?Chapter 199:


    There it was.


    Eric gave a slight nod. “Understood.”


    He paused for a moment, then added, “This isn’t sustainable, though. You should consider leaving Gnt soon.”


    Hadley’s expression hardened, but she managed a strained smile. “It’s my livelihood.”


    “Do you really need to do this?” Eric’s disapproval was clear. “You wouldn’t be left without means.”


    Hadley responded with a sarcasticugh. “Really? And just how am I supposed to get by?”


    “I’ll look after you!”


    The words escaped Eric before he could stop them, freezing both of them. Hadley blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly. “What did you say?”


    Eric swallowed hard. Instant regret washed over him as he realized what he had just said. What was he thinking?


    Trying to regain control, he quickly replied, “I mean, our family would support you. Grandma loves you like a granddaughter. Do you think she’d ever let you go hungry?”


    Ah, so that was what he meant.


    Hadley exhaled softly, somewhatforted by his rification. A faint smile appeared on her face. “But I’m not truly a Flynn. While N may care deeply for me, I can’t presume on her generosity. The Flynn family has given me so much already—I don’t want to be further indebted.”


    With a dismissive wave, she signaled the end of their conversation. “It’ste. I’m heading to bed now. Good night.” She then retreated and gently closed the door.


    Eric stood in the hallway, his expression thoughtful.


    This Hadley… she moved with a certain poise, carefully choosing when to step forward and when to pull back. She was no longer the reckless girl he once knew.


    Could any of Srixby’s elite look beyond her history and truly value her? Eric’s jaw tightened. Cursed be that uing birthday gathering. Despite his deep-seated annoyance, he acknowledged his duty to see it through. Above all, he truly wished to be celebrating Hadley’s birthday with her.


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    Unbeknownst to Hadley, preparations for the party were already underway.


    That very morning, on her birthday, as Hadley sat down for breakfast with N amidst the unusual bustle around the house—marked by delivery trucks and busy staff—Hadley looked around in bewilderment. “N, what’s happening today?”


    N gave her a warm smile, patting her hand affectionately. “It’s your special day, my dear. We’re preparing for your birthday banquet.”


    Hadley’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? But… you shouldn’t have gone to such lengths. It’s just another birthday.”


    It had been ages since she’d celebrated her birthday in any significant way. Her own birthday had slipped her mind entirely.


    “It’s essential,” N said, her tone filled with genuine regret. “You weren’t introduced properly during the wee banquetst time… We need to rectify that. I want everyone in Srixby to acknowledge that you are as dear to me as a granddaughter.”


    “N…”


    “Everything is set in motion,” N added, her face lighting up with a reassuring smile. “The invitations have gone out, and the staff are ready. All you need to do is get dressed up and enjoy the evening.”


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