?Chapter 2861:


    “You have to listen to me now!”


    She adjusted the jacket overhead, then dug out a pack ofpressed biscuits and a bottle of water.


    “Here—eat something.”


    Earlier, they’d been halfway through a meal when the urgent call came, and they’d rushed out.


    Now, Eric couldn’t even lift his arm.


    Hadley broke the biscuits into smaller pieces and fed him.


    “Here. Open up.”


    “Okay.”


    She waited until he swallowed, then lifted the bottle to his lips.


    “Drink.”


    He took a few careful sips.


    One bite for him, another for her.


    “Compressed biscuits are a lifesaver,” Hadley murmured.


    “Lightweight, filling.”


    Eric nodded, stealing a nce at her.


    He couldn’t help wondering—was Hadley caring for him only because he was Joy’s father? Or was there something more behind it?


    “Hadley…” He said her name on impulse.


    But in the next second, she leaned closer, her shoulder brushing his chest.


    For a moment, she was practically in his arms.


    Eric stiffened, hardly daring to move.


    “The rain’s getting heavier,” Hadley murmured.


    “The jacket’s my size—so it’s a bit too small.”


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    Then, as if a sudden thought struck her, she asked, “I didn’t brush against your wound, did I? Did I hurt you?”


    “N-no.” Eric shook his head, flustered.


    He stared at her, dazed, his mind strangely nk.


    The rain thickened, drumming harder against the makeshift shelter.


    Hadley checked her phone every so often—still no signal. No sign of the bodyguards. No word from Phillips.


    Thud.


    A faint sound cut through the rain, and suddenly a weight settled against her shoulder.


    It was Eric. His head had slumped onto her.


    “Eric?” She whispered his name, but he didn’t respond.


    “Eric…” She called again, louder.


    “Yes.” His answer came faint and weak.


    Hadley shifted carefully to face him. His head slid off her shoulder and drooped forward.


    “Eric!” She reached out quickly to catch him.


    “Eric, what’s wrong?”


    Her hands cupped his face, tipping his chin up so he had to look at her.


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