?Chapter 2846:


    “What?” Hadley froze for a beat. Then understanding dawned—he was thinking about the slums in the.


    “Yes,” she admitted with a nod.


    “The walls were paper-thin, and I lived alone in a cramped room with nothing but a tiny window.”


    Eric’s lips parted, as if words had lodged in his throat. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and tight.


    “You’ve had a long journey. Rest for a while.”


    “There’s no rush.” Hadley hesitated, then asked, “What should we do now?”


    “We wait,” Eric said with calm resolve.


    “Phillips and the police are already searching.”


    “Maybe we should join them…” Hadley suggested softly.


    “The more people looking, the better the chances.”


    “Not tonight.” Eric shook his head firmly.


    “The mountain roads are too dangerous in the dark. We need to take turns resting. Phillips’ team will handle it tonight, and tomorrow we’ll take over during the day.”


    “Alright.” Hadley gave a small nod. His reasoning was sound.


    After a pause, Eric asked, “What do you want for dinner? The bodyguards won’t manage much in the kitchen. I’ll cook for you.”


    “Anything is fine.”


    Neither of them had felt real hunger for days.


    “Just something to keep us going,” Hadley murmured, her hand brushing her neck.


    “Is there hot water here?”


    “There’s no heater.” Eric shook his head. He had already confirmed it with Phillips.


    “I’ll boil plenty for you.”


    “I can do that.” Hadley pushed up her sleeves and stepped forward.


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    “It’s no trouble.”


    “Don’t.” Eric caught her wrist, his brow tightening.


    “While I’m here, let me take care of it.”


    He knew she was strong—strong enough to endure countless hardships. But she didn’t need to anymore, not when he was here.


    And deep down, he wondered how much longer he would even have the chance to take care of her.


    “Then let’s do it together,” Hadley offered softly.


    “At least it’ll keep me busy.”


    Sitting still only fed her spiraling thoughts, and the constant worry threatened to break her before Joy was found.


    Together, they went downstairs, kept their hands busy with small tasks, and shared a simple meal.


    Phillips and his men still hadn’t returned.


    Eric walked Hadley back to her room, carrying her medicine and a ss of water.


    “Take half a pill and get some sleep,” he told her.


    “Once Phillips gets back, you may not have another chance.”


    “Okay.” Hadley nodded, ced the pill on her tongue, and swallowed it with a sip of water.


    Seeing that, Eric collected the tray and headed for the door.


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