?Chapter 641:


    Hadley’s face lit up with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling as she asked, “Do you like it?”


    Eric felt a tickle in his throat and gave a slight nod. “Mm.”


    “Try some of the pasta too.”


    With a deft motion, she twirled a forkful of pasta. “I’ve really outdone myself with this.”


    Without hesitation, Eric opened his mouth to ept the forkful.


    “Hehe.”


    Hadley’s grin widened, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Good, isn’t it?”


    “Mm.” Eric nodded, impressed by the pasta’s perfect texture. His curiosity piqued, he asked, “Where did you pick up such cooking skills?”


    Originally from the privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley had never needed to handle kitchen duties.


    Reflecting on her past, Hadley recalled the challenging times in the that had honed her culinary skills. Yet, she replied cheerily, “Oh, my grandmother taught me when I was very young.”


    “Your grandmother did well,” Eric said. “She taught you valuable life skills.”


    He took the fork from her hand, gesturing toward her te. “Let me handle this. You eat too. It’s not as good when it gets cold.”


    “Alright.”


    A quiet spell followed as they both focused on their meals. Eric managed to finish his portion quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant demeanor throughout.


    “Done eating?” Hadley nced at him.


    “Yes.” Eric confirmed, using a napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly in his chair.


    Hadley’s brow furrowed in concern. “Was that enough for you?” Unfortunately, that was all she had prepared; there wasn’t any more food.


    “Should I make something else for you?”


    She paused, fork in hand, ready to rise from her seat.


    “No need for that.” Eric stopped her, gently grasping her wrist. “Finish your meal. I’m pretty much full.”


    “Okay…”


    Resuming her seat, Hadley continued with her meal, but she could feel Eric’s eyes on her, which cast an ufortable shadow over their dinner.


    She had decided to stay despite his earlier request for her to leave, even going as far as making pasta in an attempt to appease him. Now, with the meal over, they were back where they started… Would he send her away again? How would she handle it if he did?


    “Hadley.”


    Startled by her name, Hadley jerked her head up, nervously biting her lip. “I haven’t finished eating yet.”


    Really?


    Eric peered at her nearly empty te. It was an obvious fabrication. What was her angle?


    Staring out the window, he drummed his fingers on the table, muttering thoughtfully. “It’s getting quitete…”


    The unfinished sentiment made Hadley’s pulse quicken. Was this the moment he would tell her to leave?


    She abruptly rose, starting to clear the table, feigning ignorance of his implication. “Indeed, it iste. You should think about heading to bed.”


    Eric watched silently from his chair as she bustled about, gathering the dishes and taking them to the kitchen.


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