?Chapter 572:


    A heavy feeling settled in Eric’s stomach. This request seemed just as unattainable as the apology from Linda.


    “Hadley.” He began to make his case. “Linda has been a part of my life since childhood. She’s important to me…”


    “You can’t do it, can you?” Hadley dismissed his attempts with a wave of her hand, her interest waning. “Why continue discussing this then?”


    She knew he wouldn’t agree.


    That was precisely her point—to ask for something he couldn’t provide.


    “So.” Hadley gave a resigned shrug. “It’s not that I’m not offering you a chance, it’s that you’re not showing any realmitment. It seems we can’t move forward together.”


    Hadley released his tie and threw up her hands.


    “You actually don’t need me, Eric. Any woman could serve as a tempt for you. Given your position, there’s no shortage of candidates.” She offered a dry smile. “I sincerely hope you find someone suitable quickly. Farewell.”


    With those final words, her smile waned, and she turned away, her back to him.


    Eric’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression growing darker by the second.


    The following day was different for Hadley.


    Instead of her usual dance rehearsals, she was scheduled for a photo shoot for promotional material, involving an external crew.


    Upon arriving, she noticed Elissa and the makeup artist were already present.


    “Am Ite, Elissa?”


    “Not at all.” Elissa gestured dismissively toward the venue. “Might not even matter today. We might be dyed.”


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    “What’s happening?”


    “Take a look.” Elissa lowered her voice.


    There was an issue with the venue—the previous team who had booked it was still upying it.


    With only ten minutes left, they showed no intention of wrapping up. The dance troupe wouldn’t be able to start on time.


    “It’s a big star,” Elissa whispered, her tone dropping even further into gossip mode.


    “Who is it?” Hadley engaged with a light chuckle, ready to dive into the rumors.


    Elissa whispered, revealing the name discreetly—”Linda Harris.”


    Hadley hesitated for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. A big star indeed.


    “They’re filming amercial. There’s a standoff between Linda and the director,” Elissa said, her lips forming a tight line. “Typical big star behavior, even arguing with directors.”


    With the space still upied, their ns were stalled. Hadleymented with a grin, “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”


    “Sure,” Elissa responded casually.


    As Hadley walked away, herck of familiarity with the venue led her astray, mistakenly wandering into the filming area.


    “Sorry to interrupt,” Hadley said, ncing around uncertainly. She was just about to request directions, asking, “Could you show me the way to—”


    However, she was cut off mid-sentence as the person she approached spun around to face her.


    “Linda.” She recognized her instantly, as Linda stood with her arms crossed and a smirk.


    “Over there is your way out,” Linda pointed dismissively.


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