?Chapter 718:


    Caught off guard by his question, Hadley’s pulse quickened. She nervously bit her lip and nodded. “I am.”


    Ernest let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the topic pressing down on him. “We seldom discuss this in our family because it’s a painful memory, particrly for Eric.”


    He continued, his voice heavy as he dredged up the past. “Back when we were kids, Eric and I were abducted…”


    At that time, their parents were also captured. The event caused a major stir in Srixby. Night and day, the police scoured the area but failed to locate them. Despite their disappearance, the kidnappers made no attempt to contact N. It became clear to the authorities that ransom wasn’t the kidnappers’ motive, whichplicated the investigation further. The ordealsted six months without any leads.


    Eventually, the police discovered Eric and Ernest. They were found in a criminal gang’sir, malnourished and injured. At that moment, Eric was being carried out by a girl.


    She appeared to be his age, d in tattered clothes, looking frail, having carried him on her back for miles across rugged terrain.


    When they were found and it was time to take them both for medical care, the girl resisted; she still needed to lead them to rescue Ernest. She was too small to carry Ernest, as he was older and bigger than her.


    Since Eric was safe, she insisted on returning to save Ernest. Following her directions, the authorities managed to save Ernest as well.


    Tragically, their parents were never found. The police eventually concluded they likely didn’t survive.


    This painful memory had since been deeply etched in the hearts of the Flynn family, seldom discussed to avoid reviving the profound grief.


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    Ernest concluded his recount in a distant, almost unrecognizable tone. “That was the situation.”


    Tears clouded Hadley’s eyes as she began to understand. “So, Linda was that girl.”


    “Yes,” Ernest confirmed quietly. “People often remark on our kindness toward her, not realizing she truly deserved it.”


    Hadley had to acknowledge the truth. Without Linda, the entire Flynn family might have ceased to exist in Srixby years ago. How would N, advanced in age as she was, have coped alone without any of her family left?


    It was now clear why Linda carried herself with such arrogance.


    Thus, theyers of their past unfolded.


    “Hadley.” Ernest’s voice cracked slightly as he spoke again. “I understand my brother well, and it’s clear to me he has feelings for you, deeper than he might admit.”


    He checked his watch before rising from his seat.


    “Eric’s a straightforward man. His appreciation for Linda stems from gratitude. His affection for you, however, is born from a genuine desire to be near you. If that’s not fondness, what else could it be?”


    Ernest rose from his seat and left the lounge. Eric’s surgery was nearly done, and it was time for him to wait outside the OR. Without a word, Hadley followed.


    “Ernest,” Linda called softly, standing up from the bench and taking Ernest’s arm. “Sit down. You shouldn’t strain your leg.”


    “Alright.”


    A few steps away, Hadley observed them in silence, a strange sense of disbelief washing over her. Linda, this selfish and calcting woman before her, had once risked everything to save the Flynn brothers…


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