?Chapter 2988:


    Hadley gasped for breath, her mouth hanging open in shock and exhration.


    “How was it?” Eric’s voice reached her over the hum of the rotors, tinged with teasing concern. “Did I scare you?”


    Hadley nodded furiously, but then shook her head just as quickly, letting out another gleeful scream. It was exhrating—pure, heart-pounding thrill!


    She turned to him, eyes shining, and shouted, “You’re incredible!”


    “Now you know?” Eric raised an eyebrow, grinning smugly. “I knew it’d take a little push to get you to praise me!”


    He then clicked his tongue yfully. “Say it again!”


    “You’re incredible!” This time, Hadley didn’t hold back—herughter rang through the cabin as the night sky sparkled around them.


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    Genuinely impressed by his daring disy, Hadley felt her heart still racing from the thrill.


    Laughing uncontrobly, she shouted over the wind, “You’re the most amazing man ever!”


    “That’s more like it.” Eric looked thoroughly pleased with himself, though he knew such stunts couldn’t be done too often.


    It wasn’t that he was being cautious for his own sake—he was simply worried that Hadley might not be able to handle it again.


    “Did you like it that much? Then I’ll take you flying again next time!”


    Although they had known each other for more than a decade, they’d never truly spent much quality time together. There were only a handful of good memories between them.


    There was no rush, he thought. They had all the time in the world now.


    From now on, their lives would slowly fill with moments that belonged only to them.


    Even after the helicopter touched down, Hadley still hadn’t calmed from the adrenaline of his little performance earlier.


    “We’re down.” Eric got out first, then reached for Hadley, lifting her effortlessly from the cabin and setting her gently on the ground.


    Hadley swayed slightly, dizziness washing over her. Her cheeks were flushed pink, as though she’d dusted them with blush.


    Eric slipped an arm around her waist and guided her forward, holding her close as they walked.


    “Where are we?” Hadley asked, her voice soft as she blinked and looked around, slowly regaining her senses.


    She realized it even before he replied. “An airport?”


    “Yes.” Eric nodded with a faint smile. “A helicopter can only cover short distances. It can’t take us where we’re headed.”


    “Huh?” Hadley frowned in confusion. “Then where are we going?” she asked curiously.


    Her puzzled expression was so endearing that Eric couldn’t help but smile.


    Eric leaned in and brushed a soft kiss against her ear, his voice low and warm. “I’m taking you away for a few days—a date. Just the two of us.”


    Hadley blinked in surprise. “Do you even have the time for that?”


    Wasn’t he always buried in worktely?


    “I do now.” Eric grinned, his tone teasing. “I’ve been working nonstop just so I could make time for this—time to be with you.”


    So this was why he’d been so busytely, she realized, her heart softening.


    “Let’s go!”


    Before Hadley could even process his words, Eric had already taken her hand and was leading her toward the ne, his excitement contagious.


    “Wait—where are we going? I haven’t prepared a thing!”


    “Don’t worry,” he said with an easy smile. “I’ve taken care of everything. All you have to do ise with me.”


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