Chapter 674

Chapter 674:

Laughing softly, Eric hugged her close. “I like you too, Joy—more than you can imagine.”

Quietly, Hadley stood near the doorway, watching the tender moment unfold in silence.

She had barely stepped out for a moment, and there was Eric already by Joy’s side? The connection between him and his daughter felt almost uncanny.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Hadley discreetly moved to the side…

Shortly after, Phillips showed up with the strawberry milk that Joy had requested.

“Mr. Flynn…”

As he approached with the bag, Phillips was puzzled—what was Eric doing here with such a young girl?

He couldn’t help but notice her beauty; she was perhaps the most charming child he had ever seen.

“Okay.”

Eric gave a quick nod. “Please open one.”

“Sure thing.”

Phillips retrieved a pack from the bag and put the straw in place before passing it to Eric.

Eric then held the pack to Joy’s mouth. “Here’s your favorite strawberry milk, Joy.”

“Mm.” Joy stayed cuddled up, simply opening her mouth to drink from the straw.

As she drank, her cheeks puffed out, and she seemed to perk up a bit. Eric watched her with a gentle expression. “Joy really knows how to enjoy her milk.”

Phillips was taken aback.

It was amazing how even a simple act of drinking milk could earn such praise!

Before leaving, Eric handed Melba a contact number. “If Joy feels sick or misses me, please call this number.”

After pondering for a second, he added, “You can reach me anytime.”

“Okay…”

Melba looked at Joy, hesitated, but then accepted the number with a nervous bite of her lip. “Got it.”

She couldn’t help but feel this man was genuine.

He seemed decent, likely with considerable means or influence, definitely not someone untrustworthy. After all, Joy had nothing to lure a deceit.

Joy pulled on Eric’s finger. “Are you going?”

Melba, anticipating that Joy might get clingy, quickly said, “Joy, behave yourself. He has important matters to attend to.”

“Oh.” Joy’s little face fell into a pout.

“Don’t worry.”

A twinge of sorrow hit Eric. “Cheer up, Joy. I’ll come to see you again, alright?”

“Okay.” Her expression brightened immediately.

Joy extended her little finger and said, “Pinky promise, no lying!”

“Of course.” Caught off guard but smiling, Eric looped his finger with hers. “I won’t lie. Now, I have to go.”

“Bye-bye!”

The duo reluctantly parted.

After Eric and Phillips had left, Hadley quietly made her entrance into the room.

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