?Chapter 970:


    After settling things at the hospital, Eric drove Hadley back to Milnd Road. She remained quiet the entire ride. Silent,posed, and—very clearly—determined to avoid giving him the slightest excuse to kiss her again.


    When they reached her apartment door, Eric lingered for a moment. “I’ll be heading to the hospital early tomorrow, so I won’t be able to pick you up,” he said. “But I’ll drop by the set in the evening.”


    Hadley looked at him but said nothing. She knew better than to argue—when Eric had made up his mind, there was little use trying to sway him.


    “Go on in.” He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.


    “Get some rest,” he murmured. “And remember—stay focused on your role, don’t let people distract you… and stop adding random men on social media. Guys can be… bad news.”


    At that, Hadley let out a soft, bitterugh. The worst one of all was right in front of her.


    After leaving Milnd Road, Eric returned to Flynn Mansion.


    Though he had been discharged, N had insisted he not stay alone at Silver Vis while still recovering. Flynn Mansion, she said, was where someone could at least keep an eye on him.


    As Eric made his way up the stairs, he stopped mid-step—Linda was descending, an empty ss in hand.


    “Linda?” He blinked, a little surprised. Something inside him tensed.


    “Oh, you’re back,” she said casually, unfazed. She waved her ss slightly. “Just getting water.”


    “Alright.” He gave a brief nod.


    He watched her as she disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of her steps echoing softly behind her. His brows furrowed slightly. Did Linda mean anything she had said earlier at the hospital, or had it really all been a joke?


    ?????????? ?????????? ????: g???????ν????????．??????


    Eric was lost in his thoughts.


    Even if Linda’s words hadn’t been a joke, they likely stemmed from a well of sorrow and a fleeting rush of emotion. Her bond with Ernest hadsted over ten years, and its unraveling must have hit her hard.


    Eric only hoped that she would find her bnce again soon.


    The next day, as noon approached, Hadley was engrossed in her script.


    “Hadley!” A dashed up, giving her a cheeky wink. “Mr. Flynn’s here.”


    As she spoke, Eric approached with purpose, dragging a chair over to sit across from Hadley.


    He eyed the script in her hands. “You have scenes this afternoon?”


    “Yeah,” Hadley answeredzily, wondering why he had shown up in the middle of the day.


    “Put that down,” Eric said, snapping the script shut. “It’s nearly noon. Let’s grab lunch.”


    “I’m not going,” Hadley shot back without hesitation. “I’m in costume. I’d feel awkward out there like this.”


    “It’s not a big deal,” he replied smoothly. “You’ll be in my car, and we’re eating close by. Worst case, people stare a little. You’re an actress now. Are you really afraid of being seen in public?”


    Hadley’s brow furrowed, still itching to decline.


    Eric read her reluctance. “Say no again, and I’ll buy lunch for the whole crew in your name.”


    Hadley went silent, her frown deepening.


    Wasn’t there already enough gossip about them on set?


    .


    .


    .