?Chapter 2995:


    The celebrations stretched well past dusk.


    Hadley radiated cheer, though her legs ached from hours of strolling the vibrant streets.


    Eric swiftly signaled the bodyguard to fetch their vehicle, then turned to her with a gentle smile. “We’ll hop in just up ahead at the intersection. No more steps for you tonight.”


    “Fine,” Hadley agreed with a small nod, her enthusiasm dimmed by the idea of confinement in the car.


    She disliked the enclosed space that blocked her from soaking in the lively scenery, but exhaustion had truly set in, leaving her unable to continue on foot.


    At the street’s edge, Eric steadied her as she climbed aboard. Leaning her temple against the cool ss, Hadley savored the gentle gusts while admiring the shimmering shoreline.


    Abruptly, a group of cyclists zipped past, their joyfulughter echoing in the air.


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    Hadley eyed them longingly and nudged Eric, gesturing toward the bikes. “I’d love to pedal one myself.”


    “You want to ride a bicycle?”


    “Exactly.”


    “No problem.”


    Eric wasted no time, leaning forward to query the local guide seated in the front. “Any spots close by for renting or purchasing bicycles?”


    The guide shook his head regretfully. “Not in this area, sir. Those riders likely own theirs.”


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Hadley’s face. “That’s okay; forget it.”


    Forget it? Eric refused to let that slide.


    This was their cherished romantic getaway, and she’d voiced a simple desire. How on earth could he possibly ignore it?


    He directed the driver firmly, “Turn around. Pull alongside those cyclists.”


    “Right away, Mr. Scott.” The driver executed a sharp pivot and elerated smoothly.


    Momentster, they overtook the group.


    “Pull over and cut them off.”


    “Understood.”


    Obeying, the driver veered ahead and halted, effectively barring the cyclists’ route.


    “Stop!” Hadley gasped in surprise, clutching Eric’s sleeve. “What do you think you’re doing? Don’t go overboard!”


    “Easy now, nothing reckless,” he said, giving her hand a soothing pat before exiting the vehicle.


    Nothing reckless? Hadley frowned in confusion. Then why intercept strangers like this?


    Worry gnawing at her, she scrambled out after him.


    The Scott family bodyguards had already closed in, forming a loose circle around the cyclists.


    They exchanged surprised nces before turning their attention to Eric. “What’s this about?”


    Dressed sharply in a crisp white shirt and rxed ck trousers, Eric approached with calm confidence.


    He indicated one of the bikes casually. “That bike caught my eye. Tell me your price, and I’ll purchase it outright.”


    Hearing this, a young man among them, with striking blue eyes and d in a suit, refused politely. “Apologies, sir. But it’s not for sale.”


    “I see.” Eric’s lips curved in a subtle grin. “How about I pay tenfold its value?”


    “No deal,” the man insisted, shaking his head once more.


    Another rider chimed in helpfully, “Today’s his wedding day. He’s en route to collect his fiancée.”


    “For real?”


    “Eric!” Hadley, overhearing from nearby, tugged at his arm urgently. “Cut it out! You can’t interfere with their big moment!”


    “I’m not interfering,” Eric replied with an easy smile. “Just negotiating. Promise.”


    Pivoting back to the groom-to-be, he nodded toward Hadley. “Meet my wife.” He then waved a hand at the sleek Bugatti idling nearby. “She fancies your bike. Let’s swap it for this car. You can arrive in style to greet your bride. Sound fair?”


    Hadley froze, mouth agape in disbelief. Was he serious?


    The young man gawked, struggling to process the proposal. “You’re pulling my leg, right?”


    “Dead serious. Deal or not?”


    Temptation won out, and the young man bobbed his head eagerly. “Deal!”


    “Perfect.” Eric nodded to the driver. “Hand over the keys.”


    “Certainly, Mr. Scott.”


    Beaming, the groom-to-be snatched the car keys and flung the bike’s set toward Eric. “All yours now!”


    Eric snagged them mid-air. “Appreciate it! Best wishes to you and your bride. May your love endure and grow sweeter over the years!”


    Spinning around, he dangled the keys yfully at Hadley.


    Her mouth hung slightly open in astonishment, words failing her amid the whirlwind. How does one even react?


    “Hadley!” Eric coasted the bike right up to her, bncing with feet nted, and tipped his head invitingly. “Your royal chariot, mdy.”


    Inwardly, she huffed in disapproval, but a grin betrayed her delight.


    Gripping his waist for support, she settled onto the back rack.


    “Off we go!” Eric pushed off with vigor. As they glided forward, the cool evening air whipped around them.


    “Have you lost it?” Hadley yelled yfully over his shoulder. “Swapping a luxury Bugatti for a simple bike? That’s insane!”


    “Grip tighter!” Eric warned suddenly. “Downhill iing!”


    “Stop!” Hadley locked her arms securely around him.


    The bike hurtled downward with ease.


    Hadley loosened one hand briefly, extending her arms to feel the rush. Her fingers sliced through the twilight breeze as pure bliss lit her features. “Incredible!” Sheughed.


    Eric stole a nce at her serene, ecstatic expression.


    “Not insane in the slightest!” he replied to her earlier jab.


    “What?” Hadley blinked, struggling to catch on.


    “That smile of yours.” His gaze met hers intently.


    He added, “Your joy outweighs any price. If it sparks your happiness in this moment, why dy?”


    A rush of warmth enveloped Hadley’s chest, her heart pounding as emotion welled up.


    Eyes stinging with unshed tears, she inhaled deeply, shut them, and pressed close, her face nestling against his shoulder de.


    Her embrace tightened like entwining roots.


    Eventually, they pedaled back to their hotel.


    Not bothering to turn on the lights, Eric navigated the dim room by touch, scooping Hadley up and depositing her on the bed. A trail of discarded garments marked their path from the entrance to the bed.


    Breathing heavily, Eric fumbled for the nightstand drawer.


    That evening, Eric discovered Hadley’s fervor unmatched. He was utterly captivated! All thanks to that extravagant bike-for-car exchange, perhaps? Absolutely worthwhile!


    Following two days steeped in intimacy, their bond deepened swiftly.


    Come morning, they awoke entangled in a cozy embrace.


    “Good morning, princess,” Eric whispered, leaning in for a tender kiss.


    Hadley mumbled groggily, throat raspy. “What’s on the agenda today?”


    “Brunch at a quaint eatery,” Eric said, lifting her toward the bath, “followed by afternoon wandering through bustlingnes and a nearby fishing hamlet.”


    Under the steaming shower spray, Hadley paused uncertainly. “Separate showers might be wiser.”


    The proximity was downright risky.


    It wasn’t solely Eric’s allure. For the past two days, she’d felt uncharacteristically bold around him.


    One look, and urges overtook her.


    “Together it is,” Eric countered smoothly. “We’ve got all day, don’t we?”


    Inevitably, they merged once again.


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