?Chapter 2886:


    “It came from Ellis. The police received a report…”


    The doctor treating Locke had been the one to make contact.


    Though aware of who Ernest and Eric were, the man hadn’t been able to reach them directly, so he reported it to the police instead.


    Ellis had received the information from his superiors and passed it immediately to Ernest.


    Eric’s voice sharpened with urgency.


    “Where’s this doctor? Do you know his location?”


    “Yes!” Ernest confirmed firmly.


    “We’re preparing to head there now.”


    He hesitated, worry creeping into his tone.


    “But Eric—you’re still injured…”


    “Ernest,” Eric cut him off, gentle but decisive.


    “I have to go. I have to bring Joy home myself.”


    She was his daughter.


    “As long as I’m alive, I’ll never leave her behind.” A wry smile touched his lips.


    “And I’m not as weak as you think. I can manage.”


    “Are you sure?” Ernest’s voice faltered, heavy with both concern and helplessness. He knew Eric was resolute, but still.


    “Yes, I’m sure. Don’t worry.”


    “Alright then.” Ernest yielded atst, then asked, “Is Hadley with you? Has she heard?”


    Eric nced at the closed door.


    “She should already know. Ellis just called—he must have told her the same.”


    Ernest understood immediately.


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    He was well aware of the delicate strain between Eric and Hadley.


    “Ernest…” Eric’s brows furrowed as his gaze returned to the photo.


    “Locke looks injured, doesn’t he?”


    “Yes.” Ernest’s voice sank with paternal heaviness.


    “But Joy seems unharmed. Let’s focus on getting them both first. I’m heading out now—you and Hadley should too.”


    “Alright.”


    Eric ended the call and set the phone aside.


    Momentster, the door opened and Hadley entered, her face lit with a mix of relief and worry.


    “Eric!” She gestured toward his phone.


    “You know too, right?”


    “Yes.” Eric nodded.


    Hadley’s grip tightened around her phone, her voice urgent.


    “Then we need to prepare at once. We have to leave immediately.”


    She paused, her gaze flicking toward him.


    “But Eric, you—”


    He had only just undergone surgery. He was still feverish and weak.


    Yet Eric met her eyes with quiet determination.


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