?Chapter 1093:


    Tears welled up in Hadley’s eyes, her nose tingling with emotion.


    She had been worrying about how to exin things to Joy if she ever asked about Eric again. And yet… her daughter had already figured it out.


    While Hadley had been fretting over Joy, it was Joy who was worrying about her. She was the one offeringfort first.


    “Okay.” Hadley sniffled and nodded, her voice thick with emotion.


    “You’re right. I have you. I’m not sad.”


    That evening, Hadley received a call from Elvin.


    “Hadley, about the gathering this weekend—I’ve sent you the time and location. Make sure to n ahead, dress up a bit, and be punctual. Once you’re there, find either me or Mr. Faulkner.”


    “Got it. Thanks, Mr. Webster.”


    The gathering was being held at a private vi in Flower Creek.


    The vi belonged to the lead investor of Adonis’ new web drama, and the event doubled as his birthday celebration. He’d invited a variety of guests.


    It wasn’t a formal audition—Adonis just wanted Hadley to show her face.


    She didn’t have an agent or connections. Her only advantage was herself, so Adonis wanted to keep things simple. This was a chance for the investor to meet her in person before anything else.


    At the Jenkins residence…


    “Brady?”


    Astrid knocked on her brother’s bedroom door. No response.


    “I’ming in,” she warned before pushing the door open—he hadn’t locked it.


    From the bathroom came the sound of running water.


    “Showering? I’ll wait then.”


    She dropped into a chair, ready to badger him into buying her a car. Their family had money, but it was strictly controlled by their mother—and by Brady.


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    Astrid had wanted a new car for ages, but her mother kept turning her down. Brady was her only hope.


    Bored while waiting, she started snooping around the room.


    “Huh? What’s this?”


    She picked up a bag from his desk, her eyes lighting up the moment she spotted the BMW logo.


    Opening it, she found a purchase receipt and the full set of documents. “Brady, you really bought me a car!” she squealed.


    The water shut off, and Brady stepped out of the bathroom. In a few quick strides, he snatched the documents from his sister’s hands and shoved them back into the bag.


    His face was tight with irritation. “Who said you could barge in here and touch my stuff? You have zero boundaries!”


    “Why are you being so mean?” Astrid blinked, confused, then pointed at the bag. “Is it supposed to be a surprise? Is that why you’re mad?”


    She grinned. “Well, I am surprised. Thank you, Brady!”


    “It’s not for you,” he said curtly. “When you learn how to behave, we’ll talk.”


    “What do you mean I don’t behave?” she huffed, then jabbed a finger at the bag. “If it’s not for me, who’s it for?”


    “None of your business.” Brady wasn’t about to tell her. Thest thing he wanted was for her to bother Hadley.


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