?Chapter 15:


    Upon Eric’s entrance, the aroma of cooking immediately greeted him.


    “What is that?” he questioned, frowning.


    Every light on the first floor seemed to be on, illuminating both the living room and the kitchen. Was someone actually inside?


    A break-in seemed impossible. The logic didn’t hold up. A bold thief might enter, but start cooking in his kitchen?


    Given the strict security at Silver Vis, such an intrusion was highly unlikely.


    “Who’s there?!”


    With a stern voice, hemanded, “Reveal yourself!”


    “It’s me!” Hadley quickly approached, her hands nervously intertwined.


    She said, “You’re home.”


    Stopping short, Eric was visibly surprised.


    Before him was a woman of considerable height, slightly gaunt yet unmistakably lovely—her expansive, expressive eyes were particrly striking.


    While he didn’t immediately recognize her, an unusual sense of familiarity lingered.


    Nevertheless, Eric kept his face expressionless. He was ufortable with anyone intruding into his personal space.


    “What’s your name? How did you enter?”


    After a brief pause, Hadley emitted a slight chuckle, realizing he truly didn’t recognize her.


    She brought her lips tightly together and whispered, “I’m Hadley.”


    “Hadley…”


    A reflexive nod from Eric was quickly followed by a jolt of realization.


    Had she just introduced herself as Hadley?


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    That was it.


    He suddenly remembered.


    N had nned to bring Hadley back. She had even informed him that very morning. Eric had been busy when he took that call, but the detail had escaped his mind amid the day’s hustle.


    Eric’s gaze sharpened as he took a closer look at Hadley.


    She appeared different. The traces of youthful naivety had vanished, reced by aposed and mature charm. While echoes of her former self remained, she had unmistakably matured.


    Her beauty had indeed deepened.


    Eric responded with a faint, indifferent chuckle.


    And what of it?


    Her enhanced appearance couldn’t mend the ws that had marred her character.


    Her timing foring back was opportune. There were unresolved matters stretching back nearly four years that demanded closure.


    “Stay here for a moment. I’ll return shortly.”


    With a cold look, Eric headed to the upper floor.


    “Okay.”


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