?Chapter 397:


    Hadley let out a softugh, but there was no humor in it.


    Her eyes lingered on the bag for a second before she shook her head.


    “He’s indeed nice. Too nice. That’s exactly why I can’t get close.”


    Elissa’s brows furrowed. “What? That makes no sense.”


    Hadley inhaled deeply, as if steadying herself. “Hees from money.”


    Understanding dawned in Elissa’s eyes. She nodded slowly, processing it.


    “Then yeah, guess… better to keep our feet nted where they belong.”


    “Exactly.”


    For a brief second, Hadley thought she caught something in Elissa’s tone—an odd shift, something wistful, almost… off.


    But before she could ask, Elissa straightened, brushing it away with a lighthearted smile.


    “Anyway, I’ll grab your costume.”


    Hadley nodded, her voice softer this time.


    “Thanks.”


    Eric pulled up outside the dance studio’s side entrance, parking just out of the way. He had been waiting for nearly half an hour, watching as staff and performers trickled out one by one.


    Then, finally—there she was.


    Hadley strolled out, arm in arm with another girl, theirughter light and unguarded. She had no idea he was there. That changed the moment he stepped out of the car.


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    “Hadley!”


    His voice cut through the air, sharp enough to make her pause mid-step.


    She turned, surprise flickering across her face.


    “Eric?” Her tone was cautious. “Do you… need something? Is N looking for me?”


    At that, his expression darkened instantly, irritation shing in his eyes.


    “What, so the only reason I’d be here is because Grandma sent me?” His jaw tightened. “Can’t Ie looking for you myself?”


    Hadley stiffened slightly. There it was—his sudden shifts in mood, as unpredictable as ever.


    “Hadley…” Sensing the tension, Elissa nced between them and tilted her head toward the side.


    “I’ll wait over there.”


    “Mm, okay.”


    Hadley exhaled slowly, relief washing over her as Elissa stepped away. She never knew what to expect with Eric, and thest thing she wanted was to set him off—his moods shifted like the wind. She kept her voice even, careful.


    “So? What is it?”


    “Here.”


    Eric reached into his pocket and pulled out a hair tie—the same style as the one she had left in his car, freshly bought from Evergrand Mall. Without warning, he tossed it toward her.


    Hadley’s reflexes kicked in as she reached out, barely managing to catch it before it slipped through her fingers.


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