?Chapter 1334:


    Eric’s expression dimmed, the light in his eyes flickering. “That wasn’t my intention,” he said softly. “If I wanted to twist your arm, I would have reached out first, waited for your nod, and then stepped in. Right?” He fought the urge to sp her hand, his gaze a storm of intensity and restraint.


    “I did it for you. Hadley, not to corner you.”


    Hadley froze, struck by the raw vulnerability in his eyes, the depth of his affectionid bare.


    Yet, the shadow of another woman lingered in her mind. A dull ache bloomed in her chest, and she offered a bittersweet smile. “Please, don’t say things like that anymore.”


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice cracked, barely a whisper.


    “I can’t let myself fall for you again,” Hadley murmured, her sigh heavy with resignation. “Whatever you feel for me, save it for someone else.”


    “Someone else? Who?” Eric’s breath hitched, and in a sudden surge, he grasped her hand. “I don’t care for A. She and—”


    “Enough!” Hadley’s eyes squeezed shut, pain and defiance warring within her as she yanked her hand free. “I don’t want to hear her name! I don’t want to know about you and her!”


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice faltered, pleading.


    At that moment, a soft knock announced the waiter, who wheeled in a cartden with steaming dishes.


    “Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson, please savor your meal.”


    “Thank you,” Eric replied, his eyes lingering on Hadley.


    He picked up his fork, serving her a portion with quiet care. “Let’s eat for now.”


    “Thank you,” Hadley whispered, her focus dropping to her te. She ate in silence, letting the earlier tension dissolve into the clink of cutlery.


    The table was a quiet ind, the only sounds the gentle scrape of forks and spoons.


    Eric tended to Hadley’s needs wordlessly, and when she seemed sated, he offered her a napkin with a tender gesture.<fn4615> For more chapters visit ?ovelFind</fn4615>


    “Hadley,” he began, his brow knitting with hesitation, “there is something else I would like to talk about.”


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    “What is it?” Hadley asked, dabbing her lips with the napkin.


    “You…” Eric’s gaze wavered, and then steadied as he drew a deep breath. “You and Joy… I think you should move in with me.”


    “What?”


    Hadley’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected proposal. Yet she was certain she hadn’t misheard.


    She let out a sharp, incredulousugh, her eyes glinting with mockery. “What kind of nonsense is this? You just swore you wouldn’t pressure me, and now you’re eating your words?”


    “No, no!” Eric shook his head frantically, his voice earnest. “You’ve got it all wrong—I’m not trying to strong-arm you.”


    “Then what are you getting at?” Hadley’s gaze bore into him, steady and unyielding. “What are we to each other? Why on earth would I move in with you?”


    “Gifford is back!” Eric’s face tightened, his brows knitting with urgency.


    “Gifford…” The name struck Hadley like a cold gust, leaving her momentarily dazed.


    “Yes,” Eric confirmed with a slight nod, his voice low and deliberate. “Gifford, Ferris’ eldest son, the one sent abroad months ago—he has gone missing recently.”


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