?Chapter 971:


    Eric seemed determined to wear her down, though she was sure he’d end up with Linda eventually. Hadley couldn’t wait to see how he would look her in the eye when that happened.


    “Lunch? Alright, let’s go,” she relented, rising. A swiftly handed over her coat, but Eric intercepted it.


    “I’ve got this.”


    He slipped it over Hadley’s shoulders, took her hand, and said softly, “Come on.”


    They walked side by side, hands linked.


    A watched them go, muttering under her breath, “So sweet… I’m green with envy…”


    At the restaurant, Hadley ordered her meal and sipped the water Eric poured for her.


    “Weren’t you supposed toe in the evening? Why are you here at noon?” she asked.


    “I’ve got to head to Orkmont this evening,” Eric replied with a sigh, sounding cornered. “Work stuff. I had nned to rest and spend time with you and Joy, but this project’s mine to handle from the start—I’ve got to see it through.”


    “Oh,” Hadley said with a nod. “Then go. Did you really need to swing by at noon?”


    “Why not?” Eric raised an eyebrow.


    A waiter arrived with their dishes.


    As Eric served her a portion, he added, “I’m trying to win you over. How could I take off without seeing you in person? I’ve got the time—I’m not that busy.”


    At that, Hadley suddenly choked on her food, pressing a hand to her mouth.


    “Are you okay?” Eric slid the water closer. “Here, drink.” He then handed her a napkin. “Take it slow.”


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    “Thanks,” she said, steadying her breath and giving him a wry look. “If you’re so into me, why not take my advice and do the cryopreservation?”


    Eric froze for a beat, thenughed. “If I do it, will you marry me again and live out a fairy-tale ending with me?”


    “No,” Hadley replied, not missing a beat.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Eric’s eyes, though anger didn’t follow. “Why not? Don’t you have confidence in me?”


    “No, I don’t,” Hadley replied, her gaze lingering as he carefully pickedtro from her te, a subtle ache stirring in her chest.


    She pressed on, “I’m betting it won’t take long for Linda to win you over, and you’ll both be blissfully paired up.”


    “You’re jumping to conclusions,” Eric said, cracking open a crab and sliding the roe into her dish. “Crabs can be hard on the stomach, so don’t eat too many.”


    He then steered back to her point. “What you’re fretting over isn’t going to y out. If she had wanted me, she would have picked me over ten years ago, not held off until now.”


    Was there more to it?


    Hadley’s interest piqued. “Did she actually have to pick between you and Ernest?”


    Countless women fantasized aboutnding either one of the Flynn brothers, yet Linda had the rare fortune to choose.


    “Tell me, how did that happen? Did you confess first, or Ernest? Or was it a showdown?”


    “What kind of question is that?” Eric was caught between augh and a groan, sensing her misread. “It’s not how you’re picturing it.” The tale stretched back to their rescue and return to the Flynn household.


    At that time, Eric’s world revolved around two people: Ernest and Linda. He looked up to Ernest like a disciple, swallowing his brother’s every word as truth, unquestioning and loyal.


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