?Chapter 113:


    He snatched his ss from the table, downing its contents in one fierce gulp, the burn of the liquor mirroring the fire in his chest.


    Before Hadley could even vanish from the stage’s embrace, Eric sprang to his feet, driven by an unspoken urgency, and made his way backstage with determined strides.


    Eric lingered near the staff entrance, the dim hallway humming with anticipation, until he caught sight of her. Hadley approached with quiet poise, her fingers lifting the hem of her gown ever so slightly, each step a testament to her unshakable elegance.


    “Hi,” he ventured, his voice soft yet heavy with intent.


    Only a few strides separated them now.


    For a fleeting moment, Hadley froze behind her mask, her breath catching.


    Was he speaking to her?


    Could he have seen through her disguise?


    No—if he had truly recognized her, his demeanor would have been far lessposed.


    Hadley’s hands tightened into fists, a facade of serenity masking her inner turmoil, though she held her tongue, wary of betraying herself with a single word. Were she to utter even a syble, she worried it might unravel the carefully woven veil of her disguise.


    Instead, she swept into a graceful curtsy, her movements poised as she attempted to glide past him with the elegance of a shadow.


    “Hold on!”


    Eric hade here just for her—no way was he letting her slip through his fingers so easily.


    In a swift motion, Eric’s hand shot out, catching Hadley’s arm. Hadley’s eyes widened in astonishment, a reflexive tug nearly breaking her free.


    But then it hit her—Eric didn’t know her true identity. She had to keep herposure, no matter how fast her heart raced.


    Still, Hadley’s gaze, peeking out from behind the mask, fixed on Eric with a startled intensity.


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    Eric blinked, a strange wave of déjà vu washing over him. Those eyes… why did they stir something deep within him?


    Realizing his boldness might have crossed a line for a first encounter with a youngdy, he quickly released her. “Apologies, I overstepped.”


    Hadley let out a silent breath of relief. Thank goodness he had let go just in time—any longer, and her reaction might have sent the mask tumbling.


    “Hello!” Eric stepped back, giving her space to breathe, and extended his hand with newfound courtesy. “I’m Eric Flynn. May I offer to treat you to a…”


    “Shh.” Hadley hushed him, her finger pressing lightly against Eric’s lips before he could finish his sentence.


    Eric froze, caught off guard.


    No one had ever dared to quiet him like that.


    Though Hadley’s mask hid her expression, Eric could almost feel the mischievous smile dancing beneath it.


    So, he fell silent as if under a spell, his words fading into the air like whispers on the wind.


    Then, just as quickly, Hadley withdrew her hand, turned on her heel, and sauntered away.


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