?Chapter 358:


    “Back then, I warned you not to get involved with people like that.”


    “You…” Struggling for words, Linda said, “Sure, his behavior was out of line, but he never actually harmed me.”


    It was true; Wayne had not harmed Linda directly. However, he had crossed a line with Hadley!


    Eric, however, kept this to himself. Instead, he simply asked,


    “Should we really wait for him to cross a line before we intervene?”


    This caused Linda to stop in her tracks.


    “Listen, Linda,” Eric’s voice grew stern. “Ernest just woke up. If he finds out about this, his response will be much harsher than mine.”


    Linda responded with silence.


    To the outside world, Ernest might appear calm and approachable. Still, those who knew him well understood that behind his kind demeanor was a depth that wasn’t easy to handle.


    How could a gentle man ever lead the chaotic Flynn family, anyway? Noticing Linda’s frown, Eric tried to offer somefort.


    “It’s only a public service announcement. There’s always the option to find other investors and reshoot itter if you decide.”


    Meanwhile, Hadley had stopped listening to their exchange.


    A wave of relief washed over her as she grasped her chest.


    What a relief!


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    She had suspected as much—why else would Eric intervene if not for Linda?


    Yes, it all made sense now; it was logical, even expected.


    By chance, she had once again gained from being in Linda’s shadow.


    With newfound peace, Hadley moved gracefully indoors.


    Inside, N and Ernest were both in the living room.


    “N, Ernest.”


    “Ah, Hadley, you’ve made it!” N eagerly put down the book she was reading to Ernest.


    With a touch of frustration, N added, “You arrived just in time—Ernest was about to tire of mypany.”


    “How could he possibly tire of you?”


    “Why wouldn’t he?” N sighed dramatically. “I’m merely trying to help and get him to speak again. You can see it in his expression—he’s had quite enough of me.”


    Hadleyughed softly.


    “Perhaps we should consider a new tactic?” She suggested. “Books with long sentences might be overwhelming for Ernest at this stage.”


    As she spoke, she pulled a set of shcards from her bag.


    These were basic vocabry cards used by young children. Presenting them with a smile, she said, “What if we tackle these one by one, Ernest? We can go slowly, just one word at a time.”


    Ernest, nowfortably sitting up in his wheelchair, leaned back and offered a small smile, whispering softly, “O-kay…”


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