?Chapter 2802:


    “Don’t tell me I’m mistaken. The only reason you stepped in to help me at White Lake was because of this, wasn’t it?”


    Unflinching, Ellis met her stare. His face was stripped of emotion, his denial swift and cold.


    “I have no idea what you mean.”


    Mockery curled Hadley’s lips. A sharpugh tore from her throat.


    “How typical. That’s exactly how someone raised in wealth would respond.”


    Although politics had be his chosen path, the arrogance of old money clung to him like a shadow he could never outrun.


    “Can’t you see it?” Hadley jabbed her finger at the album again.


    “I was nothing more than her stand-in.”


    With a bitter shake of her head, she pushed on.


    “Why not just chase after her instead? Did the two of you part ways? If that’s the case, then keep chasing her. If you could bend me to your will, surely you could do the same with her.”


    Herughter came again—bitter, hollow—spilling into the space between them.


    “Stop dragging me into this and run after the one you actually want. What did I do to deserve this? I never asked to be caught in your mess.”


    “Stop it!” Ellis snapped, his voice as sharp as his expression.


    “I said enough!”


    His eyes burned into her with a fire she had never seen before.


    “Sorry. I didn’t mean that.” The words tumbled out the moment he realized what he’d done. He turned away, rubbed his temple, drew in a steadying breath, and forced himself to regain control.


    A few moments passed before the anger drained from his face.


    When he faced Hadley again, his voice was softer.


    “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have shouted at you earlier. It was wrong of me. Please don’t stay upset with me.”


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    Hadley’s brow furrowed as confusion clouded her thoughts.


    “You’re wrong, yes—but not because you yelled at me. What matters is that you understand what you’re doing. She’s the one you need to find, not me!”


    Ellis studied her with unreadable eyes and let out a low, uncertain sound, offering nothing more.


    He gave a slow shake of his head.


    “That album belongs to the past. Everyone carries memories, but there’s no reason for you to feel threatened by something so distant.”


    “What do you mean?” Hadley stared at him in disbelief. Was he truly failing to grasp what she was trying to say?


    “This isn’t right…” Hadley pressed her lips together as she shook her head.


    “Ellis…”


    “No.” Ellis frowned as he cut her off.


    “There is no chance between her and me. Not now, not ever.”


    Hadley’s thoughts spun. Why would he speak with such certainty?


    “Is she already married?” she asked.


    Ellis mped his mouth shut, unwilling to answer. Atst, he said, “You don’t need to worry. Right now, you are my partner. I will treat you well. The one I n to share my future with is you… She has no ce between us.”


    “That isn’t what matters here!” Hadley pressed her fingers to her temples, frustration tightening her voice.


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