?Chapter 571:


    Hadley’s smile widened as she absorbed his words.


    “Listen, Hadley,” Eric murmured as he drew nearer, his presence almost encircling her. His breath was a whisper against her ear, his tone verging on desperate. “I’ll do whatever it takes to address your concerns. Please, let’s not end things, okay?”


    Hadley tilted her head, pondering his plea.


    What was she expected to say in return?


    She found herself amused by Eric’s apparent naivety.


    “Eric.” Hadley finally spoke, her toneced with incredulity. “Do you really believe some new clothes will mend our issues?”


    “And what more should I do?” Eric asked, his voice steady and sincere. He gave her space to speak. “Just tell me what you need. I’m here to make it right. Please, just don’t leave me.”


    Hadley felt uneasy with Eric so near. She touched his chest and gently pushed him back.


    “Eric, it’s clear you know Linda’s preferences. You’ve tailored an entire wardrobe to her taste, yet you seem clueless about what I—your own girlfriend—like. How can I possibly stay with you after realizing this?”


    Eric was taken aback, his expression frozen as he struggled to find the right words.


    After a weighty silence, he said, “I’ve just been around her longer…”


    “Sure.”


    “Just give me a chance,” Eric pleaded, holding her hand earnestly. “I’ll get to know your preferences too, given some time…”


    Hadley, however, was not swayed by his appeal. She smiled slyly, cutting through his protestations. “There’s one way to put all this breakup talk to rest.”


    Lаτ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.??????


    “What would that be?” Eric’s face brightened, hope flickering in his eyes. “Anything you say!”


    With a mischievous tilt of her lips, Hadleyid out her terms. “Have Lindae over and personally apologize to me.”


    What?


    Eric’s expression hardened, a frown forming on his face.


    “Why should she apologize?”


    “Isn’t it obvious?” Hadley flipped her hair back, a look of triumph in her eyes.


    “First off, her staying at my boyfriend’s ce was way out of line. Then there’s the matter of her being in the kitchen, cooking for you. If it wasn’t for her breakfast, we wouldn’t be having issues right now!”


    She sparked all this trouble.


    “Hadley…”


    “Here’s the deal.” Hadley held her head high, confidence radiating from her. “She apologizes, and we’re good.”


    Eric looked at her, feeling utterly defeated.


    It was impossible. Asking Linda to apologize to Hadley? Given her temperament, it was a far stretch.


    “So, you can’t make it happen?” Hadley grinned, doubting he wouldply. “There’s another option, though.”


    “What?” A spark of hope flickered in Eric’s eyes.


    With a sharp exhale, Hadley’s smirk widened. “It’s actually simpler.” She yfully tugged on his tie, looping it around her finger.


    “Just promise you’ll never see her alone again. Stay out of her affairs. Is that within your power?”


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