?Chapter 2053:


    “Day off?” Eric tilted his head, curiosity piqued. “Then where are you off to so early?”


    Hadley hesitated, but then answered candidly, “I’m going to see Elissa.”


    “Elissa?” Eric’s brow creased. “Is she in some kind of trouble again?”


    “No,” Hadley said, shaking her head, though her expression remained clouded. “I just want to check on her.”


    They had spoken over the phone recently, and Elissa’s calm demeanor had only deepened Hadley’s concern.


    “The quieter she seems,” Hadley exined, “the more I worry.”


    Eric’s frown deepened, his voice thoughtful. “Perhaps she’s feeling overwhelmed, maybe even resigned?”


    From what he knew, Elissa was unlike Hadley in temperament—gentler, more yielding, rarely one to show anger.


    “Perhaps,” Hadley conceded, nodding slowly, though her unease lingered. “But I need to see her for myself.”


    “Shall I give you a ride? Since I’m already here, I’ll drop you off at her door and then head out,” Eric offered.


    “Alright,” Hadley nodded.


    About an hourter, they arrived at Lion Bay.


    As the car pulled up, a servant came rushing to the door.


    “Miss Pearson, why are you here?”


    Hadley frowned. What was that supposed to mean? Was she not wee here?


    “I’m sorry,” the servant said quickly, realizing her words had sounded off. She waved her hands nervously. “Please don’t misunderstand. Earlier today, when Miss Hond took Locke to school, she mentioned she’d go meet youter.”


    What?


    Your source of stories: gαlnσν??s.c??m


    Hadley froze, stunned. Her instincts had been right all along.


    “Miss Pearson, didn’t you have a meeting scheduled with Miss Hond?” the servant asked.


    Hadley’s expression must have given something away, because the servant immediately grew anxious. “Where could she have gone? Should I inform Mr. Flynn?”


    “No need,” Hadley answered at once. “We did agree to meet… but we must’ve just missed each other. Besides, she didn’t go out alone, did she? The bodyguards were with her, right?”


    “Yes, that’s true.”


    “Then there’s no need to worry. I’ll get in touch with her myself. I need to head out now.”


    “Take care, Miss Pearson.”


    Outside the gate, Eric’s car was still parked.


    He wasn’t waiting on purpose. He had just taken a call that ran longer than expected.


    Still, he didn’t expect Hadley toe out so soon.


    .


    .


    .