?Chapter 3117:


    After departing the vineyard, Ernest returned directly to the vi near the Brown residence he had rented earlier.


    He stepped inside, settled onto the sofa, nced at the time, and lifted his phone to call his brother.


    “Hello? Ernest?” Hadley’s voice came through the receiver. “Eric’s in the shower right now. Should I pass along a message, or will you ring againter?”


    “It’s fine,” Ernest said. “I’m d you picked up. I actually needed to speak with you, so you’ll spare him the trouble.”


    “What is it?” Hadley asked, curiosity rising. “Tell me.”


    “The thing is…” Ernest’s tone deepened. “Elissa is returning. My room needs a few changes, but that isn’t the main issue…” What truly mattered was preparing Ethan’s room.


    Ernest exined the arrangements he needed, step by step.


    “Ethan has respiratory difficulties. His room must be arranged the same way Locke’s was—plus an oxygen chamber. And he’ll need additional caregivers…”


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    Hadley froze, shocked by the revtion, and needed a moment to gather herself.


    “Alright, Ernest. I understand. Leave everything to me.”


    “Thank you,” Ernest said, full of trust. “I truly appreciate it.”


    “Anytime.”


    When the call ended, Hadley stared nkly ahead, her phone still resting in her hand.


    The shower shut off, and Eric stepped out, wrapped in a towel. “What’s wrong? What’s with that look?” Eric asked, catching her expression.


    “Elissa… she…” Hadley whispered, her eyes glimmering with emotion. “The baby from back then—he’s alive.”


    “What?!” Eric blurted, just as startled.


    “Shocking, right?” Hadley murmured, wiping at her watery eyes. “It’s a boy, but he has breathing problems…” She repeated Ernest’s words in full.


    “Unbelievable,” Eric exhaled, recognizing the undeniable bond between Elissa and Ernest.


    For Elissa, maybe it was something fated, but a bond all the same.


    “We need to move fast,” Hadley said, jolting back to the moment and mentally sorting through the tasks. “With his breathing condition, we need only top-grade equipment… and a nanny and a nurse for him…”


    There was so much to manage, and not a single thing could be dyed.


    While talking, she pulled open a drawer, frowning. “Where is it? I’m sure I had an extra…”


    “Looking for what?” Eric asked.


    “What do you think I’m looking for?” Hadley snapped, shooting him a re. “After what you did, I need my medicine.”


    “Oh,” Eric admitted inly. “I tossed them.”


    “Why would you throw them away?” Hadley stared at him, stunned. “What were you thinking?”


    “It’s bad for you,” Eric said firmly. “I asked a doctor. Even the best ones have side effects. Stop taking them.”


    “Then why didn’t you use protection?” Hadley shot back, irritated. “It’s not like I enjoy those pills.”


    “Don’t stress,” Ericughed softly, tugging her into hisp. “It’s your safe period, isn’t it?”


    He hadn’t intended to be careless, but sometimes desire pulled ahead of reason. And if every intimate moment had to be mechanical and nned, where would the joy and spontaneity go?


    Still sulking, Hadley tapped his forehead. “It had better be ‘safe’! If something happens…”


    “Then we’ll let nature decide,” Eric murmured, kissing her fingertip. “Joy keeps asking when she’ll get a baby sibling.”


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