《Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You can’t afford me now》 Chapter 1 ?Chapter 1: ¡°Someone help me! I¡¯m being attacked!¡± The desperate screams of Linda Harris filled the air, drawing an increasing crowd of onlookers to the scene. Hadley Pearson stood at the top of the staircase, her gaze fixed on Linda, whoy crumpled at the bottom. A look of utter confusion washed over Hadley as she stared down at her own hands,pletely bewildered. Murmuring to herself, Hadley said, ¡°How could this have happened¡­ Why did Linda copse so suddenly?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Today marked the Flynn family¡¯s grand banquet, and the estate was bustling with guests. Those who heard themotion quickly encircled Linda, who was sprawled out from her fall down the stairs. ¡°What¡¯s going on? How did she end up falling?¡± ¡°Look up there. She¡­¡± Struggling through her pain, Linda managed to lift her head and look up towards where Hadley stood. It was then that the gathered crowd pieced together the apparent events. ¡°Hadley pushed Linda!¡± ¡°Good heavens! Hadley, regardless of your feelings towards Linda, such harshness is unthinkable! And she¡¯s expecting a child!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve crossed the line!¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not true¡­¡± As the usations flew, Hadley¡¯splexion turned pale, and she vehemently shook her head in denial. She tried to assert her innocence, insisting she hadn¡¯t pushed Linda. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears. ¡°Make way!¡± Amanding male voice disrupted the gathering, asserting his presence authoritatively. That voice belonged to Eric Flynn, Hadley¡¯s new husband, though their marriage hadsted only a brief period. Check what¡¯s new on g@lnov??s.c¡ðm ¡°Eric¡­¡± A wave of relief washed over Hadley as she turned to him for support. Yet, as Eric¡¯s eyes met hers, they were sharp and using. ¡°You hurt her!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡± Hadley protested, her denial forceful as she shook her head desperately. ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one¡­¡± ¡°Then who did?¡± Eric asked, his disbelief evident. His look of disdain and anger was directed squarely at Hadley, his features twisted in revulsion. ¡°Are you suggesting Linda threw herself down the stairs? You¡¯re known to be overbearing. Haven¡¯t you been antagonizing her all this time? Must I remind you of all the incidents?¡± Eric continued. Hadley remained motionless. The severity in her husband¡¯s voice rendered her speechless. Cradling her stomach, Linda leaned on Eric, her voice faint. ¡°Eric, it¡¯s so painful. It really hurts!¡± ¡°Linda?¡± Eric¡¯s grandmother, N Flynn, approached, rmed. ¡°What has happened here?¡± she demanded. ¡°There¡¯s blood!¡± someone in the crowd eximed. ¡°Look, she¡¯s bleeding!¡± Beneath Linda, a crimson stain was expanding steadily. Clutching at Eric¡¯s neck, Linda broke down in tears. ¡°Eric! My baby! Help my baby¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± Eric tried to reassure her, but his face betrayed his own fear as panic set in. ¡°We need to get to the hospital immediately!¡± Swiftly lifting Linda into his arms, Eric¡¯s eyes met Hadley¡¯s with a harsh, using stare. ¡°If anything happens to the baby, you¡¯ll regret it¡­¡± He left the sentence hanging, then swiftly turned away, carrying Linda towards help. At that moment, ensuring Linda and her unborn child¡¯s safety was Eric¡¯s only concern. N looked at Hadley with a mix of disappointment and disbelief, struggling to find the words. ¡°Hadley, how could you¡ª¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Hadley barely started to respond when N turned her back and walked away. Suddenly, the crowd began to thin out. Ignored by everyone, Hadley found herself aimlessly returning to her room, lost in a fog of confusion. She waited anxiously for Eric to return. She hadn¡¯t pushed Linda and needed to clear the air with him. As hours passed into the deep of night, Eric still hadn¡¯te back. As the first light of dawn crept in, sounds echoed from below. ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley leapt from the sofa and hurried towards the door. She paused at the top of the stairs, hesitating, as she heard his voice. ¡°Grandma, I want a divorce!¡± Eric¡¯s deration cut through the air, his tone bitter and decisive. ¡°Get back here!¡± N reached out to her grandson, her voice firm andmanding. ¡°What are you saying? I made a promise to Hadley¡¯s grandmother to protect her. You¡¯re barely married, and now a divorce? She¡¯s just twenty. Do you want to ruin her life?¡± ¡°Am I the one ruining her life? Ridiculous!¡± Eric¡¯sughter was harsh, his gaze piercing with resentment. ¡°Grandma, we¡¯ve lost Linda¡¯s baby! Do you hear me? My brother¡¯s child is gone! And yet, Hadley is untouched! Tell me, who is truly causing despair here?¡± N was left speechless. ¡°I never wanted to marry her. You pushed me into it!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was evident, and he seemed on the verge of losing it over his marital situation. ¡°I was willing to ept her if she made you happy. But I can no longer tolerate such a wife now! If this continues, I fear I might do something drastic. I¡¯m losing my grip!¡± ¡°Stop this!¡± N shouted, her voice filled with panic as she clutched Eric¡¯s arm tightly. With the recent loss of her great-grandchild weighing heavily on her, N¡¯s expression hardened with determination. ¡°Fine, you won¡¯t have to see her anymore. I¡¯ll send her away, overseas, away from all this. Is that eptable?¡± Eric was silent for a beat before nodding in agreement. ¡°If that¡¯s what you think is best.¡± Hadley, overhearing the exchange, turned and hurried back to her room. Once inside, she shut the door and her knees buckled beneath her. Slumping to the floor, tears cascaded down her cheeks. ¡°Eric, Eric¡­¡± The revtion that he resented their marriage¡ªthat it had been against his will¡ªwas overwhelming. Hadley had been unaware, utterly oblivious to the depth of his reluctance. Having lost her parents young and raised by her grandmother, who herself died in a car crash when Hadley was just fifteen, she was left to navigate the world alone. N had weed Hadley into her home because of her close friendship with Hadley¡¯s grandmother. N cherished her, often yfully asking, ¡°Hadley, will you be my granddaughter-inw when you¡¯re older?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Hadley would always respond. Thus, Hadley grew up dreaming of marrying Eric and bing his wife. She centered her life around Eric, tailoring her education to his interests, dressing to catch his eye, and always staying by his side, warding off any potential rivals. In her heart, she was already his bride; he was meant to be hers. Yet, these were merely her own fantasies. He criticized her as overbearing and expressed his desire not to see her again. Overwhelmed, Hadley finally broke down in tears. Knock, knock. Someone was at the door. ¡°Hadley, are you awake?¡± It was N calling through the door. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here!¡± Rapidly drying her tears, Hadley rose, smoothed her hair, and opened the door. With a forced smile, she said, ¡°N.¡± N examined Hadley, noticing her red, swollen eyes¡ªevidence of a night spent crying. Despite understanding Hadley¡¯s distress, N struggled to overlook her recent actions. N seated herself on the sofa, gesturing for Hadley to sit too. ¡°Sit with me.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley braced herself for what wasing; she sensed a change in N¡¯s demeanor towards her. N said, ¡°Remember you once mentioned wanting to study abroad? I¡¯m arranging that for you. You¡¯ll leave as soon as possible.¡± The decision to send Hadley away was clear. Hadley¡¯s gaze dropped, and once more, tears started to fall. N looked at the girl with pity, her affection for Hadley genuine. Yet, with Linda still hospitalized, N feltpelled to act in Linda¡¯s defense. N steeled herself, took a deep breath, and said firmly, ¡°You must learn to moderate your behavior. At times, you are overly assertive. It¡¯s one thing to be protective, but your jealousy¡ªeven towards Linda¡ªis uncalled for. She¡¯s engaged to your brother-inw!¡± Struggling to contain her emotions, Hadley whispered, ¡°I¡­¡± Did N also doubt her sincerity? ¡°It¡¯s time for you to pack.¡± N rose from her seat, giving Hadley a lingering look. ¡°Once you¡¯ve shown some improvement, I¡¯ll arrange for someone to bring you back, okay?¡± With these words, N walked away. Hadley quickly got up to walk her out. Left alone, Hadley felt a hollow emptiness inside her. Out of nowhere, she was hit by a wave of nausea so intense it made her stomach churn. Catching her breath, Hadley sped her hand over her mouth. Hastily, she made her way to the bathroom. . . . Chapter 2 ?Chapter 2: After relentless waves of nausea that felt like a storm raging inside her, Hadley ended up in the hospital. ¡°Doctor, what¡¯s happening to me?¡± She sat nervously in the waiting area while the doctor examined her test results. Pausing for a moment, the doctor looked at her curiously and inquired, ¡°Are you married?¡± There was a pause before Hadley responded affirmatively, ¡°Yes, I am.¡± ¡°Congrattions,¡± the doctor finally announced. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant.¡± The news momentarily took Hadley¡¯s breath away, her eyes widening as she processed the information. The recent summer heat had been oppressive, causing her to lose her appetite and frequently feel nauseous. Hadley had assumed it was the heat or perhaps the greasy food. Now, she questioned, ¡°Is this what morning sickness feels like?¡± Had this revtione before the events of the previous night, it would have been a joyous asion for Hadley. But now, everything had changed. Hadley paused, and then voiced her concern to the doctor. ¡°Is there any chance this is a mistake? Could there be an error in the diagnosis?¡± ¡°When did youst have your period?¡± Upon thinking back, Hadley¡¯s expression changed as she made the connection. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ a weekte.¡± The doctor gestured expansively as he handed over the test results. ¡°Here¡¯s your answer,¡± he said, pushing the document towards her. ¡°See for yourself. The blood test is quite clear. You¡¯re definitely pregnant.¡± Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s Hadley¡¯s eyes were drawn to the bolded words ¡°early pregnancy¡± on the report, underscored by the doctor¡¯s signature. She took a deep breath, picked up the report, and softly said, ¡°Thank you, doctor.¡± Leaving the hospital, the harsh rays of the summer sun prompted tears to gather in her eyes. With her eyes closed, Hadley whispered to herself, ¡°What am I going to do?¡± Her marriage to Eric was still new, barely two months old, and their physical rtionship had been limited¡ªquick and infrequent. Hadley had previously thought that Eric simply wasn¡¯t interested in being intimate, and frankly, she didn¡¯t enjoy their encounters much; they were just too painful. Now, the painful truth hit her. It wasn¡¯t the intimacy he was averse to. It was her. The rare asions they had been intimate were probably just to fulfill N¡¯s wish to produce a Flynn heir. Now, Hadley found herself pregnant at the most unfortunate moment. ¡°What should I do?¡± Hadley pondered once more. Was it right to keep the baby? At only twenty, the gravity of such a decision overwhelmed Hadley. She felt too inexperienced to handle it on her own. . . . Chapter 3 ?Chapter 3: She decided she must speak with Eric. He was, after all, the father. Currently, Eric was at the hospital where Linda was recovering from her miscarriage, having set up a makeshift office in her room. When Hadley tried to enter, she was halted by Eric¡¯s security, Xander and Theodore Todd. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, you must stop here. You¡¯re not allowed inside.¡± Confused, Hadley blinked and asked, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The orderes directly from Mr. Flynn,¡± they replied. Eric¡¯s orders? Did he think she would harm Linda again, or was he concerned Linda might be distressed by her presence? Hadley bowed her head, feeling a mix of defeat and desperation, yet a trace of resolve lingered. Hadley pleaded, ¡°I don¡¯t need to enter. Just let him know I must speak with him. It¡¯s urgent.¡± The two bodyguards looked at each other. ¡°We¡¯ll ry your message.¡± Theodore went inside to inform Eric of her request. Eric dismissed the request coldly once Theodore delivered it. ¡°I won¡¯t meet with her,¡± he instructed. ¡°Make sure she doesn¡¯te near this room and disturb Linda.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn,¡± Theodore responded before returning to deliver the news to Hadley. Upon hearing the stern rejection, Hadley¡¯s face drained of color, and her hands began to shake uncontrobly. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, it¡¯s best you leave now. Miss Harris might awaken any moment, and it would be problematic if she saw you here.¡± ????? ?????????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í??????.con ¡°I¡¯m going now.¡± Hadley¡¯s lip quivered as she bit down hard, drawing blood, though she hardly noticed. Exiting the hospital, Hadley paused abruptly, rooted to the spot. She couldn¡¯t just walk away! Tomorrow, she was scheduled to fly overseas, to a ce where everything would be strange and unfamiliar, leaving her even more isted. Determined, Hadley chose to stay by the entrance, hoping to intercept Eric as he left the hospital. As the hours ticked by, her legs grew stiff with cold. Darkness fell, and a sudden downpour drenched the evening. Hadley began to fear that Eric might spend the night in the hospital, but then he appeared. The soft illumination from the streetlights enhanced Eric¡¯s striking appearance as he walked out. ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley called out, dashing towards him. Eric¡¯s expression turned into a deep scowl. ¡°Stop her!¡± ¡°At once, sir!¡± Hadley was halted halfway by the guards, her path to Eric blocked. . . . Chapter 4 ?Chapter 4: ¡°I need to speak with you¡ªit¡¯s urgent!¡± Hadley yelled, her voiceced with desperation. Eric continued forward, ignoring her plea. As his car pulled up, he entered without a backward nce. ¡°Eric! Please, just listen!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice broke with despair and disbelief as she called after the departing car. Eric disregarded herpletely, shutting the car door andmanding the driver, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± As the vehicle began to move, Hadley¡¯s expression turned to one of shock and desperation. ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley yelled, mustering every ounce of her strength to break free from Xander and sprint after the car. ¡°Eric, please! Stop the car!¡± Tears mingled with her cries as she pursued the car relentlessly. The cold air burned her lungs, yet she continued. However, the car elerated, quickly distancing itself from her. Just as she neared the hospital gate, Hadley¡¯s foot caught, and she tumbled to the pavement. The pain elicited a sharp cry from Hadley. From the car, Theodore looked back and murmured to Eric, ¡°Sir, she fell.¡± Did she? Eric casually checked the rearview mirror and saw Hadley lying on the wet ground, drenched and helpless. His expression briefly showed concern. However, he quickly dismissed the sentiment. ¡°She¡¯s tough. She¡¯ll recover. Drive faster. Let¡¯s ensure she doesn¡¯t follow us andplicate things further.¡± ¡°Understood, sir.¡± elerating, the vehicle quickly vanished into the distance. Helplessly, Hadley watched as it disappeared, the spark in her eyes dimming. Struggling to rise, Hadley noticed her arms and palms were scraped and bleeding, the blood diluting in the rainwater. New chapters uploaded at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s The pain she felt was sharp, almost soul-deep. Tears mixed with the rain as Hadley shut her eyes, overwhelmed by the moment. Later, at Silver Vis,pletely spent both physically and emotionally, Hadley copsed onto her sofa still in her damp attire, too exhausted to change or shower. What options did she have left? Who could help her now? A sudden memory prompted her to grab her phone. She bypassed her contacts, dialing a number she remembered well. As she hit the call button, a surge of hope briefly animated her. The phone rang, and she held her breath in tense anticipation. ¡°Hello?¡± A female voice answered. Immediately, the flicker of hope in Hadley¡¯s eyes faded. ¡°Hello, who is this? Speak up!¡± The woman on the line warned, ¡°If you don¡¯t respond, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± Shortly after, the line went dead. Her expression hardened, and Hadley clutched her phone tightly as tears streamed down her face. She realized the call had been a mistake. Frustrated, she threw the phone aside and buried her face in a pillow, her cries muffled. . . . Chapter 5 ?Chapter 5: The night dragged on in a blur of anguish. She wasn¡¯t sure when she fell asleep, but she was jolted awake by the incessant ringing of the doorbell, each ring sharper than thest. Possibly tired of waiting, the person stormed in as the door burst open. Eric entered, irritation evident on his otherwise striking features. Upon seeing Hadley on the couch, Eric¡¯s expression grew sharp with annoyance. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t the door answered?¡± Silently, Hadley muttered to herself, ¡°Icked the strength to even get up,¡± but she left her thoughts unspoken, simply shaking her head in response. Hadley was acutely aware that any attempt to exin herself would merely be seen as an excuse by Eric. To someone who harbors disdain for you, even the act of breathing could seem like a fault. Overwhelmed by an ufortable feeling, Hadley went directly to the heart of the matter. ¡°What brings you here?¡± She thought he wanted nothing to do with her. ¡°Do you actually think I came here willingly?¡± With a sneer, Eric made no effort to mask his contempt as he nced coldly at Hadley. ¡°Grandma sent me to escort you to the airport.¡± That was how things stood. Hadley asked herself bitterly, ¡°Why did I even harbor any hope?¡± For m??r?, v??????t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð?? ¡°Is your luggage upstairs?¡± The impatience in Eric¡¯s voice was unmistakable. Spending even a moment with Hadley was clearly something he found almost unbearable. Hadley nodded, but then quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s upstairs, but I haven¡¯t finished packing yet¡­¡± She had nned to finish packing the previous night, but overwhelming fatigue and sickness had caused her to fall asleep prematurely. ¡°What?¡± A shadow crossed Eric¡¯s face as his irritation red. ¡°You¡¯ve had all day and still haven¡¯t managed to pack your bags?¡± He fixed a stern gaze on Hadley, who appeared bewildered and unresponsive. Eric guessed bitterly, ¡°Is she trying to dy her departure?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there; get moving and finish your packing!¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley responded with a vacant nod, turning to ascend the stairs swiftly. Making her way up, Hadley felt each step cause her to break out in a cold sweat. She sensed that something was amiss. Hesitantly, she touched her forehead. . . . Chapter 6 ?Chapter 6: It was unmistakably hot, and her breathing wasbored, as if each breath scorched her lungs. Clearly, she was running a fever. The fever was probably a result of being soaked in the rain yesterday. Hadley¡¯s initial reaction was to search for some cold medicine in her room. Just as she was about to take one, she hesitated. Remembering her pregnancy, she knew she couldn¡¯t take the medicine. Although she hadn¡¯t decided whether to keep the baby, she felt a responsibility to protect it while it was still part of her. ¡°Agh¡­¡± A wave of nausea hit Hadley hard, causing her to groan. She clutched her mouth and hurried to the bathroom, where she retched into the toilet until she feltpletely empty. Afterward, she turned on the tap, rinsed her mouth, and sshed her face with cold water to soothe her burning skin. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice, deep and slightly raspy, echoed with a note of exasperation. Impatient from waiting, he hade upstairs to check on her progress. Noticing she still wasn¡¯t ready, he demanded, ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s taking so long? Get out here!¡± ¡°On my way,¡± replied Hadley, dabbing her face with a towel. She emerged from the bathroom, herplexion ashen, her voice a faint murmur. ¡°Eric,¡± she whispered. ¡°Might I request to leave a dayter?¡± Her health was so precarious that she worried about bing sick on the flight. Should she fall ill on the ne, she would be entirely alone, without assistance. ???????? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q????? ¡°Why?¡± Eric asked, his expression clouding with suspicion. ¡°What¡¯s your scheme now? Yesterday, you tried to see Linda at the hospital, and I had to stop you. Are you attempting something else today?¡± Did he truly have such a low opinion of her? ¡°It¡¯s not what you think¡­¡± Hadley replied, her eyes widening with the effort to restrain her tears. ¡°I feel very sick. I need to consult a doctor¡­¡± ¡°Enough of this!¡± Eric interjected sharply, not allowing her to exin further. He examined her face briefly before a slight smirk appeared. ¡°Feigning illness again? You expect me to believe that?¡± His voice took on a cold edge. ¡°Even if you are sick, how serious could it be? Linda has just lost a child and is still in the hospital, while you¡¯re here, perfectly upright! You¡¯ll cope. It¡¯s not the end of the world!¡± Hadley reeled from his words, her face a picture of astonishment. Eric paid her no mind, moving swiftly to the closet to retrieve the already packed suitcase. ¡°Leave whatever isn¡¯t packed. Just buy what you need when you get there! It¡¯s alling from my family¡¯s funds anyway. I can¡¯t afford to linger here with you.¡± . . . Chapter 7 ?Chapter 7: With that, he grabbed the suitcase and stormed downstairs. Hadley¡¯s lip quivered as pain gripped her heart. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, which she wiped away with the back of her hand. She might as well leave. Whether here or somewhere foreign, did it really matter? Isted, unloved¡ªher plight seemed invisible to others, her existence negligible. At the airport, Eric was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his assistant, Phillips Brown, took care of the check-in process and walked Hadley to the security checkpoint. ¡°Have a safe trip, ma¡¯am,¡± Phillips said as he handed her the passport and boarding pass. ¡°Please call Mrs. Flynn upon yournding. Your living expenses will be forwarded to you each month.