?Chapter 580:


    Eric cast her one final, steely nce. “Consider this yourst warning. Stay out of my private life from now on.”


    “Eric, wait…”


    He ignored her, disappearing before she could protest further.


    Thankfully, at least she’d secured Elissa’s phone. Going back on promises—that was Eric’s decision and his problem to deal with, not Linda’s.


    Predictably, Hadley appeared at the hospital that same afternoon. “Linda!”


    “You don’t have to exin,” Linda said quickly, raising her palms in helpless surrender. “I kept my promise and dropped the charges, but Eric refuses to let it rest.”


    She sighed, continuing softly, “I did all I could to change his mind, but he’s determined to press charges anyway.”


    “But that makes no sense,” Hadley said, confused lines creasing her forehead. “You’re the victim, and even you aren’t pursuing this.”


    “You’re right. But assault is considered a crime. The victim’s forgiveness doesn’t always stop thew.”


    What?


    Hadley’s mind was on the verge of snapping! She nced at Linda, a bitterugh escaping her lips—how naive she’d been,pletely misjudging Eric’s devotion to Linda.


    A woman he treasured, someone who haunted his memories, had been harmed. Of course, he wouldn’t let it slide. Even if Linda had forgiven everything, Eric would still demand justice for her pain.


    Silently, Hadley turned and walked away.


    Linda squinted after Hadley’s departing figure, a subtle smile of satisfaction curling at her lips. Who could’ve guessed she’d be the ultimate winner in thisplicated game?


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    True, her leg was injured—but she now held Elissa’s phone in her hands. Judging from Hadley’s wounded pride, she probably despised Eric by now. Would Hadley still seek him out?


    Linda silently prayed that Hadley wouldn’t. She simply couldn’t stand the idea of Eric and Hadley being together again. In fact, Hadley had no intention of returning to Eric, either. Her hesitation wasn’t due to pride. Rather, Eric’s fierce protection of Linda had reached such extremes that Hadley suspected even begging wouldn’t change his mind. Yet, no matter what, she had to confront him. This mess was her fault. Elissa shouldn’t suffer the consequences alone.


    Still, she wouldn’t humiliate herself in front of Eric.


    Hadley had her own strategy—though it might not be entirely honorable.


    After stepping outside the hospital, Hadley headed directly to the Flynn Group. Standing before the building, she dialed Eric’s number.


    To her surprise, the call connected after only a few rings.


    “Hello…”


    “Hello?” The voice that answered belonged to Phillips, not Eric. “Hadley? Are you trying to reach Mr. Flynn? He’s upied at the moment. Why don’t youe upstairs and wait for him?”


    With Phillips’ words smoothing the way, Hadley effortlessly entered the Flynn Group, ascending directly to the top floor that housed the CEO’s imposing office.


    This wasn’t unfamiliar territory; even the secretaries greeted her warmly, their subtle smiles of recognition clear.


    Hadley noticed her photo discreetly disyed at their desks, a silent testament to her standing—she was the woman their boss himself had marked as important, someone they absolutely needed to remember.


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