?Chapter 2742:


    He knew Ellis harbored feelings for Hadley. But there was something different in the way Ellis looked at Hadley now, something Ernest couldn’t quite ce.


    As for Hadley, she seemed oblivious to Ellis’ presence, her thoughts elsewhere.


    Was he reading too much into it?


    Atst, footsteps echoed down the hall. Ferris and Cristian reappeared.


    “Mr. Scott,” Hadley rushed forward, her voice trembling with hope.


    “How did it go?”


    Those words had be her mantra in recent days.


    “Did Bianca speak?” she asked eagerly.


    “She did,” Ferris said with a weary but relieved nod.


    “She broke.”


    “Mr. Flynn, Miss Pearson,” Cristian added, “Bianca has agreed to cooperate. The police will take it over from here and get her statement.”


    Their task was to make Bianca speak. The details, however, would need to be entrusted to the police.


    Hadley’s eyes flicked to Ellis.


    “Don’t worry,” Ellis said with a quick nod.


    “I’ll check on things now. I’ll keep you posted.”


    With that, he turned and strode off, purpose in his steps. Though reassigned and unable to lead the questioning, he could still observe—a right he intended to use.


    Hadley watched him go, her heart whispering a prayer for everything to fall into ce.


    Beside her, Ernest studied her, his brow furrowing once more, sensing something off.


    Roughly half an hourter, Ellis returned.


    Hadley’s heart skipped a beat as she stood.


    “Is it done already?”


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    “No,” Ellis said, shaking his head.


    “It’s only just begun.”


    He had stepped out solely because he knew Hadley was waiting, her nerves frayed.


    “Bianca has started confessing, though it may take a while… The night is wearing on. You—” Ellis paused, casting a nce at Ernest and the others.


    “Mr. Flynn, Mr. Scott, perhaps it’s best you all retire for the evening.”


    “No need for that!” Hadley’s brow furrowed as she shook her head firmly.


    “We’ll stay right here.”


    “Allow me to exin,” Ellis said, leaning in slightly, his voice calm but resolute.


    “Bianca’s statement is still underway, but words alone won’t suffice. Everything she says must be thoroughly corroborated.”


    Lowering his tone to a near whisper, he continued, “Only once her ims are verified can Eric be released. That won’t happen tonight—it’s a process that demands time.”


    The weight of his words settled over Hadley. So, that was they of thend?


    She exchanged a look with Ernest, who in turn nced at Cristian for guidance.


    “Indeed,” Cristian affirmed with a nod.


    “Mr. Flynn, Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson—why not heed Mr. Gomez’s advice and rest for now? I’ll remain here to keep watch.”


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