?Chapter 2828:


    He inclined his head toward Eric.


    “Thank you for shedding light on this. I’ll head back at once and question Gifford myself.”


    Eric nodded in return, his tone sincere.


    “I appreciate your effort.”


    “Hadley.” Before stepping away, Ellis turned to her.


    “I’m leaving now. Wait for my news.”


    “Alright.” Hadley gave a small nod, seeing him to the door.


    “Please, take care.”


    “Mm. Go back inside now.”


    Eric lingered behind her, close enough to catch her if she wavered.


    He felt no trace of jealousy—there was no room for it in a moment like this. All he feared was that she might copse again.


    Only when Ellis’ figure receded into the distance did Eric speak softly, “Come on, let’s go in. Standing here in the wind won’t do you any good.”


    He reached out his hand.


    “Shall I help you?”


    “Okay.” Hadley didn’t resist. She gave a faint nod.


    Still dazed, she lifted her gaze to him.


    “Do you think it really was Gifford? There should be news soon… shouldn’t there?”


    “Let’s hope so.” Eric steadied her by the arm, his eyes lingering on the pallor of her face. Ellis’ warning echoed in his mind.


    “You need to stay strong. News coulde any moment. We must be ready to bring Joy and Locke home.”


    His voice softened, nearly a whisper.


    “Joy must be terrified. When we find her, she’ll cry for her mother. She needs you. So you have to take care of yourself—for her sake.”


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    “Yes.” Hadley’s reply was quiet but resolute.


    “You’re right. I have to stay strong for her.”


    She couldn’t allow herself to faint again.


    For Joy and Locke’s sake, she couldn’t show weakness now.


    Just then, Ernest stepped in, his expression shadowed with guilt.


    “It was Locke who dragged Joy into this mess. I’m sorry—to both of you.”


    “Ernest!”


    “Ernest, no…”


    Eric and Hadley spoke almost in unison, exchanging a nce before Eric fell silent.


    “Ernest, don’t say things like that,” Hadley said softly.


    “We’re family. No one is dragging anyone down. The children should stand together—and so must we. Let’s find them and bring them home.”


    “You’re right.” Gratitude flickered in Ernest’s eyes.


    “You’re absolutely right.”


    Later that evening, N was informed.


    She remained far calmer than Hadley.


    Life had dealt her too many blows—her husband, her parents, her son, her daughter-inw, and her grandson… and now, her great-grandchildren.


    It wasn’t that her heart didn’t ache. She simply knew the younger ones were suffering far more.


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