?Chapter 2723:


    Hadley’s expression tightened.


    “But Eric’s case is still unresolved.”


    “Rest assured,” Ellis said firmly, trying tofort her.


    “After I leave, another officer will step in without dy.”


    Hadley froze in surprise.


    His exnation was reasonable, yet the idea of such a major change in the middle of the investigation of an open case unsettled her deeply.


    Watching her distracted look, Ellis couldn’t help thinking that anyone else who didn’t know better might assume she hated the thought of him leaving.


    The truth, however, was far less ttering.


    A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips. Her thoughts were with her former husband.


    What she truly feared was that a different investigator might ce Eric at a disadvantage.


    “Don’t worry.” Ellis forced down his frustration and gentled his voice.


    “If I’m reassigned, the officer whoes after me will stick to protocol. Whether I remain chief or another takes my ce, the process will not change.”


    Cristian appeared down the hallway at that precise moment.


    “Mr. Gomez, I can see you’re overwhelmed with work, so I won’t take up any more of your valuable time.” Hadley spoke in a rushed, breathless manner.


    “Wait—” Ellis barely managed to force out the beginning of a response before the words died in his throat. Hadley had already swept past him, her footsteps echoing down the corridor as she hurried toward her destination.


    He pivoted to watch her retreating figure.


    Hadley rushed to close the distance between herself and Cristian, tilting her face upward with desperate hope.


    “Am I permitted to see him now?”


    “Of course.” Cristian nodded, gesturing for her to follow as he guided her through the secure entrance.


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    “However, food or beverages are strictly prohibited in this area.”


    “That won’t be an issue.” Hadley agreed with a vigorous nod.


    “I only need to see him and speak with him—nothing more.”


    “Follow me…”


    Within the sterile visiting room, Eric upied his assigned chair, his entire being focused on listening for the telltale sound of approaching footsteps and the door’s mechanical release.


    The moment Hadley crossed the threshold, she imed the chair directly across from Eric and settled her handbag protectively in herp.


    “You came to see me?”


    Eric’s appearance had improved dramatically since theirst encounter—color had returned to hisplexion and tension had eased from his shoulders, allowing Hadley to release the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.


    With the case’s resolution still hanging in limbo, maintaining his mental strength had be absolutely vital—he had to endure whatevery ahead.


    Eric’s gaze immediately swept over Hadley’s empty hands, and disappointment flickered across his features.


    “You didn’t bring me soup today?”


    Recently, that particr vor had dominated his thoughts, bing the onefort he yearned for above all others.


    “I did prepare some,” Hadley confirmed with understanding, “but since food consumption is forbidden in this facility, I left it secured in the vehicle. I’ll make sure you receive it afterward.”


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