?Chapter 1049:


    “You’ll see! Eric will never choose you. He’s destined to be with me!”


    But it wasn’t a breakup; it was just a postponement of the wedding.


    “Okay,” Hadley said, forcing a smallugh. “I get it. Let’s wait then.” Despite her smile, Eric sensed something was off. An unease settled in his chest.


    He squeezed her hand gently. “Once she’s better, we’ll start nning the wedding. I promise.”


    But to Hadley, the excuse rang hollow.


    N’s condition didn’t seem grave enough to warrant this. Knowing N’s spirited nature, news of their union might even lift her mood. Hadley wondered why Eric was stalling and not breaking up with her.


    She guessed it was because of Linda.


    Why couldn’t he just be honest?


    Hadley chose not to call him out. Their rtionship had always felt like it was on his terms. If he wanted to dy, she’d y along.


    She would just be patient.


    Linda was confident she would win him over.


    If she seeded, Hadley told herself, she’d finally be free.


    “Linda, you’d better not disappoint me,” she thought.


    Eric pulled her into an embrace, his own mind a storm of doubt. N had uncovered the truth about his origins. Could he still belong to the Flynn family?


    And Hadley…


    She didn’t know yet.


    How could he break it to her? Would she care that he wasn’t a Flynn by blood? If she did, what then?


    Her feelings for him had always seemed lukewarm at best. Would his past push her even further away?


    Eric’s expression was heavy with worry.


    Back at the hospital, the doctorpleted his rounds and addressed Ernest and Eric, who stood waiting with anxious faces.


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    “Mrs. Flynn is doing well. She’s in good spirits and would like to see you both,” the doctor said.


    “Thank you,” they replied in unison.


    “You’re wee.”


    After the doctor left, Ernest and Eric shared a nce. N was ready to face them. They entered her room quietly, positioning themselves on either side of her bed.


    “Grandma,” they said softly, almost in unison.


    They held back, cautious not to upset her, waiting for her to speak first. N’s face was stern, her gaze fixed on Eric.


    “You need to leave. You understand what I mean, don’t you?”


    “Grandma!” Ernest’s eyes widened in shock before darting to Eric. Eric’s face paled, his body stiffening as if struck. His eyes grew distant and unfocused, his lips pressed tightly together.


    He stood frozen.


    N gave a faint, bitter chuckle. “You’re not my Eric. I don’t want to see you anymore. But since you’ve called me ‘Grandma’ all these years, I won’t make this messy. Leave quietly, and let’s both preserve some respect.”


    “Grandma, please!” Ernest protested, his brow creasing deeply. “Even if Eric isn’t blood, he’s been loyal to you—to the Flynn family. He’s worked tirelessly for this family, supporting me every step.”


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