¡± Hadley responded with a subdued nod. ¡°I understand. Thank you.¡± She then proceeded through the boarding gate. A month had passed. Now, deep into the night in an apartment in downtown the, Hadley was hunched over in bed, too terrified to turn on any lights or make noise. ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡± The sound of forceful knocking jolted the door. Outside, her fat, middle-agedndlord shouted, ¡°Se?orita! Are you there? Your rent is overdue! I know you¡¯re inside! Respond!¡± Hadley pressed her hands over her ears, squeezed her eyes shut, and shook her head, silently wishing thendlord would just go away. After enduring the quiet for a while, it seemed thendlord finally gave up. ¡°Thinking you can avoid paying by hiding? Oh, sweetheart, that¡¯s just naive! Are you really not there?¡± He continued muttering to himself, ???????????????? ???????????? @ g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I hope she¡¯s safe.¡± The pounding at the door eventually ceased, and the sound of thendlord¡¯s footsteps slowly faded away. Hadley took her hands away from her ears, breathing out a lengthy sigh of relief. She had managed to avoid thendlord today, but the question of what to do tomorrow lingered in her mind. Gently pulling her phone from beneath her pillow, Hadley scrolled through her contacts to find N¡¯s number. It had been nearly a month since she arrived in the, yet the living expenses she was promised had not been sent. She had been trying to reach N for days now, but all her calls had gone unanswered. She inhaled deeply and pressed the call button once more. Still, no one answered. Feeling more isted, Hadley wondered who else she could turn to. Eric was her only option left. With a moment¡¯s hesitation, she found Eric¡¯s number, dialed, and the call connected. The familiar deep and slightly hoarse voice of Eric answered. . . . Chapter 8 ?Chapter 8: Nerves made Hadley¡¯s mouth dry. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± ¡°What do you want?¡± Eric asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. Surprised by his harsh tone, Hadley stuttered, ¡°I tried to reach N, but her number seems to be disconnected.¡± Eric responded coldly, ¡°Why do you need Grandma? You just left, and you¡¯re already trying to pull her back into your problems?¡± Hadley quickly rified, ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡± Eric didn¡¯t let her finish. ¡°Don¡¯t bother trying to contact Grandma. I¡¯ve changed her number to keep you from disturbing her.¡± Hadley stood speechless, tears starting to form in her eyes. She knew Eric couldn¡¯t stand her, but wasn¡¯t her leaving the country enough? Did he really have to cut her off from N too? N had always shown her kindness, and she cherished their bond. ¡°Anything else?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was losing patience. ¡°We sent you abroad to be more self-reliant, not to continue relying on us like you¡¯ve done all your life. I¡¯m going to hang up now!¡± ¡°Wait, please!¡± Hadley interjected quickly, desperation clear in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s regarding the living expenses¡­ they haven¡¯t been sent yet.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric¡¯s smile was cold, dripping with scorn. ¡°So, this is about money, isn¡¯t it? Not even a month has passed. What¡¯s the hurry? Rest assured, you¡¯ll receive your due. Just be patient. Surely, you don¡¯t think we¡¯d let you go hungry?¡± ?????????????????? ?????????????????????? ??????????¦Í??????.?????? He paused briefly, his tone bing terse. ¡°Avoid calling me unless it¡¯s urgent. I¡¯ll get in touch if there¡¯s any need.¡± With those final words, the conversation abruptly ended. sping the phone tightly, Hadley¡¯s shock was evident. To such an extent, Eric despised her. ¡°Absurd.¡± With a frail chuckle, Hadley¡¯s face turned ashen. Requesting money from him had left her feeling profoundly demeaned. In silence, she lifted her hand to her unchanged stomach, closed her eyes, and allowed tears to escape quietly. Eight months had passed. Hadley was sleeping peacefully in her modest room, her pregnant belly prominently disyed. The arrival of her child was approaching. Despite the doctor¡¯s rmendation for early hospitalization due to the baby¡¯s breech position, Hadley merely smiled and remained silent. . . . Chapter 9 ?Chapter 9: Her pockets were empty. Eight months earlier, following that call with Eric, he had spewed nothing but cruelty. Yet, the financial support he promised never materialized. Hadley had drained her savings. With no way to afford her apartment anymore, she ended up in a run-down neighborhood. She never reached out to him for financial help again. The thought of beingbeled a parasite was unbearable. After moving, Hadley managed to secure some part-time work, bncing it with her studies. Her earnings were limited, but through careful budgeting, she made enough to sustain herself. As she drifted off to sleep, the night erupted with cries of rm. ¡°Fire!¡± The shout pierced the air. ¡°Escape!¡± Roused abruptly, Hadley leaped from her bed and threw open her door to a scene of utter chaos. Smoke engulfed the corridor as mes danced violently. Herplexion drained of color in an instant. ¡°Hadley!¡± Her neighbor, a fellow student, was frantic with worry as he caught sight of her. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you fled? It¡¯s a fire! Get out now!¡± ¡°Right, got it!¡± In a rush, Hadley spun around to grab her backpack. She moved to venture deeper into her apartment, but her neighbor¡¯s firm grip stopped her. ???????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Are you out of your mind? Why are you heading back in? Leave immediately!¡± ¡°I must!¡± Hadley¡¯s frustration was clear as she stamped her foot. Inside, her savingsy¡ªevery single penny she had painstakingly gathered for her baby¡¯s future needs: hospital bills, diapers, and baby form. ¡°I need to retrieve it!¡± Hadley moved to step further, but at that moment, a ming beam from the ceiling crashed down in front of her. Hadley instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding injury. The way forward was now obstructed by debris. ¡°Hadley! Escape now!¡± ¡°NO!¡± With a desperate shake of her head, she couldn¡¯t consider leaving. Breaking away, she made a reckless dash into the danger. A fierce st of wind propelled the fire closer to her. Turning swiftly, Hadley felt the mes lick at her lower back, eliciting a sharp wince of pain. . . . Chapter 10 ?Chapter 10: ¡°Hadley!¡± Her neighbor reached out and yanked her to safety. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Hadley dismissed his concern with a shake of her head, even as coughs wracked her body, spurred by the engulfing smoke. ¡°Let¡¯s go, now!¡± Clutching her arm, her neighbor pleaded, ¡°You can¡¯t return inside!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Consider your child! The smoke alone could kill you both! If you go back, it might cost both your lives. Escape now!¡± Led almost forcibly by her neighbor, Hadley managed to flee from the ze. At that moment, the mes had already seared Hadley¡¯s back, and she had failed to retrieve her savings. Powerless, she watched as her modest home was consumed by fire, crumbling to mere ashes. What was she to do next? A sudden, intense pain struck her, causing Hadley to grasp her abdomen tightly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you okay?¡± A crowd formed around Hadley. ¡°She¡¯s having her baby!¡± ¡°Someone call for an ambnce! We need to get her to a hospital now!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°Stay strong!¡± In haste, Hadley was transported to the hospital and positioned on a delivery table. She withstood a harrowing and dangerousbor for more than ten hours. Eventually, she delivered her child. A nurse tenderly ced the newborn in her arms, and tears welled up in Hadley¡¯s eyes as she beamed with joy. New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Here was her child¡­ Her own family¡­ She wasn¡¯t alone in the world any longer. Then, overwhelmed by the exhaustion of the moment, she let her eyes fall shut and lost consciousness. One afternoon, Hadley held her infant close, her gaze fixed silently downward. A nurse, empathetic in her demeanor, was nearby, observing Hadley. She hade to discuss the outstanding hospital bills. Hadley had managed to pay a fraction, yet it was far from sufficient. Silently, Hadley lowered her head, at a loss for words. She felt utterly defeated, with nothing left to offer. The nurse, moved bypassion and noting Hadley¡¯s youth, assumed she had been abandoned by an uncaring partner. ¡°Isn¡¯t there someone in your family, or perhaps friends, who could assist you? Call them,¡± the nurse gently suggested, and then moved away, careful not to press too firmly. . . . Chapter 11 ?Chapter 11: Hadley¡¯s eyes began to brim with tears. Family? Friends? She had no one¡­ Yet now she was a mother and could not ignore her obligations, as if she were irresponsible. Rummaging through her bag, she retrieved her phone. She called Eric. The phone echoed unanswered rings. Atst, the call was picked up. ¡°Eric¡­¡± ¡°Hello?¡± It was Linda¡¯s voice that responded, smooth and slightly mocking. ¡°Is this Hadley? Do you need Eric? He¡¯s unavable at the moment. But feel free to talk to me,¡± Linda continued, her voice carrying a hint of provocation. Could Linda truly offer assistance? Didn¡¯t Linda harbor resentment toward her? At this point, however, Hadley had no room for such concerns. Options were non-existent for her. With swallowed pride, Hadley hesitated, then said, ¡°I was wondering if he might¡­ possibly help with some financial support?¡± She framed her request carefully, not as charity but as a loan. ¡°Please, I promise to repay it as soon as possible!¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Linda responded, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll pass on the message. Bye.¡± ¡°Thank¡­¡± C????ck ?uthor¡¯s ?o???? h??r??: g???????¦Í????????????? Hadley¡¯s words of gratitude were cut short as the line went dead. Clutching her phone, she felt a knot of anxiety tighten within her. Could Eric possibly extend the financial help? Perhaps for N¡¯s sake, or given their unresolved divorce¡­ He would help, right? Yet, as days passed by, no help arrived for Hadley. Two dayster, there she was, standing outside the hospital, cradling her baby and a bag. Eviction hade due to unpaid bills. She looked up, squinting against the harsh winter sun, tears rolling down her cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Hadley.¡± Her lip quivered as she bit down hard. ¡°Why should you cry? You¡¯re a mother now. You¡¯ve got a child to care for! No time for tears!¡± Nevertheless, she found herself poor, her previous home lost to the fire, with no ce left to go. Two weeks had passed. Hurrying down the sidewalk, Hadley held her baby close. . . . Chapter 12 ?Chapter 12: ¡°Thief! Stop that woman!¡± ¡°Seize her!¡± Footsteps thundered behind her. Realization dawned on her; escape was impossible. Tripping over, Hadley fell forward, twisting instinctively to protect her baby from the impact. ¡°Caught you!¡± eximed a store clerk, securing her before she could move. ¡°Where are you headed in such a hurry? What did you steal? Hand it over!¡± demanded the clerk, forcefully pulling her bag and emptying its contents on the ground. ¡°Is this baby form and diapers? You took these?¡± ¡°See this? She¡¯s carrying an infant!¡± Hadley closed her eyes tightly, ovee with shame. She wished she could just vanish. She¡¯d lost it all. Her dignity was shattered beyond repair. Yet, as she clutched her baby tighter, she realized that surrender wasn¡¯t an option. She had no right to give up. Time had swiftly flown by; it had been three years¡­ At Srixby International Airport, As she navigated her way through the terminal, Hadley¡¯s appearance was noticeably vibrant. Her gaze was alert, her eyes serene with an unwavering peacefulness that belied her age. She soon noticed Sebastian Mitchell, the Flynn family¡¯s driver, holding up a sign bearing her name. Approaching him with a reserved smile, Hadley said, ¡°Sebastian.¡± Upon observing Hadley, a flicker of astonishment crossed Sebastian¡¯s features. ¡°Are you really Mrs. Hadley Flynn?¡± C?????? ???????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð?? ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Hadley replied, her smile softening. The transformations in her over the years were not lost on her; she had slimmed down and even grown a bit, thanks to ate growth spurt. ¡°You¡¯ve undergone quite the transformation.¡± Sebastian¡¯s initial shock gave way to a warm grin. ¡°You look even lovelier than you did before.¡± ¡°Your ttery is generous, Sebastian.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head out.¡± Following their brief conversation, Sebastian escorted Hadley from the airport. ¡°The vehicle¡¯s parked right up front. Mrs. N Flynn has been eagerly anticipating your arrival and has mentioned you several times over the past few days.¡± Hadley proceeded to the car and settled inside. As they drove away, it dawned on her that only Sebastian hade to meet her; Eric was notably absent¡­ Soon, they arrived at Tranquille Sanatorium. N was dealing with a serious heart issue and was due for an impending surgical procedure. . . . Chapter 13 ?Chapter 13: It was this grave health concern that necessitated Hadley¡¯s return after three years. The surgery carried significant risks, and N was bracing for all possibilities¡­ Her wish, before undergoing surgery, was to reunite with Hadley. Upon reaching N¡¯s room, N¡¯s anxious voice could be heard questioning, ¡°Is she here yet? What¡¯s taking them so long?¡± Knock, knock. Advancing towards the door, Sebastian knocked lightly. ¡°Come in!¡± He then moved aside, making way for Hadley. ¡°Please, Mrs. Flynn, go ahead.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Hadley gave a nod and gently pushed the door open. ¡°Hadley?¡± Peering from her bed, N tried to make out the figure at the doorway. The resemnce was there, but uncertainty lingered. ¡°N.¡± With swift steps, Hadley approached. ¡°Is it truly you, Hadley?¡± N extended her hand with a burst of joy. ¡°Come closer, my dear. Let¡¯s have a proper look at you.¡± Submissively, Hadley grasped N¡¯s hand, permitting a close inspection. ¡°Excellent, just excellent.¡± Emotion surged within N; her eyes began to tear up, and her voice wavered. ¡°You¡¯ve grown up into such a stunning young woman.¡± Feel the thrill at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o?? Three years ago, Hadley had departed with a youthful, rounded face. But now, her appearance had changed dramatically. ¡°Eric insisted on your independence, forbidding me from reaching out. It appears independence truly molds a person, doesn¡¯t it?¡± At these words, Hadley halted, her smile broadening as she agreed. ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re absolutely correct.¡± N¡¯s pride grew as she observed Hadley¡¯sposure, softly patting her hand while exhaling a tender sigh. ¡°The years have truly transformed you, haven¡¯t they?¡± Hadley hesitated, then said in a hushed tone, ¡°I was reckless back then. I¡¯m sorry for the worries I caused you.¡± With a deep sigh, N responded, ¡°You were indeed a bit spoiled, and that¡¯s on me. My overindulgence might have led to those errors.¡± Hadley chose to remain silent, simply pressing her lips tightly together. Running her fingers through Hadley¡¯s hair, N sighed again. ¡°Look at you now, so different. Please understand why I was so stern; it was all out of love. Going forward, be a good girl. You will always be my dearest granddaughter-inw, understand?¡± . . . Chapter 14 ?Chapter 14: ¡°I do.¡± Hadley nodded, her fingers clenched in herp. They continued their conversation for a bit longer until N, clearly fatigued, indicated her need for rest. ¡°I¡¯ll let you go now. You¡¯ve just arrived today. Have the driver take you back to rest.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Leaving the sanatorium behind, Sebastian drove Hadley back to Silver Vis, where she resided with Eric after they got married. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯m off.¡± ¡°Much appreciated, Sebastian.¡± Hadley paused at the threshold of Silver Vis, inhaling deeply before she nudged the door open and crossed the threshold. Her fingers shook slightly as she turned the handle. Given a choice, she would never have returned to this house. Choices, however, were a luxury she couldn¡¯t afford now. Wealth was not in her cards. She had only juste back to Srixby and had yet to secure her own ce. Consider staying in a hotel? That was out of the question. Her finances were so strained she would prefer sleeping outdoors rather than squandering money on hotel bills. Residing in Silver Vis meant tolerating Eric, who obviously detested her. Yet, fear was no longer part of her vocabry. She had faced more than enough judgment over the years. By now, she had learned to weather the worst of it. Entering the foyer, she ced her suitcase to one side. The rest on g?l????¦Í????????????? Hadley extracted her toiletries and a clean outfit to change intoter, opting to keep the rest of her belongings in her suitcase. Her stay was intended to be brief. Just enough days to secure a permanent spot of her own¡ªno reason to fully unpack. In the downstairs guest bathroom, Hadley quickly showered, rinsing off the travel grime and fatigue. As evening fell, there was still no sign of Eric. ncing into the kitchen, she noted its apparent disuse. Ingredients were sparse. After rummaging around, she located an almost expired package of noodles and some eggs in the refrigerator. She set a pot of water on the stove to boil and began to prepare her meal. The dish was simple: noodles topped with a poached egg, devoid of any meat or vegetables. Breathing in the aroma, Hadley murmured, ¡°It smells good.¡± For her, even a humble meal like this was a luxury. Just as she prepared to eat, a noise from the foyer caught her attention. She stiffened. It was him¡ªEric hade home. . . . Chapter 15 ?Chapter 15: Upon Eric¡¯s entrance, the aroma of cooking immediately greeted him. ¡°What is that?¡± he questioned, frowning. Every light on the first floor seemed to be on, illuminating both the living room and the kitchen. Was someone actually inside? A break-in seemed impossible. The logic didn¡¯t hold up. A bold thief might enter, but start cooking in his kitchen? Given the strict security at Silver Vis, such an intrusion was highly unlikely. ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± With a stern voice, hemanded, ¡°Reveal yourself!¡± ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± Hadley quickly approached, her hands nervously intertwined. She said, ¡°You¡¯re home.¡± Stopping short, Eric was visibly surprised. Before him was a woman of considerable height, slightly gaunt yet unmistakably lovely¡ªher expansive, expressive eyes were particrly striking. While he didn¡¯t immediately recognize her, an unusual sense of familiarity lingered. Nevertheless, Eric kept his face expressionless. He was ufortable with anyone intruding into his personal space. ¡°What¡¯s your name? How did you enter?¡± After a brief pause, Hadley emitted a slight chuckle, realizing he truly didn¡¯t recognize her. She brought her lips tightly together and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m Hadley.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± A reflexive nod from Eric was quickly followed by a jolt of realization. Had she just introduced herself as Hadley? g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????? ???????????????? That was it. He suddenly remembered. N had nned to bring Hadley back. She had even informed him that very morning. Eric had been busy when he took that call, but the detail had escaped his mind amid the day¡¯s hustle. Eric¡¯s gaze sharpened as he took a closer look at Hadley. She appeared different. The traces of youthful naivety had vanished, reced by aposed and mature charm. While echoes of her former self remained, she had unmistakably matured. Her beauty had indeed deepened. Eric responded with a faint, indifferent chuckle. And what of it? Her enhanced appearance couldn¡¯t mend the ws that had marred her character. Her timing foring back was opportune. There were unresolved matters stretching back nearly four years that demanded closure. ¡°Stay here for a moment. I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± With a cold look, Eric headed to the upper floor. ¡°Okay.¡± . . . Chapter 16 ?Chapter 16: Hadley gave a nod and watched as he vanished into the second floor. Heeding his instruction, she remained motionless, lost in her thoughts. After some time, Eric came back. He settled onto the sofa and nonchntly motioned toward the chair opposite him. ¡°Take a seat.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Once seated across from each other, Eric pulled out a folder andid it before Hadley. ¡°Review this. If all looks good, go ahead and sign it.¡± Hadley nced at the papers before her. They spelled out the inevitable¡ªa divorce settlement. Eric said in a detached tone, ¡°This should have been finalized four years back.¡± ¡°However, Grandma was opposed, and I respected her wishes. But now¡­¡± Hadley raised her eyes to meet his. ¡°Has shee around to it?¡± Eric paused, his expression tightening. ¡°No, she hasn¡¯t.¡± N¡¯s resolve was inevitable. Despite the passing years, she held on to hope. Her intention in bringing Hadley back was ast-ditch effort to reconcile them. Was reconciliation even a possibility? He was mentally prepared for this oue. ¡°I¡¯ve never cared for you, and you¡¯re well aware of that. This marriage was doomed from the start. Nearly four years have passed. It¡¯s time we put an end to it.¡± Hadley remained silent as she listened. ???????? ?????????? ???? g??????¦Í???????????? Upon seeing her quiet, Eric¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°If you¡¯re not on board, I will need to initiate the divorce proceedings myself. It¡¯s been more than two years since we separated. The court will surely side with me.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Hadley cut in softly before he could continue. ¡°I consent to the divorce.¡± ¡°You do?¡± Eric¡¯s reaction was one of surprise. ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied, nodding again. ¡°I consent.¡± Eric was truly taken aback. He had braced for some resistance, recalling Hadley¡¯s once deep feelings for him. He hadn¡¯t expected such an easy agreement. Yet, this was undoubtedly favorable news for him. Recovering from his initial astonishment, Eric quirked an eyebrow. ¡°Well then, please sign here.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± He passed the pen to Hadley. She scrutinized the document carefully before shaking her head in refusal. . . . Chapter 17 ?Chapter 17: ¡°I have no need for the house or the money. I grew up under your grandmother¡¯s care, and I owe much to the Flynn family.