Chapter 799

Chapter 799:

“It depends on many factors—her surroundings, her stress levels—but pregnant women can indeed be more fragile,” the doctor explained. “Keeping her spirits high and her health closely monitored is key.”

“Understood.” Eric’s concern deepened. “With my wife expecting, we must be careful about any medication for her injury.”

“Quite right,” the doctor agreed, recognizing Eric’s protective instinct. “We had planned to X-ray her arm, but thanks to timely test results, an orthopedic specialist assessed it—no fractures, just a bruised ligament and some tender tissue. We’ll apply a gentle topical treatment that’s safe for expectant mothers. The swelling should fade in a few days.”

“My thanks,” Eric murmured, gratitude threading his words.

Hadley remained lost to the world, her eyes yet to flutter open. Worry gnawed at Eric’s resolve, and he arranged her transfer to a proper hospital room so she could rest under watchful care.

She slept peacefully on the hospital bed, while Eric kept a quiet vigil at her side. A nurse had already tended to her elbow, applying a soothing salve that released a gentle medicinal aroma into the air.

“Eric.” The door to the hospital room swung open, and Linda stepped in with purpose.

“Linda?” Eric’s brow lifted in surprise. He motioned toward the corridor to avoid disturbing Hadley’s rest and lowered his voice. “Please, let’s speak outside.”

“Very well.” Linda nodded and lingered just beyond the doorway.

“What brings you here?” Eric asked in a low murmur once the door clicked shut.

“I just ran into your housekeeper, Fiona,” Linda explained, then gestured to her leg. “I’m here for a check-up.”

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Her leg had taken a knock during a tangle with Elissa, and the rigors of recent dance practice had stirred up old aches, prompting Fiona’s hospital visit.

“Fiona mentioned you were here,” Linda said, piecing it together correctly. She had suspected tension between Eric and Hadley after the Denver fiasco—surely a clash had erupted. Had it gone so far that Hadley ended up hospitalized?

“How is Hadley holding up? Is she all right?” Linda asked, nodding toward the door.

“She’s doing fine,” Eric replied, face composed, voice steady as he dropped a bombshell. “Hadley is pregnant.”

“Pardon?” Linda’s eyes widened, her breath catching. Hadley, pregnant—she couldn’t believe it.

Eric met her gaze evenly. “You heard me right. Hadley is with child.” He glanced at his watch. “Anything else on your mind?” His tone made clear that, without further business, he would return to Hadley’s side.

“No, that is all,” Linda said, tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Eric dipped his head. “Then I’ll head back in. Hadley might stir at any moment.”

“Right… Eric!” Linda’s hand shot out, catching his arm as he turned.

He frowned. “What is it?”

Linda managed a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I just wanted to offer my congratulations—to both you and Hadley.”

A rare, genuine smile softened Eric’s features. “Thank you. I’ll pass that along to Hadley, too.”

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