?Chapter 709:


    “Now that Hadley is here, we should be on our way,” he suggested.


    Reaching out, he offered his hand to Linda.


    Linda shot him a frustrated look but took his arm, saying, “Alright, have it your way.”


    Ernest gave her hand a gentle pat and nced at Hadley with a yful smirk.


    “Now that you’re here, Eric will be in good spirits. He couldn’t stop talking about you the whole time, and frankly, my ears need a break.”


    Without reacting to his joke, Hadley apanied Ernest to the door and saw him out.


    She then turned back to Eric, observing his attractive but somewhat pale and frail features, and pursed her lips.


    “I apologize. I meant to rest for just a bit yesterday after my shower, but exhaustion took over, and I couldn’t wake up. How did you farest night?”


    Eric looked at her thoughtfully. Her exnation was logical; she apologized, showed concern, and tried to reconnect…


    Still, he sensed a gap between them.


    Hadley was physically close, yet emotionally, it felt as if she were miles away.


    Eric’s expression darkened slightly.


    “I survived the night, at least.”


    Was he being sarcastic again? Hadley let out a smallugh, wondering if he was throwing a tantrum again.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


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    It opened to reveal the nurse.


    “Miss Pearson,” the nurse said, her tone official. “Has Mr. Flynn eaten yet? We shouldn’t administer the IV on an empty stomach.”


    “No!” Eric interrupted before Hadley could respond affirmatively.


    “You haven’t eaten yet?” Hadley expressed her surprise. “How have you gone all morning without food?”


    Eric chuckled ruefully. “Well, you’ve just gotten here and brought nothing with you. What was I supposed to eat?”


    Sarcasm dripped from Eric’s words like honeyced with venom.


    “You mean to tell me you haven’t eaten anything yet?”


    Hadley blinked, her expression the perfect mix of feigned shock and mock concern.


    “Seriously? Linda rushed over bright and early to see her dear life saver—and she didn’t even think to bring breakfast?”


    She then let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head in disapproval.


    “How inconsiderate!”


    Eric’s brows furrowed, irritation flickering across his face as Hadley continued.


    “Why are you taking this out on me then? What, do you expect me to bring you food now?”


    Hadley let out a scoff, crossing her arms.


    “Let’s get things straight here—one, you didn’t end up in this hospital because of me. And two, I’m not your personal waitress.”


    “Hadley!”


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