?Chapter 2796:


    So long as he waited, he believed her heart would eventually soften.


    After cing the bags neatly in the trunk, Ellis slid into the driver’s seat and asked, “Ready to go?”


    “I am.”


    The car soon pulled away, heading straight for White Lake Prison.


    Upon reaching the facility, Hadley went inside to visit Chelsey, while Ellis diverted his attention to official matters. It caught Hadley off guard—was he truly here for work?


    “That look on your face,” Ellis said with a knowing smile.


    “You think I made that up, don’t you?”


    Tilting a little closer, he lowered his voice.


    “I’d never lie to you. I already promised not to let you endure pain again—why would I break that by deceiving you?”


    Ellis gave a light smile as he stepped back.


    “I need to handle some work now. I’ll see you shortly.”


    Without waiting for her reply, he was the first to walk away. Left standing there, Hadley exhaled quietly before heading inside.


    When Chelsey appeared, Hadley carried on as usual, asking gently about her recent days.


    “I’ve been fine, Hadley,” Chelsey answered with sincerity.


    Ever since Hadley began visiting regrly, the weight of prison life had eased, making things more bearable.


    “I’m grateful to you.”


    “You don’t need to thank me.” Hadley’s smile was tender, her gaze softening as she spoke.


    “Chelsey.”


    “What is it?” Chelsey asked, her expression shifting when she caught the subtle hesitation in Hadley’s tone.


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    “Hadley… is there something you’re trying to say to me?”


    “Yes…” Hadley’s eyes lingered on her, and after a brief silence, she finally spoke.


    “Gifford has been taken into custody.”


    Chelsey froze at the words.


    News like that had not yet reached her behind these walls.


    Hadley went on, her voice steady.


    “The arrest just happened. What follows will be a long and difficult interrogation.”


    Chelsey managed a nod.


    “That’s for the best.”


    She was well aware that Gifford had been responsible for hurting Elissa.


    The thought unsettled Chelsey, and a faint crease formed between her brows.


    “Chelsey.” Drawing in a deep breath, Hadley gathered her courage. In all the times she hade, she had never mentioned Linda. But today, she said, “If Gifford admits to everything, then Linda… she won’t escape the consequences.”


    Chelsey’s lips tightened, but she gave no reply.


    Recognizing the turmoil in her, Hadley chose not to press the matter any further.


    Her voice stayed steady as she said, “I’m certain you weren’t the one who nned all this. No, you didn’t mean to hurt me, but Linda did. Her actions nearly killed me, and she is the reason someone as young as you now carries a criminal record.”


    Color drained from Chelsey’s face. Her lips parted a little.


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