?Chapter 1623:


    “That isn’t true!”


    Hadley’s tears fell freely as she shook her head. “Please, N, don’t me yourself… It wasn’t your fault!”


    For so long, she had never imagined N would ever apologize to her. After all, N had given her a home when she had no one to turn to and made sure she never went hungry through five long years. No amount of gratitude could ever make up for what N had done for her.


    “You have always been good at heart,” N managed to say, her own tears now sliding down her cheeks. “Bringing you in was the least I could do, but my apology is long overdue.”


    Naturally, N saw the truth behind everything that had unfolded. Hadley had be part of the family through adoption, though the decision to pair her with Eric was made in part for the good of everyone.


    “Fortunately, the two of you have found happiness together. But things are different now…” A new note entered N’s voice. “This time, the Flynn family is not simply epting a granddaughter-inw. Instead, we’re sending our beloved granddaughter off to begin a new chapter.”


    A quick look at her grandson followed. “Ernest, go ahead and bring Eric in.”


    “Right away, Grandma.”


    The heavy oak door creaked open as Ernest emerged, signaling Eric with a solemn nod. “Grandma’s asking for you.”


    “Grandma.” Eric’s greeting died on his lips as he stepped inside, his gaze immediately taking in the scene—Hadley seated beside N, her head lowered, though she couldn’t hide the redness around her eyes, clear evidence of recent tears.


    What harsh words had N spoken to cause such a reaction? Had Hadley’s fragile happiness been shattered again?


    Anxiety twisted in Eric’s stomach as he stood frozen, torn between offeringfort to Hadley and respecting his grandmother’smanding presence.


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    N observed his internal struggle with sharp eyes, silently marveling at the transformation. “Things really have changed,” she thought to herself.


    Years ago, during their initial marriage arrangements, Eric had regarded Hadley with less interest than he would a piece of furniture. The contrast now was striking—his current concern for her was palpable.


    “Sit down,” Nmanded, her voice deceptively gentle, gesturing toward the seat next to her.


    “Yes, Grandma.” Eric lowered himself into the chair, his posture stiff and proper, facing N, but his eyes remained fixed on Hadley’s averted face.


    “Ahem.” N’s delicate throat-clearing sliced through the tension in the room. “Regarding the formal marriage proposal ceremony, what arrangements has the Scott family made thus far?”<fn245d> Latest content published on Find★Novel</fn245d>


    Her words hung in the air, strange and heavy in the stillness.


    Eric and Hadley exchanged a look, the memories of their ufortable confrontation with Ferris just days earlier hanging unspoken between them.


    “Well…” Eric furrowed his brow, carefully considering his words. “Given that Hadley doesn’t have a maiden family we can reach out to for such a visit, we had considered…”


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