?Chapter 197:


    Hadley nodded, then said, “Can you give me a heads-up before she returns?”


    “What?” Eric looked at her, puzzled for a moment. “Why do you need to know?”


    Hadley was surprised. Didn’t he get it?


    “So I can leave,” she exined. “You’re aware she wouldn’t appreciate sharing the same space as me.”


    Upon hearing this, Eric stiffened, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.


    He chuckled softly. “You’re thinking too much. Linda isn’t one to bear grudges. She probably doesn’t even hold it against you anymore.”


    Really?


    A subtle smile tugged at Hadley’s lips as she gently shook her head. “Then just think of it as me not having the courage to face her.”


    At her words, Eric caught his breath. Those were the very same words he had once spoken to her.


    In that moment, he found himself unable to argue.


    Later that evening, Hadley was settling into life at the Flynn Mansion.


    After dinner, N asked Eric to stay for a private conversation.


    “Grandma, is there something you need?”


    “Yes.” N held her teacup delicately, taking small sips. “Do you understand why I insisted Hadley stay?”


    Eric quirked an eyebrow. “Wasn’t it to keep youpany?”


    “You…”


    N red at her clueless grandson, chuckling weakly as she shook her head.


    Exhaling deeply, she admitted, “Never mind. I’ve epted it. If you really don’t have feelings for Hadley, I’lle to terms with that.”


    Eric looked confused. “What did I do now?”


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    This conversation seemed to drift back to an old usation—that he didn’t care enough for Hadley.


    “What did you do?” N fixed him with a stern look. “Even if romance is off the table, you could at least act like her brother. You two spent years together under this same roof, yet you don’t even…”


    “Seems you can’t even remember her birthday! If Ernest were here, he’d never forget.”


    What? Eric was taken aback. Was it almost time for Hadley’s birthday?


    N continued, “I’m nning a proper birthday celebration for her and hope to find her a suitable match.”


    “Mm-hmm…” Eric nodded absentmindedly, his attention elsewhere, until he suddenly tensed.


    “Wait, a match? What are you suggesting?”


    N fixed him with a stern look. “Isn’t it obvious?”


    It dawned on Eric immediately. His annoyance red. “Grandma, this can’t be your serious intention.” Was this some sort of joke? Organizing a birthday gathering to showcase every suitable bachelor in Srixby for Hadley’s selection?


    “Grandma,” Eric’s voice wasden with exasperation as he rubbed his temples. “Is there anyone in Srixby unaware of my rtionship with her?”


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