?Chapter 1444:


    “Just try it—It won’t hurt to see how it looks.”


    The associate was friendly and already reaching for the disy. “Here, let me help you.”


    It felt rude to refuse.


    “Thank you,” Hadley said, extending her wrist.


    The associate fastened the bracelet gently and offered apliment. “You have such a delicate wrist. This suits you beautifully.” It did look nice.


    Still, Hadley shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll pass.” She returned it politely.


    “Of course.” The associate smiled as she ced it back. “Feel free to look around.”


    Just then, Elissa returned with a shopping bag in hand. “All set.”


    “Perfect. Let’s go.”


    They left the mall together.


    Elissa was heading to Flynn Mansion to help Locke with his homework. Hadley nned to go home and spend the evening with Joy. They didn’t make any dinner ns and parted ways outside the mall.


    Back at Olisvale Bay, it was still early.


    For once, Hadley was able to eat dinner with Joy and stayed with her until she fell asleep.


    After leaving her daughter’s room, she heard amotion downstairs.<fnee71> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? findnovel</fnee71>


    Eric had returned.


    The servant sounded rmed. “Mr. Scott, are you alright? Oh my goodness—”


    “Keep your voice down!” Eric’s voice came sharply in response.


    Lowering his voice, Phillips nced upstairs and added, “Don’t let Miss Pearson hear you.”


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    The servant nodded in panic. Eric had actually been drinking. If Hadley found out, it would be a disaster.


    “I’ll take him upstairs. Bring his medicine.”


    “Oh, okay.”


    Eric swayed as Phillips helped him toward the stairs.


    But at the top, they ran straight into Hadley. The sharp scent of alcohol hit her instantly. She stopped and frowned.


    “He’d been drinking?”


    Eric froze. His smile was unsteady, sheepish. “Hadley…”


    She let out a cold snort and turned away without a word.


    “Hadley!” Eric panicked. He broke free from Phillips and rushed after her, grabbing her wrist. “Let me exin—”


    “Exin what?”


    She turned to face him. His breath, thick with alcohol, brushed across her face. Her expression turned cold. “You’re drinking while on medication? Then what’s the point? You may as well throw the pills away. Why bother pretending to take care of yourself?”


    She yanked her arm free, pushed open her bedroom door, and tried to walk off. Eric didn’t hesitate. He followed, dropped to his knees behind her, and clung to her legs.


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