?Chapter 2784:


    Hadley fell silent, unease stirring within her.


    She hadn’t expected July to treat even Joy this way.


    There wasn’t a trace of disdain, only thoughtful generosity.


    As her hesitation lingered, July’s smile deepened.


    “I’ve told you—I’ve always wanted a daughter. Now, thanks to Ellis, I have both you and Joy. How wonderful could life be?”


    Hadley forced a faint smile.


    “You’re too kind.”


    July’s kindness reflected the Gomez family’s stance—so starkly different from how the Morans had treated her years ago.


    And yet, rather than easing her heart, it only grew heavier—like an unseen stone pressing upon her chest, each breath suddenly harder to draw.


    In the surveince room, Eric sat frozen, his eyes fixed on the screen.


    The air around him felt unnaturally still, thick with an unspoken chill.


    The surveince monitors revealed every detail inside the private room, leaving nothing hidden from Eric’s eyes.


    Still as a statue, he remained in his chair, his rigid frame exuding an icy pressure that unsettled the air itself.


    Nobody in the control room dared to breathe too loudly, their nervous nces flicking toward the manager in quiet desperation.


    With no other choice, the manager edged forward and forced a thin smile.


    “Mr. Scott, do you want me to—”


    His words were cut short when Eric spun on his heel and walked out swiftly, not bothering to speak.


    “Mr. Scott?”


    The manager, startled, rushed after him, watching his pale features with growing unease.


    “Are you feeling alright?”


    ?????? ???????? ????????????????: g??????ν?????????????


    “I’m fine,” said Eric, his frown deepening as he shook his head.


    “Go back. Don’te after me.”


    The manager quickly agreed with a nod, though he lingered a few paces away, keeping watch.


    Eric managed one step forward, and then another.


    His strength suddenly gave out, and his knees buckled beneath him.


    “Mr. Scott!” The manager darted to his side, grasping his arm in rm.


    “What happened?”


    Eric could hardly believe it himself.


    Was he truly so weak that he couldn’t even remain on his feet?


    Yet the thought carried a bitter logic.


    A hollow ache filled his chest, and his legs sagged without strength, making bnce hopeless.


    Eric shut his eyes and drew in a breath that rattled through his chest.


    A few seconds passed before a faint steadiness returned to him. Jerking his arm free from the manager’s grasp, he muttered, “I’m fine. Leave me.”


    “But—” The manager faltered.


    .


    .


    .