?Chapter 894:


    Hadley’s brow creased as she approached.


    Lifting her gaze to his, she asked, “What brings you back? Neither Joy nor I have a checkup today.”


    “I know,” Eric replied, his smile softening as he swung the car door open. “I’ve got both your appointments memorized. Hop in—I’ll drop you at the set.”


    “How did you know I’m headed there?” Hadley stayed rooted, her frown deepening. “Have you been digging into my schedule?” It wouldn’t be his first time pulling that stunt.


    “Digging?” Eric dodged with a vague shrug. “As the major investor, I’m allowed to peek at the crew’s basic timeline.”


    Hadley smirked at his flimsy cover.


    Was that his game? Sinking cash into the project just to track her moves?


    A wave of exasperation washed over her. “Eric, haven’t I spelled it out for you already?”


    “Loud and clear,” he said, lounging against the car with an air of poised charm. “You don’t want me, only my duty to Joy. I’ve got it.”


    “Then…” Hadley spread her hands. “What is this about?”


    Eric let out a low chuckle. “I hear you, but you’re missing my side. I still want you—still intend to chase you. That hasn’t budged.”


    “What?” Hadley blinked, floored by his gall. Eric was ying rogue!


    Her voice spiked. “I’ve already shot you down!”


    “And you can keep shooting,” he said, his gaze piercing and resolute. “That’s fine. I’ll keeping back.”


    Were they even on the same wavelength? Hadley faltered, a spark of frustration ring in her chest. “You’re shameless!”


    Full cont3nt h3re: g??lnovels.??????


    “Guilty as charged,” Eric admitted with a nod, owning it without a flinch. “But what can I do? I want to do this, and I have to do this. You’ve known me since you joined the Flynn fold at fifteen. When I lock onto something, I don’t let go.”


    “Humph.” Hadley shot a re at his near-perfect face, teeth grinding in irritation. “You’ve got some guts!”


    “Thanks,” Eric said, soaking it in with a grin. “I’ll take that as apliment!”


    He lifted an arm, motioning her in. “Time’s ticking. Get in, or you’ll bete. But don’t worry, if ites to that, I’ll stroll in with you. No one’s dumb enough to hassle you then…”


    “Don’t you dare!”


    Hadley’s temper red—she knew he’d follow through without blinking.


    “Alright,” Eric said, smirking. “Get in the car.”


    Cornered, Hadley’s delicate brows pinched tight. “Mark my words—you’re not winning this!”


    “That’s my problem,” he quipped, raising a brow as he ushered her in. “If you don’t want me to, don’t sweat it.”


    He shut the door and drove her to the set.


    True to his promise, Eric didn’t tag along inside and stayed scarce for the day.


    But the crew’s vibe toward her shifted—tinged with fawning, wariness, and the inevitable undercurrents of envy.


    A made it most obvious.


    “Hadley, here,” she said during a break, handing over a water bottle she’d grabbed.


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