?Chapter 101:


    Hadley masked her profound annoyance.


    “Mr. Flynn, you’re mistaken. I had coffee with N. I should’ve delivered those papers earlier.”


    Marshall quickly understood that N had likely orchestrated this. He nced at Hadley yfully.


    “Is that so? Aren’t you hoping to reconcile with Eric, perhaps revive something from the past?”


    Hadley paused momentarily, her smile tinged with sadness. Given her past infatuation with Eric, Marshall’s assumption didn’t seem unreasonable.


    Breathing out slowly, Hadley confessed, “I’ve changed. That part of my life is over. Besides, nothing with Eric was ever worth reigniting.” Her words hung in the air as Marshall fell silent.


    He observed Hadley through the rearview mirror, noticing her transformation.


    They soon reached the hotel.


    Marshall looked at Hadley and asked, “Are you hungry? Let’s go grab something to eat. I have some workter, but let’s eat first.”


    “Alright,” Hadley agreed.


    They walked into the hotel restaurant, with Marshall taking the initiative and cing the order.


    “Eat up,” he encouraged, gesturing toward the spread.


    “Thank you, Marshall.”


    Hadley was famished, as her earlier treats with N hadn’t been sufficient.


    While they ate, Marshall’s phone rang persistently. He was here on business, hence the continuous calls.


    Marshall wrapped up one call only for another to immediately follow. “Yes, it’s me.” He spoke into the phone, furrowing his brow as he listened. “Hold on, I’ll take a look.”


    Standing, he appeared to be in need of handling something urgent. After setting his phone down, Marshall said to Hadley, “I need to sort this out. Please, take your time with the meal.”


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    He then pointed at his te. “Help yourself to anything you like here.”


    Hadley nodded as Marshall walked off, his mind clearly elsewhere.


    Hadley felt a mix of frustration and weariness. She had no clue about her usations. She came because N requested her presence. “I’m far from perfect, but I keep my word when I say I’ll leave you alone.” She then walked away briskly.


    “Hadley, where are you heading?” Was her reaction that severe?


    A mix of humor and irritation welled up in Eric as he watched her disappear. “Off so soon? Fine. If I meddle in your affairs again, call me foolish.”


    Meanwhile, Hadley found herself at the bus stop where she had alighted earlier, feeling disheartened. Was there really no bus returning? What was her next step?


    As she surveyed her surroundings, she realized she was quite isted.


    Just then, a sleek ck Cayenne pulled up next to Hadley.


    The window rolled down, and a familiar voice sounded. “Hadley.”


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