?Chapter 2758:


    “Eric.”


    She knew why he was here—for Joy. At this hour, the child must have only just fallen asleep.


    “Yes.” Eric studied her quietly, his eyes unreadable.


    “You’re back.”


    He stepped forward, frowning slightly as a faint trace of alcohol reached him.


    She had been drinking—with Ellis? Her tolerance was famously poor.


    “Did you drink?”


    “Yes.” Hadley touched her flushed cheek lightly.


    “Just a few sips, no more.”


    She wasn’t drunk—only a little tipsy.


    Eric’s brows furrowed as hesitation crossed his face.


    He had waited all evening, words heavy on his tongue, but now…


    Whenever she drank, even lightly, her body always felt off.


    Eric swallowed what he’d wanted to say as concern prevailed.


    “Does your head hurt?” he asked instead.


    “Not too much.” Hadley pressed her fingers to her temple, forcing a faint smile.


    “Just a little dizzy… I’m tired. I want to shower and sleep.”


    “Alright.” Eric steadied her arm.


    “Let me walk you to your room.”


    “Okay.” Hadley allowed him to lead her down the hall.


    “I’ll head in now.”


    Eric gave a reluctant nod.


    “Goodnight.”


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    “Goodnight.”


    She turned and slipped inside her room.


    Leaning back against the closed door, Hadley let her eyes fall shut.


    How could she not sense that Eric had words left unsaid? What was it he wanted to tell her?


    She could guess most of it.


    But she didn’t yet know how to face him—so she chose avoidance.


    The next morning, Hadley woketer than usual.


    On the breakfast table sat a warm ss of honey water. A maid approached with a smile.


    “Mr. Scott asked us to prepare this.”


    “Eric?” Hadley blinked, momentarily taken aback.


    “Mr. Scott stayed in the main housest night. He called early this morning to arrange it.”


    She nodded slowly and lifted the ss to her lips.


    Her phone buzzed—a message from Eric.


    “Didn’t want to wake you, so I’m texting. Dinner tonight?”


    Hadley’sshes trembled. Thinking of how he had been trying to speak with her these past days yet always missed the chance, she exhaled softly, her fingers hovering over the screen for a moment before typing a single word—”Okay.”


    Setting her phone down, she sipped the soothing honey water again as she lost herself in her thoughts.


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