?Chapter 553:


    After a tense pause, Ernest finally nced at Linda, who stubbornly avoided his gaze. “Fine, if you’re set on staying, then stay. We’ll talk when you’re ready.”


    With that, he maneuvered his wheelchair to leave.


    Eric hurried alongside to help him exit. “Ernest, let me help.” Quentin was waiting outside.


    Eric assisted Ernest into the car, his expression one of restrained curiosity. “Ernest…”


    Catching his brother’s look, Ernest gave a small chuckle. “What’s on your mind?”


    With a tense jaw, Eric asked, “Is there really someone else in your life?”


    Immediately, Ernestpsed into silence.


    For an extended period, he remained mute.


    “Ernest?”


    “I’m weary. Time to head home.”


    Ultimately, Ernest evaded a direct reply. To Quentin, he said, “Let’s go.”


    “Understood.”


    As the vehicle pulled away, Eric was left rooted in ce, burdened by a deep unease. Familiar with Ernest’s mannerisms, Eric dreaded that the rumors could be true.


    Now, what steps would Linda take?


    Hadley stood in the living room, her arms crossed, stifling a yawn.


    Eric came back inside.


    “Perfect timing,” Hadley said, questioning his ns. “Should I head out now?”


    Eric approached and gently caught her wrist. “No need for drama. Head upstairs, will you?”


    “Hmm.” Hadley quirked an eyebrow. “How am I causing drama?” She gestured towards Linda. “She’s staying, right? Wouldn’t my presence be awkward?”


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    “Hadley.” Eric’s grip slightly tightened. “Linda’s sleeping in the guest room downstairs. Please go upstairs.”


    “Guest room?” Hadley’s eyes widened, surprise evident. “You’re letting her stay in the guest room?”


    What was she even thinking? Trying to prevent another outburst, Eric held back his irritation. “What else did you expect?”


    “Fine,” Hadley muttered, her frown deepening as she shot him a re. “I’m going up.”


    She grasped the situation. Ernest’s visit required that Eric keep her around.


    If he were left alone with Linda, exnations to Ernestter might getplicated.


    Indeed, she served as an effective shield.


    Releasing herself from Eric’s grasp, Hadley pivoted towards the staircase.


    Linda, caught off guard, observed the interaction. It was her first glimpse of Eric showing such tenderness to a woman… The once impulsive young man had mellowed, it seemed.


    As Hadley’s silhouette vanished upstairs, Eric exhaled a sigh of relief and faced Linda.


    She looked a mess—hair damp, shoulders wet, eyes puffy from tears.


    “Linda,” Eric motioned towards the couch, “Please, have a seat. I’ll grab the first aid kit.”


    “Okay.”


    He went to retrieve the kit.


    Returning, he found Linda had prepared herself for treatment, her coat removed and sleeve rolled up, exposing the burn.


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