?Chapter 2779:


    This evening, N had extended a dinner invitation.


    Ellis had orchestrated the entire evening without seeking her input—the man possessed an inherently controlling nature that reminded her ufortably of Eric during his younger years. In matters of the heart, she perpetually found herself cast in the role of the passive participant.


    When twilight began to paint the sky, Eric made his way to Flynn Mansion. Following his established routine, he made his initial stop at the Crimson House to collect both Hadley and Joy before proceeding to the main residence.


    “Daddy!” The instant he crossed the threshold, Joy’s small feet carried her racing toward him.


    “Hello there, sweetheart.” Eric swept her up with practiced ease, gathering her securely in his embrace. His eyes swept the room as he inquired, “Where has Mommy gotten to? Is she upstairs?”


    “Yes.”


    At that precise moment, Hadley began her descent down the staircase.


    Eric’s gaze lifted to follow her movement.


    Hadley had chosen a soft lc dress that offered the barest glimpse of her elegant corbones, which she had graced with a slender gold chain bearing a diamond pendant that caught the light with subtle brilliance.


    Beyond her careful wardrobe selection, she had also taken time to apply understated cosmetics.


    Eric’s eyebrows drew together without conscious thought, while an ominous feeling began to unfurl within his chest.


    The Hadley he hade to know reserved makeup exclusively for professional obligations—yet this evening, she had obviously invested considerable effort in her appearance.


    What had motivated this transformation? More precisely—who had inspired such careful preparation?


    Eric’s Adam’s apple shifted as he swallowed.


    “Heading out?” he asked.


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    Hadley tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, not bothering to deny it. She was leaving—she wouldn’t be joining them for dinner tonight.


    “Okay.” Eric’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable as he asked, almost casually, “A date night? With him?”


    His eyes stayed on her—subtle, yet impossible to overlook.


    “Yes.” Hadley nodded, her gaze dipping, unwilling to meet his.


    “I see.” Eric, perhaps out of some masochistic urge, pressed further.


    “Where are you going tonight?”


    Hadley lifted her head sharply, meeting his stare.


    Why was he even asking?


    She exhaled, a trace of resignation in her tone.


    “Winterley Restaurant.”


    Was that enough for him?


    “Any other questions?”


    Eric’s jaw tensed, his expression awkward as he shook his head.


    “No.”


    “I should go.” Unable to endure the moment any longer, Hadley turned away.


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