?Chapter 1245:


    “There’s no need for all that.” Hadley cut him off, her voice soft but sharp, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “There’s a simpler way. Cut her off, and I’ll trust you.”


    Eric froze, caught off guard.


    “You can’t do it, can you?” she said, already knowing the answer.


    She tilted her head toward the door. “Then leave. Don’t waste my time.”


    “Hadley!” he protested, refusing to budge. His brow furrowed deeply. “You know I owe her my life. I’m just taking care of her…”


    “I’m not stopping you,” Hadley said, suppressing another wave of coughing. When she caught her breath, she continued in a low, strained voice, “But if you want my heart, you need to stop messing around with other women.”


    Each word seemed to burn her throat as she forced them out. “Be good to me and me alone. Only look at me. Only listen to me. If you can’t do that… then leave.” She said it because she already knew—he couldn’t. He would never leave Linda alone.


    Her coughing resumed, sharp and relentless.


    “Hadley!” Eric rushed to the table, grabbed the medicine bottle, and twisted off the cap. “Here. Take your medicine first!”


    But Hadley pped it away without hesitation. She met his eyes, unwavering. “As long as she’s still in your life, I won’t give you even the slightest chance. Now get out.”


    After Eric left Milnd Road, Hadley’s words echoed endlessly in his mind. She’d been crystal clear—there would be nopromise. He knew Linda was the wedge between them.


    Even more painful was the realization that Hadley’s once-fiery devotion had cooled slowly… and it was mostly because of Linda.


    But what was he supposed to do? He couldn’t shake the guilt he felt for Linda. Her leg injury was likely permanent. She’d probably spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Could he really abandon her? Yet, if he didn’t, did he have to give up on Hadley?


    He couldn’t imagine a life where Hadley remained just out of reach. So close, yet untouchable.


    Hadley had already broken things off with Denver. This was his window—maybe hisst. She was incredible, and it was only a matter of time before someone else saw that. And if that happened… Eric would have to watch her fall for someone else. He couldn’t bear the thought.


    As he headed back to the Scott Group, his phone buzzed. A message from Linda.


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    “Are you busy? What time will you be back tonight?”


    Eric stared at the screen, remembering Hadley’s words. Linda had told her they moved in together?


    Frustration surged through him as he replied, “I’m noting back. Might be gone for a few days—too much work.”


    Linda’s reply came quickly. “I know you’re busy, but please remember to take care of yourself.”


    “I will.”


    After hitting send, Eric set the phone down, more unsettled than before.


    Back at the Scott Group headquarters…


    In the CEO’s office, Ferris sat waiting, sipping coffee.


    “Out on business?” Ferris asked, ncing up.


    “What do you want?” Eric replied curtly, his tone clipped.


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