?Chapter 174:


    Duran chuckled softly, his gaze kind. “Don’t be nervous. Take your time. You need it, and I need time to prepare myself too.”


    With a final smile, he stepped back, released her, and slid into the car.


    Hadley stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. “Take care,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.


    Her heart still raced, but she tried to remind herself to be grateful.


    Lennon hadn’t lied to her. Duran really was one of the better patrons.


    Hadley let out a soft chuckle, forcing the bitterness down into her chest.


    She was already in this mess, so what was the point of being picky anymore?


    “Hadley!”


    A voice suddenly cut through the air, sharp andmanding. A firm grip seized her wrist, yanking her with such force that it felt as if her bones might snap. Hadley gasped, the sudden pain making her cry out.


    Hadley’s breath caught as she looked up, her gaze meeting Eric’s furious stare. His jaw was clenched, and his Adam’s apple bobbed with the intensity of his anger.


    His handsome face was twisted with rage, yet even in that moment, Eric was undeniably striking.


    “Eric? W-what are you…”


    Hadley stammered, caught off guard by Eric’s sudden appearance and the storm of fury in his eyes.


    “Is he your boyfriend?” Eric’s voice was sharp, each word cutting through the air. Veins bulged on his forehead as he spoke, his tone frigid.


    “Yes.” Hadley nodded, feeling a knot tighten in her chest.


    “Do you even know who he is?” Eric pressed, his voice low and dangerous. “Duran Murray is old enough to be your father!”


    “I am aware,” Hadley replied evenly, her voice betraying no hint of unease. “Older men can be more caring. You know…”


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    Before she could finish her sentence, Eric’s hand shot out, gripping her chin with unrelenting force. “Hadley!”


    Eric’s voice cracked with frustration as he yanked her closer, his grip tightening painfully. “Are you out of your mind? Out of all the men in the world, you picked him?”


    Eric’s eyes shed with sudden, raw realization. Without warning, he reached for her forehead, rubbing it with an intensity that made her flinch.


    “You even let him kiss you? Huh? You actually let him kiss you!” His words were like a punch, the fury clear in every syble.


    Eric’s grip was relentless, and his hand on Hadley’s forehead felt like it could tear the skin right off.


    “Ah!”


    Hadley whimpered, struggling to pull away, but Eric was too strong.


    Pain shot through her, and her vision blurred with tears.


    “Eric! Stop it! You’re hurting me!” Her voice cracked, desperate for him to release her. “It hurts so much! Please…”


    “Serves you right!” Eric hissed, his eyes zing with fury. “You let him kiss you! Some old creep doesn’t deserve to even touch you!”


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