?Chapter 535:


    “Hello, Joy.” Hadley greeted softly.


    “Mommy,” Joy said. “You left yesterday without saying goodbye. I looked for you when I came home.”


    “Are you sad about that?”


    “Just a little. Mommy, are you okay? Is work making you tired?”


    Hearing her daughter’s concern warmed Hadley’s heart—Joy truly was her little angel. Despite the challenges with Eric, she knew she could endure anything for Joy.


    “Don’t worry, baby. Mommy’s doing just fine.”


    After hanging up, Hadley nced at the clock and realized it was nearly noon. Feeling refreshed and free from difort, she slid out of bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. Sunlight poured in, and she shielded her eyes reflexively.


    “Hadley!”


    In that moment, Eric entered, his face brooding. Confusion overtook her as she noticed his expression. What could be bothering him?


    “Have you lost your mind?”


    Eric closed the distance between them in an instant, wrapping one arm around her waist and lifting her slightly.


    “Me?” Hadley’s eyes widened in surprise. “What have I done?” His sudden anger was puzzling.


    “You’re asking me?” Eric set her gently back onto the bed. “Just stay here.”


    He stormed off to the closet and soon returned, kneeling in front of her with a pair of socks. He held her ankle gently and carefully pulled one sock over her foot, then the other.


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    Her feet, like the rest of her, were delicately shaped, with neatly trimmed, unpainted toenails that gleamed a healthy pink—charming and petite.


    After slipping the socks onto her feet, he paused before releasing her. His initial irritation at seeing her barefoot had almost dissipated. His voice remained firm, yet softened now.


    “You’ve just recovered from a fever. Walking around barefoot isn’t wise. Do you understand?”


    Hadley blinked, perplexed. Wasn’t this an overreaction? They were inside, after all. Despite the heavy snowfall outside, the house was equipped with central heating and the floors were carpeted. The interior wasfortably warm.


    “Furthermore,” Eric continued, not yet finished with his lecture, “you’re a woman. Remember how you once ended up in the hospital with menstrual cramps? You need to be more cautious. People say keeping your feet warm is essential for good health. Please look after yourself even when I’m not here.”


    He then cradled her feet in his hands, gently warming them.


    Hadley felt suddenly unsettled. What exactly was he doing? She recalled his plea from the night before to forget Denver and how attentively he had cared for her throughout the night… What was driving his behavior? Was he worried she might reconsider their arrangement and disappoint Linda?


    That seemed like the only usible reason. With this realization, Hadley felt a wave of relief wash over her. She withdrew her feet from his grasp and said nonchntly, “I get it—you can stop nagging now.”


    Eric rose, gently tidying her disheveled hair. “Are you hungry?”


    “Yes,” she nodded, aware of her growing appetite.


    “Good.” Eric let out a sigh of relief. “Seeing you’re ready to eat is a sign you’re recovering.” He couldn’t hide a trace of self-satisfaction. “It’s good I brought you here. Your fever eased during the night. You can eat in bed if you like—would that be all right?”


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