?Chapter 595:


    “Eric.” Hadley gave him a sharp look. “Do you really think that just because we’re back together, you’re suddenly entitled to special treatment?”


    Yet secretly, she admitted to herself that spending this time together with Eric had taught her something—Eric was surprisingly manageable, as long as she steered clear of mentioning a breakup or crossing paths with Linda.


    She replied sharply, “If that’s your idea, you might as well forget it right now. The things you said to me that day—they still sting. Don’t assume I’ve let it go.”


    “The things I said? That’s—” Immediately, Eric scrambled to justify himself.


    “Hmm?” Hadley tilted her head skeptically. “Are you denying it?”


    Eric sighed quietly, shoulders sinking as he admitted, “No, you’re right.”


    Back then, he’d used her of being willful, overbearing—even arrogant.


    “Humph.” Hadley smirked, leaned back, and closed her eyes. “Just take me to my ce.”


    “Alright.”


    Clearly, she hadn’t gotten over it. Eric knew there was nothing else to do but reluctantly drive her home.


    Once they reached the gate, Hadley gestured for him to stop. “You can stop here. Your car always attracts extra attention at security, and it’s annoying.”


    Honestly, she was terrified he might bump into Joy if he drove inside. Joy would usually be out strolling with Melba at this hour, increasing the odds of an awkward encounter.


    Scooping up her bag, Hadley quickly hopped out and began jogging into the neighborhood.


    “Be careful!”


    Eric poked his head out of the car window, calling out after her, “Send me a text or give me a call when you reach home safely!”


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    “I will!”


    Without ncing back, Hadley casually waved a hand, her voice fading softly into the crisp winter air.


    From his vantage point, Eric watched her disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat—newly collected from FOUR Hours—her long hair dancing gently in the breeze.


    “She’s really breathtaking,” Eric whispered to himself, his eyes fixed on the empty street long after she’d vanished, finally pulling away only when he could no longer justify lingering.


    Cruising aimlessly along the road, he wondered bitterly what to do with the rest of his suddenly empty day.


    His fingers tapped restlessly on the steering wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He suddenly mmed on the brakes.


    Did he just see correctly? Was his mind ying tricks?


    A jolt shot through him. He backed up slightly for another look—and this time, there was no doubt. It was Joy. He hadn’t been mistaken!


    Near the city’s winding river sat the apartmentplex where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its sprawling riverside park.


    Melba brought Joy there every day to socialize and y.


    Several other neighborhood kids gathered too, often escorted by grandparents or caretakers, much like Melba herself.


    Laughter and yful shouts echoed through the park as the grown-ups sat together on benches, exchanging small talk while watching the children having fun.


    Joy stood out among them, being one of only two girls in the group—her sweet personality quickly winning over everyone around her. A little boy approached her eagerly, clearly determined to catch her attention.


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