?Chapter 1153:


    Suddenly, her words echoed in his mind. “Eric, I hate you! I hate you with all I am!”


    Eric shut his eyes abruptly and leaned back in his seat.


    When she said those words, he could feel the weight of her hatred. It wasn’t a passing anger. It was deep and real.


    It was a kind of hatred he understood all too well. That was exactly how he felt about Ferris.


    Did Hadley really hate him that much?


    A sharp pain shot through his head.


    Eric groaned softly and pressed his palms against his temples. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, hoping the nicotine would ease his nerves.


    In the early morning, Hadley and Elissa walked out of the building side by side.


    Elissa was off to work at dawn, while Hadley nned to visit the local market to pick up Joy’s favorite treats.


    Elissa had returned homete the previous night and was already rushing out again. Hadley fretted that the grueling schedule might take a toll on her health.


    “If you’re so set on repaying Ernest quickly, why not let me loan you the money first? You’re pushing yourself too hard with these endless shifts.”


    “No way,” Elissa shot back firmly. “Borrowing from one to pay another? Isn’t that just robbing Peter to pay Paul?”


    She then gave a softugh. “Don’t stress about me. I’m okay. I was upte finishing reportsst night, and today’s just an early shift.” Her words cut off abruptly as she grabbed Hadley’s arm.


    “Hadley.”


    “What is it?”


    “Look over there.” Elissa nodded toward a tree in the corner. “Isn’t that Eric’s car?”


    Hadley nced up and confirmed with a nod. “It is.”


    Frowning, she marched straight toward it.


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    Inside the car, Eric spotted hering and hurriedly stepped out, standing stiffly beside the vehicle. He shed a sheepish grin. “Hadley.”


    “What are you doing here?” Hadley’s gentle tone carried a trace of bewilderment and annoyance. “Don’t tell me you were here all night?”


    Eric’s throat tightened as he nodded. “I was.”


    “You were?” Hadley paused, stunned. “Why?”


    “I was concerned about you!” Eric rushed to rify, seeing her irritation.


    “I thought Noreen might show up to hassle you again!”


    “Why is that your concern?” Hadley’s face remained impassive, her lips curling into a cool, distant smile. “Have you forgotten the promise you gave me?”


    Eric’s chest tightened, and he shook his head slowly. “I haven’t.” He had sworn not to disturb her life again, no matter the reason.


    “But Hadley, I’m not trying to pester you. It’s just—”


    “Mr. Flynn!”


    A car rolled up nearby, and Xander poked his head out, waving at Eric. The vehicle stopped, and Xander and Theodore climbed out, striding over to him.


    “What are you doing here?”


    “Your brother said you needed us,” Xander exined. “Phillips told us you were here, so we came.”


    Eric had asked Phillips to arrange dependable bodyguards, but instead, Phillips had sent Xander and Theodore.


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