?Chapter 911:


    Eric hesitated for a second, then grinned. “What’s the worry? Afraid there won’t be enough gourmet food to impress me?”


    She had no words for that. That wasn’t what she meant at all. She just thought he had no shame.


    “Just kidding. I’ve got ns tonight. Maybe some other time,” Eric said.


    Hadley rolled her eyes.


    Eric’s smile dimmed as he turned to face Hadley with a serious expression. “I’ll drop you off at Milnd Road, but then I need to head overseas.”


    That caught her off guard.


    Her curiosity piqued about his destination, especially with the holidays approaching. If it were far, he might not make it back before Christmas.


    Eric continued, the concern evident in his voice, “I’m going to Storia. Something happened with Linda. Her ce was broken into.”


    Hadley’s reaction was measured, only slightly surprised.


    With Linda, these things didn’t seem so unusual, and the Flynn brothers were always there to sort things out.


    Indeed, Linda had been unusually quiettely, but the fact remained that she had once saved the brothers’ lives, earning their unwavering support whenever she needed it.


    Upon noticing Hadley’sposed response, Eric’s unease deepened. “Ernest would normally handle this, but he’s still recovering from hisa and can’t handle long flights,” he added.


    “Okay,” Hadley gave a simple nod. “Then you should go.”


    He looked at her for a long moment, hoping to find something—anything—behind her steady expression. But there was none.


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    All he could do was force a smile, though it tasted bitter.


    In the past, any mention of Linda would have sparked a heated discussion between them. Now, the absence of any argument felt even more troubling to him.


    The remainder of the drive passed in silence. They arrived at Milnd Road, and the car stopped beneath her apartment building.


    Eric exited the car alongside Hadley, the brisk, cold wind tousling her hair.


    “I’m heading off now,” he said, shifting to stand between her and the wind. “But I’ll be back by Christmas Eve. I gave Joy my word, and I n to keep it.”


    He took a step back as he spoke, his gaze still locked on her.


    The cold stung his cheeks, but he smiled anyway. “Alright then. Bye, Hadley! Wait for me, okay?”


    As he walked away, the wind howled through the narrow street again. Hadley reached up, brushing her hair behind her ear. A strange unease settled in her chest.


    She hoped fervently that Eric would steer clear of any trouble.


    When the holiday officially started, Hadley and Melba immersed themselves in festive preparations.


    Under an agreement with Elissa, Hadley arrived at the sanatorium two days ahead of schedule to bring her friend home.


    The process was dyed due to Hadley’s non-rtive status,plicating the paperwork.


    “All set,” Hadley said as she returned, assisting Elissa with her belongings. “Let’s hope we’ve got everything. If we’ve missed something, you’re wee to use mine though.”


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