?Chapter 53:


    “Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” Marshall replied, raising his hands in a yful surrender, while exchanging a knowing smirk with Barrie.


    They couldn’t discuss it openly?


    The scandal from years ago wasmon knowledge in Srixby. The Flynn brothers had once both been enamored with the same woman. Linda had chosen Ernest, yet Eric had remained devoted to her. Eric had even sent his own wife abroad for Linda’s sake. His loyalty was legendary.


    Meanwhile, on stage, the performance reached its climax. Hadley moved with graceful fluidity, her waist swaying, her legs executing each step with enticing precision. Despite the sultry movements, her expression remained detached, her gazemanding a quiet authority. To entertain any inappropriate thoughts about her seemed almost disrespectful.


    Yet, the crowd was utterly spellbound.


    Her cool demeanor, paired with her captivating movements, created an irresistible allure that electrified the atmosphere. The audience erupted in apuse, with every spectator— from those on the ground floor to those in the elevated booths—fixated on Hadley.


    Her allure was undeniable.


    Eric suddenly straightened, his attention sharply drawn to the figure on stage. Oddly, the dancer seemed familiar to him.


    Barrie caught his intense focus and waved a hand in front of his face.


    “What’s got you so captivated? You’re staring pretty hard.”


    “Really?” Marshall joined in, skeptical. “Come on, who could possibly divert Eric’s attention like that?”


    Eric chuckled lightly, focusing more intently. “What are you all talking about? She just looks like someone I know. It’s like I’ve seen her somewhere else before.”


    Before Barrie or Marshall could react, Denver identally inhaled his sparkling wine, causing it to spray out. Embarrassment colored his face a deep red.


    “I’m so sorry…”


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    As he continued to apologize profusely, Denver couldn’t help butment, “Eric, that line was pretty cheesy. You know, if you were trying to flirt with someone like that, they’d justugh it off.”


    Eric was momentarily taken aback. Both Barrie and Marshall exchanged looks before erupting intoughter.


    “Look at that!” Barrie chuckled, giving Eric a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Mr. Flynn, you’ve been burned! How does that feel?”


    “Knock it off,” Eric retorted with a smile, yfully pushing Barrie’s hand away. His gaze returned to the stage, still trying to pinpoint why she looked so familiar.


    As the song concluded, Hadley removed her hat and held it against her chest, bowing slightly to the audience. From the crowd came enthusiastic calls, shouting, “Don’t stop at the hat! Let’s see under the mask too!”


    “Exactly! Your moves are top-notch, and your figure is stunning. How about your face?”


    “Come on!”


    The crowd persisted.


    Hadley, however, chose to ignore the mor, offering a swift smile and a quick bow before she turned and disappeared backstage.


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