?Chapter 654:


    “What makes you say that?”


    “He’s kind to me.”


    At that moment, Melba walked in to check on them, overhearing the conversation. Sheughed heartily. “You’re still so young, Joy. How can you understand kindness?”


    “He is!” Joy, feeling slighted yet steadfast, stood her ground. “And he’s very handsome too!”


    Melba couldn’t contain her amusement, bursting into another fit ofughter. “Oh dear, you’re quite the charmer! Is it just because he’s good-looking?”


    Joy’s eyes widened, a mix of earnestness and anxiety shining through.


    “Mommy! It’s true—he’s a good man!”


    “Okay, okay.” Hadley gave in with a helpless smile. “Mommy believes you, sweetheart.”


    “See, Melba?” With a victorious little huff, Joy cuddled closer to Hadley. “Mommy is the best.”


    “Yes, yes, of course, your mommy is the best.”


    Melba watched the mother-daughter pair make up with a contented sigh and then cheerfully returned to her tasks.


    That night, Hadley didn’t leave Joy’s side.


    Her eyes lingered on the hairpins resting on the nightstand, then wandered to the plush toy nestled in the cab. With a deep exhale, Hadley sighed quietly to herself.


    Unbeknownst to Eric when he purchased these gifts, he had chosen them for his own child.


    Could this connection be an unseen thread of blood ties drawing them together? They had formed a bond despite not knowing they were actually father and daughter.


    Hadley shut her eyes, reying the scene of Eric with Joy in the park—his gaze filled with genuine affection and care.


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    Such warmth and love couldn’t be disguised.


    It wasforting to know that Joy could one day be cherished in the embrace of her father.


    Joy, too, must have craved the love of a father, right?


    The following day at the dance troupe, Elissa approached Hadley with a radiant smile. “Hadley, Linda chose my design!”


    “Is that so?” Hadley responded, her expression one of delighted surprise. “You kept that quiet! Why didn’t you mention it earlier?”


    Blushing slightly, Elissa responded with a sheepish grin. “I guess I was just worried I might jinx it.”


    “You know what? That’s wonderful news.” Hadley offered a yful grin. “It seems Linda is quite taken with your design. Congrattions!”


    Despite her reservations about Linda, Hadley couldn’t deny the significance of her approval.


    For Elissa, having Linda choose her design for her wedding, a high-profile event with the influential Flynn family in Srixby, was nearly a guarantee of skyrocketing fame.


    Elissa’s smile was broad and filled with excitement. “I just got lucky!”


    “Keep pushing forward, excel at it!”


    “I will!”


    Around noon, Elissa needed to purchase some supplies for her costume-making. Since the dance troupe was basically on a break and Hadley had some time to spare, she decided to join her friend.


    During their outing, Hadley picked up some yarn.


    She intended to knit two sweaters, one small and onerge. Naturally, the smaller one was for Joy. Therger one? It was intended for Eric.


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