¡± ¡°Rejecting them?¡± Eric chuckled dismissively. ¡°Since you were fifteen, you¡¯ve relied on the Flynn family¡¯s support, right up to this very moment.¡± This support had covered everything, from her schooling abroad to her daily expenses. ¡°How do you intend to manage on your own from now on?¡± Hadley¡¯s posture stiffened at his query, a cold sensation creeping into her chest. Her fists clenched in silence, and she offered no rebuttal. ¡°Could this mean¡­¡± Eric squinted, specting. ¡°You¡¯re refusing any settlement now because you think you might return to seek help if you find yourself strugglingter?¡± ¡°That will not happen,¡± Hadley¡¯s expression was resolute as she emphatically denied his suggestion. ¡°Very well,¡± Eric responded ndly. ¡°Please sign here.¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll sign it.¡± With a subtle smile, Hadley sped the pen firmly and signed her name on the dotted lines of both documents. Eric finally rxed. ¡°I will set up a court date and inform you.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Hadley nodded, offering no resistance. He gathered the signed documents and offered Hadley an umon, earnest gaze. ¡°Grandma¡¯s surgery ising up. We should keep the divorce under wraps until she¡¯s better. She¡¯s always been nice to you. Will you help me maintain this facade?¡± Hadley felt a jolt of surprise. He no longer wanted her, yet he needed her cooperation? ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned,¡± Eric said with a slight sneer. ¡°After all is settled, you¡¯ll be looked after financially.¡± Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s A faint, cold chuckle escaped Hadley¡¯s lips. She acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Great.¡± As they concluded their discussion, Eric got to his feet. ¡°Given the circumstances, we¡¯ll need to interact from time to time. I¡¯ll upy the master bedroom. You will¡­¡± He paused briefly before saying, ¡°Select any of the rooms on the ground floor.¡± With those instructions, he ascended the staircase. Hadley remained still, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she watched him disappear. He expected her to settle into a downstairs room? Did he not realize those were designated for the house staff? Clearly, he regarded her as nothing more than a housemaid. With no tears left to shed, Hadley blinked. . . . Chapter 18 ?Chapter 18: Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, she made her way back to the dining area. The noodles on the table had gone cold, sticking together and turning mushy. Hadley settled into her chair, speared arge bite of noodles, and stuffed them into her mouth. They were cold and soggy, causing her to cough as she struggled to swallow. Despite the unpleasant texture, she continued eating. She was hungry and there was nothing else avable to eat. As she reached for another bite, Eric abruptly re-entered the room. ¡°Hadley!¡± Startled, Hadley choked and began to cough violently. ¡°Tsk.¡± With a frown and a click of his tongue, Eric nced at the bowl in front of her. ¡°What is this? Can you actually eat it?¡± ¡°Just noodles,¡± Hadley replied, catching her breath. ¡°Did you need something?¡± ¡°Noodles? You call that noodles?¡± Eric examined the clumps of noodles, and with a sneer, he mocked, ¡°You struggle to make even noodles? It looks like Grandma has spoiled you too much.¡± Really? A silent, coldugh escaped Hadley as she barely opened her mouth. ¡°Anyway,¡± Eric continued, remembering his original intent and gesturing toward her meal. ¡°Stop cooking here. Eat out instead. The kitchen used to be free of smoke and grease, and it will stay that way!¡± He arched an eyebrow, giving her a look filled with cold disdain. ¡°Understood?¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ???????? ???????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? Hadley nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t cook here again.¡± Noticing his evident revulsion, she assured him, ¡°I¡¯ll ventte the kitchenter to clear out the smells and make sure everything is cleaned up.¡± ¡°You?¡± With a scoff, Eric mocked, ¡°You struggle with noodles, and now you want to clean? Don¡¯t bother. Let the housekeeper handle it tomorrow.¡± He then turned and ascended the stairs. Atst, some peace¡­ Relieved, Hadley exhaled and resumed her seat. The noodles, now even more unappetizing in their cold and mushy state, stared back at her. Expressionless, Hadley picked up her fork and hurriedly finished the noodles. She then proceeded to open the windows to air out the kitchen, tidied up the space, and copsed onto the couch in the living room. Opting against the guest room, she didn¡¯t want to give him any further reasons toin about odors again. Her n was to start looking for an apartment the following day; for the moment, she would cope with the situation as best as she could. . . . Chapter 19 ?Chapter 19: The next morning, Hadley was up early and left the house before Eric could descend the stairs. She urgently needed both employment and a ce to live. The previous evening, Hadley had meticulously mapped out her journey. She headed directly to the bus stop, and then switched to the subway. Her target was Gnt, a well-known nightclub in the city. Trained in modern dance, Hadley was there to try out for a position as a dancer. Gnt was notorious locally as a hotspot where affluent patrons splurged on extravagant entertainment. Yet, Hadley was undeterred. Her goal was to earn a living and sustain herself. Moreover, she was there to showcase her skills, not to partake in anything dubious. There was dignity in her purpose. When she reached the nightclub, she followed the instructions provided by her friend Colleen Hayes to locate a manager named Lennon Lewis. As it was during the day and the club was not open, her meeting with Lennon happened swiftly. ¡°Good day, Mr. Lewis,¡± Hadley said, standing poised andposed. ¡°Hello,¡± Lennon responded with a faint smile. ¡°Youe rmended by Ms. Hayes, correct? Remind me of your name?¡± ¡°Hadley Pearson.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, now I recall.¡± Lennon scrutinized her carefully. With her connections and striking appearance, his smile widened. ¡°You¡¯re on board, Hadley.¡± She was taken aback by the ease of it all. Even with Colleen¡¯s backing, she hadn¡¯t anticipated such a smooth process. ¡°Thanks so much, Mr. Lewis.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????? novels ¡°Let¡¯s skip the formalities.¡± With a dismissive gesture and a grin, Lennon added, ¡°With Ms. Hayes vouching for you, how could I refuse? Plus, I have no doubt you¡¯ll be great here!¡± He then mentioned, ¡°For now, let¡¯s get your measurements for the costume. That¡¯ll take a few days, and¡­ Let¡¯s see¡­ How does Friday sound for your first night? It¡¯s when we usually draw the biggest crowd.¡± ¡°That works for me,¡± Hadley responded with enthusiasm. Why would she hesitate? ¡°We¡¯re all set then.¡± ¡°Thank you again, Mr. Lewis.¡± Stepping out of the nightclub after everything was taken care of, Hadley immediately took out her phone to call Colleen. The phone rang twice before cutting off. Shortly thereafter, it rang again¡ªthis time it was Colleen returning the call. ¡°Seriously¡­¡± Hadley chuckled as she answered, ¡°Why is that?¡± She was yfully criticizing Colleen for her habit of returning calls immediately after declining them first. . . . Chapter 20 ?Chapter 20: ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Colleen¡¯sughter came through the phone. ¡°Long-distance charges add up, you know. You¡¯re tight on cash, so I¡¯m just trying to save you a little.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± A gentle smile crossed Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°I get it, Colleen. Thanks for that, and for the job referral.¡± ¡°You got the job?¡± After a brief pause, Colleen eximed joyfully, ¡°I knew they¡¯d hire you. Don¡¯t stress. I¡¯m taking care of things here in the for you.¡± Given the expense of long-distance calls, they quickly exchanged a few crucial updates and then said their goodbyes. Now, Hadley¡¯s priority was to secure a new apartment. She checked out various listings, yet nothing seemed suitable. The affordable ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the nicer ones were way beyond her budget. As she prepared to move on to another viewing, her phone buzzed. N was calling. Hadley responded quickly, ¡°N?¡± ¡°Hadley, where are you right now?¡± Surveying the bustling streets and the flow of traffic, Hadley replied casually, ¡°Oh, just taking a stroll. Srixby has undergone quite the transformation.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± N¡¯sughter filled the line. ¡°Take your time to get reacquainted with the city. No need to hurry.¡± The conversation then took a turn as N broached the main topic of her call. ¡°It¡¯s been four years since you left Srixby. I¡¯m thinking we should have a little wee-back party for you.¡± ¡°A party?¡± ?????????? ???????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????? Caught off guard, Hadley was quick to protest, feeling such a fuss was unnecessary. ¡°There¡¯s really no need for a party, really.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± N was insistent. ¡°You are Eric¡¯s wife. With your return, it¡¯s important for everyone to see you. They might otherwise assume Eric is avable.¡± Hadley smirked, well aware that Eric was indeed avable now that they¡¯d signed the divorce papers. ¡°Really, N, there¡¯s no need¡­¡± Hadley persisted in her attempt to decline. ¡°But it is necessary.¡± N sighed and added, ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s biggest concern before she died was your well-being. She left you in my care, asking me to look after you¡­ Have I let you down these past years? Are you angry with me?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Hadley quicklyforted her. It seemed the party was inevitable. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do it your way, N.¡± She felt obligated to honor N¡¯s past kindness. ¡°That¡¯s my girl,¡± N sounded pleased. ¡°We¡¯ll make it a celebration to remember.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± . . . Chapter 21 ?Chapter 21: After ending the call, Hadley let out a heavy sigh. The search for an apartment had lost its appeal, and with the day drawing to a close, she headed back to Silver Vis. Stopping at the local bakery, she picked up some bread. Since Eric had forbidden her from using the kitchen, bread would have to suffice. Even though it was slightly pricey, she didn¡¯t see any alternative. Once home, Hadley consumed the bread with just water, setting aside the remainder forter. She then changed into her dance attire and began her routine. Practice was essential; Hadley couldn¡¯t afford to skip even a day. Eric didn¡¯t return that night. Hadley was unfazed. During their brief marriage, his absences had beenmon. Back then, she used to inquire, ¡°Where were youst night?¡± Whenever she asked, his reaction was a frigid re and a dismissive tone. ¡°Why does it matter to you? Being my wife doesn¡¯t give you the right to meddle in my affairs! You¡¯ve gotten what you desired. I¡¯ll look after you, and you just stay out of my business!¡± Reflecting on those moments, Hadley realized how cheap she had been. The night went by without a dream. The following morning, Hadley resumed her apartment hunt. She sifted through numerous listings and visited multiple apartments. By the end of the day, she had found one she liked. Right as she was about to call the agent for a viewing, her phone rang. Eric was on the line. Maintaining herposure, Hadley greeted him with a simple, ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± R?????? ??h?? ???????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.????? His tone was urgent from the start. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you at Silver Vis?¡± What? Hadley was startled. Was he at Silver Vis right now? Ignoring his question, she asked, ¡°What do you need?¡± ¡°You¡¯re asking this?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was mocking. ¡°Didn¡¯t Grandma talk to you about the wee party? And you still need to ask?¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Realization dawned on Hadley. ¡°Is that tonight?¡± ¡°Yes, and you need toe back right now!¡± Hadley hurried back to Silver Vis, moving as quickly as she could. Eric wasn¡¯t in sight. She headed straight for the bathroom. Unexpectedly, upon opening the door, she found Eric inside. Was he in the middle of changing? His upper body was uncovered¡­ ¡°Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 22 ?Chapter 22: Eric¡¯s expression turned stormy immediately, his tone sharp as he hastily grabbed a shirt. ¡°Sorry!¡± Hadley apologized and promptly closed the door. How could she have known he was there? And why was he using the ground floor bathroom anyway? Behind the closed door, Eric¡¯s anger hadn¡¯t subsided. His gaze reflexively darted to his back¡­ Had she noticed anything? Shortly after, Eric stepped out, now fully clothed. He pointed to arge box resting on the coffee table. ¡°Please change into this.¡± Hadley immediately realized it was likely a gown. Given that the Flynn family was organizing a banquet, they would certainly ensure it was an elegant affair, even if it was solely in her honor. ¡°Alright.¡± She epted the box with a nod. Soon, Hadley made her return. She donned a beige off-shoulder gown that gracefully flowed down to the floor. Toplement her attire for the banquet, she had applied makeup, refined her eyebrows, and chosen a subtle lipstick shade. Though not affluent, her profession necessitated maintaining a basic assortment of cosmetics. Her natural beauty was enhanced by just this modest application of cosmetics, highlighting her ssic elegance. With just a few enhancements, her allure was amplified. Eric watched her intently, his gaze sharpening. Her hair was elegantly tied back, entuating her slender, swan-like neck. She looked ethereal, her beauty almost transcending this world. Momentarily, Eric was caught off guard. Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s He had to acknowledge, she truly stood out. In the past, she had the appearance of a delicate doll. Now, in her early twenties, she had evolved from her naive youth, flourishing like a fully bloomed rose. Eric scrutinized her, his eyes tightening. ¡°Earlier in the bathroom¡­ did you catch a glimpse of something?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley responded, her face showing genuine bewilderment. ¡°A glimpse of what?¡± His observations of her expression convinced him she was not acting. She had not seen¡­ his back. Without further discussion, Eric motioned for her to follow. ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s go.¡± The party was set at Tranquille Sanatorium, located in the southern part of the city, where N was staying. N¡¯s health conditions made it necessary for her to stay within the sanatorium. Thankfully, the sanatorium had a private courtyard, featuring a well-keptwn that was ideal for such small-scale events. They were driven directly to the sanatorium. During the drive, Hadley remained silent, looking out the window thoughtfully. . . . Chapter 23 ?Chapter 23: Eric, seated next to her, experienced an unexined uneasiness. Was the silence too profound? Eric recalled the days when Hadley would chatter endlessly around him, always having something to share. It used to irritate him immensely. Why had she be so reserved? Clearly, something was off. Was she plotting something new? He dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. The divorce papers were signed. Whatever her ns, the separation was sealed. When they reached the sanatorium, Eric escorted Hadley to meet N. Their timing was less than ideal, as N was in the middle of receiving routine therapy from the doctor. ¡°Hadley.¡± N grasped Hadley¡¯s hand warmly. ¡°The therapy willst about half an hour. Why don¡¯t you catch up with everyone first? It¡¯s been so long since you¡¯ve seen them all.¡± ¡°Sure, N,¡± Hadley responded with a soft smile and a nod. Yet, N appeared concerned, turning her attention to Eric with specific instructions. ¡°Please, stay by Hadley¡¯s side and look after her.¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric¡¯s expression clouded with reluctance. ¡°What?¡± A shadow crossed N¡¯s face. ¡°After all the times I¡¯ve listened to you, can¡¯t you do the same for me now?¡± She was referring to the decision made four years earlier, when Eric had decided Hadley should leave, cutting off theirmunication¡­ Finding himself at a loss for words, Eric reluctantly agreed. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°Good.¡± R?????? ???????????? ????????ov?????.??o?? Comforted, N squeezed Hadley¡¯s hand encouragingly. ¡°Now, go with Eric. Don¡¯t hesitate to ask him for help if you need anything.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley quietly acknowledged with nods. As they left the room, Hadley walked closely behind Eric. They moved from the living room into the courtyard, aware of many eyes tracking their every move. Hadley could even pick up snippets of their quiet spection. ¡°Hey, who is that with Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Is that Linda?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t look like Linda; she¡¯s not that tall.¡± ¡°Could she be wearing heels, though?¡± A soft chuckle escaped Hadley. She was aware of how close Linda and Eric were, but the idea of being mistaken for Linda was somewhat absurd. They differed significantly in both height and physical appearance. . . . Chapter 24 ?Chapter 24: ¡°Hello?¡± Abruptly, the man ahead halted to answer his phone. ¡°About that project, listen¡­¡± His discussion appeared to be about some business matters. Hadley couldn¡¯t make sense of it and chose to disengage, remaining silent. Suddenly, Eric increased his walking speed, forcing Hadley to hasten her steps to keep up. Then, without warning, he faced her, a look of annoyance clear on his face. ¡°I have to deal with some issues, so don¡¯t follow me.¡± He then quickly walked away. Standing there, Hadley felt a calm eptance wash over her. She had anticipated that he might leave her behind¡ªand he did. Now, she needed to figure out her next steps. What was she to do now? She touched her stomach, feeling the pangs of hunger. The only thing she had eaten so far was a couple of slices of bread. Now seemed like a good opportunity to eat something more substantial. Hadley made her way to the buffet table, grabbed a te, and began to fill it with foods she hadn¡¯t savored in four years¡­ ¡°Linda!¡± Out of nowhere, a light tap came on her shoulder. Hadley stopped and turned around. ¡°Wait, what?¡± The woman behind her looked familiar. Years ago, this woman had also been infatuated with Eric. She was Danica Clifford, the heiress of the Clifford family. Back in the day, rumors flew that Danica would have been Eric¡¯s bride if not for Hadley. Naturally, there was no love lost between Danica and Hadley. Find great reads at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s ¡°You¡¯re not Linda. You¡­¡± Recognition dawned on Hadley immediately, and after a moment, Danica also realized who she was facing, albeit with a brief dy. ¡°Is that you, Hadley?¡± Danica wasn¡¯t by herself; a group of her friends was with her. As soon as they heard the name ¡°Hadley,¡± their faces registered shock. All eyes shifted toward Hadley. ¡°Who? Hadley?¡± ¡°Is she really back?¡± ¡°Funny.¡± One of the women chuckled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? N organized this whole celebration as a wee back for Hadley.¡± ¡°I was unaware. I just knew there was a gathering and showed up. It¡¯s quite something, Hadley¡¯s return!¡± The group of women showed clear disapproval. ¡°Had I known this was for her, I might have skipped it! Celebrating her return? That¡¯s just my luck!¡± ¡°This means trouble! With Hadley back, Srixby is going to be in chaos!¡± . . . Chapter 25 ?Chapter 25: Hadley chose to ignore their remarks, letting them pass without impact, and continued serving herself. Opportunities like this were rare, and she intended to enjoy it. She grabbed the tongs and helped herself to a brownie from the tray. Right at that moment, another set of tongs appeared, reaching for the same treats. ncing up, she saw Danica. Feigning panic, Danica quickly recoiled with an exaggerated expression of surprise before saying, ¡°Oh, please, help yourself. I wasn¡¯t that keen on it.¡± Hadley¡¯s quietugh was filled with irony, seeing through Danica¡¯s act. It was evident that Danica hadn¡¯t changed; she was as fake and deceptive as she had always been. Previously, such an encounter would likely have escted into a confrontation. However, this time was different¡­ ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Hadley¡¯s smile was faint as she took the brownie, gracefully exiting the scene. As she walked away, the background buzz of conversation intensified. ¡°What happened? Did she not challenge you?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not the person she used to be!¡± Danica, with a hint of scorn, muttered, ¡°Changed? Really? You know what they say¡ªold habits die hard. She¡¯s surely just putting on a show!¡± Danica nced at Hadley¡¯s dress and gave a sly smirk. ¡°Just watch. The real drama¡¯s about to unfold!¡± As she was speaking, her attention shifted. She noticed Linda in the distance. Linda was elegantly d in a beige off-shoulder gown, its hem sweeping the floor. She was beaming, arm in arm with Eric. ¡°Where the hell is she?¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special Clearly annoyed, Eric¡¯s brow furrowed. Just as Npleted her therapy session and the party was set to begin, Hadley was nowhere to be seen. Eric had only momentarily excused himself earlier to take a call, and upon returning, he noticed she was gone. ¡°Try to be more patient,¡± Linda said, her smile conveyingfort. ¡°Hadley might be a bit lost; it¡¯s her first time here after all.¡± Eric rolled his eyes. ¡°If she¡¯s unfamiliar with the area, she should just stay where she is and wait for me. Why must she alwaysplicate things?¡± ¡°Calm down. Let me help you look for her,¡± Linda said, halting abruptly to point somewhere. ¡°Eric, look over there. Is that her?¡± He raised his gaze and peered into the distance. Indeed, it was Hadley. ¡°Yep, that¡¯s her,¡± he replied, his tone reflecting mild shock. ¡°She seems different than before. You recognized her quite fast.¡± Lindaughed softly. ¡°Well, I am a woman, and we tend to notice more details. Come on, we shouldn¡¯t dy the party.¡± They approached Hadley together. Hadley had a mouthful of brownie, her cheeks stuffed and crumbs clinging to her lips. The moment she spotted them, she hurriedly set the te aside. . . . Chapter 26 ?Chapter 26: Eric¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Where are your manners? With all these distinguished guests around, can¡¯t you at least try to look presentable?