?Chapter 2874:


    As Eric had suspected, the buyers were a simple couple unable to have children, desperate to adopt one—even illegally.


    “But the mountains aren’t like the city,” Phillips continued.


    “No widespread surveince. Few cameras.”


    Even with the lead, finding them wouldn’t be quick.


    “Fortunately, Joy should still be unharmed,” Phillips added.


    Eric nodded, though his face darkened.


    “Joy has suffered…”


    From what he had seen, that couple lived in hardship.


    “Mr. Scott, when you saw Joy—was Locke with her?” Phillips asked carefully.


    Eric’s brow furrowed as he searched his memory.


    “I didn’t see Locke… I’m not sure they’re together.”


    “Likely not,” Phillips reasoned.


    “People up here aren’t wealthy. Taking two children would be a stretch. But Andrea confirmed—the two were sold together to Rappen Mountain. Maybe another couple has Locke.”


    He went on, “So far, we haven’t uncovered further leads. We only know the car hasn’t left the area.”


    Which meant the buyers—and Joy—were still somewhere in Rappen Mountain.


    Eric’s jaw tightened, his voice low and cold.


    “Scour this mountain if you have to. We will find my daughter one way or another.”


    The effort cost him—his face paled, the strain clear after speaking so much so soon after surgery.


    Phillips noticed at once.


    “Mr. Scott, you need to rest. I’ll update you the moment there’s news.”


    Eric exhaled slowly, his eyes shutting.


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    His fever still lingered, and the wound on his back throbbed painfully now that the anesthetic had worn off.


    Before drifting off, he murmured, “Wake me the instant Hadley stirs.”


    “Yes, sir,” Phillips replied. He hesitated, then said quietly, “Mr. Scott, once we find Joy and return home… you should try to mend things with Hadley.”


    Eric’s eyes cracked open, puzzled.


    “What do you mean?”


    “Mr. Scott,” Phillips said gently, “win her back. You still can.”


    Eric let out a dry chuckle, a shadow of mockery on his lips.


    “Have you forgotten? She has a boyfriend.”


    “Yes, but…” Phillips faltered. He knew of her rtionship with Ellis. Frowning, he added cautiously, “Hadley’s heart is still with you.”


    “Why say that?” Eric arched a brow, his gaze cool.


    “Because she saved me?”


    He shook his head slowly, a sigh escaping.


    “You’re reading too much into it.”


    Phillips stared, bewildered. How could it be an overreading?


    “Mr. Scott—”


    “Enough.” Eric cut him off with a wave of his hand.


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