?Chapter 258:


    “And who might this exceptional dancer be?”


    Eric gave him a warning look. “None of your business, man.” The timing wasn’t right to divulge more.


    “Hold on…” Suspicion dawned on Barrie. “Is it that girl from Gnt?” Reflecting on the past, Eric had hardly shown genuine interest in anyone except for that woman recently.


    Eric’s gaze sharpened. “I said, none of your business!”


    Barrie grinned, realizing the truth. “Ah, so it is her!”


    He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Come on, what’s the harm in admitting it? Her dancing is indeed magical.”


    Eric’s look turned cold. “Seems you’ve been paying her quite a bit of attention.”


    Could that be a hint of jealousy? Indeed—Eric was not one to appreciate others admiring his interests.


    Barrie quickly replied, “No, of course not!” He swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. “Anyway, it’s great she’ll be training with Ms. Nicolson. That’s a real opportunity.”


    Eric was well aware of the benefits.


    He wondered if Hadley truly understood that she couldn’t dance at Gnt indefinitely. To have a real future in dance, she needed to seize this opportunity.


    She was young and inexperienced, unaware of theplexities thaty ahead. But Eric knew better, and it was his responsibility to ensure that better ns were made for her future.


    After their discussion, Eric walked back into his office and was momentarily surprised to find Linda there. “Linda? What brings you here?”


    “Is my presence unwee?” Linda asked with a smile as she stood up from her chair. “I wrapped up early today and thought I’d swing by to pick you up. How about dinner at home with N? I’ve been so caught up with work that I’ve hardly seen her. She must be missing ourpany.”


    “Indeed, how could she not?”


    Eric approached his desk, ced a folder down, powered off hisputer, and organized some documents. Then he turned to Linda again. “I’m all set. Let’s head out.”


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    “Great.” Linda moved closer, linking her arm with his in a rxed manner.


    Eric tensed for a moment, looking down at their joined arms.


    “What’s up?” Linda asked, touching her face. “Is my makeup off?”


    Eric diverted his eyes from her arm and shook his head. “No, it’s fine. Let’s get going.”


    After a discouraging job hunt the previous day, Hadley was back at it again.


    Today’s prospect was a dance studio.


    Options were limited, so she waspelled to explore every avable opportunity.


    As she was on her way, her phone began to ring.


    It was Eric.


    “Hello?” Hadley answered cautiously.


    “What’s going on?” Eric quickly noticed. “You sound exhausted. Are you unwell?”


    Hadley didn’t feel like getting into the details. “Is there something you needed?”


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