¡± Was he implying that she was a disgrace to the Flynn family? After swallowing her treat, Hadley cleaned her mouth with a napkin and nodded in silent acknowledgment, opting not to contend. ¡°I understand.¡± Eric was visibly surprised. What was happening? Her reaction¡­ This was a departure from her usual defiant demeanor. She normally would have retorted. Now, she just remained silent. It seemed as though he had intimidated her, which was never his intention. ¡°Why are you behaving like this, Hadley?¡± Eric inquired, his tone marked by displeasure. ¡°What?¡± Confusion flickered across Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°What have I done?¡± She believed she was merely heeding his words. Could that be wrong? Eric struggled to find the right words, a peculiar frustration building within him. ¡°Alright,¡± Linda interjected, pulling at his arm. ¡°There¡¯s no need for a dispute. N is expecting us.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Eric muttered, barely masking his annoyance. ¡°Come with us. It¡¯s time for the party.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Hadley had been sitting, but at this, she ced her utensils down and rose to her feet. ¡°Hold on!¡± Linda eximed, her eyes fixed on Hadley. Hadley¡¯s expression shifted from confusion to understanding. Both she and Linda had chosen the same gown. That exined why Danica and others had confused her for Linda earlier. In such a formal event, identical outfits were considered a significant social blunder. Eric caught on as well. Linda had selected her own dress, while Hadley¡¯s outfit was curated by Phillips from a luxury boutique. Neither Eric nor Phillips had anticipated such a mix-up. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Linda reassured with a warm smile. ¡°It¡¯s merely a coincidence. No need to fuss over it.¡± Eric disagreed sharply. ¡°This isn¡¯t eptable. Aren¡¯t we already the subject of enough rumors?¡± Wearing identical dresses at the event would surely fuel spection of a rivalry among the Flynn women. Pausing to think, Linda finally suggested, ¡°I can change, but I don¡¯t have an extra dress with me. I¡¯ll ask my manager to bring one, though it means I might miss joining N at the party anytime soon.¡± She looked towards Eric. ¡°Could you inform N?¡± Linda was on the verge of departing. ¡°Hold on!¡± Eric caught her by the arm. ¡°You can¡¯t just skip it. It¡¯s just uneptable.¡± . . . Chapter 27 ?Chapter 27: As a leading actress in the city, Linda wielded considerable poprity and influence. Moreover, she was engaged to Ernest Flynn, Eric¡¯s elder brother. Her not showing up tonight would certainly stir the media. Linda responded with a rxed smile, ¡°We didn¡¯t have any major press here today anyway¡­¡± Eric was quick to counter, ¡°In this era, news travels instantly, even with just a smartphone. It¡¯s essential to stay vignt.¡± ¡°You make a good point,¡± replied Linda. ¡°Now, what¡¯s our n?¡± Eric¡¯s gaze then shifted to Hadley, who had been silently observing. He finally broke the silence with a stern suggestion. ¡°Change your outfit.¡± Hadley had seen thising. Her smile was slight as she nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay.¡± Yet, she had a question lingering. ¡°What should I wear if I change?¡± It dawned on Eric at that moment; she had only brought her current dress, without any alternatives, not even a casual outfit. Eric was visibly surprised. ¡°Here¡¯s an idea,¡± Linda chimed in helpfully. ¡°I¡¯ve got some casual outfits in my car. You¡¯re wee to pick one for the time being.¡± The prospect of wearing Linda¡¯s old clothes made Hadley pause momentarily. ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± ???????????????? ?????????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????£®?????? Eric¡¯s frown deepened, his tone tinged with sarcasm. ¡°Is there a problem with wearing Linda¡¯s clothing?¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± Hadley shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just that her clothes are quite pricey, right? I¡¯m concerned about damaging them somehow¡­¡± Her concerns were genuine. She knew she couldn¡¯t afford recements. Eric responded sharply, ¡°Really? You think you¡¯d be responsible for the costs? Even if so, it woulde out of my pocket.¡± Reassured by this, Hadley rxed and turned towards Linda. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Think nothing of it. After all, we¡¯re practically family,¡± Linda responded, her smile warm as she instructed her manager to bring the garments. Hadley returned to the lounge room to await the outfit. As she departed, Eric narrowed his eyes. Something about her seemed altered¡­ Could it be pretense, or was she truly different? Eric and Linda then approached N. . . . Chapter 28 ?Chapter 28: ¡°Linda, Eric.¡± N nced past them, questioning, ¡°Where is Hadley?¡± Eric paused, his expression troubled. ¡°N.¡± Linda stepped in, lowering her voice. ¡°Hadley¡¯s a bit under the weather. She¡¯ll be here soon.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Concern creased N¡¯s brow. ¡°Is it anything serious?¡± Linda offered a reassuring smile. ¡°She just needs a short break. We should get the party going. The guests are waiting.¡± ¡°Alright, then.¡± N decided not to dy any further. ¡°Sorry for the inconvenience, everyone. Hadley needs to rest for a while. Let¡¯s go ahead and start the party.¡± The partymenced with Eric and Linda contributing to the vibrant discussions. Upon her return in different attire, Hadley caught N off guard. ¡°Hadley, what prompted this outfit choice?¡± Hadley was now wearing a casual skirt that entuated her long legs, contrasting sharply with the formal attire of the other female guests. ¡°N!¡± Before Hadley could borate, Linda interjected, ¡°Earlier, Hadley had a mishap with her dress, so I offered her something from my wardrobe.¡± While exining, Linda discreetly signaled Hadley to remain silent about the real reason. Eric, positioned just behind Linda, picked up on her subtle hint and leaned in to whisper to Hadley. His whisper was soft, meant only for their ears. ¡°Follow Linda¡¯s lead. Remember, you owe her that much.¡± ore c??apters @ g???????¦Í????????????? Hadley stiffened suddenly. She knew Eric was alluding to an incident from four years earlier¡­ Indeed, in his perspective, she remained deeply wed. Hadley gave a small smile and gently pulled her arm back, quietly going along with what they wanted. ¡°I admit, it was my own carelessness.¡± N exhaled a worried sigh. ¡°How could you be so careless? Introducing you is now a dilemma. It¡¯s not merely about people misjudging my oversight. It alsoes across as disrespectful. How do you n to mingle with them now?¡± She then addressed Eric. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a spare dress for her? This attire isn¡¯t suitable.¡± ¡°N.¡± Before Eric could offer a solution, Hadley intervened with a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. If itplicates things, let¡¯s skip the introductions.¡± ¡°What?¡± N¡¯s confusion was evident. . . . Chapter 29 ?Chapter 29: ¡°How can we overlook introductions at your own wee home party?¡± Not only N, but Eric and Linda also gave Hadley bewildered looks, their expressions filled with curiosity. Hadley paid no mind to their stares and offered N a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Your generosity in arranging this event is more than enough for me. The finer details aren¡¯t important.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Hadley noticed N¡¯s lingering concern and reassured her further. ¡°There will be other opportunities.¡± That seemed to resolve the matter. N took Hadley¡¯s hand gently and gave it aforting pat. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry things unfolded like this.¡± ¡°Please, there¡¯s no need for apologies. I¡¯m quite alright.¡± As she withdrew her hand, Hadley insisted, ¡°The guests shouldn¡¯t be kept waiting. Go ahead without me. I¡¯m not quite dressed for the asion.¡± N exhaled a resigned sigh, torn but epting. ¡°Look after yourself, and let¡¯s chatter.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°N.¡± With a warm smile, Linda looped her arm through N¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. Now that Hadley¡¯s here, she¡¯ll have plenty of time to spend with you. Why don¡¯t I apany you this evening?¡± ¡°N.¡± With a chuckle, N affectionately squeezed Linda¡¯s hand. ¡°I love you too. Both of you are like granddaughters to me.¡± They shared augh and moved on. Eric initially followed but paused after a few paces, turning to look back at Hadley. He observed her retreating figure from afar. Her silhouette appeared solitary, prompting a frown from Eric¡­ Had he been too harsh? ¡°Eric?¡± Linda realized he wasgging behind and turned to see him staring at Hadley from afar. She bit her lip slightly. ¡°Did my earlier words upset you?¡± ¡°No.¡± Eric reassured her as he met her gaze. ¡°You were protecting Grandma from worry. You acted appropriately. Why would I hold that against you?¡± Linda¡¯s face lit up with relief. ¡°I appreciate your understanding. Shall we?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Hadley found herself at a secluded table, surrounded by strangers. Not recognizing anyone suited her just fine¡ªshe preferred solitude anyway. Yet, her expectations for a quiet evening were quickly dashed. Her tablemates whispered and nced at her attire disapprovingly. ¡°Who is that?¡± . . . Chapter 30 ?Chapter 30: ¡°Is it appropriate for someone dressed like that to be here?¡± Hadley continued to eat, tuning out the murmurs. She hadn¡¯t quite satisfied her appetite with the appetizers. The soup was exceptionally tasty. Setting her spoon aside, Hadley grasped the soup te with both hands and savored a hearty sip. ¡°Unbelievable!¡± ¡°How rude!¡± ¡°We should leave.¡± The women departed with looks of contempt. After cing the te back on the table, Hadley maintained a serene expression. The returning silence was a wee relief. Abruptly, the chair beside her was drawn back. Did one of those girls have a change of mind ande back? ncing up in surprise, Hadley saw Eric positioning himself at the table, his hand resting on its surface as he faced her. Why had hee over? Did she do something to upset him again? ¡°Is there something you need?¡± Hadley inquired softly. ¡°No,¡± Eric replied, his expression tightening as he looked at her te. It was piled with food, showcasing her strong appetite. He recalled her previously more modest eating habits. Eric was uncertain about his reasons for approaching her. Perhaps it was driven by a sense of guilt. Though he wasn¡¯t fond of Hadley, circumstances had changed. This event was meant to wee her, organized by N. Yet, Hadley hadn¡¯t even been introduced properly to their guests. Nore chatpers ?????????¦Í??????.c0n ¡°Ahem.¡± Eric cleared his throat, breaking the silence. ¡°This evening has certainly been eventful. Linda has only recently entered the entertainment industry. It¡¯s been a challenging journey for her, so¡­¡± His voice faded away. Hadley grasped the situation. Was he attempting to make amends? How interesting! Even in moments meant for apologies, Eric struggled to say the simple word ¡°sorry¡± directly. What was the point of this conversation then? With a slight smile, Hadley replied, ¡°I¡¯m aware. I overheard the discussions earlier.¡± Her calm demeanor seemed to deepen Eric¡¯s difort. He eventually pierced the awkward silence. ¡°You aren¡¯t upset, are you?¡± A blink and a light chuckle escaped Hadley, finding his worry somewhat amusing. It appeared that indirect hostility wasn¡¯t a trait bound by gender. Why should she engage further? Their rtionship was a thing of the past, after all. Embracing this thought, Hadley offered a reassuring smile and a shake of her head. ¡°No. You said it yourself, remember? I owe Linda that much.¡± Herposure remained intact. Eric saw no cause for concern. . . . Chapter 31 ?Chapter 31: ¡°As long as you¡¯re aware.¡± Realizing he lingered still, Hadley voiced her confusion. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be needed somewhere else?¡± Was this her way of dismissing him? Eric was taken aback. Could it really be that the same person who once could hardly stay away from him was now so distant? ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Yet, for reasons unclear to him, Eric found himself reluctant to depart. He looked down at the table, took up a fork, and deftly transferred a piece of king crab onto her te. ¡°You always enjoyed this.¡± Hadley was startled. He still remembered her favorites? She quickly responded, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee. Savor it,¡± Eric said, lifting an eyebrow as he rose from his seat. ¡°I should get back to Grandma and Linda now.¡± With that, he turned and left. Watching him walk away, Hadley couldn¡¯t suppress a smirk. So, his attempt at making amends was to offer her a king crab, as though it were somevish offering. She scoffed and shook her head in disbelief. Gently, she moved the crab to an empty te with her fork. It wasn¡¯t a rejection of his effort. Her fondness for king crab had faded; people changed. The celebration itself was dull and challenging to endure. Nheless, for N¡¯s benefit, Hadley remained until it concluded. Observing Linda taking the ce beside Eric, where Hadley herself should have stood and engaged their guests, she felt detached but epting. This detachment, Hadley reasoned, was her method of reciprocating N¡¯s five years of kindness. Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s As the final guest departed, the festivities drew to a close. Subsequently, Hadley was called to N¡¯s quarters. ¡°Hadley,¡± N said, grasping her hand with a gentle sigh. ¡°This evening was undoubtedly tough for you. Have you visited Ernest since your return?¡± The question caused Hadley to tense, and she shook her head in denial. ¡°No, not yet.¡± With another sigh, N continued, ¡°It¡¯s been four years. Ernest once held you dear. You ought to see him, let him know you¡¯ve returned.¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± Hadley agreed with a nod. N¡¯s actions bespoke a genuine familial warmth. Observing thete hour, N said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I won¡¯t detain you further. You should head home and get some rest.¡± ¡°Alright, N. Goodnight.¡± ¡°Goodnight.¡± When Hadley exited the room, she was taken aback to find Eric lingering outside. . . . Chapter 32 ?Chapter 32: He appeared to be waiting for her and immediately turned to speak as she emerged. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Hadley instinctively declined. ¡°There¡¯s no need¡­¡± Wasn¡¯t he supposed to depart with Linda? She preferred not to stir any drama. Enough had transpired for one evening. Eric¡¯s patience thinned rapidly. ¡°I brought you to this event, and I¡¯ll ensure you don¡¯t leave by yourself. Moreover¡­¡± His eyes flicked back towards the room. ¡°Grandma would be displeased if she learned we left separately.¡± He then grasped her wrist firmly. ¡°Enough discussion. Now let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°Release me!¡± As their skin made contact, Hadley experienced a startling zap, reminiscent of an electric shock, prompting her to jerk her hand away from Eric. ¡°What?¡± Eric paused, looking at his hand in surprise. ¡°Are you really pushing me away like this, Hadley?¡± Turning her head aside, Hadley muttered, ¡°I can manage on my own. I¡¯ll just walk behind you.¡± ¡°What?¡± With a raised eyebrow and a hint of sarcasm, Eric responded, ¡°You¡¯re avoiding my touch?¡± He moved closer, his irritation evident. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m eager to hold you? Had you not beengging, I wouldn¡¯t have needed to. Your overreaction is really unnecessary.¡± Hadley cast her eyes downward, her eyshes casting shadows as she stayed quiet. ???????????????? ??????????: ???????¦Í????????????? Eric scoffed and spun around. ¡°Just keep up!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley gave a nod, quietly breathing a sigh of relief. She might have been overreacting, but it was involuntary. As soon as his fingers grazed hers, a chill reminiscent of a serpent¡¯s touch crept across her skin. This sensation filled her with revulsion and unease. Instinctively, she withdrew her hand. Eric¡¯s brisk pace soon created a gap between them, and his nce back at her carried a shadow of annoyance. ¡°Could you possibly move any quicker?¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Hadley hastened her steps to keep up with him. Eric¡¯s gaze narrowed as he pondered the recent interaction. Had Hadley really just rejected him? He recalled a time when she scarcely could bear to be apart from him¡­ . . . Chapter 33 ?Chapter 33: Her stint overseas appeared to have transformed her. Indeed, this was the change he had been hoping for. Looking back, he realized sending her away had undoubtedly been the correct choice. If she had always been this sensible, perhaps he could have regarded her as a sister, much as Ernest had. Approaching the garage, Eric¡¯s ringing phone interrupted the silence. He paused to answer it. ¡°Hello, Linda.¡± Overhearing the name, Hadley discreetly stepped back, allowing for privacy. Eric¡¯s face hardened in response to Linda¡¯s words. He responded, ¡°Stay put. I¡¯ll be right there!¡± After ending the call, he looked at Hadley. ¡°Stay here.¡± He rushed off before she could reply. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Hadley started to call out to him but then halted, releasing a resigned sigh. She decided it wasn¡¯t worth the effort. She wanted to tell him that she really didn¡¯t need his help to get home. He was better off attending to Linda. Since he had instructed her to wait, sheplied. Eric¡¯s temper had clearly worsened, now more vtile than ever. ¡°Linda!¡± Eric made his way quickly to the bathroom. ?????????? ???? ???????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? He thought Linda would have departed with her assistant by now, but she was unexpectedly still there. ¡°Eric!¡± Linda greeted him with a faint smile, waving as she sat beside her assistant. Eric closed the distance rapidly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why is your foot injured?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a twist. I might have had a bit too much to drink and missed the steping out of the stall¡­¡± Linda dismissed the concern with a smile. ¡°Really, it¡¯s nothing serious¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Her assistant cut in, scolding her, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell Mr. Flynn the truth? Look at how swollen your ankle is!¡± She then carefully lifted the hem of Linda¡¯s dress for Eric to see. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please, take a look at this.¡± Eric examined Linda¡¯s ankle, noting the pronounced swelling with a grimace of concern. ¡°Did you intend to keep this from me?¡± Linda offered a weak smile. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to cause you any stress.¡± . . . Chapter 34 ?Chapter 34: ¡°This only makes me worry more.¡± Eric paused briefly before inquiring, ¡°Are you able to walk?¡± ¡°Not at all!¡± her assistant interjected. ¡°She attempted a few steps, but it was too painful. We had to call you.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± With a concerned furrow of his brow, Eric said, ¡°We should head to the hospital.¡± He gently lifted Linda in his arms and instructed her assistant, ¡°Please, bring the car around.¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn!¡± As she rested against Eric, Linda bit her lip, embarrassed. ¡°I hate that I¡¯m causing you trouble again.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was tinged with irritation. ¡°Looking after you is my duty.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Linda nodded slightly, her smile faint as she averted her gaze. Time passed, and Hadley nced at her phone again. Twenty minutes had psed, and there was still no sign of Eric. She chuckled to herself, not surprised in the slightest. He had obviously left her behind. This was typical Eric behavior, something Hadley hade to anticipate. Putting her phone away, she decided to start her journey home on her own. At thiste hour, buses no longer ran, and a taxi was beyond her budget. Nheless, she was determined to make it on foot. She would walk all the way home. ???????? ???????? ???????????????? @ g???????¦Í???????.c???? Meanwhile, Eric was at the hospital with Linda, ensuring she received proper medical attention. The diagnosis was a strained ligament in her ankle; thankfully, no bones were broken. A cast was fitted, and rest was prescribed, with no need for an overnight stay. He then escorted her back to the expansive Flynn family estate. Though Linda and Ernest had never formalized their union, she had once carried his child, a pregnancy that tragically did note to term. The Flynn family had long embraced her as Ernest¡¯s wife, and she had resided with them for many years. In recent times, as N aged, she had delegated the management of the mansion¡¯s affairs to Linda. ¡°Take care and rest well.¡± After assisting Linda to her room, Eric made sure she wasfortable on the bed before saying, ¡°Goodnight.¡± Returning the gesture, Linda smiled gently and murmured, ¡°Goodnight.¡± As Eric reached the doorway, Linda called out to him. ¡°You¡¯re heading back to Silver Vis, aren¡¯t you?¡± Before he could reply, she continued, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow. ¡°You should. Hadley has returned, and she would expect you there. She might get upset if you¡¯re not¡­¡± . . . Chapter 35 ?Chapter 35: Eric let out a derisive snort. ¡°Why would she be upset? The divorce papers are already signed. Soon enough we¡¯ll¡ª¡± Suddenly, Eric stopped in his tracks, struck by a sudden realization. Hadley! He had inadvertently left her at the sanatorium. ¡°Damn it.¡± With a grimace, he shut his eyes, chiding himself for his oversight. ncing at his watch, he noted that more than two hours had psed. Surely, she wouldn¡¯t still be there, would she? It seemed unlikely anyone would wait that long. ¡°Linda!¡± Eric spoke hastily. ¡°I need to leave now. Make sure you rest up!¡± ¡°Eric, wait.¡± Linda attempted to hold him back, to no avail. Her pulse quickened. Had Eric mentioned that Hadley had signed the divorce papers? Were they really going through with the divorce after all this time? Linda¡¯s expression tightened with worry, her thoughts clearly troubled. As Eric rushed down the stairs, he frantically scrolled through his phone for Hadley¡¯s number. When he tried to call, he was met with her voicemail immediately. His brow furrowed in determination as he attempted the call once more. Yet, each attempt led to the same unanswered result. Eric¡¯s voice tightened with irritation, and his brow creased. ¡°Could her phone be dead?