?Chapter 717:


    Could it be true that Eric really said that?


    Had his feelings shifted towards Hadley?


    Ernestpleted the paperwork and was heading back to the OR when he encountered Hadley.


    “Ernest.” Hadley greeted him with a nod, intending to continue on her way to avoid another encounter with Linda.


    “Hadley,” Ernest called after her.


    He nced toward where Linda had been and then said quietly, “Could we have a word? There’s something I need to discuss with you.”


    Obliged by his request, Hadley stopped. “Of course.”


    “This way, please.”


    Ernest guided her to a nearby lounge.


    “Please, have some water.” Ernest offered, pouring a ss for her.


    Gratefully, Hadley epted the ss, cradling it in her hands. “Thanks.”


    “You’re wee,” Ernest replied, taking a seat opposite her and pondering how to begin the conversation.


    Breaking the silence, Hadley addressed him. “Ernest, I owe you an apology for today. The me is mine to bear.”


    Though unintentional, her actions had led to Eric’s ident, which required another surgery.


    Ernest was visibly taken aback, his head shaking in disbelief.


    “Look, I’m not here to use you. I don’t know all the details, and it’s not my ce to judge.”


    Hadley’s expression grew thoughtful. What could Ernest possibly want to discuss?


    “Listen, Hadley,” Ernest said, exhaling deeply and speaking with deliberate slowness. “There seems to be some confusion between you and Eric, possibly involving Linda, right?”


    The sudden mention of this sensitive issue caught Hadley off guard, her eyes widening with shock.


    Such matters were typically off-limits within the Flynn family, rarely, if ever, brought up in front of Ernest.


    Chuckling at her defensive reaction, Ernest reassured her gently, “Don’t tense up; it’s fine. I’m aware of everything, even the whispers in Srixby about the Flynn brothers falling for the same woman…”


    Hadley tried to respond, but words failed her.


    Ernest, directly implicated in the rumors, was now discussing this with her so calmly?


    Ernest casually took a drink from his ss.


    “I’ve never really addressed this because, honestly, what could I say now that the rumors have already spread? But I know the truth, and that’s what matters.”


    Hadley listened, her breathing steadying. Could there be more to the story than the rampant spection suggested?


    Ernest ced his ss back on the table. “It’s a fact that both Eric and I have shown kindness towards Linda, which is undeniable. Hadley, are you curious about why that is?”


    .


    .


    .