?Chapter 2051:


    “Brady?” Hadley’s voice came through, soft and rxed, as she lounged during a rare moment of respite.


    “Hadley,” Brady began, cutting to the chase. “I’m certain Eric had a hand in this. He is pulling strings, likely for your sake.” He then filled her in on what happened.


    Hadley fell silent as she listened, her brow furrowing as she processed Brady’s words.


    She shared his suspicion, sensing Eric’s influence behind the unexpected win.


    “Hadley,” Brady continued, his tone heavy with concern. “I’m not the type to lean on my sister’s connections to get ahead. I’m considering skipping the contract signing.”


    “Hold on,” Hadley interjected swiftly, her voice firm. “Don’t act rashly.” Though not a businesswoman herself, Hadley understood the gravity of this opportunity for Brady’s budding enterprise.


    “Hadley,” Brady persisted, his worry palpable. “I saw Eric just this morning, and now this? What is he expecting from you in return?”


    Instead of answering directly, Hadley posed a question of her own. “Tell me, Brady, can you handle this contract?”


    Brady hesitated, caught off guard. “Well… I think so.”


    “You think, or you know?” Hadley pressed.


    “I know I can,” Brady replied, his confidence solidifying.


    “Good,” Hadley said decisively. “Leave this to me. I’ll call you back.”


    “Hadley, please,” Brady urged, his voiceced with concern. “Don’t sacrifice anything for my sake.”


    A warm smile crept into Hadley’s voice as she reassured him. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”


    After ending the call, Hadley wasted no time dialing Eric’s number.


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    Eric answered promptly.


    “Hadley!” His voice was noticeably cheerful. “Not busy right now? Stealing a moment for yourself?”


    “Something like that,” Hadley replied, her voice steady but direct. “Eric, about Brady winning the bid, was that your doing?”


    “Hmm?” Eric paused for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. “He got the notification? My team operates with impressive efficiency.”


    So, it was him. Hadley’s suspicions were confirmed.


    “Eric,” Hadley said, her tone tinged with concern. “Brady believes his supermarket chaincks the edge topete.”


    “Perhaps,” Eric conceded, his voice taking on a serious note. “But it alsocks any ring ws. More importantly, I know Brady. He is capable, and I trust him to deliver.”


    It was evident Eric was offering Brady an opportunity.


    Hadley couldn’t shake the feeling that Eric’s recent kindnesses, particrly his role in securing the bid for Brady’s business, stemmed from the renewed warmth in their rtionship.


    The thought gnawed at her, and she knew some things needed to be said inly.


    With measured words, she began, “Eric, I’m aware of your circumstances… I don’t expect our meetings to solve everything, but I certainly don’t want toplicate your life. Do you understand?”


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