?Chapter 276:


    Shortly, a staff member wheeled a cart stocked with arge box toward them.


    “Here it is, sir.”


    “Let’s see it, then,” instructed the manager.


    “Right away, sir.”


    The staff member quickly opened the box, revealing a second, more elegant case inside—a clear acrylic box.


    Within it, a Minnie Mouse doll stood about 20 inches tall, adorned with a vibrant red bow and matching dress.


    Eric nced at Hadley, his expression inquiring.


    “Is this the one you were after?”


    Hadley’s face brightened immediately.


    “Yes, that’s the one!”


    It was the very Minnie Mouse doll that Joy had set her heart on.


    “Very well.”


    A hint of a smile yed on Eric’s lips as he witnessed her enthusiasm.


    He instructed the manager,


    “Pack it up.”


    “Certainly, Mr. Flynn.”


    The manager signaled his staff to start wrapping the item.


    Eric then mentioned casually,


    “Charge it to my ount.”


    “Right away, Mr. Flynn.”


    “Hold on a moment!”


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    Hadley quickly intervened, shing her wallet. “I’ll take care of it myself.”


    The manager looked taken aback and reflexively nced at Eric for direction. Confusion clearly marked his features.


    Eric simplyughed, his demeanor exuding arrogance and ease, which was almost exasperating to witness.


    “You’re going to pay?” He sounded amused. “Please, don’t be silly.” Could she truly believe he would allow her to handle the expense? After all, he was well aware that she hadn’t epted any support, and the modest ie she made at Gnt surely wouldn’t cover it.


    “Save your earnings,” Eric said, waving off her attempt. “This one’s on me.”


    “I insist on paying for it myself!” Hadley interrupted forcefully, her hands balled into fists as sheid down her terms. “If you won’t let me, then I don’t want the doll at all!”


    “Oh, really?”


    Eric regarded her intently. She had been eyeing that doll with such intensity since she first spotted it.


    This wasn’t just about money; it was about asserting her independence from him.


    Alright. He decided to let her win this round.


    He had indeed messed up earlier, and buying her this toy was his way of apologizing, not a gesture to indebt her. If she preferred to pay for it herself, he wouldn’t argue with her.


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