?Chapter 2785:


    “Are you sure? Do you want me to take you to a hospital?”


    A bitter smile tugged at Eric’s mouth. No doctor could treat the wound in his heart.


    “Or maybe”—the manager added in a shaky tone—”should I call someone to fetch you?”


    Eric’s patience thinned under the constant stream of words.


    Before he couldsh out, his phone began to ring. The name on the screen was Ernest.


    “Hello,” said Eric as he picked up the call.


    “Ernest.”


    “Yes.” Ernest stood at the window of his home, his eyes drifting toward the dining room where supper waited to be served.


    “Where are you? You left so suddenly. Did something happen?”


    A dry, bitterugh escaped Eric, serving as his only reply.


    A sharp unease crawled across Ernest’s skin.


    “I asked you a question!”


    “Ernest…” The hollowughter slipped away, leaving Eric’s voice drained of life.


    “You were wrong.”


    “What?” Ernest blinked, confused by the sudden turn in conversation.


    “What you told me before…” Eric’s throat constricted, every word dragging painfully out.


    “It isn’t true. In fact, the Gomez family isn’t like the Moran family. July… she truly cares for Hadley.” His bitter shake dismissed the thought.


    “You’re wrong, Ernest. She never once looked down on Hadley.”


    Puzzled, Ernest tightened his grip on the phone.


    “What makes you so certain?”


    “I witnessed it myself!” cried Eric, and even over the line, Ernest caught the unease threaded through his tone.


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    Ernest’s brow furrowed.


    “What exactly did you see?”


    “She was…” Eric’s breath slipped out unevenly.


    “Hadley is sharing a meal with Ellis and his mother.”


    The pieces finally fell into ce for Ernest—Eric had chased after Hadley.


    “Ernest.” Eric’s voice thinned to a rasp, torn between augh and a sob.


    “This is the end. I’ve lost everything.”


    Hadley’s heart wasn’t his. And the Gomez family weed her with open arms.


    Staggered by the truth, Eric muttered, “That’s how it should be. Hadley… she’s everything good in this world…”


    Ernest’s frown tightened.


    “Tell me where you are right now.”


    Eric stared nkly at the ground before answering in a t tone, “Winterley Restaurant.”


    “Understood.” Ernest’s voice took onmand.


    “Stay put. Don’t leave. I’lle for you.”


    “What’s this, Ernest? You’re actually worried about me?” A frail chuckle slipped out of Eric.


    Before Ernest could speak, Eric pressed on, “Don’t bother. I’ll be fine.”


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