?Chapter 551:


    Linda’s patience snapped. “Enough with the act, Hadley.”


    Her hands clenched into fists as she stared Hadley down. “Eric and I grew up together—we’re closer than just ordinary friends! Maybe you don’t understand that kind of bond, but at the very least, have the decency not to insult it!”


    “You really are something else…”


    Hadley exhaled, shaking her head with a half-smile, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.


    “Didn’t I just step aside to give you two some space? And now you’re using me of insulting him… so tell me, Linda—what exactly do you want?”


    “Hadley, that’s enough!”


    Eric’s voice finally cut through the tension.


    His grip tightened around Hadley’s wrist, his expression darkening—not quite angry, but strained, as if trying to keep his patience in check.


    “Go upstairs and wait for me.”


    Hadley arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want me to stay?”


    “Hadley!” This time, Eric’s voice held a sharper edge, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    She sighed dramatically, throwing up her hands. “Fine, fine.” With an indifferent shrug, she stepped back. “I’ll be upstairs then.”


    She was just about to turn when—


    The doorbell rang again.


    Linda’s entire body tensed, her fingers mping onto Eric’s arm like a vice. Panic shed in her eyes. “Eric! Don’t open the door! Don’t let him in—I don’t want to see him!”


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    Was Linda talking about Ernest?


    A puzzled look crossed Eric’s face.


    His memories of Ernest and Linda painted a picture of harmony; they rarely disagreed.


    Ernest, in particr, had always been amodating ever since they started dating, always putting Linda’s wishes first.


    But what had changedtely?


    Ever since Ernest woke up from hisa, tension seemed to have grown between them.


    Yet, Eric couldn’t just ignore Ernest’s situation. “Linda, perhaps it’s best to discuss everything openly with Ernest.” He reached for the door.


    Soon after, Ernest entered, his hair and shoulders lightly covered in snow.


    “Linda,” he said as he maneuvered his wheelchair closer. “Let’s not trouble Eric and Hadley any further. It’s gettingte; they need their rest. Let’s go home.”


    “I will not go anywhere with you!” Linda’s refusal was adamant, as Eric had anticipated.


    Linda’s eyes were red as she sneered. “What’s the rush to take me away? Scared I’ll spill your secrets?” Her gaze deliberately shifted to Hadley.


    Confused, Hadley wondered why Linda was involving her in this spat.


    This was between Linda and Ernest, wasn’t it?


    Linda continued, “Scared they’ll learn their respected brother is nothing but a cheat and a scoundrel?”


    Shocked, Hadley could hardly believe what she was hearing. She nced at Eric, who appeared unfazed by the usation. Did he already know?


    “Linda,” Ernest said, his expression tight with frustration yet marked by a refined handsomeness.


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