¡± Frustrated, he jammed the phone into his pocket. Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm ¡°Never mind. She¡¯ll be fine.¡± Hadley was capable of looking after herself. Surely, if she grew tired of waiting, she¡¯d find her way home, wouldn¡¯t she? The day had worn on him, and fatigue was setting in. What he yearned for now was a soothing shower and some downtime. Just as Eric was about to put away his phone for good, he paused. ¡°This is more trouble than it¡¯s worth,¡± he muttered under his breath. He then decided to make onest call to Silver Vis. The line rang unanswered until it eventually cut off. ¡°What now?¡± Eric¡¯s scowl intensified. Had Hadley not yet returned home? It waste¡ªimpossible she was still at the same ce, right? Surely, she wasn¡¯t that overly optimistic, was she? In a fit of frustration, he threw his phone onto the couch. He was done trying to sort this out. He made his way upstairs, longing for thefort of a hot shower. As the warm water cascaded over him, his thoughts invariably drifted back to Hadley. . . . Chapter 36 ?Chapter 36: The hour waste, and she was alone. Despite his reservations about her, he acknowledged his failure to fulfill his promise. ¡°What a nuisance!¡± Grumbling to himself, Eric shut off the shower, quickly toweled off, and got dressed. He threw on some clothes, snatched his car keys, and hurried down the stairs. While driving, he made a call to the sanatorium. ¡°Could you please check if a young woman named Hadley is still there?¡± He spoke to the nurse, who usually cared for N. ¡°Certainly, Mr. Flynn.¡± There was a short pause as the nurse left to check. ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t have anyone here by that name. It¡¯s just our medical team and caregivers now.¡± She wasn¡¯t there? Had Hadley managed to leave already? ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± After hanging up, Eric didn¡¯t hesitate and drove directly to Silver Vis. Upon arrival, he called out, ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric swung the front door open, only to be greeted by darkness, with no trace of Hadley anywhere. Could she have already gone to bed? He made his way toward the corner of the ground floor, where the servants¡¯ quarters were located. ¡°Hold on, which room does she use?¡± However, before he got there, a light flickering from the bathroom caught his eye. Was that Hadley inside? Peering through the slightly open bathroom door, he saw a glimpse of the scene within. Check out the original content: g??lnove ls.???? There sat Hadley on a stool, her socks removed, examining her feet attentively. ¡°Thank goodness,¡± she breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°No blisters.¡± The challenges she had faced had hardened her resilience, forming an invisible armor around her. A two-hour walk was trivial for her. She then gently soaked her feet in a basin filled with water. ¡°Ouch! Hot, hot, hot!¡± From the doorway, Eric watched, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Yet, Hadley didn¡¯t withdraw her feet; instead, she sighed in satisfaction. ¡°This is really soothing. Perfect.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric called out from the door. Eric¡¯s shout echoed sharply, causing Hadley to stiffen. As he advanced toward her with clear irritation, Eric¡¯s frustration was evident. He jabbed a finger in her direction. ¡°Where have you been? Didn¡¯t I say to stay put?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley¡¯s initial irritation quickly morphed into amusement. She burst intoughter, unable to contain herself. . . . Chapter 37 ?Chapter 37: Eric halted, his eyes widening as his anger intensified. ¡°What¡¯s so funny? If you had stayed put, would I have had to scour the city for you? And why is your phone off?¡± ¡°Right.¡± Hadley¡¯sughter faded into a serious expression as she nodded. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s my mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have walked home myself. I really should have just sat there and waited a couple of hours for you. My apologies. Truly, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Her tone was thick with sarcasm. ¡°Are you suggesting this is my fault?¡± Eric examined her intently, his demeanor cold yet mocking. ¡°Do you consider yourself more significant than Linda?¡± Linda, his sister-inw, was cherished by Ernest. For Eric, his life had always revolved around his brother and the Flynn legacy. Protecting Linda for his brother¡¯s sake would always remain his priority. Eric¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°You are the one who should be unquestioningly supporting Linda. Remember, you owed her¡­¡± He was on the verge of bringing up Linda¡¯s miscarriage from four years ago. Hadley had reached her limit with the discussion. ¡°I¡¯m not using you, really. How do you turn this into aint from me when I¡¯m just stating facts?¡± She stopped, her fists tightening in silence. ¡°I apologize for taking your time. It¡¯ste, and you probably need some rest.¡± Before Eric could reply, Hadley stood up to get some more hot water to continue her foot soak. She paid no attention to him. Eric released a dismissive snort. Arguing seemed pointless; she was home unharmed, after all. Yet, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯d been yed. As he was about to exit, a realization stopped him. Did she just mention that she walked back? He spun around sharply, his finger directed at her feet. ¡°Just stop with the act.¡± Find more chapters now g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m Confused, Hadley looked down at the basin and then at him, puzzled by his usation. Eric¡¯s gaze intensified, dripping with scorn. ¡°You¡¯re telling me you walked all the way back here? And you think soaking your feet will make me buy that story? You believe this little disy proves anything?¡± She walked back? It would take hours to walk from the sanatorium to Silver Vis. Wasn¡¯t it possible for her to hail a taxi if she was too impatient to wait for him? Surely, she could have managed that. And now she said she walked all the way back? His skepticism was clear. Did she actually expect him to fall for that? She was clearly trying to elicit his pity with this exaggerated tale¡ªa crude strategy. She hadn¡¯t yet given up on manipting him. ¡°Do you really think this sad story will sway me?¡± Eric scoffed, dismissing her attempt. ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen.¡± With that, he pivoted and strode away, not sparing a nce behind. Left in his wake, Hadley was momentarily speechless, and then a surge of anger washed over her. She gasped for air, incredulous at his audacity. The following day brought a call from Lennon, who requested her presence at Gnt. She was informed that her costumes were prepared and awaited her fitting. At the venue, Lennon guided her to the stage. . . . Chapter 38 ?Chapter 38: ¡°Get to know the stage well and prepare thoroughly for your performance. This is significant, and I expect nothing less than your best.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Lewis.¡± Hadley approached her preparations with diligence, meticulously checking the choreography and confirming the musical arrangements for the performance. Over theing days, she knew rigorous practice was crucial to ensure a wless execution. As the rehearsal concluded, evening had already begun to fall. Instead of returning to Silver Vis, Hadley had another mission¡ªN had requested she visit Ernest. With a full schedule the following day, tonight was her only opportunity. She purchased a bouquet of yellow ca lilies, chosen for their representation of respect. Visiting Ernest was something she wanted to do, despite her previous reservations about the Flynn family¡¯s reception of her¡ªthey still viewed her as the one responsible for the death of Ernest and Linda¡¯s child. Reflecting on her initial encounters with the Flynn family, Hadley recalled that Ernest had been in good health, a stark contrast to his current condition. Ernest¡¯s demeanor had always been more refined than Eric¡¯s, reminiscent of the noble characters from her favorite novels. Being a few years older, Ernest had always seemed like a loving brother to Hadley. His kindness had made her feel as though she truly belonged, offering a sibling¡¯s affection she had never known. Upon arriving at the hospital, Hadley navigated to the ward she remembered. However, Ernest was no longer there. Left with no other option, she dialed N¡¯s number. ¡°N, has Ernest been moved from this hospital? I can¡¯t seem to find him.¡± ¡°What?¡± N sounded surprised. ¡°Are you there by yourself? Where¡¯s Eric?¡± Mindful of N¡¯s uing surgery, Hadley upheld hermitment. ¡°Eric¡¯s tied up, but I¡¯m fine on my own.¡± ??????????? §ã??¦Á¦Ñ???????? g??????¦Í??????©q§ã??£í N let out a weary sigh. ¡°Fine, here¡¯s what you need to know. Ernest is still at the hospital. They¡¯ve added a new wing, and he¡¯s currently there. Head towards the rear of the building.¡± It turned out Ernest had been relocated to the new VIP section. ¡°Got it, I¡¯m on my way there now.¡± After ending the call, Hadley headed towards the new wing. Upon entering the hospital room, the sharp scent of disinfectant hung heavily in the air. Approaching the bed, Hadley observed the resting man and quickly felt a lump form in her throat. She tenderly grasped his hand, tears starting to stream down her cheeks. ¡°Ernest, it¡¯s Hadley. I¡¯m here to visit you.¡± The man on the bed did not react to Hadley¡¯s presence. Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep. Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley¡¯s mind. She struggled toe to terms with the reality, even after all this time. It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate. Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in aa. Chances were, he would never wake up. . . . Chapter 39 ?Chapter 39: The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared, carrying a basin of water. Upon noticing Hadley¡¯s tear-streaked face, the caregiver nodded courteously. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hi.¡± Hadley offered her hand. ¡°Are you going to wipe his face?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m actually here to shave him,¡± the caregiver replied. Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest¡¯s face, noting the thick stubble that shaded his jaw. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that. I know how to do it.¡± During Ernest¡¯s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him. At that time, N was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preupied with work, and Linda was expecting¡­ Thus, Hadley had be the primary caregiver within the Flynn family. Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members. He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel. ¡°Here you go.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Gratefully epting the towel, Hadley dampened it and used it to warm Ernest¡¯s face. She then spread shaving cream over his face and began the careful process of shaving him. Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn¡¯t notice Linda enter the room. Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in astonishment. ¡°Hadley, is that really you?¡± Her expression turned into a frown. ¡°What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?¡± Looking up, Hadley responded, ¡°I came to visit Ernest¡­ and as you can see, I¡¯m shaving him.¡± Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. ¡°I can see what you¡¯re doing.¡± ¡°And why bother asking, then?¡± Hadley retorted sharply. Find the next chapters on g??l??o¦Í????????o?? ¡°You¡­¡± A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked. With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. ¡°Fine, you¡¯ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn¡¯t necessary.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady eye contact. ¡°You just got here, and now you¡¯re already sending me away? What¡¯s troubling you, Linda? Feeling guilty about something?¡± Linda¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What are you suggesting?¡± ¡°What am I suggesting?¡± Hadley¡¯s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. ¡°Eric isn¡¯t here, so there¡¯s no need to keep up the act.¡± Her eyes then flicked to Linda¡¯s abdomen. ¡°What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you truly deserve Ernest?¡± Linda looked bewildered. ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡± Hadley scoffed. ¡°All these years, don¡¯t you feel any remorse when you see Ernest?¡± ¡°I¡¯m lost at your meaning!¡± Visibly enraged, Linda gestured towards the exit. ¡°Leave now! You have no ce here!¡± . . . Chapter 40 ?Chapter 40: At the ward¡¯s entrance, Eric was conversing with N on his phone. Upon learning that Hadley had visited the hospital to see Ernest alone, N promptly reached out to Eric, urging him to ensure Hadley¡¯s safety. ¡°Eric, please¡­ It¡¯s quite isted there, and it¡¯s gettingte. Hadley is alone¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware, Grandma.¡± Eric exhaled deeply and massaged his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve already arrived.¡± Visiting his brother had been on his agenda for the evening as well. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯ll be home safe under my watch, okay?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± As Eric continued his conversation, he approached the ward¡¯s door, pushing it open to witness the unfolding drama. Linda was gesturing emphatically towards the exit. ¡°Leave now! You have no ce here!¡± Hadley was just beside the bed when Eric saw her. His face immediately hardened, his gaze sharp and intense. ¡°Hadley, what have you done to upset Linda?¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Tears welled up in Linda¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± He moved swiftly to Linda¡¯s side. ¡°Make her go away!¡± Linda grasped his arm, her voice desperate. ¡°I can¡¯t stand having her here! Make her leave!¡± Seeing Linda so upset, Eric wasted no time. ¡°Of course!¡± He turned to Hadley, anger evident in his expression. ¡°Did you not hear her? Get out now!¡± Hadley released a soft, sardonic chuckle. She set the razor aside, dried her hands, and began to make her exit. Check the newest chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°Hold on!¡± Eric, moved by Linda¡¯s distress, feltpelled to defend her. He picked up a bouquet of yellow ca lilies from a nearby table. ¡°Are these from you?¡± Hadley confirmed with a nod. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Remove them!¡± Eric dismissed her with a flick of his hand. What? Was she now forbidden from even leaving flowers for Ernest? ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Noticing Hadley¡¯s reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching the flowers and thrusting them into her arms. His tone was harsh and piercing as he hissed, ¡°Do you think Ernest would appreciate it? Had it not been for your actions, his child would be celebrating a third birthday now!¡± His gaze pierced hers, freezing her in ce. ¡°How can you show your face here?¡± Linda suddenly turned away, her shoulders trembling as though she might cry. ¡°Eric, please, that¡¯s enough! I can¡¯t take this!¡± Startled by Linda¡¯s distress, Eric redirected his frustration towards Hadley. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving yet?¡± . . . Chapter 41 ?Chapter 41: Hadley, gripping the bouquet tightly, felt rooted to the spot. What could she possibly say or do? ¡°Alright, I¡¯m leaving.¡± She turned sharply and left without looking back. ¡°Linda.¡± After Hadley exited, Eric approached Linda, offering support. ¡°There¡¯s no need to cry. She¡¯s gone now, and I¡¯ll make sure the staff doesn¡¯t let her back in.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Linda¡¯s voice was choked with tears. Hadley stood at the bus stop closest to the hospital, stunned. The buses stopped running at eight? Now what was she supposed to do? Would she need to walk home again? After a grueling two-hour trek the previous evening, it seemed she was in for a repeat performance tonight. Cursed bus. Once again, her feet were her only reliable transport. ming herself for not checking the bus schedule, she resignedly began her walk. This private hospital was even more isted than the sanatorium where N was treated, chosen for its peacefulness. Now, Hadley felt the full impact of her miscalction. She trudged forward, the road deserted except for the rare vehicle whizzing by. The surrounding quiet was almost oppressive. Out of nowhere, a motorcycle sped past, then abruptly circled back to pull up in front of her. The rider, a young man with bleached blonde hair, offered her a slightly unsettling smile. ¡°Hey, missy, it¡¯ste for a walk, isn¡¯t it? Come on, I¡¯ll give you a lift.¡± Hadley¡¯s nose twitched as she caught the strong scent of alcohol and cigarettes emanating from him. ¡°No, thank you.¡± She tried to move past him, but he blocked her way. ¡°Wait a minute!¡± His eyes flicked to her legs. ¡°I offered you a lift. Come on, I¡¯m not a bad guy.¡± Read new content at g?ln¦Òv???s Before she could refuse again, he dismounted his bike, seized her arm, and yanked her toward it. ¡°Release me!¡± Taken aback, Hadley resisted, struggling fiercely. ¡°Let go of me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be shy! I¡¯m just trying to help.¡± ¡°Who do you think you are? Back off.¡± Summoning all her strength, Hadley swung her bag, striking him squarely. ¡°Leave me alone!¡± ¡°Did you just hit me?¡± Fueled by anger, heshed out, knocking Hadley to the pavement. But he wasn¡¯t done yet. He immediately pinned her down, his fingers brushing against her cheek. ¡°Your beauty is enchanting, and your skin is so delicate.¡± Hadley froze, repulsed by his touch. She felt sick, and panic surged through her. She always carried pepper spray in her bag, and for extra precaution, a half brick. In a desperate move, she reached into her bag, grabbed the brick, and swung it instinctively. . . . Chapter 42 ?Chapter 42: The brick connected with a heavy thud against his head. ¡°Ah!¡± he screamed, clutching his forehead as blood began to flow. Shock filled his eyes as he looked at her. ¡°I¡¯m calling the police! You¡¯re going to pay for this!¡± At the hospital, Eric¡¯s phone buzzed once again. It was N calling. ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric anticipated the topic and, wanting to avoid an argument, quickly responded, ¡°We¡¯re almost home.¡± ¡°Are you really?¡± N replied with a skeptical chuckle. ¡°Then put Hadley on the phone.¡± ¡°Uhm¡­¡± ¡°I thought as much!¡± N interjected sharply. ¡°You can¡¯t manage it, can you? You¡¯re not even with her, are you?¡± N¡¯s voice grew tense with irritation. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to get ahold of her. She¡¯s not answering. Did you leave her to fend for herself?¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric began, but N cut him off. ¡°For four years, I¡¯ve neglected her for your sake! Is it so hard for you to look after her just this once?¡± Her voice conveyed mounting stress. ¡°I¡¯m about to undergo surgery, and you¡¯re leaving me worried?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Everything will be alright.¡± Eric reassured her. With no alternatives left, Eric conceded. ¡°She headed out a bit ago. I¡¯m going after her now, okay?¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± N responded without hesitation. ¡°Call me when you both get back.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Eric replied, though his voicecked enthusiasm. After ending the call, he turned to Linda. ¡°I need to leave.¡± ¡°Understandable,¡± Linda said, having heard the entire exchange. She nodded. ¡°Your grandmother is just looking after your best interests. It¡¯s best you go now. I¡¯ll manage here.¡± Linda then looked out the window and added, ¡°This ce is too remote. It¡¯s not right for Hadley to be out there alone.¡± Updates loaded now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s ¡°Both you and Grandma are so caring,¡± Eric remarked, standing up. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m off. Don¡¯t overdo it and exhaust yourself.¡± ¡°I know. Get going.¡± Linda urged him. ¡°Alright.¡± As Eric turned to leave, Linda¡¯s demeanor shifted. Her face became solemn, and she averted her eyes, hiding her thoughts. Eric exited the hospital room and dialed Hadley¡¯s number. This time, the call didn¡¯t go to voicemail, but still, there was no response. Despite his repeated attempts, she did not pick up. ¡°What is happening?¡± Eric muttered under his breath. As he drove out of the hospital¡¯s parking lot, he kept an eye out for her, suspecting that she hadn¡¯t gotten very far. In this neighborhood, catching a taxi was notoriously difficult. After some time, there was still no sign of her. Perhaps she had managed to find a ride back to Silver Vis. That seemed likely. . . . Chapter 43 ?Chapter 43: Increasing his speed, Eric made his way directly to Silver Vis. ¡°Hadley!¡± he called out as he entered the foyer. The living room was shrouded in darkness, reminding him of the previous night. With those events in mind, he quickly moved toward the back of the house. Tonight, however, the light in the bathroom was off. Could Hadley have already gone to bed? He might need to wake her. If not for N¡¯s insistence on a joint call, he might have refrained from disturbing her. ¡°Which room is she using?¡± he wondered aloud. Uncertain, Eric proceeded to check each room, finding them all unupied. The guest rooms were untouched, the beds bare of fresh linens, showing no signs of recent use. How could this be? Where exactly had Hadley been staying these past nights? At the police station. ¡°Name?¡± the officer asked. ¡°Hadley Pearson.¡± ¡°Age?¡± ¡°24.¡± ¡°Home address?¡± Hadley paused for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡± The officer looked up, his eyebrow arched in surprise. ¡°Are you implying you¡¯re homeless?¡± ¡°Whatever fits,¡± Hadley replied with a slight nod. ¡°Ridiculous!¡± the officer eximed. ¡°Give me a proper answer!¡± He studied her appearance, noticing she didn¡¯t look like someone who had been living on the streets. Exhaling deeply, Hadley remained firm. ¡°Officer, I¡¯m not lying. I don¡¯t have a ce to stay. That¡¯s the truth.¡± The officer was momentarily speechless. He could sense theplexity of the situation. Just then, another officer entered, escorting the biker. His injury had been attended to, and a bandage now wrapped around his head. He was directed to sit in a chair. F???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í??????.????? The biker shot a furious look at Hadley, then yelled, ¡°Officer, this woman tried to murder me! I demand to press charges! I want her prosecuted!¡± ¡°Settle down!