?Chapter 2834:


    Leaning closer so only she could hear, he whispered, “If you insist on joining us, you’ll only divide our focus.”


    Hadley stiffened, then gave a small nod.


    “Alright. I’ll do as you say.”


    Their whispered exchange went unnoticed by Ellis, though it was clear Eric’s reasoning had swayed her.


    With everything finally set, N stayed behind at Flynn Mansion while the others followed Ellis and his team toward the location named by the kidnappers.


    At the crossroads, the convoy rolled to a stop.


    From there, Hadley was not allowed to go any farther.


    Ernest and Eric each lifted two suitcases, preparing to leave the car.


    “Ernest! Eric!” Hadley called after them, her eyes glistening.


    “Please… be careful.”


    Ernest gave a short nod before stepping out first.


    “Don’t worry,” Eric said with a steady gaze, holding her eyes for a moment before stepping away to follow Ernest.


    From the car window, Hadley watched Eric and Ernest as they moved forward together.


    Her hands sped tightly in herp, she prayed silently for their safe return. Every life—both the children’s and the adults’—had toe back unscathed.


    Then something changed.


    Hadley’s head snapped up just in time to see Ellis leap out of the police vehicle, his squad spilling out after him. In a heartbeat, the scene unraveled into chaos.


    What was happening?


    Afraid her presence might only make things worse, Hadley stayed inside the car, nerves gnawing at her as she waited.


    Before long, Ernest and Eric appeared, each still lugging two heavy suitcases.


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    “What does this mean?” she whispered, shoving the car door open and rushing toward them.


    “Ernest! Eric!” she shouted, breath uneven, her voice thick with fear and confusion. Her eyes searched behind them.


    “Where are the children?”


    A deep frown cut across Ernest’s face as he gave a wordless shake of his head.


    That silent gesture made Hadley whip toward Eric, desperate for an exnation.


    Eric’s expression mirrored Ernest’s.


    “We went inside, but the ce was empty,” he said heavily.


    “No Locke. No Joy. Not even the kidnappers.”


    “Empty?” Hadley’s scalp prickled, her heart hammering wildly.


    “Are you sure this was the right spot?”


    Her eyes snapped toward Ellis.


    “Could it be another ce?”


    “It isn’t,” Ellis answered with a firm shake of his head.


    “We already contacted the second site. It’s empty too.”


    “That makes no sense!” Hadley’s temples throbbed as fear wed at her chest. Her voice trembled with anger.


    “You promised everything was under control! You said you had them traced! Then where are they? Where are the kids?!”


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