?Chapter 2997:


    She then gestured hopefully toward the vacant chair across from Eric. “Would you mind if I shared your table?”


    Share his table? Eric’s brow arched slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. The establishment was far from full.


    Why would she want his table in particr?


    Obviously, this was an attempted pickup.


    Such encounters were hardly unfamiliar territory for him. Given his remarkable looks, he had grown ustomed to romantic attention both at home and abroad.


    “I’m afraid you can’t have that seat.” Eric politely declined with a gentle shake of his head. “It belongs to my wife.”


    “What?” The woman appeared momentarily taken aback, though her determination hadn’tpletely wavered. “You’re actually married?”


    “Indeed I am,” Eric confirmed with quiet certainty. “She’s just visiting thedies’ room and will return momentarily.”


    While speaking, his gaze drifted naturally toward the bathroom entrance.


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    At that precise moment, Hadley gracefully emerged through the doorway.


    “Perfect timing—there shees.” Eric’s entire demeanor transformed in an instant, features melting into warmth. “That’s my wife right there.”


    The woman followed his adoring gaze, froze momentarily in surprise, then burst out with genuine enthusiasm. “Your wife is absolutely stunning!”


    Eric epted her praise without a hint of modesty. “Yes, she certainly is.”


    “You two make such a gorgeous couple!” Her disappointmentsted only a heartbeat before giving way to a kind smile. “I’m sorry for the interruption. Wishing you both nothing but happiness.”


    “That’s very kind of you,” Eric responded with an unusually warm smile gracing his features.


    The woman offered an enthusiastic wave before disappearing. “Have a wonderful day! Bye!”


    “You too.”


    From across the cafe, Hadley had already spotted the unfamiliar woman lingering beside Eric’s table. Observing their animated exchange filled with apparentughter, confusion creased her delicate features.


    By the time she wound her way back through the tables, the mysterious stranger had already vanished.


    Eric swiftly rose from his seat, attentively drawing out her chair and helping her settlefortably.


    Their server materialized with remarkable timing, expertly bncing their awaited order.


    “Impable timing indeed,” Eric observed, gracefully positioning Hadley’s iced coffee within reach before skillfully dividing the pastries into manageable, delicate pieces. “Should I bring any apaniments? Syrup, jam?”


    “That won’t be necessary.” Hadley declined with a gentle gesture. “I always prefer experiencing the authentic taste initially.”


    “As you wish.”


    Hadley lifted her silver fork yet found herself hesitating, the utensil suspended midair. “That woman you were conversing with… Who exactly was she?”


    “Simply a passing tourist,” Eric responded dismissively, clearly considering the encounter insignificant.


    Hadley’s brow deepened with displeasure. “Yet you were sharing smiles with her?”


    “What’s this now?” Eric nced up in genuine surprise, studying her carefully.


    Something unusual had obviously colored Hadley’s tone.


    The moment he caught the subtle transformation in her expression, Eric’s lips curved into an amused, knowing smile. “Are you actually jealous because I offered her a smile?”


    Hadley found herself momentarily speechless.


    She protested with fierce determination. “Absolutely not!”


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