?Chapter 524:


    “Y- Yes!”


    Phillips didn’t dare hesitate, falling into step behind him without another word.


    Linda remained rooted to the spot, expression nk,plexion pale. What was happening? Ernest had changed. And now, Eric too. Ever since Hadley returned… everything started to be a mess.


    The moment Eric stepped outside, his gaze darkened—that silver-gray car was still there.


    Phillips cleared his throat. “Mr. Moran has been following us. He hasn’t left, not even once.” Like a ghost that refused to fade.


    Eric’s jaw clenched. He didn’t have the time or the patience to deal with this right now.


    Without another thought, he ducked into the car, and as they pulled away, the silver-gray vehicle followed once again.


    By the time they reached Flynn Group, a mountain of work awaited Eric.


    He forced himself to focus, burying his exhaustion beneath a relentless stream of documents, reports, and decisions.


    Most of the work was finally done by evening, but as for the usual business socializing? He didn’t have the energy for it. Didn’t have the patience, either.


    Descending to the garage, Eric slipped into the car, his movements stiff with fatigue. As they pulled onto the road, he exhaled sharply, his voice breaking the heavy silence.


    “Still no news?”


    Phillips hesitated. Just for a moment. Then—a quiet, weighted answer.


    “No.”


    With a deep sigh, Eric shut his eyes, leaned back, and yanked the knot loose. Of course. He hadn’t expected anything else.


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    If there had been any updates, Phillips would have said something by now.


    Still, he hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to speak. “Mr. Flynn, maybe no news is good news,” he said, carefully choosing his words. “Hadley might have friends we don’t know about—someone who’s taken her in…”


    Before he could finish, the car jerked to a sudden stop.


    Phillips whipped around, his brows furrowing. “Sebastian! You’ve been driving for years—what the hell was that?”


    Sebastian let out a sheepish chuckle. “Just an ident. Sorry.” He gestured ahead. “Look—some woman just walked straight into the road. How was I supposed to predict that?”


    Phillips nced forward.


    Sure enough, a young woman crouched on the icy pavement, gathering scattered belongings from the slick road.


    Phillips squinted, his memory clicking into ce. “Mr. Flynn, isn’t she from Hadley’s dance troupe? I think her name’s Elissa or something.”


    Eric remained stone-faced. Even if it was indeed Elissa—what did it matter to him?


    Seeing no reaction, Phillips sighed before pushing the door open. “I’ll go help her.”


    Stepping out into the cold, Phillips bent down, scooping up thest of her things.


    “Miss Hond?” He extended the item toward her. “The roads are dangerous in this weather—be careful.”


    Elissa’s lips curled into a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for your kindness!”


    “Your bag is ripped.” His tone turned lighter. “Are you heading home?”


    “We can give you a ride.”


    A flicker of hesitation crossed her face before she quickly shook her head. “That won’t be necessary! I can walk from here. Besides, I don’t want to trouble you.”


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