?Chapter 2782:


    A quick wave of his hand summoned the technician.


    The screens flickered, static fading into a crisp disy of the private room where Ellis and the others had gathered.


    “Please, Mr. Scott, have a seat.” The manager pulled a chair close to the monitor, positioning it for Eric.


    Inside the private room, everyone was settling into their seats.


    Ellis cast a brief look at Hadley, a silent cue.


    “Hadley?”


    Understanding, she picked up the gift bag and extended it toward July.


    “Mrs. Gomez, this is for you.”


    “Oh my!” July’s eyes lit up, her smile bright and unrestrained.


    “You shouldn’t have! I’m the one who invited you, dear.”


    “It’s only proper,” Hadley murmured.


    “Mom,” Ellis interjected with a faint smirk, watching his mother’s delight.


    “Since Hadley went through the trouble, just ept it.”


    “Alright, alright!” July chuckled, already clutching the bag with eager hands.


    “May I open it?” she asked, her voiceced with excitement.


    “Of course.” Hadley’s smile was polite, restrained—it wasn’t her choice anyway.


    “Here goes!” July carefully extracted the box and lifted the lid.


    “Wow!” Her eyes lit up as she gently retrieved the item inside.


    “It’s a brooch!” she eximed, her voice brimming with delight.


    “Yes.” Hadley nced at it—an orchid-shaped design, its petals kissed with emerald diamonds, understated yet opulent.


    “Hadley.” July’s eyes twinkled with genuine appreciation.


    “This is so beautiful. Thank you!” She genuinely seemed delighted.


    Hadley offered a polite nod.


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    “I’m d you like it.”


    “Like it? I adore it!” July held the brooch against her dress, her smile radiant.


    “How does it look?”


    “Beautiful,” Ellis replied before Hadley could speak.


    He then shot Hadley a knowing grin.


    “My mother has always loved orchids.”


    Only then did Hadley fully grasp July’s joy.


    The brooch couldn’t have been more perfectly chosen. Her gaze flickered toward Ellis. Too perceptive by half—her passive resistance had only yed into his hands. In one effortless move, he had won his mother’s favor for her.


    July, still smiling, carefully ced the brooch back in its box.


    “You’re not wearing it?” Ellis teased.


    “It’s far too precious!” July gave her son a look before turning to Hadley with a warm smile.


    “I’ll save it for a special asion.”


    Then she reached for arger box on the chair beside her.


    “Hadley.” She set it down with a faint grin.


    “I prepared a gift for you as well. See if it suits you.”


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