?Chapter 169:


    N sampled a treat and smiled. “This almond pudding’s really good. Try it, Hadley.”


    “Alright,” Hadley replied, though she wasn’t hungry. Still, she took a small bite. “It’s good.”


    Hadley hesitated, her thoughts swirling, before she spoke.


    “N, I want to get the divorce finalized soon.”


    N froze, her eyes narrowing. “What’s going on, Hadley? This came out of nowhere.”


    “N.” Hadley set her spoon down and dabbed her mouth with a napkin.


    “The divorce will happen sooner orter. And I just want it sooner. Please, just agree.”


    “Then tell me why, Hadley. If Eric can wait, why can’t you?”


    “N.” Hadley took a steadying breath. “You always said that as long as I’m happy, that’s what matters. But while I’m still legally Eric’s wife, I can’t move on. I can’t start fresh.”


    “What do you mean?”


    Hadley struggled to find the right words.


    She was about to be Duran’s mistress, but even in that role, she couldn’t stay married.


    That was why getting the divorce done was so urgent.


    She clenched her jaw, swallowing her guilt, and lied. “I have someone I love.”


    Just then, the door opened, and someone walked in.


    Eric slowed his steps, drawing closer without making a sound, careful not to alert anyone in the room.


    “Who is it?” N asked, her voice tight with concern as she gripped Hadley’s hand. “Is it someone I know? Can I trust him?”


    Hadley hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “He’s experienced, dependable… and the best part is, he really cares about me. He’ll take good care of me.”


    N went silent, processing what Hadley had said.


    Everything Hadley mentioned was what Eric had never given her.


    N sighed softly. “Sounds good, then.”


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    “Yes.” Hadley nodded, her voice quieter. “N, please do this for me. If you don’t, I won’t be able to face him while I’m still legally another man’s wife.”


    “Hadley…” N hesitated, her voiceced with reluctance. “Does Eric really have no chance at all?”


    “N?”


    Hadley found the question almostughable.


    “He doesn’t need one. In fact, if anything, our divorce will only be a relief for him.”


    It was clear now—there was no turning back.


    N finally nodded. “Alright, since you’ve found where you truly belong, we can’t keep holding you back.”


    “Thank you,” Hadley said, a touch of joy in her voice.


    “Eric.” N nced at her grandson, who had quietly approached. She sighed. “You heard what Hadley said.”


    Hadley jumped, startled. She had been facing away from the door and only now noticed him standing there.


    Quickly, she stood and nodded politely toward Eric.


    “Yes,” Eric replied with a casual shrug.


    “Good.” N sighed. She then shot Eric a re, frustration mixed with helplessness. “Make time to finalize the divorce with Hadley soon.”


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