?Chapter 293:


    “Caught you daydreaming, huh? Mr. Flynn’s not the type to y Romeo!”


    “Get over it already—you’re still his candied hawthorns errand girl!”


    “Two packs, don’t forget!”


    Laughter bounced off the walls, filling the air with mirth.


    Once the meeting wrapped up, Eric strolled back to his office, only to find Linda already perched within. “Linda? To what do I owe the pleasure?”


    She’d swept in mere minutes earlier, barely settled in.


    Eric’s query was light, a breezy bit of chitchat meant to fill the air. Yet, ever since Linda had caught wind of his hushed exchange with N, a nagging thorn of doubt had taken root. Now, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that his wee mat wasn’t exactly rolled out for her.


    “What’s this? Have I worn out my wee already?”


    Eric raised his eyebrows, startled. “What’s thating from?”


    Quickly concealing her annoyance with a grin, Linda responded, “Just a little humor. Why are you taking it so seriously?”


    She then exined her presence. “I stopped by for a meeting with East Entertainment.”


    East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, shared the building with Eric’s office.


    Linda had scheduled today to discuss with her agent how to lighten her future workload, canceling or postponing non-urgent appointments, though she still had somemitments to honor.


    Getting to her feet, she said, “I’ve managed my schedule and just thought I’d check in with you before leaving. I’ve got workter.”


    “Understood.” Eric nodded briefly. “I’ll let you get on with your evening.”


    “Anyway,” Linda interjected before he could finish. Her eyesnded on the two brown paper bags on the coffee table. She gestured toward them. “Just curious—what are those?”


    “Oh, those?” Eric nced at the bags, recognition dawning. “Those are candied hawthorns.”


    ?@?é$? ???t?εя? íπ ?alπoνεl?.c??


    His answer came out in and simple.


    Linda, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. “When did you start liking this kind of snack?”


    Eric hesitated, careful not to mention they were meant for Hadley. “It’s just something I felt like nibbling on.”


    “Really? Are they good?” Linda inquired as she bent over, opened a bag, and tried a piece.


    “Not too bad,” shemented after tasting it.


    “See?” Eric replied, a subtle twitch in his brow. Swiftly, he handed her the opened bag. “Why don’t you take this one with you?”


    Linda chuckled and replied, “Really? Are you sure?”


    “Yes, they’re just some treats,” Eric responded casually. “I’ve got more here.”


    After all, the bag was already open—giving it to Hadley was no longer an option.


    Lindaughed as she took the bag. “Thanks, then. I’m off.”


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