?Chapter 523:


    Eric didn’t return to his own room. Instead, his feet carried him toward Hadley’s. He walked in, barely registering his movements, and copsed onto her bed fully clothed, his body heavy with exhaustion. Burying his face into her pillow, he inhaled deeply—clinging to the faint traces of her scent. “Where are you, Hadley?”


    He hadn’t slept all night. But even here, lying in the warmth of her space, rest wouldn’te. Closing his eyes only made the unease worse.


    Time blurred. At some point, a knock sounded at the door.


    Phillips.


    “Mr. Flynn?”


    Eric forced himself up, dragging his exhausted body to the door. His bloodshot eyes locked onto Phillips. “What is it?”


    “It’s…”


    Phillips hesitated. He could tell Eric was in no mood for conversation, but thepany matters couldn’t wait.


    Eric listened as Phillips ryed the situation, and then gave a tired nod. “Okay. I get it. I’ll get ready and head to thepany as soon as I can.”


    “Understood, Mr. Flynn.”


    A cold shower, a quick shave, fresh clothes—none of it made him feel any more awake.


    Just as he was straightening his sleeves, Linda appeared in the doorway.


    Her gaze swept over him, immediately noticing the red-rimmed eyes, the deep shadows under them. “You’re heading to thepany, aren’t you?” Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. “You should eat something before you go.”


    “No need.”


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    “Eric, please listen.” She reached out, gripping his arm firmly. “If you were resting at home, I wouldn’t push, but you’re going to work—running on nothing but stress and exhaustion. How long do you think you can keep this up?”


    “Linda, please.”


    Eric inhaled deeply, his patience already wearing thin. “How can I eat when I don’t even know if Hadley is out there starving?”


    Then—a bitterugh slipped past Linda’s lips. “And that’s my fault?” she scoffed, eyes shing. “Why are you taking it out on me?”


    Eric’s restraint snapped.


    “Linda,” he called out, his brows furrowing. “From now on—stay away from Hadley’s things.”


    Her expression hardened. “What did I take from her?”


    “I know about that dress.”


    His voice was sharp, unforgiving. “You knew it was meant for Hadley, yet you still took it.”


    Then—sheughed again, this time in disbelief. “Ha!” She scoffed, shaking her head. “You’re actually using me? Over a dress?”


    Eric said nothing, his jaw clenching.


    “I’m just saying…” His voice dropped. “If Hadley had worn that dress—if she had gone to that party—maybe none of this would have happened.”


    “What’s that?” Linda took a step forward, her gaze drilling into his. “Are you saying that I am to me for Hadley’s disappearance?”


    Eric’s brow furrowed, his jaw tight as he stood in silence for a moment.


    “I’m simply saying that this cannot happen again.” Turning sharply on his heel, he shouted, “Phillips, let’s go.”


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