?Chapter 2843:


    Seeing how weak she was, Eric leaned down and gathered her into his arms.


    “Eric?” Hadley’s faint whisper slipped out, her eyes never opening.


    The medicine had taken effect. She could sense her surroundings, but she wasn’t fully awake.


    “I’m here,” Eric murmured near her ear.


    “We need to go. I’ll carry you to the car—don’t worry. No matter where I go, you’ll be with me.”


    “Mm…” Reassured by his presence, Hadley gave the faintest nod against his chest.


    As Eric carried her outside, he caught sight of Ellis already heading for his car. Ellis’ gaze flicked briefly to Hadley in Eric’s arms before he turned away, jaw clenched, and got in without another word.


    “Go!” Ellis barked at his driver, his tone clipped and cold.


    Inside their own vehicle, Eric settled Hadley carefully against his shoulder, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face with quiet tenderness.


    “Just close your eyes for now,” he murmured.


    “I’ll rest right here beside you.”


    “Mm,” Hadley replied, her voice rough from weeping. She let her eyelids fall shut again, fatigue pulling her under.


    With a weary breath, Eric leaned back and allowed his own eyes to close.


    Rest had eluded him for too long. Even a body as resilient as his would eventually give out if he kept pushing without pause.


    Strength was something he had to preserve—not for himself, but for Hadley, and for Joy, who was still waiting for her parents.


    By the time Eric opened his eyes, the car had already pulled over along the roadside for a brief stop.


    Rain tapped gently against the windows, drawing his gaze outside. A steady downpour blurred the world beyond the ss.


    Without warning, a cold shiver ran through him.


    His arms were empty.


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    Hadley was gone.


    “Hadley?” Eric’s voice cut through the hush of rainfall, heavy with panic.


    “Mr. Scott,” the bodyguard in the front seat quickly turned to him.


    “Miss Pearson is fine. She said the air inside felt heavy, so she stepped out to get some fresh air.”


    “Why didn’t you wake me?” Eric’s tone sharpened, even after hearing the exnation.


    There was no room for Hadley to wander beyond his sight at a time like this.


    Eric shoved the car door open, about to step out.


    “Mr. Scott!” The bodyguard hurried after him, holding an umbre high to shield him from the rain.


    “Where is she?” Eric snapped.


    “Over there,” the guard answered quickly, pointing ahead.


    “That way!”


    “Hadley!”


    Beneath the shelter of a tree, Hadley held an umbre while Phillips waited at her side in a raincoat.


    The moment she heard her name, Hadley turned and saw Eric.


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