¡± the officer snapped. ¡°Why are you shouting? Do you think this is your house?¡± The officer then turned to Hadley. ¡°Exin to us why you attacked him.¡± Remaining calm, Hadley answered clearly, ¡°He attempted to assault me. I was just defending myself.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± The biker stood up abruptly, visibly angry. ¡°Officer, look at her! She¡¯s unharmed! Meanwhile, I have a serious head wound, and she¡¯s acting like nothing¡¯s wrong! How can that be? Who just carries a brick in their bag?¡± ¡°Sit down and be quiet!¡± the officermanded, gesturing firmly at him. ¡°We¡¯ll sort this out.¡± The officers considered the possibility of retrieving surveince footage, but the area¡¯s remoteness made it difficult. This wasn¡¯t a main thoroughfare, and no cameras were present. . . . Chapter 44 ?Chapter 44: However, they discovered that the biker had a record of criminal activity and had been arrested previously. One officer whispered, ¡°Her story could very well be true.¡± ¡°We have no concrete proof, and he¡¯s denying everything. What are our options?¡± ¡°Maybe they should consider settling this privately.¡± ¡°Settle this privately?¡± The biker vehemently disagreed. ¡°No way! She split my head open! We can¡¯t just let this slide!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± the officer interrupted, raising his voice. With a forceful m on the table, the officer replied, ¡°Then pursue legal action. Remember, it will just be word against word in court. You have a criminal record, and you¡¯ve been drinking. Think about whose story the judge will believe.¡± Hesitation crept into the biker¡¯s voice as he processed the officer¡¯s words. Eventually, he relented and responded, ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s settle this privately then.¡± He turned to Hadley, demanding, ¡°She has topensate!¡± He held up five fingers, saying, ¡°I want at least this much!¡± ¡°Five thousand?¡± The officer looked towards Hadley for her response. ¡°No,¡± Hadley replied firmly, shaking her head. ¡°Not five thousand, not even five cents. I won¡¯t pay anything.¡± ¡°Stubborn bitch!¡± The biker seethed with anger. ¡°Not a cent? Well, prepare yourself for jail!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Hadley faced him directly, her resolve clear. ¡°We¡¯ll let the courts decide. I believe in justice!¡± ¡°You sure don¡¯t back down easily, do you?¡± ¡°Sit down, both of you!¡± the officer ordered. ¡°Enough!¡± he added, ending the confrontation. Full chapter updat3z at g??lnovels.?????? At that moment, a junior officer approached and quietly informed the senior officers. ¡°That woman¡¯s phone keeps ringing.¡± ¡°Must be her rtives,¡± the officer mused. Upon their arrival at the station, both Hadley and the biker¡¯s phones were confiscated, cutting them off from externalmunication. The officer looked toward the steadfast Hadley and instructed the junior officer, ¡°Next time it rings, answer it. Tell her family to get here. They might help sort this out.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Meanwhile, at Silver Vis, Eric, frustrated and anxious, tried Hadley¡¯s number once more. This time, the call connected! ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric eximed as soon as the call was answered. ¡°Where are you? It¡¯s sote. Why aren¡¯t you back yet?¡± ¡°Hello, this is the police station. Hadley Pearson is involved in a serious incident. You must be a rtive. Pleasee to the station immediately.¡± ¡°I¡¯m on my way!¡± Ending the call, Eric felt his patience wear thin. Once again, Hadley had found herself in trouble. Ever since she returned to Srixby, chaos seemed to follow her wherever she went. Now, she was being held at a police station for assault? . . . Chapter 45 ?Chapter 45: This wasn¡¯t just another minor issue¡ªit was serious. Grinding his teeth, he grabbed his keys and stormed out, heading straight for the police station. The city was eerily quiet at this hour, with the roads nearly deserted. Eric arrived at the station in under thirty minutes. Just as he stepped forward, a young officer blocked his way. ¡°This area isn¡¯t open to just anyone. Who are you?¡± ¡°They called me in.¡± His expression remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I¡¯m here for Hadley Pearson. I¡¯m her¡­ friend.¡± ¡°Hadley Pearson? Very well, go ahead.¡± The officer granted him entry and shouted back into the station, ¡°Someone¡¯s here for Hadley!¡± ¡°Really? Send them through!¡± Seated inside, Hadley was taken aback. Who could it be? She turned in confusion, only to meet Eric¡¯s stern visage, which only deepened her bewilderment. Why was he here? Eric¡¯s expression was grave, his demeanor cold. ¡°Hadley, tell me the truth. Did you orchestrate this? Are you trying toplicate my life now? Is this your way of holding on to me?¡± The situation was painfully reminiscent. Four years ago, with Linda¡¯s incident, Eric had simrly rushed to judge, jumping to conclusions without understanding the full story or knowing all the details. Hadley parted her lips to speak but then chose silence. Let him think what he pleased. ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Their paths would soon divergepletely, leaving no connection between them. His opinion of her was irrelevant. ¡°Are you going to say anything?¡± Eric let out a short, bitterugh when Hadley remained silent. ¡°I must have hit the mark, huh? Grandma actually thought you¡¯d changed, that you¡¯d grown wiser! How ridiculous!¡± For a moment, even he had believed she had changed. But clearly, it had all been an act. A police officer finally intervened, pulling Eric aside. ¡°Sir, please calm down. Let me exin the situation first.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Eric exhaled sharply, forcing himself to rein in his temper. ¡°Go ahead.¡± The officerid out the details before adding, ¡°Our rmendation is a private settlement. A smallpensation fee, and the case is closed. There¡¯s no concrete evidence, and honestly, taking this to court would be a pointless drain of time and money. It¡¯s just not worth the hassle, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± Processing the information, Eric fell into a contemtive silence. His eyes flicked toward Hadley. Was this really how things had yed out? Had some biker actually harassed her, and she had only acted in self-defense? She wasn¡¯t deliberately stirring up trouble? Reconsidering the situation, it was only because he hadn¡¯t given her a ride that she ended up crossing paths with that thug¡­ . . . Chapter 46 ?Chapter 46: Eric¡¯s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he mulled it over. Turning to the officer, he made his decision. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll go ahead with the settlement¡ª¡± ¡°No!¡± Hadley abruptly shot up from her chair, her posture firm as she faced the officer directly. ¡°Officer, I don¡¯t know this man. He has no authority to speak for me. I refuse the settlement! I¡¯m not paying a single cent!¡± ¡°This is¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s patience snapped, his face paling with rage. ¡°Enough of this! It¡¯s only five grand! Are you really going to turn this into a whole ordeal? Don¡¯t listen to her¡ªI¡¯ll handle the paperwork!¡± ¡°Understood, pleasee this way¡ª¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley¡¯s teeth clenched as she red at him, fury burning in her eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t your decision to make! I said no settlement!¡± Eric¡¯s features twisted in frustration at her defiance. Was she seriously going to drag this out instead of taking the easy way out? His gaze swept over her pale face before his voice turned mocking. ¡°Is that so? And what exactly do you n to do about it? I¡¯m handling this whether you like it or not!¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley¡¯s frustration boiled over as she watched him override her decision. Her eyes stung with anger. Five thousand dors wasn¡¯t just pocket change! Despite her protests, Eric ultimately made the payment, signed the necessary documents, and finalized the settlement. ¡°Alright, head over to collect your belongings, and you¡¯re free to go.¡± Eric thanked the officer, and his focus shifted back to Hadley. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Get your things, and we¡¯re leaving.¡± Without so much as a nce in his direction, Hadley stood and walked straight to the officer. ¡°Here¡¯s your bag,¡± the officer handed it over. ¡°Make sure nothing¡¯s missing.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± She rummaged through it, checking each item¡ªher phone, keychain, pepper spray, and¡­ half a brick. ??????????? §ã???????????? g?????????????[£®]?????? ¡°Everything¡¯s ounted for.¡± Just behind her, Eric¡¯s gazended on the unexpected object. Pepper spray made sense, but a half-brick? ¡°You actually carry this around?¡± Eric picked up the brick, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the dried blood staining its surface. Hadley remained silent, taking it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it back into her bag. ¡°Hold on,¡± the officer raised a hand, stopping her. ¡°Miss, that¡¯s considered a dangerous object. You can¡¯t take it with you.¡± Her brows lifted in surprise. ¡°I can¡¯t?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The officer gave a knowing smile. ¡°It¡¯s not a knife or anything, but it¡¯s still a potential weapon. You wouldn¡¯t be able to get through subway security with that. Consider yourself lucky this time that no major harm was done. Next time, you might not get off so easily.¡± A hint of reluctance crossed her face before she let out a quiet sigh. ¡°Understood.¡± . . . Chapter 47 ?Chapter 47: She tucked the rest of her belongings into her bag and zipped it shut. ¡°Appreciate it, officer.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± Without another word, Hadley turned and strode out of the police station. Her pace was brisk, her movements decisive. ¡°Hey! Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice rang out as he hurried after her, struggling to keep pace. ¡°Slow down! I¡¯ll drive you home!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Hadley whirled around, her eyes shing with rm as she shot him a sharp re. ¡°Stay back!¡± Eric halted instantly, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t touch you. I won¡¯t get any closer. Just take a deep breath.¡± This was unfamiliar territory¡ªhe had never seen Hadley this guarded, like a cornered animal prepared to fight back at any moment. Without thinking, his tone softened, bing careful and measured. ¡°My car¡¯s parked just over there. It¡¯ste. Let me take you home, alright?¡± Hadley¡¯s rigid posture slowly eased. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, and the thought of another unexpected encounter¡ªor worse, another trip to the police station¡ªwas too much to bear. ¡°Fine.¡± She nodded, gripping her bag tightly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Eric exhaled, relieved that she didn¡¯t refuse, and guided her toward the car, holding open the passenger-side door. Instead of getting in, Hadley bypassed itpletely, heading for the back seat. She pulled the door open and slipped inside without a word. Eric hesitated before shutting the passenger side door and circling around to the driver¡¯s seat. As the car cruised through the quiet streets, his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. Hadley had curled herself into the corner, her eyes shut tight, making it clear she wasn¡¯t in the mood for conversation. ?????????? ?????????? ?????????????? at ????????¦Í???????????? A deep frown creased Eric¡¯s forehead. This version of Hadley felt unfamiliar¡ªso far removed from the girl he once knew. Nearly thirty minutester, they pulled into Silver Vis. He eased the car to a stop and said, ¡°We¡¯re home.¡± Yet, the person in the back seat remained silent. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ncing back, he found her slumped against the seat, her eyes shut and lips slightly parted. Had she fallen asleep? Without giving it much thought, he stepped out, opened the back door, and gently nudged her shoulder. ¡°Wake up. We¡¯ve arrived.¡± She remained unresponsive. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric parted his lips to call her name again but paused. A second thought crossed his mind. Tonight had been a disaster, and much of it was his fault. The least he could do was carry her inside. He bent down, one arm sliding beneath her neck to support her shoulders, while the other tucked under her knees. Just as he prepared to lift her, Hadley¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and her eyes snapped open. . . . Chapter 48 ?Chapter 48: Caught off guard, Eric tensed. His footing faltered, and before he could regain his bnce, he lurched forward. There was no time to react. His lips met hers¡ªwarm, soft, andpletely unintentional. As their lips briefly met, the softness was unexpectedly profound. Almost immediately, Hadley was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions, her eyes shing with shock. She reacted instinctively, pushing Eric away with force, using both her hands and feet. ¡°Let go of me! What are you doing? Get off!¡± ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s going on here?¡± Eric asked, visibly annoyed. ¡°Do you really think I was trying to hold you romantically? You were asleep, and I was simply trying to help. The kiss was an ident. I lost my bnce!¡± ¡°Back off!¡± Hadley shouted, her voice trembling with anger. ¡°Calm down, alright? I¡¯m letting you go!¡± Eric stepped back immediately, but his gaze shifted to her arms. Seeing the cuts and blood, concern shed across his face. He reached out instinctively, touching her arm gently. ¡°Did these wounds happen when you were defending yourself? Are you hurt? Why didn¡¯t you mention these at the station?¡± Hadley¡¯s emotions surged, and she suddenly clutched her head, letting out a piercing scream. ¡°I said back off! Stay away from me!¡± Eric was taken aback, his thoughts racing. He quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back. ¡°Okay, okay! I was just trying to help, but clearly, it didn¡¯t work out.¡± Hadley closed her eyes tightly, screaming again, shaking her head as if trying to block out his voice. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric called out, frustration seeping into his tone. He pped his hand against the car in frustration. ¡°Settle down! Look at me!¡± The force of his p made the car vibrate. Hadley went still, then slowly opened her eyes. Seeing that Eric had maintained his distance, she started to rx. She gripped her backpack tightly and whispered, ¡°Move back a few steps, please.¡± ???? ???????? ??????¡¯???? ?????????????? ???????? ?????????¦Í??????£®?????? This gave her enough space to exit the vehicle. Eric, his frustration still evident, nodded and stepped back. Hadley pressed her lips together, bowed her head, and quickly climbed out of the car, walking away briskly. Watching her retreat, Eric couldn¡¯t help but scoff. ¡°What is she thinking? Does she really believe I was going to do something to her?¡± How ridiculous! Shaking his head, he trailed after her. ¡°Hadley.¡± Upon entering the living room, he called out again. Hadley paused but didn¡¯t turn around. ¡°What is it?¡± Eric¡¯sugh was cold, tinged with contempt. ¡°Really, Hadley, your behavior earlier. Did you actually think I was about to make a move on you?¡± Hadley¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor, her silence filling the room. He took that as confirmation. His voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°Unbelievable! I wasn¡¯t interested in you four years ago, and now you think I suddenly am?¡± . . . Chapter 49 ?Chapter 49: Abruptly, she spun around to meet his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m well aware of how little I mean to you. I¡¯m probably worth less than the family dog to you. You don¡¯t need to keep emphasizing it; I understand already.¡± Eric was momentarily speechless. ¡°Less than the family dog?¡± Had he ever implied that? He scoffed with a touch of disdain. ¡°Good to know you understand. At least a dog listens. You just seem to cause trouble.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley¡¯s face showed no emotion. ¡°Are we done here? I¡¯d like to rest now.¡± Eric paused, taken aback by herck of reaction. He shook his head and gestured dismissively. ¡°Go ahead¡­ whatever.¡± As Hadley turned to leave, a thought struck Eric. ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°What now?¡± Hadley looked back, her expression tight with annoyance. Despite her impatience, Eric couldn¡¯t help but let out a frustrated chuckle. ¡°Really? Giving me attitude now? Tell me. Which room have you been using these days?¡± Hadley hesitated, then chose not to respond. Eric¡¯s suspicion grew. ¡°I looked around, and none of the guest rooms are used. Where have you been sleeping thesest few nights?¡± Hadley remained silent, her posture defensive. Hadley was taken aback by his sudden interest in the servants¡¯ quarters, though she didn¡¯t feel inclined to ask why he had looked. As the owner of the house, he had every right to inspect it whenever he pleased. She gestured toward the living area. ¡°I¡¯ve been sleeping on the couch.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been sleeping on the couch?¡± Eric was surprised. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Hadley replied. ¡°I¡¯ve kept it clean. There¡¯s no dirt or strange smells.¡± After a brief pause, she added, ¡°If it bothers you, I can cover the cleaning costs.¡± ?????????????????? ???????? ???? ???????? g???????¦Í?????????????? Eric was momentarily speechless. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± It was clear that Hadley wanted to end their conversation. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, and I¡¯d just like to wash up and go to sleep.¡± With that, she walked deeper into the house. Curious, Eric followed her. He watched as she entered the bathroom, noticing a suitcase by the door. From it, she retrieved a change of clothes and her toiletries. Eric¡¯s frown deepened. Impulsively, he moved closer and confronted her. ¡°So, this is how you¡¯ve been managing these days?¡± Holding her belongings, Hadley nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was skeptical. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you? Why are you putting yourself through this? Are you out of your mind?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t answer directly. Instead, she asked, ¡°May I shower now?¡± ¡°Hold on.¡± A thought struck Eric. His expression shifted, a knowing smirk forming on his face. . . . Chapter 50 ?Chapter 50: ¡°You¡¯reying it on thick, aren¡¯t you? Trying to make me feel sorry for you? Do you think this will make me go easy on you? Haven¡¯t you given up yet?¡± Hadley¡¯s confusion was evident as she processed his words. ¡°You think I¡¯m trying to win your sympathy to salvage our marriage?¡± ¡°What else could it be?¡± Eric scoffed, his tone dripping with derision. ¡°Why else would someone like you, who¡¯s always had everything she wanted, endure such conditions?¡± She always had everything she wanted, huh? Hadley suppressed a scoff and replied in a calm, measured tone, ¡°Rest easy. I¡¯ve already signed the divorce papers. You won¡¯t have to deal with me much longer.¡± ¡°You better mean it.¡± Eric watched her closely, his words deliberate and his smirk widening. ¡°I¡¯d advise you to drop the act. Our marriage is definitively over.¡± With that, he turned and walked upstairs. Hadley remained silent, but a cold smirk briefly crossed her face. She knew it was time to find new amodations. It was time to leave. In the master bedroom upstairs, Eric, fresh out of the shower, paused while drying his hair. His fingers absently brushed his lips, haunted by the fleeting memory of Hadley¡¯s soft kiss¡­ A thought struck him, and he quickly began rummaging through the first aid kit. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he grabbed a new tube of ointment and headed downstairs. Downstairs, Hadley sat on the sofa, absorbed in her phone, her eyes fixed on the dwindling bnce in her banking app. Her spirits sank; it felt as though fate was piling problem upon problem. ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric approached and stopped right in front of her. g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ???????? novels Caught off guard, Hadley quickly hid her phone. ¡°What now? Can¡¯t I even sleep on the sofa?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened into a derisive sneer. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re fond of making things difficult for yourself. I¡¯m not here to stop you.¡± He crouched down, cing the ointment on the coffee table with a pointed tap. Then he gestured toward her arm. ¡°Use this on your wounds.¡± Surprise flickered across Hadley¡¯s face. Was he actually being considerate by bringing her ointment? Eric¡¯s gaze remained piercing, his tone cold. ¡°Regardless of all the drama andplications tonight, the fact remains you were injured. This ointment is my apology.¡± With that, he turned and walked away, heading upstairs. Not another word was exchanged. Hadley sat motionless, her eyes fixed on the ointment long after he had disappeared. Her body was rigid, unable to rx. Unknowingly, her hands clenched into fists, her whole frame subtly trembling. ¡°Mr. Flynn truly embodies the qualities of a gentleman,¡± she thought with a sarcastic smile. . . . Chapter 51 ?Chapter 51: She shifted slightly, attempting to settle back and find some sleep. The ointment remained untouched, her resolve firm against using it. The following morning arrived. When Eric descended the stairs, Hadley was already gone. He didn¡¯t linger on it, but as he moved through the living room, his gaze instinctively shifted toward the sofa. Stopping abruptly, he took a moment to reflect. Eric walked over and picked up the tube of ointment from the coffee table, examining it carefully. The seal was intact. Hadley hadn¡¯t used it at all. A cold smirk spread across his face. ¡°Still ying the martyr for attention, I see.¡± If Hadley chose not to use the ointment, that was her choice. He wasn¡¯t going to let it bother him. Memories of how she had hurt Linda four years ago resurfaced. He believed he had already extended more than enough grace to her. With an indifferent flick of his wrist, Eric tossed the ointment into the trash can and walked off. Outside Silver Vis, Hadley activated her phone and called a rental agent. She dedicated the day to apartment hunting. By thete afternoon, she had secured a ce. It was a modest, slightly worn one-bedroom apartment in the older section of the city. It wasn¡¯t luxurious, but it featured a kitchen and a bathroom¡ªsufficient for her needs to cook and maintain her personal hygiene. Given her limited budget, this was the best option avable. The agent inquired, ¡°What do you think? Will this do?