?Chapter 1256:


    Ernest raised a brow, trying to read what was going on in her mind. Atst, in a deep voice, he said, “You’d be working for me. I’m offering benefits in return for your time. It’s not charity, and you don’t need to worry.”


    Then, as if worried she might misunderstand, he added, “Don’t get the wrong idea. Since you’ve already turned me down, I won’t pursue you anymore.”


    Staring at Elissa’s pale face, he spoke inly. “You’re attractive, but not really irreceable.”


    Elissa froze, her eyes wide in disbelief. Did he really just say that?


    Still, blunt as they were, his words cleared up a lot of her concerns. Ernest didn’t press further. “Think it through. When you’ve made your decision, let me know.”


    “Alright then.” Elissa paused, no longer rejecting the offer outright.


    Ernest stood up. “I’ll head out now and wait for your call.”


    “Okay…” Elissa stood up as well and quietly followed him to the door.


    At the door, they bumped into Hadley just as she wasing back.


    “Ernest?” Hadley blinked, surprised. What was he doing here?


    “Hadley.” Ernest gave her a polite nod and a slight smile. “I came to speak with Elissa about something. We’ve wrapped it up, so I’m heading out.”


    “Oh, okay. Bye.”


    “Bye.”


    Once he was gone, Hadley immediately turned to Elissa, her curiosity written all over her face. “What did he want?”


    “Oh,e on.” Elissa shot her friend a side nce. “Don’t get any ideas. He came because of Locke.”


    “I see.” Hadley nodded after hearing Elissa out, satisfied with the answer. “So, did you say yes?”


    Elissa shook her head. “Not yet. The offer’s almost too generous.”


    Hadley smiled. “Not a bad deal, huh? If you ask me, it’s because you and Locke get along so well. Most people wouldn’t stand a chance at earning that kind of offer.”


    She linked arms with Elissa and led her inside. “Think it over. And if you really don’t want to do this, then don’t.”


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    The next day, Hadley went to the set as usual to go over the script with the main cast. Her role came second only to the male lead, Draper. The two of them stayed until nearly eight that evening.


    Hadley had driven herself that day. Eric had messaged her in the morning, saying he’d be busy and might not make it to pick her up. With her bag slung over one shoulder, she took the elevator down to the underground parking garage.


    It was especially quiet at night. Even in soft-soled sneakers, the sound of her footsteps echoed in the stillness. But then, she heard another set of footsteps besides her own.


    At first, she didn’t think much of it. But slowly, something felt off.


    When she picked up her pace, the footsteps behind her did the same. When she slowed down, they slowed down, too.


    What was happening?


    Hadley’s heart skipped a beat. Was she being followed?


    A chill crawled up her spine. Her body tensed, and her breathing quickened.


    Clutching her bag, Hadley held her breath and broke into a jog. The footsteps behind her quickened to match her pace.


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