke came along as well. Elissa is cradling him in the car since he’s still sleeping, so I left them there rather than disturbing his rest. Should we head out directly when we’re ready, or…”


    Mid-sentence, his attention shifted to Colleen and Zane standing nearby. While Colleen remained unfamiliar to him, his previous encounters with Zane were still fresh in his memory.


    “Mr. Hayes.”


    “Mr. Flynn.”


    “Ernest, Zane, you two are already acquainted?” Hadley’s gaze moved between them with interest. “Then introductions aren’t necessary. Ernest, this is…” Her gesture indicated Colleen.


    “I know exactly who she is.” Ernest interrupted before the introduction could continue, his recognition immediate. “You must be Dr. Colleen Hayes, correct? Elissa speaks of you frequently.”


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