?Chapter 2559:


    He had only learned this while arranging Joy’s school admission.


    Hadley paused, then shook her head.


    “No, it wasn’t me. And you’re right, it wasn’t Joyce at first—it was really just Joy.”


    The answer hung in the air, unspoken but clear. Eric had picked the name.


    Ernest’s gaze lingered on Hadley, thoughtful.


    “In Eric’s heart, Joy really is his entire world.”


    “Yes,” Hadley said softly, her eyes dropping to her te as she resumed eating. That had once been true.


    “By the way,” Ernest said, shifting the conversation with a gentle smile.


    “Who handles your work contracts these days? Do you have the authority to sign them yourself?”


    “My contracts?” Hadley looked up, puzzled.


    “What do you mean?” Why would Ernest bring up her work out of the blue?


    “The Flynn Group’s new product,” Ernest exined.


    “It’sunching soon, and we’re looking for a spokesperson to promote it. We also need a new face for thepany brand. What do you think?”


    “Oh,” Hadley said, the pieces falling into ce.


    The Flynn Group, a titan in electronic technology, had long featured Linda as their spokesperson. But now, it seemed, they were ready to pass the torch. Were they going to rece Linda with her?


    “What is wrong?” Ernest asked, noting Hadley’s silence with a warm chuckle.


    “Not interested? If you have any terms, just name them.”


    “No, it’s not that,” Hadley replied, a small smile breaking through as she shook her head.


    Her emotions swirled within her. For so long, everything had been Linda’s domain. Now, atst, was it her moment to shine?


    “If you’re on board, I’m in,” Hadley said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat.


    How could she dream of setting terms with Ernest? Elvin, her agent, would have no objections either. A spokesperson role with the Flynn Group was a golden opportunity, a pinnacle for any artist.


    gα?ησν????s is full of thrilling adventures


    “Thank you, Ernest,” she said, her voice wavering, rough with feeling.


    Ernest’s gaze softened, his tone gentle andforting.


    “Betterte than never, Hadley. What is destined for you will always find its way. Cheer up.”


    “Yes,” Hadley replied, blinking back tears as a radiant smile broke through.


    “I know. I’m truly grateful.”


    “Then it’s decided,” Ernest said, taking a forkful with a calm nod.


    “I’ll have the contract drawn up and reach out to your agent.”


    A momentter, he added lightly, “Oh, and this new product is a joint venture with the Scott Group.”


    Hadley was momentarily struck speechless again. Ernest’s words had caught her off guard.


    “What’s wrong?” Ernest nced at her, pausing briefly before continuing.


    “I didn’t try to trick you or anything. I needed a spokesperson and you’re family—and naturally, it should be you. Why hand the opportunity to someone else, right?”


    His coboration with Eric hadn’t been formed overnight. It had started soon after Eric rejoined the Scott family—though there had beenplications thanks to Gifford.


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