?Chapter 2899:


    “Sorry to interrupt,” he said quickly, lowering his voice.


    “Joy needs a bath and a change of clothes. I… it’s not exactly appropriate for me to do this.”


    Joy was growing. She was in school now. Certain boundaries had to be kept—even with her father.


    “I understand.”


    Hadley nced back at Ellis.


    “You’re almost finished here, I’ll—”


    “Go,” Ellis said calmly, still keeping his head bowed for the doctor.


    “Joyes first. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”


    Hadley said nothing. She was worried—but not in the way he thought.


    “Hadley—” Eric instinctively reached out to help her down.


    But she stiffened, her eyes shing as she turned to re at him.


    She said nothing, refused his hand, and jumped down on her own. Without a word, she strode straight toward the RV.


    Behind her, Eric froze, his hand suspended awkwardly in the air.


    Was she… angry?


    Awkwardly, he shoved his hand into his pocket and followed in silence.


    Inside the RV, Hadley bathed Joy quickly in the cramped bathroom, scrubbing away the dirt and fear of the past few days. Wrapping her daughter in a soft towel, she dressed her in clean clothes.


    The little princess was herself again—sweet, soft, impossibly adorable.


    “All done.” Hadley held Joy close, gently toweling her damp hair. Her voice turned soothing.


    “No little buns tonight, hmm? Let’s leave it down like Mommy’s. How does that sound?”


    “Okay…” Joy murmured, covering a yawn with her tiny mouth.


    Hadley chuckled softly.


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    “Feeling sleepy, baby?”


    “Yes…” Joy nodded, her head lolling against her mother’s chest.


    “Then sleep.”


    Cradling her daughter against her chest, Hadley’s heart twisted with ache. Joy had endured far too much in these past days, her small body carrying burdens no child should ever bear. No wonder sleep had been a stranger to her.


    Hadley pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her daughter’s head.


    “Mommy’s here.”


    When Eric stepped inside, Joy was already asleep. Hadley was tucking her into bed, pulling the nket up snugly. Then she sat quietly at the bedside, watching her child’s peaceful face.


    “She’s asleep?” Eric asked in a hushed voice.


    “Yes,” Hadley replied, not looking at him.


    Her cool indifference made his brows furrow. She was angry—he was sure of it.


    After a pause, he said carefully, “Locke’s settled. I’ll let Phillips know we can move now.”


    “Alright.” Her answer was brief, her eyes still on Joy.


    Eric hesitated, then made the call.


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