?Chapter 68:


    Eric epted the substantial envelope. Curiosity piqued, he wondered what it contained. The envelope was thick, seemingly stuffed with cash, and bore handwritten notes.


    “To Eric Flynn, enclosed is $5,200. Of this, $5,000 covers the settlement you paid, and $200 is for cleaning the couch, which is the standard rate. I’ve moved out. Apologies for any inconvenience over thest few days. Hadley Pearson.”


    That was the entirety of the message.


    Eric’s expression hardened as he slit open the envelope, revealing a bundle of cash inside.


    Of bills tumbled out.


    “What on earth…”


    Chuckling bitterly, Eric flung the envelope aside and continued deeper into the house. Pausing at the bathroom, he noticed the absence of Hadley’s bulky suitcase.


    “Lina!”


    “Yes, Mr. Flynn!” Lina hurried to his side. “What can I do for you?”


    Eric’s face was stern as he gestured towards the servants’ quarters. “Have these rooms been cleaned? Is anyone upying them?”


    “They’ve been cleaned,” Lina replied, puzzled. “They’re empty. No one has upied them.”


    It was clear then. Hadley hadn’t just moved to another room. She had left for good.


    She likely departed the previous evening. And she had settled her debts with him.


    Since the age of fifteen, Hadley had depended on the Flynn family for everything.


    A cold rage flickered in Eric’s eyes as his lips curled into a sneer. “Hadley, do you think you can treat my home like a hotel? Justing and going as you please?”


    Eric then dialed Hadley’s number.


    At that moment, Hadley was still deep in sleep. She answered groggily.


    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con


    “Hadley.”


    Eric’s tone was even over the phone, yet Hadley sensed an underlying coldness that made her uneasy. She swallowed hard. “What’s up?”


    “You didn’t returnst night? Where did you go?”


    What?


    A wave of surprise jolted Hadley more awake. “Didn’t you read the note I left? I’ve moved out…”


    “Who said you could leave?”


    Eric’s voice rose sharply, the anger in his tone nearly piercing Hadley’s ear. “Was that cleared by me?”


    Hadley’s brow furrowed. “Since when do I need your approval? It’s your house. I shouldn’t have to stay where I’m not wanted.”


    Caught off guard by Hadley’s retort, Eric fell silent, unable to muster aeback.


    Hadley seized the moment. “Is it the divorce that you’re worried about? I admit I messed up the other day. That won’t happen again.”


    Seeking to reassure Eric, she continued with a tone of resolve, “I promise to be avable every day until we finalize the divorce. I won’t waste any more of your time. Are we okay now?” Her assurance was firm.


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