?Chapter 504:


    Elissa, restless and unable to sleep, picked up on the faint sounds of cabs opening and closing. She guessed Hadley was preparing something. Eventually, the noises stopped, and the apartment fell quiet once more.


    Shortly after, Elissa’s phone vibrated with a text from Hadley. “I’ve prepared some food for you. Eat when you feel up to it.”


    Tears immediately filled Elissa’s eyes. She covered her face with her hand, overwhelmed. Hadley hadn’t pressed for details—she’d focused instead on Elissa’sfort and well-being.


    As Hadley left the apartment, kes of snow began to drift down from the sky. “Amazing,” she whispered, extending her hand to catch the snowkes. Winter had finally arrived in Srixby.


    Tending to Elissa had dyed her, and evening was quickly approaching. Living nearby, Hadley decided to pick up her pace and head home.


    At the same time, Eric stood at the party, surveying the crowd yet unable to spot Hadley. What was going on? He had arrived on time—where was she? Hadn’t she said she woulde alone?


    His thoughts were interrupted when Linda approached, delicately lifting her dress as she called, “Eric.”


    He frowned. Why did that dress look so familiar? Was this the same dress he had picked out for Hadley? Could it be another mix-up? Had they ended up wearing identical dresses again?


    As Eric eyed her dress, Linda grinned. “Recognize this? Does it look familiar to the one you chose for Hadley?”


    “Yeah,” Eric acknowledged with a pause, nodding. “It’s more than simr.”


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    With augh, Linda exined, “Actually, it’s the very same one.”


    She continued, describing her earlier interaction with Hadley. “Hadley was so kind. I just mentioned how much I liked the dress, and she insisted I take it.”


    Hadley gave up the gown? Eric narrowed his eyes slightly. What could Hadley possibly be wearing instead?


    And more importantly, where was she now? He looked around the banquet hall once more.


    Linda’s smile faded a bit. “Searching for Hadley? I haven’t spotted her yet. She might not have arrived.”


    Not here yet? Eric checked his watch with a frown.


    “I’m sure she’ll show up soon.” Linda managed a strained smile. “I should find your brother now. He’ll start wondering where I am if I don’t show up soon.”


    “Okay.”


    “Mr. Flynn!” Phillips approached hurriedly, having been searching for Hadley without sess.


    “Hasn’t she shown up?” Grasping the situation as he saw Phillips alone, Eric asked with a frown.


    “Mr. Flynn, it’s begun to snow. The roads could be congested. Should we give her a call to see if she’s on her way?”


    Nodding, Eric pulled out his phone and called Hadley.


    As Hadley was on her way home, her phone started ringing. She saw who it was and picked up.


    “Hey, Hadley.” Eric massaged his forehead. “Where are you right now? It’s already starting to snow. Got caught in traffic?”


    “Huh?”


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