?Chapter 2898:


    “It’ll make stitching easier.”


    “Go ahead,” Ellis replied with calm resolve.


    Hadley sat nearby, her eyes fixed on the scene. She watched as the doctor shaved away a small patch of hair, exposing pale skin beneath. The wound was about three centimeters long, raw and still seeping.


    The sight alone made her frown.


    “Thank you, really,” she said quietly, turning her gaze to Ellis.


    It was his duty as a police officer, yes. But since he’d been hurt while saving her child, gratitude felt necessary.


    Ellis, his head bowed for the doctor’s work, suddenly looked up at her words.


    “Why do you keep thanking me? I’ve said it already—it’s my job. Professionally, personally… this is what I should do.”


    “Hey, officer!” The doctor pressed his head firmly back down.


    “Don’t move. I’m about to give the local anesthetic.”


    “Sorry…” Ellis quickly lowered his head again, his voice low.


    “Please, continue.”


    “Don’t move again,” the doctor warned, slipping on sterile gloves.


    “This isn’t something to take lightly.”


    “I know,” Ellis answered steadily.


    Hadley fell silent, her hands knotted in herp.


    “I’ll begin now.” The doctor administered the anesthetic, speaking as he worked.


    “Any dizziness? Blurred vision? Nausea? Vomiting?”


    Ellis considered, then shook his head slightly.


    “No.”


    “Good. Then it shouldn’t be serious.”


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    Once the anesthetic took effect, the doctor began stitching the wound.


    “Still, when you return to the city, you should undergo a full examination, just to be safe.”


    “Understood.”


    Hadley listened in silence, her gaze lingering on Ellis’s bowed head. Words rose to her lips, then died there. This wasn’t the time. The procedure required calm, not distractions.


    And besides, what she wanted to say couldn’t be exined in just a few sentences.


    Her chest tightened with guilt. After all, it was because of Joy that Ellis had been hurt.


    She sighed softly, so quietly it was almost lost.


    But Ellis heard it.


    “Joy’s already safe,” he remarked, puzzled.


    “So why are you still sighing?”


    Hadley didn’t answer.


    Before she could think of a response, another voice cut in.


    “Hadley.”


    She looked up. The car door stood open, and Eric filled the frame. His expression wavered between hesitation and unease.


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