?Chapter 189:


    “After everything calms down at home, maybe we can—”


    “Ah, and who might this be?”


    An unhurried, resonant voice interrupted. From within the apartment, a formidable presence emerged. The man’s height alone seemed to dwarf Duran. His demeanor wasn’t overtly hostile, yet his presence was undeniablymanding.


    When Duran caught sight of his face, he stopped short, his expression registering surprise. “M… Mr. Flynn?”


    Eric gave a slight nod, his expression forming a courteous yet tight smile. “Mr. Murray, our paths cross once more.”


    “You…” Duran’s eyes darted between Eric and Hadley, confusion washing over him. “You two… What’s going on?”


    What was Eric doing here?


    During his past visits to Gnt, there had been whispers about Eric’s particr interest in Hadley. Was he here to rekindle whatever had been between them?


    Duran kept his thoughts to himself, while Eric seemed indifferent to exining. Instead, Eric reached into his pocket, retrieved a small paper bag, and casually tossed it to Duran.


    “Good timing. Here—take your thing back.”


    Eric’s dismissive gesture made it seem as though he were discarding something contemptible. “What is this?”


    Duran reflexively caught the small bag, his brows furrowing in confusion.


    As he opened it, he found the ring he had once given to Hadley.


    Hadley’s reaction was immediate. She turned sharply toward Eric, her expression one of astonishment. Hadn’t he discarded it that very night? Could it be that he had held onto it all this time?


    A sardonicugh escaped Duran as he gripped the ring tightly, his face hardening.


    The realization hit him. Hadley was no longer his to keep—she had moved on to Eric. That made sense. Eric was younger, wealthier, and free from theplexities Duran had to offer.


    With a resigned look, Duran slipped the ring into his pocket and faced Hadley. “Forget my earlier request. You’re with Mr. Flynn now. Consider yourself fortunate. I’ll take my leave.”


    Step into fiction with  .


    What?


    Shock shed across Hadley’s face. Did Duran really think she was romantically involved with Eric? This misunderstanding could only lead to chaos. Eric couldn’t stand her, and discovering this mix-up would likely send him over the edge.


    “No—” she said, her voice strained.


    “Tsk,” Eric’s re was sharp, his toneced with annoyance. “The doctor told you not to speak. Want to lose your voice for good?”


    Was she still pining for that older man?


    Hadley bit back her response, overwhelmed by frustration. See? He was already furious. And the worst part? She couldn’t even clear the air.


    Duran caught the tense exchange, his expression weary. He nodded stiffly at Eric before turning to leave.


    Hadley moved instinctively, taking a step forward and opening her mouth to call out, saying, “Mr. Mu—”


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