?Chapter 774:


    “Come here.”


    Eric had already settled into bed, lifting the nket in invitation. As soon as she climbed in, he pulled her close.


    His lips brushed against her forehead. “I’ll hold you while we sleep. That way, your hands and feet won’t get cold. From now on, I’ll always hold you to sleep.”


    Hadley burrowed into his warmth, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mm.”


    The next day.


    Since the artists weren’t scheduled until the afternoon, Hadley spent her morning at her apartment with Joy. After lunch, she headed to the station.


    The moment she stepped inside, Tessie approached her, looking apologetic. “Miss Pearson, there’s been a change to your group—an additional person has been assigned.”


    Hadley paused. A new member,st minute?


    Tessie gave her a tight smile. “It was a decision from above—our director only just found out. I’m sorry for the sudden adjustment.”


    It seemed like yet another person with influence and deep-rooted connections.


    “It’s fine.” Hadley shook her head, a faint smile easing onto her face. The brief surprise flickered away, reced by a practiced calm. “One more person will not really change how I do my work.”


    Today, several artists had gathered for practice—everyone except Linda.


    Hadley moved among them, offering corrections and guidance where needed. The door to the practice room swung open, and Tessie strode in with a girl at her side, making a beeline for Hadley.


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    “Miss Pearson.” Tessie introduced the neer with an easy smile. “This is Megan Aston. Megan, meet Miss Pearson, the mentor for Group A.”


    “Hello.” Hadley acknowledged her with a faint smile.


    “Hello, Miss Pearson.”


    Megan had a bright, striking presence, her every expressionced with an effortless charm. Her voice carried a subtle, flirtatious lilt.


    “I will be relying on you during this time, Miss Pearson. Thank you for your hard work,” Megan said with a dazzling smile.


    “You are wee. It is my duty.”


    Megan’s gaze lingered on Hadley, her eyes narrowing slightly. Then, with a soft chuckle, she remarked, “Miss Pearson, you are stunning. Even in the entertainment industry, you would be ranked at the very top.”


    Hadley had long grown immune to suchpliments. She responded lightly, “That is very kind of you.”


    Was she overthinking it, or was there something peculiar in Megan’s eyes? A trace of scrutiny, perhaps even veiled hostility…


    That seemed unlikely, didn’t it? They were meeting for the first time today.


    Tessie pped her hands, calling over the other artists. “Come on, everyone, get acquainted. You will be working together from now on!”


    “Hello, everyone.” Megan’s smile brightened as she apologized, “Sorry for joining inte. How about this—tonight, dinner’s on me.”


    The other artists exchanged nces.


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