?Chapter 2928:


    Almost at once, the same secretary appeared and set down a cup of coffee.


    Eric sat down as well before saying, “You didn’te here without reason, Dr. Hayes, did you? So, what brings you today?” To keep the atmosphere at ease, he quickly added, “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’ll see to it personally.”


    For a brief moment, Colleen blinked in surprise, realizing he had misread her intention. Her smile deepened as she shook her head lightly. “You’re being far too generous, Mr. Scott.”


    “It’s nothing at all. Please, have some coffee.”


    “I appreciate it.”


    With the cup gently cradled in her hands, Colleen took a small sip before setting it down again. Her gaze lifted to meet Eric’s. “Then I’ll get straight to the point.”


    “Go ahead.”


    “Mr. Scott.” After a brief pause, Colleen gathered her thoughts. “I need you to be honest with me. Do you still have feelings for Hadley?”


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    “What?”


    The word slipped out before Eric could stop it. The question caught him so off guard that he nearly spilled his drink. He coughed several times, struggling to catch his breath.


    Concern lined Colleen’s face. “Are you alright?”


    “Yes… I’m fine.”


    Slowly, his expression hardened in confusion. Eric couldn’t believe Colleen hade all this way just to ask something so personal.


    “Dr. Hayes…” A faint, uneasy smile appeared on his lips. Eric truly couldn’t figure out her motive. “I’m afraid that’s something I’d rather keep private.”


    “Do you still care for her or not?” Colleen pressed, her brows knitting. “Think of this as a favor to me! Just give me an honest answer!”


    A favor… repayment for her kindness.


    Faced with such insistence, Eric realized refusal wasn’t an option. Even though he hesitated, he knew he owed her the truth. After a long pause, Eric ced his cup on the table, inteced his fingers, and drew in a steady breath.


    Finally, he gave a small nod. “Yes. I still care about her.”


    “You do…” Colleen murmured gently. The confirmation was hardly surprising, though her tone stayed firm. Her expression grew thoughtful. “You and Hadley ended things some time ago. Are you telling me you still feel the same?”


    “I do.” Leaning back, Eric shut his eyes for a moment. Once he had spoken the truth, there was no reason to hold back. “My feelings for Hadley never faded. If anything, they’ve deepened over time.”


    “I see…” A quiet sigh escaped from Colleen’s lips.


    That confession seemed to settle something in her mind, giving her the courage to move on to what she came to discuss.


    “Hadley doesn’t know about this, does she?” she asked gently. “You haven’t said anything to her, have you?”


    Eric’s brows furrowed. “You’re close to her. Then you must know she’s seeing Ellis now. It wouldn’t be right for me to say something like that to her.”


    “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it!” Colleen cut him off, her eyes gleaming with conviction.


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