?Chapter 1408:


    “Perfect.” Linda looked pleased. Her smile widened as she turned to Jane. “My room’s on the second floor—left at the top of the stairs, third door.”


    “Okay. We’ll start right now.” Jane nodded and left. Momentster, she returned with movers, who began carrying Linda’s things upstairs.


    In the dining area, Hadley and Elissa emerged, each holding a te of fruit. They exchanged uncertain nces.


    “What’s going on?”


    They spotted the movers on the staircase—and then saw Linda in her wheelchair.


    Both women felt their hearts tighten.


    The same question passed through their minds—”Why is she here?”


    Linda seemed surprised to see them. Her eyes briefly flickered before she smiled.


    “Hi, Hadley. Miss Hond. You’re both here too…” She nced at the brothers, then back at the women with a knowing smile. “Everyone’s here tonight. All paired up. It’s lively. Am I intruding?”


    No one answered.


    A moment passed in silence. The air felt heavy.


    “Why are you all just standing there like statues?”


    Linda’s smile was faint as her gazended on the fruit tes in their hands.


    “Were you about to eat? Don’t mind me. I’m justing home. No need to entertain me.”


    She waved a hand and turned to Jane. “Let’s go.”


    “Alright,” Jane replied and pushed her forward, leaving the living room behind.


    Only Ernest, Eric, Hadley, and Elissa remained.


    Ernest looked at Elissa.


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    The others did too.


    Eric had already returned to the Scott family. Linda’s sudden return—her timing—wasn’t subtle.


    It was clear what she was after this time.


    “Eric.” Ernest turned. “Let’s leave it here for tonight. You should take Hadley and Joy back.”


    “Alright.”


    Eric nodded. He understood. Ernest needed space to talk to Elissa. Linda’s return had stirred up more than just tension.


    As the car pulled away from Flynn Mansion, Hadley sat quietly, her brows drawn together. “We should’ve brought Elissa with us.” It had to be ufortable for her to stay.


    Eric gave a quietugh. “You know Ernest wouldn’t let that happen.”


    Hadley looked up sharply, her gaze fixed on him.


    “What?”<fn7841> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN0vel</fn7841>


    Eric shifted, uneasy under her stare. “Why are you looking at me like that?”


    A smirk formed on Hadley’s lips. “Is it because of you?”


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