?Chapter 1333:


    “You can get back to your work. Tell her I’m fine waiting—she can take as long as she needs.”


    “I will do!” Chelsey nodded.


    Eric nced at Phillips, who caught the cue and gently guided Chelsey aside.


    “Miss Williams, we’re grateful for your help,” Phillips said smoothly. “I’ve sent a little something to your bank ount—a small token of Mr. Scott’s appreciation.”


    “Really?” Chelsey checked her phone, her eyes widening. “That much?” A six-digit transfer—for just making a phone call?


    Phillips smiled warmly. “Keep looking out for Hadley. You’ve earned it.”


    “Thank you! I’ll take good care of her, I promise!” Chelsey beamed, nodding earnestly.


    After wiping away thest traces of makeup and slipping into her own clothes, Hadley grabbed her bag, ready to head out.


    Her phone pinged with a message from Brady.


    “Hadley, it’s all sorted! The goods will hit Srixby tonight! Thank you! I’m still tied up with dinner at Scott Group, but I’ll catch youter.”


    A heavy sigh escaped Hadley’s lips.


    Tucking her phone away, she stepped outside.


    The sky had deepened to a velvet dusk.


    “Hadley.” Eric stood by the door, turning at the sound of her steps, a faint smile softening his features.


    “Finished up?”


    “Yes,” Hadley replied with a nod.


    Their gazes locked for a moment, but words hung unspoken between them.


    “This isn’t the ideal spot for a heart-to-heart,” Eric murmured, his eyes brimming with warmth and his voice soft as velvet. “I’m famished. How about we grab a bite together?”


    “Alright,” Hadley replied after a fleeting pause, her tone quiet but agreeable.


    More content now at g?lησv???s


    With that, they strolled to the Red Shell Bistro, a cozy haven of clinking sses and savory aromas.


    “What’s tempting you tonight?”


    Settling across from each other, Eric slid the menu toward Hadley with a gentle smile.


    Hadley, cradling her ss and taking a delicate sip of water, shook her head. “I’m easy to please.”


    “Got it. I’ll take the reins then.” Eric then rattled off a list of dishes, ncing at her with a hopeful spark in his eyes. “Sound good?”


    “Perfect.” Hadley nodded, pressing her lips tightly. The choices were all her favorites—how could she object?


    “Done deal,” Eric said, finalizing the order with a nod.


    As they awaited their meal, Hadley toyed with her ss, her fingers tracing its curves in a restless dance.


    Her eyes met Eric’s, and she spoke with a tender sincerity. “I’m truly grateful for your help with Brady’s mess.”


    Eric blinked, caught off guard, his lips parting as if to respond. But Hadley pressed on, her voice steady yet tinged with resolve. “This might sound ungrateful, but I need to be clear—I didn’t ask for your help.”


    Her gaze held his, unwavering and earnest. “If you think this gesture will sway me to be with you, you’re mistaken. That is not happening.”<fn60c1> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FιndＮovel</fn60c1>


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