?Chapter 1671:


    His request for a kiss was as tant as it was yful.


    “Okay.” Hadley shed a bright smile as she stepped closer.


    Eric lifted an eyebrow, curious. “Are you serious?”


    Fraudulent chapter , the official version is found at  gal n o v els.


    “I am.” Hadley’s grin turned mischievous as she gave his cheek a gentle tap, teasing him. “There, happy now?”


    “That’s all I get?”


    Of course, Eric knew she’d never give him a real kiss in front of Joy.


    She guarded her affection like it was treasure.


    Ericughed quietly and caught her hand. “Come on.”


    Hadley tried to slip free but soon gave up, letting him hold her as they headed toward the dining room together. “Let’s hurry. Joy’s already said she’s starving.”


    “We wouldn’t want our princess to go hungry, right?” Eric asked, warmth in his tone. “Are you excited for the chicken your mom made tonight?”


    “You bet!” Joy chimed in.


    The dining table was already set, except for the chicken.


    “Give me a minute.” Hadley grinned. “I’ll get it from the kitchen.”


    Once Hadley left, Eric stayed behind with Joy and pulled his phone from his pocket, setting it on the table.


    He wanted to keep it close, just in case Ernest tried to reach him. A quick check revealed nothing—no missed calls or messages waiting for him.


    His thoughts drifted to Ernest, wondering how things were unfolding on their end.<fne932> This text is hosted at Find[?]ovel</fne932>


    The moment he set his phone back down, Hadley came in holding a steaming dish.


    “Let me help.” Eric got up right away, gently took the dish from her, and ced it at the center of the table.


    This is part of a replica; the legitimate version is at  gal n o v e ls.


    Hadley arched a brow at him. “Were you checking something important on your phone?”


    “No, nothing important.” Eric gave her a faint smile and shook his head. “Just a document I received earlier. Nothing urgent… Let’s eat.”


    He gestured at the chicken in the middle, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere.


    “That looks incredible. The smell alone is making me hungry.”


    “You always have something to say.” Hadley gave him a yful re.


    “Come on. Let’s eat.”


    “Okay.”


    After dinner, Joy tugged both of them toward her room.


    Eric had set up a mini home theater in her room, making sure Joy could watch her cartoons infort every night. She would watch one episode after dinner every night before going to bed.


    Now, Joy sat between her parents, eyes glued to the screen,pletely absorbed.


    “Stay with her for a bit.” Hadley nced at the clock and got to her feet. “It’s almost bath time. I’ll grab her pajamas and run the bath.”


    “All right.” Eric nodded, agreeing without hesitation.


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