?Chapter 251:


    “Yes,” Hadley replied, finally able to speak. “I’m okay now. Thank you.”


    “Alright then.”


    Eric let out a sigh of relief and ced the ss on the table. He yfully flicked her nose. “Really, Hadley? Choking on bread? Are you trying to win a prize for clumsiness?”


    As she turned her head away, Hadley’s frown deepened.


    She didn’t like him touching her—not one bit.


    As soon as she moved away, Eric’s face stiffened momentarily. Nheless, he chose to stay silent instead of reacting.


    Deep down, Eric wasn’t just upset about this incident. His real frustration stemmed from overhearing her earlier on the terrace, iming she no longer loved him.


    He returned to his seat, continuing to slice the bread.


    Observing him, Hadley grew more anxious. “Please, I don’t want any more. Stop cutting it.”


    Eric stopped cutting for a moment, then looked up at her with intense eyes.


    “Hadley,” he said calmly, though his intense gaze added pressure. “No one declines what I offer. You’re aware of that, right?” In other words, she had no choice.


    A shiver ran down Hadley’s spine. This was typical of Eric.


    Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, “Then what is it that you really want from me?”


    Now they were finally getting to the main point.


    As he leaned forward, Eric’s tone was firm. “I’ve already told you. Forget about the divorce ande back to me.”


    “That’s not my question.” Hadley shook her head, her gaze locked on his, searching for his real motives. “What I want to know is—why are you doing all of this?”


    What?


    Her question visibly stunned Eric.


    Feel inspired by gα ?η σ ν?? ??s,


    Wasn’t it clear? He wanted her back, so he took action. It was that simple!


    Hadleyughed softly, her tone tinged with mockery. “You want me back… but what’s the real reason? Surely, it’s not because you’ve fallen in love with me overnight?” Love?


    A frown creased Eric’s forehead. He hadn’t actually thought about love in their equation.


    His momentary hesitation confirmed Hadley’s suspicions—his motives were anything but romantic.


    She gave a knowing smile. “Of course, that’s not it. A man like you wouldn’tmit to something so dramatic over love. That’s just absurd. What’s the real reason?”


    “Hold on a second.”


    The look in Eric’s eyes grew colder. His voice remained steady, yet there was a sharp undertone. “Do you really find the notion of my love… absurd?”


    “Is it not?” Hadley replied firmly, her confidence unshaken. “Who am I, after all? The notorious ‘wicked woman’ of Srixby, the one you threw overseas, the cunning, shameful—”


    “Stop talking!” Eric interrupted sharply, his annoyance evident. “Your words are better left unsaid.”


    He then picked up a slice of baguette, dipped it in the creamy mushroom soup, and brought it to her lips.


    Hismand was clear and upromising. “Open up.”


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