?Chapter 2738:


    If she hadn’t sensed it, he might have let it pass. But she had. And now, she asked.


    His throat moved with a dry swallow.


    “Are you really asking me that…?”


    “Yes,” Hadley whispered, her eyes closing as she nodded.


    “Alright.”


    There was no time to waste; his words came sharp and direct.


    “I want you. If you agree…” He gestured toward the club.


    “I’ll take the risk, and if you’re wrong, I’ll bear it.”


    His eyes gleamed with intensity.


    “I told you before—I’d do anything for you. For you, I’d walk through fire!”


    Hadley’s vision blurred; his words were sweet, but they stung like a trap.


    He was using her desperation, turning it into leverage.


    “I know,” Ellis admitted, his voice roughened, “that I’m putting you in a hard ce… but just this once, I swear! From this day forward, I’ll stand by you, protect you, never let you suffer again!”


    When he finally finished, he asked with measured caution, “What do you say?”


    Hadley’s thoughts spun into a void.


    She looked at Ellis, and then at the looming club.


    “Have you decided?”


    Ellis’s breath was tight, strained with anticipation.


    He knew he was being shameless, but the risk was real—and this might be his only chance to be with her.


    Each second stretched unbearably long.


    Hadley clenched her fists, her heart pounding. She had to make a choice that could change everything—right here, right now.


    Should she agree… or refuse?


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    Hadley shut her eyes, heart wavering.


    At that moment, a memory struck her—when Linda had framed her…


    What had Eric done back then?


    He had let Linda walk free.


    He imed it was for her sake. He hadn’t cared about the truth, hadn’t cared about Linda—he only wanted her safe.


    “She isn’t worth what you’re putting yourself through!”


    “You’re what matters to me.”


    Back then, she hadn’t believed him…


    And now…


    How strangely familiar this felt!


    Who would have thought, six monthster, their roles would be reversed?


    Now, he was the one in danger.


    Hadley tilted her chin, gazing at Ellis—yet all she saw was Eric’s face. At that moment, one thought consumed her: she wanted Eric safe.


    “Alright!” Atst, after seconds that stretched like hours, Hadley nodded, her voice rough and breaking.


    “I agree.”


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