?Chapter 121:


    Hadley expressed her gratitude. “Thank you, N.”


    N then looked toward Eric. “What about you, Eric? You achieved what you desired. Why remain silent?”


    Managing a strained smile, Eric replied, “Thank you, Grandma.”


    “There’s no need for thanks,” N responded briskly. “I did this not for you, but because Hadley requested it. You owe her your gratitude.”


    Hadley, dismissing the need for any thanks, smiled at Eric and said, “This is beneficial for us both, so there’s no need for thanks.”


    Her smile was radiant, filled with genuine happiness and relief. Eric, observing her joy, felt a pang of confusion. Was her happiness genuine, or had he misunderstood their situation all along?


    “But just remember,” N added, shifting the tone slightly. “The divorce won’t happen as quickly as you might hope.”


    “What?” Both Eric and Hadley stopped in their tracks, uncertain.


    What was N implying?


    “Why that look?” N’s chuckle broke the tension as she addressed Eric.


    Turning her attention to Hadley, she patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, dear. I’m just ensuring your well-being.” She then faced Eric again.


    “You should know what I’m getting at, if you have any heart. Hadley has no one else. I’ve failed her before, so it’s my duty to see her settled before I can rest easy.”


    “N…” Hadley interjected, shaking her head. “I can look after myself.”


    But N dismissed her concerns and continued to fix Eric with a stern look.


    “I expect you to look after Hadley as if she were your own sister. I want her to be happy and well cared for until she marries someone decent. Her well-being will reflect on you. Do you grasp my meaning?”


    “I understand,” Eric acknowledged with a nod.


    The message was unmistakable. Hadley, though not his wife anymore, was still his family.


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    “Do you get it?” N asked, her tone sharpening as she scrutinized him.


    Eric quickly reassured her. “I’ve got it. Don’t worry.”


    “Good,” N responded, though her gaze lingered on Eric, sensing something amiss. “What’s that look for? You think I’m asking too much?”


    “Not at all,” Eric responded hastily, shaking his head. A peculiar sensation washed over him, a mix of relief and confusion.


    “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ve given my word, and I’ll look after her well… Consider Hadley as my sister now.”


    At the mention of “sister,” Hadley subtly lowered her gaze, concealing a slight, scornful smile.


    “Then it’s decided,” N replied.


    She dismissed him with a wave. “Off you go. Hadley will stay with me.”


    “Okay, take good care, Grandma.”


    With that, Eric departed, gently shutting the door behind him. As he left, he caught sight of Hadley offering N a slice of orange.


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