¡± Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine,¡± she answered quietly. ¡°Excellent,¡± the agent responded. ¡°I¡¯ll draw up the contract. Once I confirm a few details with thendlord, you can move in soon.¡± Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! Thank you so much.¡± Securing her new living arrangement eased a significant weight off Hadley¡¯s shoulders. That evening, she experienced her first peaceful night¡¯s sleep in a long time. In contrast, Eric spent another night away from home. Today was Friday. Hadley took the day to rest, conserving her energy for her debut performanceter. She knew she couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes tonight. Being punctual was crucial on her first day of work. She left early and arrived at Gnt with twenty minutes to spare, eager to make a good impression. Lennon greeted her with a warm smile and a firm handshake. ¡°Tonight is your moment to shine, Hadley. Prepare to captivate everyone!¡± He gestured toward a collection of dazzling costumes. ¡°We¡¯re all set here. Now it¡¯s up to you to mesmerize the audience!¡± Hadley offered a tentative smile and nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll give it my all.¡± ¡°Exactly what I want to hear! Now, go put on your makeup and get dressed!¡± ¡°Understood.¡± . . . Chapter 52 ?Chapter 52: Her act for the evening was a jazz dance,plete with an exquisite mask, as nned during rehearsals. Lennon had shared his thoughts on the concept earlier. ¡°Mystery enhances appeal. It captivates the audience. By revealing less, we pique their curiosity, making them eager for more. This strategy, along with your excellent skills? Your name is going to be circting around town.¡± This approach was designed to draw in the crowd and encourage them to spend. Lennon studied Hadley¡¯s expression. ¡°Your face is a valuable asset¡ªit should be revealed strategically.¡± Hadley was indifferent to the marketing tactics. Her primary goal was to make money, so sheplied with the ns without objection. Just before her performance, Lennon stopped by for a final check. ¡°Are you all set, Hadley? You¡¯re on soon.¡± ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± she replied. She rose to her feet and took a deep breath. The previous act had featured a pole dancer, electrifying the audience. Hadley¡¯s understated costume contrasted with the overt sensuality of the earlier performance. As her music cue sounded, Hadley stepped into view. Her mask veiled the upper part of her face, while bright red lipstick entuated her mouth, enhancing her mysterious allure without crossing into vulgarity. Her appearance waspelling, drawing all eyes to her. Soft curls framed her face, enhanced by a stylishly tilted ck hat. She wore a flowing white silk shirt that billowed around her as she moved, paired with organza harem pants that subtly revealed her shapely legs. Entering the spotlight, Hadley greeted the crowd with a captivating smile, her natural charm speaking volumes without a word. The room filled with the intimate tunes of seductive jazz. ¡°WOW!¡± Cheers and whistles echoed throughout the venue as the audience responded enthusiastically. g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape In a prime booth directly across from the stage, Eric was spending the evening with his friends Barrie Hanson and Marshall Myers. Marshall had also brought along his cousin, Denver Moran, who had just returned from studying abroad, still exuding a fresh schoolboy vibe. Tonight, they were introducing Denver to the local nightlife. As he handed Denver a drink, Marshall said, ¡°Now that you¡¯re a big boy and about to join the family business, you need to feel at home in ces like this.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Denver replied, his natural reticence still apparent. The ambiance shifted as Hadley began her performance, instantly capturing the attention of everyone in the venue. Barrie, intrigued, leaned forward for a better view. ¡°Check out the new act at Gnt¡ªshe¡¯s new, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Appears so,¡± Marshall replied. ¡°Look at her waist,¡± Barriemented, nudging Eric and pointing toward the stage. ¡°It¡¯s incredibly slender. Looks like I could easily circle it with one hand.¡± ¡°Why are you pointing her out to Eric?¡± Marshall chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Come on, you know Eric¡¯s only interested in his¡ª¡± Eric shot him a look and interrupted sharply, ¡°Go ahead, keep making thosements, I dare you.¡± . . . Chapter 53 ?Chapter 53: ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll stop,¡± Marshall replied, raising his hands in a yful surrender, while exchanging a knowing smirk with Barrie. They couldn¡¯t discuss it openly? The scandal from years ago wasmon knowledge in Srixby. The Flynn brothers had once both been enamored with the same woman. Linda had chosen Ernest, yet Eric had remained devoted to her. Eric had even sent his own wife abroad for Linda¡¯s sake. His loyalty was legendary. Meanwhile, on stage, the performance reached its climax. Hadley moved with graceful fluidity, her waist swaying, her legs executing each step with enticing precision. Despite the sultry movements, her expression remained detached, her gazemanding a quiet authority. To entertain any inappropriate thoughts about her seemed almost disrespectful. Yet, the crowd was utterly spellbound. Her cool demeanor, paired with her captivating movements, created an irresistible allure that electrified the atmosphere. The audience erupted in apuse, with every spectator¡ª from those on the ground floor to those in the elevated booths¡ªfixated on Hadley. Her allure was undeniable. Eric suddenly straightened, his attention sharply drawn to the figure on stage. Oddly, the dancer seemed familiar to him. Barrie caught his intense focus and waved a hand in front of his face. ¡°What¡¯s got you so captivated? You¡¯re staring pretty hard.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Marshall joined in, skeptical. ¡°Come on, who could possibly divert Eric¡¯s attention like that?¡± Eric chuckled lightly, focusing more intently. ¡°What are you all talking about? She just looks like someone I know. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve seen her somewhere else before.¡± Before Barrie or Marshall could react, Denver identally inhaled his sparkling wine, causing it to spray out. Embarrassment colored his face a deep red. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± Explore more now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls As he continued to apologize profusely, Denver couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Eric, that line was pretty cheesy. You know, if you were trying to flirt with someone like that, they¡¯d justugh it off.¡± Eric was momentarily taken aback. Both Barrie and Marshall exchanged looks before erupting intoughter. ¡°Look at that!¡± Barrie chuckled, giving Eric a friendly pat on the shoulder. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you¡¯ve been burned! How does that feel?¡± ¡°Knock it off,¡± Eric retorted with a smile, yfully pushing Barrie¡¯s hand away. His gaze returned to the stage, still trying to pinpoint why she looked so familiar. As the song concluded, Hadley removed her hat and held it against her chest, bowing slightly to the audience. From the crowd came enthusiastic calls, shouting, ¡°Don¡¯t stop at the hat! Let¡¯s see under the mask too!¡± ¡°Exactly! Your moves are top-notch, and your figure is stunning. How about your face?¡± ¡°Come on!¡± The crowd persisted. Hadley, however, chose to ignore the mor, offering a swift smile and a quick bow before she turned and disappeared backstage. . . . Chapter 54 ?Chapter 54: ¡°Where¡¯s she off to now?¡± ¡°Stay, even if you won¡¯t reveal your face, dance again!¡± Yet, Hadley continued on her way, leaving the audience¡¯s pleas behind. Backstage, Lennon burst into the dressing room, his face alight with excitement. ¡°You absolutely killed it with that dance, Hadley!¡± he eximed. Standing, Hadley offered a modest smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I just did what I could.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be modest!¡± Lennon dismissed her humility with a wave of his hand. ¡°Just as I thought, everyone¡¯s buzzing about who the mysterious new dancer is. I knew you¡¯d be a sensation right from the start!¡± Hadley then asked, ¡°Well, Mr. Lewis¡­ Does that mean my work for tonight is finished?¡± He had mentioned earlier that the n was just for one performance, though he had also hinted they might adjust based on the audience¡¯s reaction. Since no additional costume was prepared, it seemed they were sticking to the original n. ¡°Yep, you¡¯re done for tonight,¡± Lennon replied. ¡°If you step back out there now, you¡¯d dispel all the intrigue we¡¯ve built. We want to keep them longing for more, don¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Scarcity marketing,¡± Hadley responded. ¡°Exactly!¡± Lennon pped enthusiastically, hisughter filling the room. ¡°You¡¯re free to go now. No more performances tonight.¡± Really? Hadley was both surprised and slightly embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯ve only danced one tune.¡± He reassured her. ¡°That¡¯s sufficient for today. We¡¯re just setting the stage. When you eventually reveal your face, the excitement will escte, and you¡¯ll need to engage more with the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus, once that starts, you¡¯ll see additional tips on top of your regr pay. Just be patient.¡± ¡°Yes, I get it,¡± Hadley nodded in agreement. ¡°Thanks, Mr. Lewis.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks. You¡¯ve earned it. Just keep up the great work!¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± ?????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ¡ª ?????????? g???????¦Í??????©o?????? Once Lennon had exited, Hadley took a moment to remove her makeup. Considering the schedule¡ªjust four hours each evening for a single performance, rehearsals included¡ªit wasn¡¯t overly demanding. She thought about finding another job during the day to supplement her ie. Every bit of additional ie was significant. After she had removed all traces of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley picked up her bag and made her way toward the exit. ¡°Wait a second! Hey, you, miss!¡± Confused, Hadley halted in her tracks. She pivoted on her heel, spotting a young man a few paces back. He was remarkably tall, standing over six feet, with a slim, youthful build and a face that radiated charisma. Self-consciously, Hadley touched her chest and raised her eyebrows. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to her. ¡°You dropped this, didn¡¯t you?¡± Recognizing the pouch, Hadley nodded, grateful. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s mine.¡± She tapped her bag, puzzled. ¡°I wonder how it fell out.¡± ¡°Here you go,¡± he said with a friendly smile, handing her the keys. . . . Chapter 55 ?Chapter 55: ¡°Make sure it doesn¡¯t fall out again.¡± ¡°Thank you so much,¡± Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her keys, and the expense of a locksmith, was daunting. ¡°No problem at all.¡± He continued to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but do I know you? You seem really familiar.¡± Hadley paused briefly before chuckling softly. ¡°Really? That line¡¯s a bit retro, don¡¯t you think?¡± The young man¡¯s cheeks turned a shade of crimson. ¡°It wasn¡¯t meant to be a line!¡± He eximed, somewhat embarrassed. ¡°Honestly, you just look really familiar.¡± Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. ¡°Thanks for this. Bye,¡± she said, and quickly turned to leave. ¡°Wait¡­¡± He watched her depart, pping his forehead in dismay. ¡°Why did I even say that? I just made fun of Eric for being old-school, and here I am, sounding just like him.¡± It was unfortunate. She was truly striking. He pondered whether she was merely visiting or worked at the club, and whether they might meet again. Hadley stirred before dawn, jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense, wrenching her from sleep. Previously, this hadn¡¯t been an issue for her. However, since bing a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of providing for her child. The recurring pain each month had be a harsh reality. She had learned various methods to manage it. Today, she would skip her dance routine, avoid cold beverages, and endure the difort until it subsided. Rising from her bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth would soothe the pain. Though she had no dance performance scheduled, today held significant importance. It was the anniversary of her grandmother¡¯s passing. Life in Srixby had been a rollercoaster since Hadley moved back, and she hadn¡¯t found the time to visit her grandmother¡¯s grave. Today, she decided, would be the day to pay her respects. By eight o¡¯clock, she was on her way out. As she settled into her car, her phone vibrated. Eric¡¯s name shed on the screen, causing her to frown slightly before answering. ????t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c???? ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± Hadley¡¯s tone was steady and cold, a stark contrast to how eagerly she used to pursue him. Now, he seemed almost like an inconvenience, which upset him. ¡°What, I can¡¯t check in without a specific reason?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Hadley responded, masking her irritation. Thinking to herself, Hadley pondered, How did I ever get involved with him? Eric¡¯s temper was unpredictable, swinging wildly without warning. ¡°Do you need something?¡± Hadley asked, wanting a clearer reason. ¡°Meet me at the courthouse at three today,¡± Eric responded. Hadley instantly knew it was to finalize their divorce. Today, though? That was sudden. She hesitated before responding. ¡°Can we possibly pick another day?¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric¡¯s voice took on an edge, though he managed to restrain any outright anger. ¡°When would you suggest then?¡± . . . Chapter 56 ?Chapter 56: Hadley sensed Eric¡¯s growing suspicion and quickly suggested, ¡°What about tomorrow? Can we dy it by just one day?¡± Eric¡¯s response came as a sharp, cynicalugh. ¡°One day bes two, then three, right? You¡¯re just stalling. You never nned on getting the divorce done, did you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to dy this needlessly,¡± Hadley protested. Eric interjected, ¡°We¡¯re not wasting any more time!¡± He was clearly not interested in excuses. ¡°We¡¯re doing this today. I can¡¯t keep setting aside othermitments for this. My time is valuable.¡± And with that, he ended the call abruptly. A wry smile appeared on Hadley¡¯s face as she held her phone tightly. How could she make it more clear to him that she wasn¡¯t hanging on? Those days were long gone. She exhaled deeply, resigning herself to the inevitable. ¡°So it has to be today,¡± she murmured. The task would not be simple, especially not today. She felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen, worse than usual. Heading towards Kingsbridge Cemetery on the city¡¯s west side, where her grandmothery resting, Hadley braced herself against the difort. The sky was a mix of clouds and weak sunshine. The cemetery was located atop a hill. Despite the persistent pain, Hadley ascended slowly, clutching a bouquet she had picked up on her way. She finally reached her destination. Hadley was drenched in sweat from the climb, wiping it off as she knelt before her grandmother¡¯s grave. cing the bouquet gently in front of the engraved headstone, she managed a tender smile towards the image of her grandmother carved in the stone. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯vee to visit,¡± she murmured softly. As she spoke, her voice broke slightly, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry it took so long, Grandma. I haven¡¯t been here in four years. The flights back were just too costly for me.¡± ???????????? §ã?¦Á?????????? ??????????¦Í????????????? She had been doing somewhat better financially since meeting Colleen. Still, it had been just enough to scrape by, and returning to Srixby had seemed impossible until the Flynn family intervened financially. Drawing a deep breath, Hadley continued, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m staying for good this time. No one¡¯s going to force me out again. I¡¯m here to stay in my city, and I¡¯ll visit you more often. That¡¯s a promise.¡± Through her tears, she smiled, pulling out her wallet to reveal a photo inside. ¡°Grandma, you¡¯ve not yet met my little one. Here¡¯s how adorable Joy is!¡± Hadley held up the photo. ¡°You would¡¯ve liked her. I know you would. Soon, I¡¯ll make sure you both meet.¡± Gently, she wiped the headstone with a towel. ¡°Grandma, I wish I could bring more, but these flowers are all I have right now. When things get better, I¡¯ll bring you something truly special.¡± Once the stone was clean, she knelt again, whispering a silent prayer. ¡°Grandma, please watch over us, help me to secure a good ie, and keep Joy healthy,¡± Hadley murmured, her voice choked with emotion. ¡°Everything will be okay,¡± she whispered reassuringly, both to her grandmother and herself. ¡°You know I¡¯m strong. There¡¯s no need to worry about me.¡± Opening her eyes, which were rimmed red but no longer teary, she murmured a goodbye. ¡°I¡¯ll visit again soon, Grandma,¡± Hadley said, giving onest look at her grandmother¡¯s photo before turning to walk away. . . . Chapter 57 ?Chapter 57: As Hadley descended the hill, she noticed a group ascending. Instantly, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly pulled out a mask from her bag and put it on. The group moved past her without giving her a second nce, but her heart continued to race. It was them. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Turning, she sent a fierce re toward their departing figures. The audacity of their presence infuriated her. Were they here to disrupt the peace of this ce? Hadley imagined her grandmother¡¯s fury if she were aware. She clenched her fists. She wasn¡¯t in the mood for a fight, especially not when they outnumbered her and she was already feeling off today. Instead, she decided to wait them out and let them leave on their own. After about half an hour, the group finally began their descent. Maintaining her disguise, Hadley resumed her ascent, brushing past them once more. One of the men, middle-aged and thoughtful, paused and looked back at Hadley as she moved away. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± one of hispanions asked, curious. ¡°Nothing,¡± the man replied, quickly dismissing hispse with a forced chuckle. ¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡± Hadley increased her pace, eager to return to her grandmother¡¯s resting ce. Next to the simple bouquet Hadley had ced was a new one,rger and far more borate. Hadley exhaled softly, her eyes narrowing at thevish bouquet. She grasped it and whispered, ¡°Grandma, this is from them, but don¡¯t worry. We don¡¯t want their offerings. I¡¯ll remove it to keep your space tidy.¡± She contemted just throwing it aside but decided against it, not wanting to show disrespect to the graves nearby. Resigned, Hadley took the bouquet from the cemetery and disposed of it in a bin. A sense of relief surged through her as she walked away from the trash can. Checking her watch as she headed toward the bus stop, it read eleven o¡¯clock. She had ample time to get back before meeting Eric. 0ff1c1al r3l34s3s 0NL£¤ 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m The cemeteryy in a secluded area, with the nearest bus stop a ten-minute walk away. As she walked, Hadley looked up, noticing the sky darkening quickly as heavy clouds gathered. ¡°Looks like rain might be on the way,¡± Hadley thought, quickening her pace. Rain started to fall as Hadley neared the bus stop. ¡°Great,¡± she muttered, pulling her backpack over her head to shield herself from the sudden downpour. She hadn¡¯t thought to bring an umbre, and the idea of soaking her clothes through filled her with dread. Picking up her pace, she dashed toward the shelter of the bus stop. Luckily, the stop offered some cover from the heavy downpour. ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll let up by the time I board the bus,¡± she murmured. As the bus arrived, Hadley hurried aboard. Finding a seat, she settled in for the long ride from the cemetery in Kingsbridge back to the heart of the city. The dull pain in her stomach persisted, so she leaned her head against the cool ss of the window, trying to ease the difort. The early morning wake-up had taken its toll, and despite the difort, fatigue soon overtook her, and she fell asleep. A loudmotion suddenly startled Hadley awake. . . . Chapter 58 ?Chapter 58: The bus was in chaos, with passengers standing and trying to see what was causing the dy outside. The driver had left his seat, adding to the confusion. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hadley asked, looking out the window to see a traffic jam clogging the streets. She turned to the passenger behind her, seeking an exnation. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Oh my gosh! There¡¯s been an ident!¡± ¡°A piece of the overpass up ahead just copsed!¡± ¡°The scene looks devastating. The injuries must be severe,¡± another added. An uneasy feeling washed over Hadley. Could this dy her critical appointment at the courthouse? She leaned forward. ¡°Any idea how long we¡¯ll be stuck here?¡± ¡°Hard to say. They need to clear the wreckage first,¡± responded a nearby passenger, eyeing the chaos ahead. Her worry deepened. The bus driver soon reassumed his position and announced, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please remain patient. Emergency services are at work. This may take a while.¡± Murmurs of discontent filled the air. ¡°This is unbelievable. How long will we be waiting here?¡± ¡°People have ces to be.¡± ¡°It¡¯s out of our hands. We just have to wait,¡± someone said. Hadley shared their anxiety but knew her situation was particrly pressing. She crossed her fingers, silently pleading for a swift resolution. Despite her hopes, the situation did not improve. As time slowly passed, Hadley¡¯s anxiety escted. By one-thirty, the reality hit her. g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub She had only ny minutes left and had to act immediately. Feeling trapped, she reached for her phone with a trembling hand, inhaled deeply to calm herself, and called Eric. The call went unanswered, leaving Hadley hanging. Worry etched her face as she spected that Eric was likely caught up in a work-rted lunch or meeting. What were her options? All she could do was wait. As the minutes ticked away, it was suddenly two-thirty. Only thirty minutes remained until her appointment with Eric. Her phone buzzed abruptly¡ªit was Eric. ¡°Hello?