Chapter: 995

Despite their shared parenthood, Hadley harbored a strong desire for separation.

Witnessing Norah's courage in divorcing, Hadley found herself unable to suppress this aspiration.

Though she appeared content outwardly, the inner turmoil she endured was known only to her.

"Norah, will you lead the Wilson family?" Her breath caught in her throat, and her anticipation was palpable as she awaited Norah's response, fearing rejection.

Norah's laughter resonated through the phone. “Hadley, your intellect is undeniable."

Hadley understood the implications and aligned herself accordingly.

"Thank you for informing me. One more thing: the area around the grove is relatively secure. There's no surveillance.”

With that, Norah ended the call abruptly.

Seated on the toilet, Hadley's panic surged. She couldn't decipher Norah's cryptic message or discern if her request had been granted.

“Hadley, why are you still in the bathroom? Come out quickly." Hank's booming voice sent shivers down Hadley's spine. She hurriedly rinsed her hands and emerged from the bathroom with her phone in hand.

Hank, lying naked on the bed, glanced at her with suspicion. "You were in there for quite a while. Who were you talking to? I heard voices," he interrogated.

Hadley's heart raced as she stumbled over her words, "I was just... watching videos. You know, hardly anyone ever calls me."

Hank sat up, seized her phone, and scrutinized the call log. “Explain this," he demanded, pointing to the latest call record.

Hadley's nerves spiked. She had been preoccupied and had forgotten to delete the call history.

Before she could compose herself to respond, Hank pressed on, his tone darkening, "This afternoon, you dismissed it as a prank call.

But I checked and found it was from Norah's private number."

His eyes bore into hers, searching for answers. "What's the connection between you and Norah? What did you discuss?"

Hadley felt a wave of fear wash over her, causing her entire body to tremble. Her heart pounded in her chest, her throat felt constricted, and she struggled to draw a breath.

“Hadley, tell me," Hank pressed, his voice insistent.

Hank stormed to the bedside, his face contorted in rage. He snatched a fistful of Hadley's hair, forcing her head back with a yank.

“Tell me!" he roared.

Hadley flinched under his ferocious gaze. "Nothing," she whispered, feeling a surge of despair.

“Last time, I met Norah at the hospital," she explained hurriedly.

“She called, but I didn't want to answer. I lied and said it was a crank call. Just now, I asked her why."