?Chapter 182:


    “Mr. Flynn,” Phillips’ voice came through, crisp and professional. Eric’s voice was cold and precise as he gave his order. “Leak Duran’s little affair to his family.”


    “Yes,” Phillips responded, his tone businesslike.


    Eric was well aware that Duran was divorced, but the man also had a son and a daughter, both adults. The timing would be perfect.


    Hadley hadn’t found the ring.


    Frustration and worry gnawed at her. She couldn’t stop thinking about what Duran might say when they met again and she didn’t have the ring on her finger—how would she exin losing something so precious that he’d just given her?


    Luckily, Duran was preupied with other matters over the next few days. He didn’t show up at Gnt, nor did he ask Hadley out. Their conversations remained confined to the phone, maintaining a small but crucial distance between them.


    But Hadley knew it was only a matter of time before they’d have to face each other again.


    Unexpectedly, Eric showed up at Gnt one evening.


    As soon as Eric entered, Lennon was notified and rushed to greet him. “Mr. Flynn, it’s been a while! What brings you here tonight?” Lennon asked, his voice cheerful, yet cautious.


    Eric offered a faint smile, though his eyes were anything but warm.


    “What, do I need to exin myself to you now?”


    Lennon froze for a moment before awkwardly chuckling. “Of course not. I’m just d to see you.”


    “Great.”


    Eric gave a slight nod, and then, almost casually, he asked, “Does she have a performance tonight?”


    Lennon’s heart sank. So Eric was still fixated on Hadley… This was bad news. Hadley was already involved with Duran, at least for now.


    “Yes, she does,” Lennon said, his voice tight.


    He nodded quickly, his mind racing. He feared Eric would demand to see Hadley right then and there. What would he do in that case?


    But to Lennon’s surprise, Eric simply waved him off. “Alright, you can go.”


    “Okay,” Lennon muttered, relief flooding him as he turned to leave. He wiped the sweat from his brow. What was Eric up to? He asked about Hadley and then just dropped it? Was he still interested in her or not?


    Lennon couldn’t make sense of Eric’s intentions. Shaking his head, he walked away, still uneasy.


    Later, Lennon quietly slipped into the dressing room. “Eric’s here. He’s in his usual spot.”


    “What?” Hadley froze, a frown tugging at her lips.


    He was here again? What was he after this time?


    Lennon sighed, a mix of frustration and concern in his voice. “I don’t know what he’s thinking, Hadley. Just… be careful.”


    “Got it.”


    Hadley gave a small nod and stood up, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. It was time for her to go on stage. Everything seemed normal.


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