?Chapter 243:


    Backed into a corner, she sighed and moved—both hands at once.


    Eric’s gaze flickered, his throat shifting as he silently observed.


    Momentster, instead of slipping her hand inside, Hadley took a different approach—she unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel open. No unnecessary contact required.


    Her fingers dipped into the inner pocket, pulling out the wallet with a small flourish. “Found it.”


    Eric let out a low hum, amusement flickering in his eyes. Smart move—when she actually put in the effort.


    Without missing a beat, Hadley took out some cash from his wallet, and the bill was settled.


    Just as smoothly, she slid the wallet back into his pocket. “All done. Let’s go.”


    “Hmm.” Eric made a quiet sound of approval and gave a slow nod.


    Not far away, shrouded in shadow, Linda had seen it all. Her expression remained unreadable, but the sharpness in her gaze spoke volumes.


    What was this? Since when had Eric and Hadley been this at ease with each other? When had things shifted?


    Hadley stepped outside and instantly froze.


    “Sebastian’s gone?”


    Her head snapped toward Eric, eyes narrowing. “You’re drunk. You can’t drive.”


    So now what? Were they supposed to just walk home?


    Eric,pletely unbothered, lifted a brow, clearly amused by her frustration.


    “Calm down. You didn’t drink, right? You’ll drive us.”


    He still remembered—before she left the country, she had earned her license in Srixby. She had clung to him under the excuse of “practice,” using every opportunity she could find to make him teach her.


    Without hesitation, he tossed her the keys.


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    “Not a chance! I’m not driving!”


    She caught them on reflex, but her protest was ignored—Eric had already slid into the passenger seat, making himselffortable. Annoyance bubbled in her chest, but there was no way around it. Fine.


    She’d drive.


    Gripping the wheel with both hands, Hadley swallowed hard. Sure, she had a driver’s license—but she hadn’t been behind the wheel in years.


    “Chill.” Eric chuckled, leaning over to click her seatbelt into ce.


    “Take it slow. No need to rush.”


    Hadley let out a slow breath, gripping the wheel a little tighter. She shot him a sideways nce. “If I drive you home, will you let me go back to Gnt?”


    Even now, she hadn’t forgotten why she came to find him tonight. Eric leaned back, his expression giving nothing away. “Just drive first,” he said smoothly. “I don’t like having conversations in the car.”


    Her jaw tightened. Of course.


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