?Chapter 538:


    Eric sighed, utterly defeated by her stubborn charm. He didn’t stay much longer, quickly retreating to the study to deal with his work.


    As soon as he stepped out, Hadley’s yful facade faded. She tossed the tablet aside and sank deeper into confusion. Her thoughts twisted painfully, circling the same impossible question: could Eric actually have feelings for her?


    It seemed so improbable—yet, given his recent actions… what if it was true after all? Hadley was young and resilient, and thanks to Eric’s careful attention…


    She’d regained most of her strength after only two days of rest. The bruises were fading, though a bandage still wrapped around her right hand, a lingering trace of that injury.


    Word of her ident had quickly spread through the dance troupe. Everyone knew she had some kind of connection with Eric Flynn. nche was still recovering and had yet to return, so the temporary manager thoughtfully adjusted Hadley’s schedule—cing her performances earlier so she could leave promptly and rest properly.


    For two evenings straight, Eric had personally picked her up and brought her back to Silver Vis. His reasoning was simple: her injuries weren’t fully healed, and she needed care. Yet Hadley knew better. Now that Eric had discovered her new apartment, she didn’t dare risk returning there and having him uncover Joy’s existence. Her safest option was to y along and stay at Silver Vis until everything calmed down.


    That evening, Eric arrived promptly after her performance, waiting outside as usual. The moment Hadley settled into the passenger seat, he leaned over and fastened her seatbelt, eyes full of gentle amusement. “I’ll take you to eat something niceter.”


    Hadley nced at him suspiciously. “What are you plotting now?”


    Eric chuckled softly, amused by her caution. “Rx, I know you’re watching your diet. I’m not reckless enough to sabotage that. I found a vegetarian ce—delicious food that’s healthy and won’t weigh you down.”


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    Hadley hesitated, then finally nodded, curiosity winning out. “Fine.”


    “Let’s give it a try.”


    Eric had a knack for discovering hidden gems. The restaurant he chose was tucked away in a lively downtown alley—a ce Hadley never would have found on her own.


    Just as they exited the car, she spotted a familiar silhouette nearby.


    “Wait—was that Elissa?”


    Eric gently grabbed Hadley’s hand. “What are you looking at? Let’s go inside.”


    “Hold on.”


    Hadley pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing toward the direction Elissa had hurried off to. “Is that a hotel?”


    “Looks like it,” Eric answered casually, ncing at the glowing sign. “The sign clearly says ‘Hotel.’”


    “What would Elissa be doing at a hotel thiste?” Hadley whispered, confused.


    Eric arched an eyebrow, leaning closer with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Not to cast aspersions on your friend, but hotels in this neighborhood aren’t exactly famous for innocent get-togethers.”


    Hadley whipped around, shooting him a pointed re. “You seem suspiciously familiar with these sorts of establishments. Frequent visitor?”


    Eric froze for a heartbeat, momentarily taken aback. Then, with a sheepishugh, he tapped his forehead. “All right, that was careless of me—I was just joking.” He quickly wrapped an arm around Hadley, gently guiding her toward the restaurant entrance. “Stop staring,” Eric said softly, tugging at her hand. “She’s an adult; she can handle herself. Let’s eat first.”


    He had a point. The restaurant was expecting them: their table was reserved, and dishes arrived just as they settled into their seats—warm, inviting aromas rising from freshly prepared food.


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