?Chapter 716:


    Well, now, you’re the reason, not her!”


    Hadley’s breath caught sharply, stunned by his reckless words.


    Drawing closer, Eric whispered into her ear, “Take a good look—these injuries reopened because of you.”


    Hadley stiffened, her body trembling…


    Eric had gone utterly madpletely beyond reason!


    Several of his wounds had reopened, and now he required immediate surgery to repair the damage.


    This procedure was moreplex due to its repetitive nature. Since Hadley wasn’t a direct family member, the hospital contacted Ernest toe and sign the necessary paperwork.


    Hadley found a quiet spot on a bench outside the OR.


    The sound of high heels clicking sharply against the floor approached, stopping abruptly nearby.


    “Hadley!” Linda harshly grabbed Hadley’s shoulder, her eyes zing with usation. “You’re far more ruthless than I ever imagined! How could you do something so vicious?”


    Hadley remained silent, calmly returning Linda’s fierce stare.


    “Humph!” Linda sneered bitterly. “You really can’t stand it, can you? Jealous that Eric took those injuries for me? What are you going to do about it? He cares about me this much! And he always will, for the rest of his life!”


    Observing Linda’s heated reaction, Hadley suddenly empathized with Eric.


    where stories grow


    “Linda, are you holding something against Eric?”


    “What?” Startled by the question, Linda responded, “What are you implying?”


    “You don’t bear a grudge?” With a knowing nod, a wry smile crossed Hadley’s refined features. “Then it seems you’re just incredibly self-centered. Frankly, you desire the affection of both brothers, yet marriage binds you to only one. You can’t stand the thought of Eric with anyone else…”


    “Hadley! Shut up!” Linda cut her off, her face contorting with anger. “What nonsense is this? How dare you suggest such vile things? Eric and I have a lifelong bond. I prioritize his well-being above all!”


    “Save your self-righteous act.”


    Hadley’s gaze was cool, her voice even.


    “If you really cared as you im, you wouldn’t have insinuated to me that he would always hold a ce for you in his heart… such remarks.”


    The attempt to stir trouble was so evident that anyone could see through it.


    “You think highly of yourself, don’t you?” Linda scoffed loudly.


    “Me? Not at all.” Hadley tilted her head to the side, pretending to be confused. “Indeed, what significance do I hold? It baffles me as well. Eric made it a point to remind me… that he was injured on my behalf, and it had nothing to do with you. How should I interpret that?”


    With a sly grin, Hadley tossed her hair and walked away.


    Linda stood there, utterly shocked and lost for words.


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