?Chapter 240:


    “Hadley,e have dinner with me.”


    Surprised, Hadley’s head jerked up. Was he really shifting the topic to dinner now?


    Eric quirked an eyebrow. “You’re noting? Would you rather upset me more?”


    “Certainly not!”


    Hadley responded quickly, her uncertainty apparent as she bit her lip. “If I join you for dinner, will that mean I can return to dancing at Gnt?”


    Eric let out a sharp tsk, clearly annoyed. “Are we bargaining over dinner now? Hadley, was there ever a time when you weren’t so disagreeable?”


    Disagreeable?


    Hadley felt a jolt of shock.


    If she was so disagreeable, why did he im he wanted her around?


    It was obvious he had other motives!


    “Let’s go,” Eric said, striding forward before Hadley could protest further. “Hurry up!”


    With no alternative, Hadley quickly followed Eric.


    As they settled into the car, Eric inquired, “What are you in the mood to eat?”


    “Anything’s good,” Hadley replied nomittally.


    Eric showed a sh of annoyance. “You need to choose something specific when asked.”


    Caught off guard, Hadley faltered, unsure of how to respond.


    From behind the wheel, Sebastian replied, “Mr. Flynn, it’s been quite some time since she wasst in Srixby. She might not be familiar with the current dining spots.”


    “Understood.”


    Eric gave a brief nod, epting the insight. “Then I’ll pick the ce. Cozy Room it is.”


    He turned to Hadley. “I’m in the mood for their menu tonight. Is that alright?”


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    “Yes, that works.” Hadley agreed swiftly, wondering if her opinion truly mattered.


    They arrived at Cozy Room shortly thereafter.


    Eric secured a private room and proceeded to order for them both. Reading out the dishes he chose to Hadley, he asked, “Do these selections appeal to you?”


    “Yes,” she responded, maintaining her easygoing facade. “Everything sounds great.”


    “Good.” Eric concluded the order and passed the menu back to the waiter. “And bring a bottle of your house wine, please.”


    Was he nning to drink tonight?


    Hadley quietly hoped that the meal might lift Eric’s spirits.


    As the dishes were served, they faced each other across the table. Eric ate with effortless grace, switching between bites of steak and slow sips of wine. His appetite was clearly strong. In stark contrast, Hadley could barely taste her food, each mouthful feeling moreborious than thest.


    “Why aren’t you eating?” Eric noted her full te.


    Caught off guard, Hadley murmured, “I’m not hungry.”


    He exhaled, rose from his chair, and approached her. Skillfully, he took her cutlery and began slicing her steak into smaller, more manageable pieces.


    Handing back the knife and fork, he instructed, “There, try now.” He returned to his seat with a smirk. “Were you nning to starve unless I assisted?”


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