?Chapter 2788:


    “The police were the ones who came across it,” Ernest replied.


    “It was used as evidence, but they’ve already released it.” He went on, saying, “Cristian was the one who picked it up from the station.”


    Earlier that evening, Cristian had stopped by the Flynn Mansion to deliver it. Since Eric wasn’t home, he had entrusted it to Ernest instead.


    “Oh,” Eric said once he realized.


    “I appreciate it.”


    The bag slipped into his pocket as he lowered his head and went back to his meal.


    With a heavy motion, he scooped up a mouthful and stuffed it in, his cheeks swelling as he chewed.


    Ernest couldn’t watch any longer. He shifted away, the sight of Eric forcing down food too much for him.


    Trouble still lingered between Eric and Hadley.


    As for Ernest, he was struggling in his own way.


    Both of them seemed to carry more misfortune than they deserved.


    Once the meal ended, the two headed upstairs together, and then split off into their own rooms.


    Exhaustion pulled Eric down onto the mattress, and he let his eyes fall shut.


    From his pocket, he drew out the stic bag and carefully slid the whistle free.


    The peach pit remained whole, though the red string had already broken apart.


    With the whistle gripped tightly in his hand, Eric rose and walked into the closet. From a drawer, he pulled out the red diamond ring. The snapped string was threaded carefully through the ring’s loop.


    A gentle clink followed.


    The peach pit met the diamond ring, their gentle tap sounding almost delicate.


    Soon after, Eric secured the frayed string with a knot and ced it on a hook in front of the mirror.


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    His finger reached forward to nudge it lightly.


    Together, the ring and peach pit swayed side by side.


    A faint smile touched Eric’s lips.


    “They belong together.” Still, the truth lingered—these two could only stay here on disy.


    Since Hadley would never wear that ring, the peach pit would keep itpany here.


    The following morning, Hadley left her room with the intention of waking Joy.


    From the staircase below, Eric appeared, and they ended up meeting in the hallway.


    “Eric.” Hadley offered him a small smile.


    “Would you mind going to wake Joy? I’ll head to the kitchen and see how breakfast ising along.”


    “No problem.” Eric gave a nod.


    They moved past one another, one turning into the room while the other descended the stairs.


    When Hadley finished in the kitchen, Kira came over with something to discuss, drawing her toward the living room.


    When Hadley returned, the cheerful sound of Eric’s and Joy’s voices carried out from the dining room.


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