Chapter 343

He picked up his suit jacket and grabbed his car keys. "I'll explain on the way. Also—" With a nod toward the bag on the table, he added, "Take those with you. You can eat them in the car."

"Alright."

Descending in the private elevator to the underground parking, they made their way to Eric's car. He ignited the engine and navigated onto the street.

"Hadley," Eric said, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror with a measured look. "We're headed to the hospital. My brother—he's woken up. I want you to see him."

Hadley's expression shifted to one of surprise—a partial performance, as the shock wasn't entirely feigned.

Despite already knowing, the reality hit hard, and tears welled up in her eyes again.

"Ernest is awake?" she asked, voice trembling.