?Chapter 1432:


    Hadley couldn’t argue. Even without an elite school, Joy would be fine, but why pass up a chance for something better?


    Still, she wavered. “I need more time to think.”


    Eric nodded, then offered, “How about we visit Locke’s school together? See it for yourself.”


    “Can we do that?” Hadley’s eyes brightened with interest.


    “Of course,” Eric said, smiling. “I’ll set it up if you’re on board.”


    “Alright,” Hadley agreed.


    Her schedule was light that day, with only a few scenes to shoot in the morning, leaving her free from noon onward. They nned to visit the school that afternoon.


    After wrapping her morning scenes, Hadley, apanied by Tamara and two other bodyguards, headed to Scott Group. It was her first time visiting Eric’s workce.<fn5a67> Readplete version only at find~novel</fn5a67>


    Thanks to his prior arrangements, she faced no dys and was ushered straight to the CEO’s office.


    “We’ll wait out here, Miss Pearson.”


    Tamara, understanding the situation, didn’t follow her inside.


    Hadley pushed the door open and stepped in alone, only to freeze at the sound of a sugary, flirtatious voice. “Come on, are you ying hard to get or what? I came all this way to invite you myself!”


    Looking up, Hadley saw Eric seated at his expansive desk, a tall, elegant woman leaning far too close to him.


    Hadley quickly looked away, her stomach twisting. Had she walked in at the wrong moment?


    “Miss Aston,” Eric shifted back in his chair, putting space between himself and Megan. “I’ve made it in—I’m busy. I have an appointment.”


    “What appointment?” Megan scoffed, her lips curling in disbelief. “You’re just dodging me. Doesn’t matter. You’re joining me for lunch. I’ve already reserved a spot.”


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    “I’m not going anywhere with you,” Eric said, his patience fraying. His eyes flicked up, catching Hadley’s gaze as she stood frozen in the doorway. “Hadley…”


    Hadley’s posture stiffened, and she turned sharply to walk away. “Hadley, wait!”


    Eric’s voice rose, urgency pushing him to his feet. He brushed past Megan and hurried after her, his long strides quickly closing the distance. He gently caught her wrist. “You’re here, Hadley.”


    Hadley lifted her gaze, her face unreadable. “Seems I picked the wrong moment.”


    Eric faltered, still holding her wrist as he drew her closer. His voice dropped to a hushed exnation. “Megan showed up out of nowhere. I had no idea she wasing. I was waiting for you.”


    Noticing the tension in her expression, he softened his tone further. “Didn’t you hear? I turned her down.”


    Hadley’s eyes dropped to the floor, her silence heavy.


    The sharp ck of heels announced Megan’s approach. She sauntered forward, arms folded, her stare raking over Hadley with a bold challenge. Turning to Eric, she said, “So, you had an appointment with her.”


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