?Chapter 46:


    Eric’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he mulled it over. Turning to the officer, he made his decision. “Fine, we’ll go ahead with the settlement—”


    “No!” Hadley abruptly shot up from her chair, her posture firm as she faced the officer directly.


    “Officer, I don’t know this man. He has no authority to speak for me. I refuse the settlement! I’m not paying a single cent!”


    “This is—”


    “Hadley!” Eric’s patience snapped, his face paling with rage. “Enough of this! It’s only five grand! Are you really going to turn this into a whole ordeal? Don’t listen to her—I’ll handle the paperwork!”


    “Understood, pleasee this way—”


    “Eric!” Hadley’s teeth clenched as she red at him, fury burning in her eyes. “This isn’t your decision to make! I said no settlement!”


    Eric’s features twisted in frustration at her defiance. Was she seriously going to drag this out instead of taking the easy way out?


    His gaze swept over her pale face before his voice turned mocking. “Is that so? And what exactly do you n to do about it? I’m handling this whether you like it or not!”


    “Eric!” Hadley’s frustration boiled over as she watched him override her decision. Her eyes stung with anger. Five thousand dors wasn’t just pocket change!


    Despite her protests, Eric ultimately made the payment, signed the necessary documents, and finalized the settlement.


    “Alright, head over to collect your belongings, and you’re free to go.” Eric thanked the officer, and his focus shifted back to Hadley. “Let’s go. Get your things, and we’re leaving.”


    Without so much as a nce in his direction, Hadley stood and walked straight to the officer.


    “Here’s your bag,” the officer handed it over. “Make sure nothing’s missing.”


    “Alright.” She rummaged through it, checking each item—her phone, keychain, pepper spray, and… half a brick.


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    “Everything’s ounted for.”


    Just behind her, Eric’s gazended on the unexpected object. Pepper spray made sense, but a half-brick? “You actually carry this around?”


    Eric picked up the brick, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the dried blood staining its surface.


    Hadley remained silent, taking it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it back into her bag.


    “Hold on,” the officer raised a hand, stopping her. “Miss, that’s considered a dangerous object. You can’t take it with you.”


    Her brows lifted in surprise. “I can’t?”


    “That’s right.” The officer gave a knowing smile. “It’s not a knife or anything, but it’s still a potential weapon. You wouldn’t be able to get through subway security with that. Consider yourself lucky this time that no major harm was done. Next time, you might not get off so easily.”


    A hint of reluctance crossed her face before she let out a quiet sigh.


    “Understood.”


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