?Chapter 1221:


    It was alreadyte anyway—far beyond office hours. She’d go to the Flynn Group first thing in the morning.


    That very night, no matter how many times she turned over or how tightly she hugged the nket, sleep never came.


    She left her apartment early the next morning and headed straight for the Flynn Group.


    While on the road, she pulled out her phone and sent Eric a quick message.


    “I’ll be a bitte. You can go ahead and leave first. There’s a caretaker with Joy before I get there.”


    Eric responded almost immediately.


    “Okay. Got it.”


    But as he stared at her message, his brow remained furrowed.


    There was no doubt about it—something was bothering Hadley. But what?


    By the time she reached the Flynn Group, she didn’t hesitate. With no badge or ess card, she headed straight to the front desk.


    “Good morning. How can I help you?” the receptionist asked with a professional smile.


    “Hi.” Hadley cut straight to the point. “I need to speak with Mr. Flynn. I know I don’t have an appointment, but could you please call him for me? My name is Hadley. He’ll know who I am—and I’m sure he’ll want to see me once he hears it.”


    “Please hold on.” The receptionist nodded and reached for the phone, dialing the executive secretary. She herself didn’t know Ernest’s schedules, so she needed to check first. A few moments passed.


    “I’m sorry,” she said gently. “Mr. Flynn boarded a flightst night. He’s currently still on his way to Laventown.”


    So that was why she couldn’t reach him. It made sense now. The flight from Srixby to Laventown would take over ten hours. And if he was still midair, his phone wouldn’t connect.


    “Thank you for checking.”


    “You’re very wee.”


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    Hadley stepped back from the desk, her chest sinking. Why did it have to be now? She nced at the time—it was gettingte. She turned around and made her way back to the hospital.


    On the drive, her mind spun in circles. Should she give that person the money first… just to stall? Buy herself a little more time? Once Ernest came back, she could exin everything. He would know what to do. That was the only n she had. She just hoped he returned soon.


    When she opened the hospital room door, she was surprised to find Eric still inside.


    “Huh?” She blinked. “You haven’t left yet?”


    Was he waiting for her? But she’d already sent a message saying he could go.


    Eric studied her quietly. Her expression didn’t look nearly as tense as it did yesterday. Had the issue been taken care of?


    “I’m heading out now,” Eric said with a nod. “Just finished breakfast with Joy. She was a bit of a handful this morning—it took longer than expected.”


    “You should get back to work.” Hadley smiled lightly. “I don’t have any ns tonight. You cane byter if you’d like.”


    “Alright.” His gaze lingered on her face. She seemed fine—calm, even. “Drive safe.”


    Eric gave a quiet nod and left. The door clicked shut behind him. The moment it closed, Hadley’sposure gave way. All the control she’d been holding onto cracked. She was only pretending. She had to keep it together—for his sake. Because of that kiss yesterday, she didn’t want him to notice anything. She didn’t want to expose the turmoil inside her. All she could do now was wait for Ernest toe back.


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