?Chapter 569:


    “You’re wee, honey.”


    A tiny pang of guilt tugged at Hadley; she’d been busytely and hadn’t spent enough time with Joy.


    But that was going to change—no more wasting energy on irrelevant people or drama.


    Today was her day off, and she could devote it entirely to her.


    “Come on! Let’s get you a slice of that pie.”


    Hadley lifted Joy and carried her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken the pie from the oven and ced it on the table.


    The fruit pie looked golden and mouthwatering.


    Hadley sliced a piece and ced it on Joy’s special te, passing her a small spoon. “Dig in.”


    “Thanks, Mommy,” Joy said, carefully scooping up a bite and blowing on it before tasting. “Hot! Hot!” Joy squeaked.


    Hadley nodded with a gentleugh. “Yes, be careful. You’re such a smart girl, blowing on your food so you don’t burn your tongue.”


    “Mmm-hmm.”


    Joy tucked her face closer to the te and took another bite. “So yummy. Nobody cooks better than you, Mommy.”


    “Slow down,” Hadley said to her, standing up. “I’ll get you some milk.”


    Once she prepared the milk and handed Joy the bottle, Hadley’s phone rang.


    Seeing Eric’s name on the screen, she frowned.


    What could he want now? She let the call go unanswered.


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    Almost immediately, a text appeared. “I’m outside your apartment building. Can youe down, or should I juste up?”


    Hadley felt her heart jolt. She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that Eric’s car was indeed parked right below.


    Had he been keeping watch?


    The phone rang again, leaving her with little choice but to answer.


    His voice was calm yet insistent.


    “I’m aware you share the apartment with someone else and they have a child. I’d prefer not to intrude, but I’m concerned about you—and when I’m worried, convenience doesn’t matter. You understand, don’t you?”


    After a moment’s pause, he added, “Hadley, are youing down?”


    She exhaled a weary sigh, knowing she couldn’t refuse.


    “Just give me a minute.”


    “I’ll wait.”


    Five minutester, Hadley found herself stepping outside to meet him.


    “Hi,” Eric said the moment she emerged.


    He stepped out of his car and gestured toward the passenger seat.


    “Get in.”


    She frowned, clearly reluctant, but it was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this dragged on.


    With a sigh, she slid into the car.


    They pulled away from the neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. “What’s going on? If there’s something you need to say, just say it.”


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