?Chapter 1433:


    “Yes,” Eric replied, his tone firm, one brow arching. “Time for you to go.”


    Megan gave a careless shrug, her smirk unwavering. “Fine, since you’re really tied up. I’ll swing by again soon.”


    With a teasing wink at Eric, she added, “I’m into you, and I don’t back off easily.”


    Megan turned and walked off without hesitation.


    Eric stood there, momentarily stunned. What was her problem? She seemed determined to stir things up.


    “Hadley, don’t listen to her—”


    “She’s not wrong, you know.” Hadley tilted her head slightly, her voice calm. “She likes you. She’s been trying to get your attention for a while now.” It wasn’t new—and everyone knew it.


    Eric fell quiet for a moment, but then hurried to exin. “That’s her problem. I’ve never had any feelings for her.”


    “Why are you so anxious?” Hadley gave a faint smile. “It’s your business. You don’t have to exin it to me.” Her tone was light—but distant.


    Eric froze. Did she really not care?<fnb1ac> Updates are released by fι?dnοvel</fnb1ac>


    His chest tightened. Maybe he had read too much into things.


    Noticing the change in his expression, Hadley frowned slightly and shifted the subject. “So, what’s the n now?” They had originally agreed to have lunch before heading to check on the school.


    “Are we still eating together?”


    “Of course.” Eric quickly pulled himself together. “I already booked a table. Let’s go.”


    “Okay.”


    As nned, they had lunch before visiting the school. It was quiet during the lunch break. The school administrator weed them personally and gave a full overview—covering everything they needed to know.


    When the visit ended, they were escorted back to the front gates.


    “How was it?” Inside the car, Eric twisted off the cap of a water bottle and handed it to her. “Are you satisfied?”


    “Yes.” Hadley nodded, taking a sip. She really was.


    Eric saw the opening and went for it. “Then let’s move ahead with Joy’s enrollment, okay? She’s my daughter. She deserves only the best.”


    Hadley didn’t respond right away. She couldn’t give him an answer—not yet. She was afraid. If her rtionship with Eric ever turned sour, what would happen to Joy? She could walk away from him—but not from her daughter.


    “I’ll think about it.”


    “Alright.”


    Eric understood her hesitation. What Hadley needed time to consider wasn’t the paperwork—it was them.


    That evening, Eric finished work.


    “Sir,” Phillips said, “Hadley wrapped up early today. She’s already back at Olisvale Bay.”


    “Okay.” Eric gave a small nod.


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