Chapter 2926:


    Eric’s denial was firm, though shadowed with a quiet gloom beneath his poised exterior.


    “My feelings for her haven’t changed—they never will. I’ve simply chosen not to force them anymore.”


    A faint smile flickered across his lips in the next instant.


    “Whoever Hadley ends up with, she’ll always have my heart. This life, I’ll remain by her and Joy’s side.”


    Hadley was indeed meeting someone that day, but it wasn’t romantic—it was Colleen.


    They hadn’t crossed paths in a while, so they had nned a visit to a beauty salon.


    Both arrived nearly at the same time and approached the reception desk.


    The receptionist apologized politely, “Since neither of you booked ahead, we’ll notify your spa therapists. There might be a short wait. Thank you for understanding.”


    “That’s fine. It’s our oversight.”


    “Please take a seat for now.”


    A staff member appeared to guide them.


    “Ladies, you can change into spa attire and rx. Your therapists will be with you shortly.”


    “Thank you.”


    “Of course.”


    Unhurried, they entered the changing room, slipping into fresh garments at a leisurely pace. Both carried a subdued air.


    “Colleen, how have you beentely?” Hadley asked softly, her eyes filled with concern.


    “I’m alright,” Colleen answered with a faint curve of her lips.


    “Fairly well.”


    “Really?” Hadley studied her, unconvinced.


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    “It doesn’t quite seem that way.”


    Colleenughed lightly, countering, “Enough about me. What about you? Have you seen your own face recently?”


    Hadley faltered, reaching up instinctively to touch her cheek.


    “What’s wrong with me?”


    “That’s what I should be asking,” Colleen replied, her gaze sharp.


    “Something’s weighing on you, isn’t it?”


    Shaking her head, she continued, “That can’t be. Weren’t all the criminals caught and awaiting trial? Is it Eric?”


    The moment Eric’s name left Colleen’s lips, Hadley’s expression changed.


    Her mouth opened, words forming.


    “Don’t you dare lie to me!” Colleen cut her off, eyes piercing.


    “Either tell the truth or say nothing at all!”


    “You really…” Hadley let out a smallugh despite herself, unable to resist her friend’s persistence.


    “I wasn’t nning to lie. I was going to tell you everything.”


    For so long, she had carried her burdens in silence, with no one to confide in.


    “Good. Then speak.”


    “Well…” Hadley hesitated, gathering her tangled thoughts.


    “Remember when Eric was falsely used of murder and thrown into detention?”


    “Yes, I remember. And then?”


    “Afterward, I…”


    And so, without holding back, Hadley recounted everything that had transpired between her and Ellis. Colleen listened, stunned into silence.


    What words could possibly respond to such a revtion?


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