?Chapter 2022:


    The doctor frowned. “Given his condition, he needs to be more cautious. What’s got him so worked up this time?”


    “Something happened,” Phillips said, evasive. He couldn’t bring himself to exin it—not yet.


    He had only just gotten off the phone with Tamara, trying to piece together what had gone wrong. To be fair, Hadley wasn’tpletely to me. From her perspective, everything had indeed pointed straight at Eric. But this time, it hadn’t been him.


    Eric knew that. Knew he couldn’t prove it. And that helplessness—the injustice of it—had pushed him past his limits.


    The doctor exhaled, resigned. “Try to convince him. That surgery—his life—should take precedence over everything else.” Phillips had no answer.


    Eric had always been immovable, a man who didn’t bend for anyone. And with only a 50% chance of surviving the operation, it wasn’t just fear—he simply had to make every possible arrangement for his loved ones before he could put himself at fate’s mercy.


    Through the slightly ajar door, Megan had heard every word. She turned back to Eric, watching him sleep, his face finally calm.


    Sitting down beside him, she whispered, almost to herself, “What’s it going to take to make you say yes to the surgery?”


    She had a sinking feeling. If anyone could reach him now, it wasn’t her. It was Hadley.


    Jewel Avenue.


    Since returning home, Hadley had been a shadow of herself—distracted, her thoughts wrapped entirely around Eric. By now, he should be out of the emergency room. But with no updates and no way to know how he was doing, all she could do was hope—and pray—that he was okay.


    The sudden chime of the doorbell jolted her from her spiraling thoughts.


    A maid went to answer. “Yes? May I help you?”


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    “I’m here to see Hadley!”


    Hadley froze. She knew that voice—Megan.


    She hadn’t expected Megan toe to her—especially not like this. It could only mean that something had happened to Eric.


    Her heart tightening, Hadley rose from the sofa.


    “Let her in,” she said quickly.


    “Yes, ma’am.” As the maid opened the door, a new worry struck Hadley.


    She turned, calling after the maid, “Wait—go upstairs and tell Melba to keep Joy up there for now.”


    “Right away.” The maid nodded and ascended the stairs, disappearing around thending.


    Hadley stood still,posed on the surface but bracing herself on the inside. Her tone was cool but edged with protectiveness. “Why are you here? Whatever you’vee to say—please remember, my daughter is here, and she’s just a child. Speak gently—I don’t want you to frighten her.”


    She wasn’t intimidated by Megan—not with Tamara and the security team close by. But that didn’t mean she would let her guard down.


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