?Chapter 79:


    After the surgery, N seemed to sweat more than usual, so Hadley took a warm towel and gently wiped her down.


    Upon returning, Eric entered to find Hadley tenderly wiping N’s hands.


    He watched her careful, nurturing actions.


    Raising an eyebrow, he acknowledged internally that despite her shorings, Hadley showed genuinepassion in caring for N. It was a point worth acknowledging.


    However, Eric’s thoughts soon returned to Linda’s loss, casting a shadow over his mood once more.


    While Hadley remained inside to tend to N, Eric dealt with business matters in the outer room.


    As the evening approached and Eric concluded his tasks, the clock ticked on.


    The clock showed it was after six.


    Xander and Theodore brought dinner while Phillips checked in with Eric, inquiring, “Mr. Flynn, shall we invite Hadley to join you for dinner?”


    Eric responded without hesitation. “There’s no need.”


    Why bother inviting Hadley?


    Did Eric really need to hear Hadley decline him once again, or endure yet another rebuff?


    He had no desire to subject himself to that ordeal; self-pity was not in his nature.


    Seeing Eric’s decision, Phillips and the twin bodyguards exchanged nces, understanding that it was best not to question their employer’s directive.


    As the clock struck seven that evening, Hadley spoke softly to the nurse.


    “I need to step outside for a bit. I’ll be just out front. Call me if anythinges up.”


    “Understood.”


    Hadley grabbed her backpack and headed out.


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    By this time, Eric and his team had already finished their meal. Xander and Theodore had left, with only Phillips remaining, deep in a business call.


    Hadley focused straight ahead, ignoring her surroundings, and made her way to the kitchen.


    From her backpack, she retrieved a lunchbox containing boiled corn-on-the-cob and hard-boiled eggs.


    The eggs were straightforward enough, but the cold corn-on-the-cob required more effort to eat.


    She ced it in the microwave and set the timer for three minutes. After removing the heated food, she eximed, “Ah, that’s hot!” Just then, Eric entered to fetch a ss of water.


    He acted as if he hadn’t noticed her and refilled his ss. He was…


    About to leave, just as Hadley bit into her dinner, Eric wondered if that really was all she was having.


    It seemed even scantier than her lunch, which had included noodles and vegetables.


    Eric’s gaze lingered on her, his expression impassive. “What is wrong with you, Hadley?”


    “What?”


    Caught off guard by his question, Hadley looked up, only to find Eric already walking out.


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