?Chapter 1140:


    Everyone had arrived except for Denver. Inside the private dining room, Hadley took the opportunity to discuss Elissa’s job opportunities with Brady, who was now managing the supermarket chain owned by the Jenkins family. “Brady, do you think you can help Elissa find a job?”


    It wasn’t exactly her area of expertise, but Elissa needed ie—and fast.


    Brady responded without hesitation, “Of course. If you’re asking, consider it handled.”


    “Thank you so much.” Elissa beamed, grateful for the opportunity. She leaned toward Hadley and whispered with a yful grin, “Your brother is really looking out for you.”


    “Brady’s always been supportive—nothing like Astrid. Siblings raised under the same roof can turn out quite differently,” Hadley said, her thoughts briefly turning to her aunt Noreen and her mother Selene. Their conversation was interrupted by Hadley’s phone. She answered as she stepped away.


    “Are you close? I’lle out to meet you.”


    “There’s no need for that.” Denver’s voice came through with a chuckle. “I know my way around Winterley Restaurant.”


    “But tonight’s different.” Hadley was firm. “I’m the one hosting, so it’s only right I greet you. I’m heading out now.”


    As she spoke these words, she reached the entrance of the restaurant. The wind outside had picked up, carrying with it the promise of rain. Ending the call, Hadley managed her hair, which the wind had tousled, and wrapped her arms around herself against the cold.


    Just then, a ck Bentley gracefully pulled up to the restaurant’s entrance steps.


    Hadley’s gaze shifted to the license te as the car came into view. Just as she had expected—it was Eric’s.


    The vehicle came to a stop, and Eric stepped out first. He froze for a moment when their eyes met, surprise shing across his face before his brows furrowed.


    He hesitated, unsure whether he should say hello.


    He had made a promise—not to intrude ever again.


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    With a silent sigh and a heavy heart, he turned away, choosing avoidance. He walked to the rear of the car.


    From the trunk, he pulled out a folded wheelchair, lifted it carefully up the steps, and wheeled it through the front door into the hallway. He opened it, adjusted the seat, and locked it into ce.


    Without a word, he turned and descended the steps once more. This time, he opened the passenger-side door, leaned in, and spoke softly.


    “Easy now. Hold on tight.”


    “Okay, I know,” came a gentle reply.


    A momentter, Eric emerged, carrying Linda in his arms. With quiet care, he ascended the steps again and settled her into the wheelchair.


    He returned to the car, this time bringing back a nket which he draped over herp.


    “It’s windy. Don’t catch a cold. Wait here while I park the car.”


    “Alright,” Linda replied with a delicate smile.


    As Eric turned to leave, his eyes inadvertently caught Hadley’s figure—slender, solitary. The temperature had dropped with the wind, and she wore only a thin shirt.


    Was she cold? The way she wrapped her arms around herself suggested as much.


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