?Chapter 2767:


    “All I’m saying is that this isn’t over… and you might still have a chance.”


    Eric stared at him, momentarily dazed.


    “What’s with that look?” Ernest narrowed his eyes.


    “Do you… resent that Hadley was with Ellis?”


    “How could I?” Eric shook his head at once, his lips bitter. If Hadley didn’t hate him already, it would be a blessing.


    “I just…” Eric’s voice faltered.


    “Ernest… I’m afraid there really isn’t a chance anymore.”


    It was all just Ernest’s spection.


    And back then, when Hadley was with Denver—her separation from him had beenrgely because of his interference.


    Would he resort to the same scheme again?


    A sound drifted from the entrance.


    N and Hadley had returned from their walk.


    “Shall we wash our hands first?”


    “Alright.”


    Arm in arm, they passed through the living room, a fleeting glimpse to Eric and Ernest.


    Eric let out a strained smile.


    “Ernest, I can’t treat her the way I did when she was with Denver.”


    He had to admit it—back then, he had been overbearing, arrogant, selfish.


    To put it inly, his feelings for her had been shallow. But now, it was different.


    Eric shook his head, his brows furrowed.


    “I can’t hurt her again. I can’t force her anymore.”


    He closed his eyes, letting out a long breath.


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    Losing Hadley felt like being thrown into a bottomless abyss.


    Watching him, Ernest fell silent.


    Eric had truly changed.


    Though, to him, it made little sense.


    If he loved her, shouldn’t he fight for her? Shouldn’t he do everything in his power to keep her by his side? If he let her slip away, then what was that love worth?


    “Ernest, enjoy your breakfast.” Eric’s appetite was gone. He dabbed his mouth with a napkin and rose to his feet.


    “Where are you going?”


    “To see Joy.”


    When Eric reached Crimson House, Joy was still asleep. He knew her routine, yet he came anyway, clinging to the chance she might be awake.


    As he descended the stairs toward the entrance, the door opened.


    Hadley had just returned.


    Eric froze, his hands tightening inside his pockets.


    She caught sight of him and stiffened, her smile faint and uneasy.


    “Here to see Joy?”


    “Yes,” Eric said with a nod.


    “She won’t wake this early.” Hadley’s voice dropped.


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