?Chapter 2830:


    He stood, took another ss from the cab, poured red wine into it, and handed it to her.


    “Have a little.”


    She rarely drank, but perhaps a sip would help her rest.


    Unlike him, she needed sleep. Without it, she would break.


    “Alright.” Hadley took the ss, lowered her head, and drank deeply.


    “Slowly!” Eric’s voice tightened.


    “I didn’t mean for you to gulp it like that.”


    “It’s fine.” She shook her head, swallowed, and kept drinking in steady, heavy mouthfuls, as if it were nothing more than water.


    Eric watched, but didn’t stop her.


    After all, they were at home—and he was there. If she got drunk, he could take care of her.


    “It’s empty.” She held the ss out to him.


    “Pour me more.”


    He refilled it without a word.


    “Here.”


    Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for it.


    “Hey, easy,” Eric said, steadying her arm.


    “Let’s go sit on the couch.”


    “Okay.”


    They settled side by side, sses in hand.


    Eric lifted his own. The clear liquid caught the dim light.


    Hadley pointed at it.


    “Why is yours clear?”


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    “This?” He swirled it.


    “Vodka.”


    “Oh…” Her gaze lingered on the ss.


    “I want that too.”


    “No.” Eric shook his head.


    “It’s too strong for you.”


    “I can handle it.” She frowned and reached for it.


    “Give it here!”


    “Fine.” With a resigned sigh, he set it in front of her.


    “Just one sip.”


    “Alright.” Hadley leaned in, drained the rest in a single gulp, and smirked faintly.


    “Not that strong.”


    Eric blinked at her in disbelief.


    She was drunk now—no longer tasting the difference.


    Thud.


    Her head dropped onto his shoulder.


    Eric froze, hardly daring to breathe.


    “Eric.”


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