Chapter 330
After escorting Danica out, Linda’s face took on a more serious expression. She paused to think before reaching for her phone to dial Eric.
“Hello, Linda?” Eric’s voice came through, sounding preoccupied. “I’m short on time. What do you need?”
“Okay, straight to the point,” Linda said firmly. “What’s happening with the Clifford family? What actions are you taking?”
Eric was taken aback. “Where did you hear about that?”
“Danica approached me,” Linda replied, letting out a weary sigh. “She’s just a clueless young girl, Eric. Is it necessary to bear a grudge? Why not just drop it?”
Eric hesitated before responding with conviction, “I’m sorry, Linda. I can’t do that.”
Linda, shocked and increasingly agitated, asked, “Why not? Is this about Hadley?”
There was silence from Eric.
With a bitter laugh, Linda questioned, “What were you thinking, Eric? Just because Danica insulted Hadley, you’re going after her entire family in retaliation?”
Eric’s voice came sharply, “Yes!”
His abrupt confession took Linda off guard. “You…” she said, disbelief coloring her tone.
“Linda,” Eric interjected, his voice heavy with resignation. “Danica’s harsh remarks toward Hadley were my fault to begin with. Shouldn’t I defend her?”
Linda stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief, “You, you…” She struggled to articulate her thoughts further. “I have to go; we shouldn’t discuss this now.”
Eric ended the call abruptly.
Holding her phone, Linda felt a sharp ache pulsing through her head. She scoffed, disbelief in her tone, “Having second thoughts, are you?” It was surprising to see Eric show any remorse. He seemed regretful about his past actions toward Hadley.
But what good did his regret do?
Linda reflected bitterly that regret was termed so because it was incapable of altering past mistakes or correcting the wrongs already committed. Regret, by its nature, was impotent to mend anything.
Denver swung the car door open and extended his hand to assist Hadley.
“Thank you,” she said, accepting his help.
“You’re welcome,” Denver replied, ensuring she was steady.
Due to Hadley’s urgent situation, Denver had missed his last visit to Ernest, but today they made it a point to come together.
Upon reaching Ernest’s hospital room, they found him just waking from a nap, with Linda assisting him with some water. Struggling to swallow, Ernest let some water dribble down his chin, dampening his shirt.
His expression showed discomfort as he looked rather pale.
Linda acted swiftly, standing to dab at the spill with a towel. “Need more water?”
Ernest declined with a shake of his head.
“Just a moment,” Linda said.
She fetched a fresh shirt from the closet, elevated the head of the bed, and started to change his soaked shirt.
“It’s uncomfortable in wet clothes. Let’s get you into something dry.” Opting not to call for a nurse, Linda carefully removed his wet shirt and dressed him in the new one herself.