?Chapter 2957:


    Eric’s happiness shone in his eyes, though he kept it hidden behind a calm expression.


    Outside the main building, the light was noticeably dimmer. Streetmps lit up the garden paths, casting a gentle glow that softened the night and made even the shadows feel calm.


    Hand in hand, they walked over to Crimson House.


    Without a word, the two of them headed straight up to the second floor, perfectly in sync.


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    Hadley let go of his hand. “You go check on Joy first,” she said. She slipped her wrist from his grasp. “I’ll just use the bathroom ande right over.”


    “Alright.”


    Eric let go of her hand and headed straight to Joy’s room.


    Just then, Melba stepped out and closed the door behind her.


    “Mr. Scott…” she said softly.


    Melba pointed inside and lowered her voice. “Joy’s already asleep.”


    “That fast?” Eric asked, surprised.


    Melba nodded with a gentle smile. “There was a school event this afternoon, so she spent the whole day ying and having fun. By the time she finished her bath, she could barely keep her eyes open. She was worn out.”


    She fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.


    “She must have been really tired.”


    Eric nodded. “Go ahead and get some rest, Melba. I’ll just peek in on her.”


    “Alright,” Melba replied.


    Not wanting to disturb his daughter’s dreams, Eric simply took a quiet look inside, then stepped back out of the room.


    At that moment, Hadley still hadn’te over.


    Eric thought for a second, then decided to head to her room. He raised his hand to knock, but noticed the door wasn’tpletely shut, so he gently pushed it open.


    “Hadley, it’s me. I’ming in.”


    He stepped inside, but didn’t see her. The bathroom light was still on, so she must not havee out yet.


    Eric sat down on the sofa to wait for her.


    He nced at the clock. It was still early, not even nine o’clock yet.


    Although he’d confessed his feelings to Hadley a couple of days ago, she’d been busy these past few days, always taking care of N. The two of them hadn’t had much time alone together.


    Tonight felt like a rare chance.


    Eric had so much he wanted to talk to Hadley about—future ns, decisions they’d both need to make together.


    As these thoughts circled in his mind, he kept ncing toward the bathroom door, wondering why Hadley hadn’te out yet.


    Suddenly, his gazended on the coffee table.


    What was this?


    Two boxes sat there, neither too big nor too small, stacked one on top of the other.


    At a nce, he could tell they were jewelry boxes.


    Why did Hadley leave these here?


    Eric leaned forward, reaching out to see what was inside.


    Just then, the bathroom door opened.


    Hadley caught sight of what he was doing and said quickly, her voice low but sharp, “Don’t open it!”


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