¡± she answered quickly, her voice edged with stress. ¡°You were trying to get in touch?¡± Eric¡¯s voice carried a lightness, perhaps from the anticipation of finally resolving their ties. Apologizing for his earlier unavability, he said, ¡°Got tied up, sorry.¡± Then he quickly changed the subject. ¡°Are you at the courthouse already? Just wait there, I¡¯m on my way.¡± Interrupting him, a rush of guilt in her tone, Hadley eximed, ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley stammered, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, but I can¡¯t make it today¡­ Can we reschedule for tomorrow? Just one day dy. I promise I¡¯ll be there, on time!¡± Eric was silent initially. Then, with a cuttingugh, he let his irritation show. ¡°You¡¯re still ying games, Hadley? How long do you intend to keep this up?¡± . . . Chapter 59 ?Chapter 59: ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­¡± His tone became biting, dismissing her exnation. ¡°From day one, my feelings about you haven¡¯t changed, Hadley. Wake up.¡± ¡°I truly can¡¯t make it,¡± Hadley insisted, feeling the futility of the conversation. ¡°Something¡¯se up. I¡¯m stuck, really stuck, not far from Kingsbridge. It¡¯s a mess here, and it¡¯s not just me caught in it.¡± What was she doing in Kingsbridge anyways? It sounded like just another excuse. ¡°Really? That¡¯s just perfect,¡± Eric scoffed, disbelieving every word from Hadley. He was unmoved by her predicament. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in where you¡¯re stuck. You¡¯d better be on your way, even if it means crawling here. We¡¯re finalizing this divorce today, no more dys!¡± With those harsh words, Eric ended the call. ¡°Hello?¡± Hadley¡¯s voice echoed faintly against the disconnect tone. She stood, phone in hand, grappling with her reality. His message was unmistakable¡ªshe had to make it, no matter what. With the roads blocked and no movement in sight, Hadley realized her only option was to set out on foot. She couldn¡¯t help but let out a ruefulugh. Surely, walking was preferable to crawling. Resigned, Hadley grabbed her bag and stepped off the bus into the cold embrace of the rain. She raised her hand to shield her face, but it was futile. The relentless rain showed no signs of stopping, and without an umbre, Hadley was at its mercy. What else was there to do but walk? Teeth clenched in determination, Hadley pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, hoping it would offer some protection from the rain. Yet, it did little to shield her. The relentless downpour quickly drenched her, the hood clinging to her head like a soaked cloth. All the while, pain throbbed in her lower abdomen. She ced a hand over it, pushing through the difort with fierce resolve. After a thirty-minute slog, Hadley reached the area of the copsed overpass,pletely wet. The scene was chaotic: police blockades, firefighters amidst debris, and a line of ambnces. ¡°Stop right there!¡± a traffic officer called out to her. ¡°This road is closed for clearing operations!¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is packed with great reads Understanding the situation, Hadley managed a strained smile and responded, ¡°I understand, but it¡¯s urgent. I promise to keep out of the way and not cause any trouble. I just need to pass through.¡± The officer looked her over. ¡°You¡¯re soaked through. Where did you trek from?¡± ¡°From Kingsbridge.¡± ¡°Really?¡± His eyebrows climbed his forehead in astonishment. ¡°You walked that whole distance?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley answered, sping her hands in earnest. ¡°It¡¯s urgent, officer. My child¡¯s at home alone, and I¡¯m quite worried.¡± ¡°What about the father?¡± Laughing nervously, her eyshes fluttered as she responded, ¡°It¡¯s just me. I¡¯m doing it on my own.¡± The officer hesitated, then sighed deeply. ¡°Alright, go through,¡± he replied, gesturing her forward. . . . Chapter 60 ?Chapter 60: ¡°Thank you so much, officer!¡± ¡°Make it quick,¡± he responded, shifting the barrier to allow her passage before swiftly closing it behind her. Hadley then checked her phone for directions. It would be a long walk to the courthouse, at least two and a half hours away. Tightening her jaw, she continued her walk, eyes scanning for a taxi ahead. The prospect of paying for a ride bothered her. Nevertheless, today Hadley was set on ending her marriage to Eric. Eric was in his car, ncing at his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to five o¡¯clock. Hadley was still nowhere in sight! She had made him wait for two whole hours! In frustration, Eric spun his phone in his palm before decisively pressing the screen to dial her number. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice crackled with exasperation. ¡°Are you messing around?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hadley replied. ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon. Just a little longer, okay?¡± ¡°Longer?¡± Eric let out a derisiveugh. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait.¡± He was eager to hear what sort of excuse Hadley would concoct this time. Minutes passed, and finally Hadley¡¯s call broke the silence. Breathing heavily, she said, ¡°I¡¯m here! Where are you?¡± ¡°Are you actually here?¡± Eric questioned, scanning the surroundings through his window. A yellow taxi pulled up at the courthouse, depositing Hadley on the curb. She hurriedly thanked the driver and looked around. ¡°Can you see me, or have you gone inside already?¡± ¡°I¡¯m watching you. Stay right there,¡± Eric instructed, disconnecting the call. He seized his ck umbre, exited his car, and walked toward Hadley, using the umbre to shield them both from the relentless rain. Drenched, her clothes clinging to her skin, mud smeared on her, Hadley stood before him. Eric¡¯s face showed clear signs of displeasure. ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????????? at ??????????¦Í??????£®?????? ¡°Did you just roll in the mud?¡± Eric blurted out. ¡°Let¡¯s just go,¡± Hadley responded, pausing briefly before wiping her nose and whispering, ¡°Let¡¯s go. This won¡¯t ruin the divorce proceedings.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Reacting instinctively, Eric reached out and seized her arm. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Hadley twisted away sharply, as if his touch burned her. Her eyes shed with fury. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! How many times must I say it?¡± she hissed. Taken aback, Eric froze, startled by the intensity of her response. It was that familiar look, the one Hadley reserved for moments when he crossed into her personal space. A mix of fear, disgust, and adamant defiance painted her face. Could she possibly detest him? A lump formed in Eric¡¯s throat. A profound sorrow and difort settled heavily in his heart, a feeling he couldn¡¯t dismiss. . . . Chapter 61 ?Chapter 61: Heshed out, his tone heavy with frustration. ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s with you and being touched? What have I done to deserve this? What¡¯s wrong with you? You know what? You should probably go see a doctor!¡± Pressing her hand to her abdomen, Hadley felt the cramps intensify, made worse by the rain and her hurried pace to the courthouse. She grew paler, her lips forming a thin, strained line. ¡°Whatever problems I have won¡¯t matter to you soon,¡± she replied, nodding firmly. ¡°We¡¯ll have our divorce finalized shortly, and then it¡¯s all over.¡± Eric¡¯s response was a sharp, scornful chuckle, his gaze narrowing as he scrutinized her. ¡°You¡¯re just saying that because you know we can¡¯t finalize the divorce today, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley stared at him, bewildered. ¡°You¡¯re feigning ignorance,¡± Eric retorted, his expression dismissive. ¡°Arriving just as the courthouse shuts? Clearly, you¡¯re scheming to prolong this divorce, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What?¡± A gasp escaped Hadley, her shock evident. The courthouse had already shut its doors? She hadn¡¯t nned this dy. Despite walking miles in search of a taxi, it was only near downtown that she managed to hail one. Yet, she still arrivedte. Suddenly, darkness enveloped her vision. Despite her struggle to maintain her bnce, Hadley¡¯s legs gave way. Her eyes closed as she fell forward, directly towards Eric. He barely managed to catch her, stumbling as her weight pressed into his arms. ¡°Hey!¡± Surprised, Eric¡¯s hands reflexively supported her. ¡°Hadley!¡± His voice was sharp, his frustration evident as he uttered her name. She had vowed to stop ying tricks, yet here she was, literally copsing into his arms. Anger surged within Eric, convinced that this was just another one of Hadley¡¯s typical maneuvers. She had to have timed her tardiness deliberately! F0r full ch@pters, g0 to g??lnovels.?????? ¡°Hadley, stand up this instant!¡± Yet, there was no reaction from the limp figure in his arms. A sense of urgency crept into Eric¡¯s voice. ¡°Hadley? Can you hear me? Wake up!¡± But Hadley remained unresponsive. ¡°I swear, if you don¡¯t get up, I¡¯ll¡­¡± Eric began to push her away, but halted abruptly. Observing her ashen face, he realized she wasn¡¯t pretending; she had genuinely lost consciousness. ¡°Hadley! What¡¯s happened to you?¡± Panic seized Eric. Acting on instinct, Eric lifted Hadley effortlessly, hurried to his car, and drove swiftly to the nearest hospital. In the emergency room, Eric inquired anxiously, ¡°Doctor, how is she doing?¡± The doctor responded after finishing his examination, ¡°She¡¯s experiencing severe menstrual cramps. It¡¯smon, but her case is particrly intense.¡± While looking over at Eric, the doctor questioned, ¡°She¡¯s quite young. Why are these symptoms so severe for her?¡± . . . Chapter 62 ?Chapter 62: At that, Eric could only offer a helpless shrug. Why would he know that? He wasn¡¯t the doctor here! The doctor continued, ¡°Menstrual cramps can be quite serious, especially when they¡¯re as intense as hers. She should undergo aprehensive examination once she regains consciousness to determine the underlying cause.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Eric replied, his brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Here¡¯s a prescription for her,¡± the doctor added, handing it over. ¡°Thanks.¡± Taking the prescription, Eric left to handle the payment and retrieve Hadley¡¯s medication. ¡°Did Hadley ever get cramps before?¡± Eric wondered. But no matter how hard he thought, he couldn¡¯t recall a single time. All he could remember was her frequentints and dependency on him. Back in the emergency room, Hadley had regained consciousness. She grimaced from pain as she dressed and gathered her belongings. ¡°Hey,¡± a nurse interjected as Hadley attempted to leave. ¡°Your boyfriend is picking up your medication. Please wait here for him.¡± Boyfriend? Hadley hesitated. Could that be Eric? She recalled being with him just before losing consciousness, but she questioned whether he would actually be so nice and bring her to the hospital. Regardless, it didn¡¯t seem important at the moment. ¡°Understood, thank you,¡± Hadley responded, choosing not to trouble the nurse further. ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± The nurse moved on without further inquiry. Hadley didn¡¯t linger. Hoisting her bag onto her shoulder and clutching her sore abdomen, she exited the hospital. Meanwhile, Eric had just collected the medications and was on his way back when his phone vibrated. ????????????????: g??????????¦Í????????????? It was N calling. ¡°Hello, Grandma?¡± ¡°Eric.¡± N¡¯s voice sounded weary, as if she had just woken up. ¡°I¡¯ve just recalled something important. Today marks the anniversary of Hadley¡¯s grandmother¡¯s passing. We ought to honor her memory. I¡¯m ashamed I totally forgot,¡± N replied, exhaling deeply. ¡°Eric, can you find the time to apany Hadley? It¡¯s been four years since shest visited her grandmother¡¯s grave.¡± ¡°What?!¡± The news took Eric by surprise. He moistened his dry lips before inquiring, ¡°Grandma, where is her grandmother¡¯s resting ce?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t remember? We¡¯ve visited together before. It¡¯s at Kingsbridge¡­¡± Oh no! A wave of realization washed over Eric. Hadley had told the truth. She really had gone to Kingsbridge today to visit her grandmother¡¯s grave. ¡°Eric, are you listening?¡± ¡°I heard you, Grandma.¡± N let out another sigh. ¡°Hadley might have been a bit indulgent before, but she was just a child unaware of her ways. She¡¯s changed a lot since returning. She¡¯s matured. Treat her kindly, Eric. She only has us now.¡± . . . Chapter 63 ?Chapter 63: ¡°Grandma, I need to hang up now.¡± Eric quickly ended the call as he arrived at the emergency room to pick up Hadley. He yanked the curtain aside, only to stop dead in his tracks. The bed was empty. Hadley had disappeared. ¡°Where did she go?¡± Eric asked the nurse. The nurse appeared confused. ¡°She mentioned she¡¯d wait outside. Didn¡¯t you run into her?¡± Eric¡¯s smile held no warmth. ¡°If I had seen her, do you think I would be asking?¡± Eric thought to himself. His expression hardened, and his jaw tightened. ¡°She was a patient! And you allowed her to leave? If anything happens to her, it¡¯s on this hospital!¡± ¡°Sir,¡± the nurse said, her eyes brimming with tears. Frustrated, Eric left in a hurry, dialing Hadley¡¯s number as he stormed out. She didn¡¯t answer. Could she be upset, deliberately ignoring his calls? Or perhaps she had copsed again and couldn¡¯t respond? Perplexed, Eric decided to drive back to Silver Vis to see if Hadley had returned there. During the drive, he called Phillips. ¡°Mr. Flynn, how can I assist?¡± ¡°Check for any incidents in Kingsbridge today.¡± Phillips responded promptly, ¡°There¡¯s no need to check. I¡¯m aware of the situation. The overpass near Kingsbridge copsed earlier today. Rescue teams are still managing the aftermath as we speak.¡± That exined the situation. Eric shut his eyes, feeling a wave of remorse. Hadley hadn¡¯t been deceptive. She truly had been stuck in Kingsbridge today! Then how did she manage to reach the courthouse? He recalled his own harsh words¡ª¡±You¡¯d better be on your way, even if it means crawling here!¡± Discover new chapters at ????????¦Ï¦Í????s.????? Visions of her outside the courthouse, wet and muddy, shed through his mind. Had she taken his words literally and crawled to the courthouse? At that moment, Eric¡¯s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his jaw clenched. He didn¡¯t like her, but he had never meant to be so harsh with her. elerating, he pushed the car faster. Upon arriving at Silver Vis, the living room was dim, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. Eric entered swiftly. The sofa was empty. Had Hadley not returned? Where else could she be? Then, footsteps resonated. ncing up, Eric saw Hadley, dressed in clean clothes, stepping out of the bathroom. She had obviously just showered. She was here after all. What a relief! Eric exhaled, though his face still held a stern expression as he spoke sharply. ¡°Hadley, do you think this is a game? Leaving without a word? Making me look for you everywhere?¡± . . . Chapter 64 ?Chapter 64: Hadley gave no response. Too weary to engage, she had no desire to exchange words with him. The idea of him worrying about her? It wasughable. Even if she were right in front of him, he¡¯d likely just ignore her presence. She moved to the sofa without a nce in his direction, spread out a nket,y down, and turned away from him. She had to perform at Gnt by nine that night and needed her rest now. Eric¡¯s expression darkened as he stopped abruptly. Could Hadley really be that irritable? Lacking patience, Eric was nearly at his breaking point, ready to leave. However, looking down at the medicine bag he carried, he sighed internally. ¡°I¡¯m the one at fault here,¡± he muttered. He moved closer, leaned over, and ced the bag gently on the coffee table. Facing Hadley¡¯s turned back, Eric said, ¡°I¡¯ve picked up your medicine. The instructions are on the bottles. Make sure to take them as directed.¡± Hadley remained still, unresponsive. The room¡¯s dim lighting cast her silhouette, emphasizing her frailty. Eric¡¯s brow creased in concern. Was she always this slight? Recalling how light she felt in his arms earlier, he realized she was significantly underweight. A pang of remorse struck him. Eric hesitated before saying, ¡°I need to apologize for today. I overlooked that it was the anniversary of your grandmother¡¯s passing. Plus, I just found out about the copse near Kingsbridge. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Eric had said everything he needed to. Previously, Eric had little patience with her, yet now he addressed her with unprecedented calmness and humility. However, Hadley remained mute. Eric narrowed his eyes at her. ¡°Are you sleeping? You can¡¯t go to sleep yet. You need to take your medicine.¡± L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.?????? He then realized there was no ss of water on the coffee table. Feeling somewhat remorseful, he said, ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll get you some water.¡± Eric made his way to the kitchen. Returning shortly with a ss of water, he set it down on the coffee table. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m aware you¡¯re not asleep. Stop sulking and take your medication. You fainted earlier from the pain. It¡¯s important you take your medicine now.¡± As he ced the ss down, Eric identally brushed something off the table. ¡°Oh? What¡¯s this?¡± Eric stooped to retrieve the item. It turned out to be a woman¡¯s wallet, clearly belonging to Hadley. As it fell off the table, the wallet opened, and Eric caught a glimpse of a photo inside. Whose face was in the photograph? He picked it up and peered closer to get a better view¡­ ¡°Hand that over!¡± Hadley eximed, suddenly sitting upright and grabbing the wallet from Eric¡¯s grasp. She quickly closed it, her eyes shing a warning. ¡°Stay away from my things!¡± . . . Chapter 65 ?Chapter 65: Eric could no longer contain his frustration. ¡°Hadley, really? I was merely picking up your wallet after fetching you some water for your medication¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need your help!¡± Hadley retorted, gripping the wallet firmly, her expression cold and detached. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for water, nor did I ask you to get me any medicine. I won¡¯t take it!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Eric said, his expression turning into a mask of anger. He pointed a finger at her aggressively. ¡°You don¡¯t want my help? That¡¯s just fine! Do you really think I enjoy dealing with you? The next time I decide to intervene, just remember¡­¡± Eric stopped mid-sentence. Overwhelmed with anger, he couldn¡¯t finish his words in front of Hadley. He turned sharply and marched upstairs. Hadley closed her eyes, enduring Eric¡¯s rant. After a moment, she slowly reopened them and gazed at her wallet. She gently touched the photopartment. ¡°That was too close.¡± He nearly discovered Joy. Despite knowing Eric¡¯s scorn for her was so profound that he would never acknowledge their child, Hadley still couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him finding out about her existence. Joy belonged solely to her. The following day, Hadley remained at home, recovering and feeling significantly improved. By evening, her real estate agent contacted her. The paperwork wasplete. After freshening up, Hadley met with thendlord, apanied by the agent. Shepleted the payment for her deposit and rent, and received the keys to her new apartment. She caught a ride back to Silver Vis to collect her belongings. Hadley was thankful she didn¡¯t have to encounter Eric after today. On her way back, she traveled by subway to the city center, followed by a bus ride, and made a stop at an ATM to withdraw some money. During rush hour, the traffic was chaotic, and the sidewalks overflowed with people. Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m That same evening, as Eric was on his way to dinner at Marshall¡¯s, the traffic came to a halt at an intersection. ¡°Boss,¡± Sebastian, his driver, gestured towards the window. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your wife out there?¡± What? Distracted by work emails on his phone, Eric was caught off guard by Sebastian¡¯s interruption. He looked out the window and spotted Hadley. There she stood among the throng, slender and noticeable. She wore a white T-shirt paired with light blue jeans, her long hair flowing down her shoulders in waves. She appeared effortlessly graceful yet strikingly vivid. There was a simplicity about her that was mysteriously captivating. Eric¡¯s brow furrowed. What was she doing here? Just yesterday, she was in severe pain and refused her medication. And now, here she was, weaving through the crowd? Shecked a stable job and seemed to just meander through life. ¡°Mrs. Flynn!¡± Sebastian shouted, lowering the window and gesturing excitedly before Eric could intervene. ¡°Right here!¡± . . . Chapter 66 ?Chapter 66: At the sound of Sebastian¡¯s voice, Hadley turned, catching sight of them, her expression one of surprise. She paused briefly but then approached, greeting Sebastian with a smile. ¡°Hello, Sebastian.¡± It was only after this greeting that Hadley peered into the backseat. Through the darkened ss, she glimpsed Eric¡¯s silhouette but couldn¡¯t make out his expression. Noticing the silence that had settled since Eric remained quiet, Sebastian broke it by inquiring, ¡°Where are you off to?¡± ¡°Returning to Silver Vis,¡± responded Hadley, still smiling. ¡°Mm-hmm¡­¡± Sebastian looked towards Eric, seeking guidance. ¡°Sir, your wife is heading to Silver Vis,¡± Sebastian mentioned, checking the situation. The unspoken question lingered in the air¡ª ¡°Should we offer her a ride?¡± Eric remained focused on his phone, showing no interest in the situation. Sebastian chuckled awkwardly, his difort increasing. Recognizing his unease, Hadley offered a warm smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sebastian. I¡¯ll manage on my own. Goodbye.¡± ¡°0-okay, goodbye.¡± With a wave, Hadley turned and disappeared into the crowd, quickly bing invisible. Sebastian released a resigned sigh. Having driven for the Flynn family for years, he sometimes dared to offer advice to Eric. ¡°Sir, catching a taxi around this time can be difficult. Perhaps we could give her a lift?¡± ¡°Difficult to find a taxi?¡± Eric finally set his phone aside and looked up, his eyebrow arched. ¡°It¡¯s no issue. She¡¯s not in any hurry. She has nowhere urgent to be.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Sebastian said, his voice trailing off in frustration. Sebastian was well aware of Eric¡¯s disdain for Hadley. ????? ????????????????????????????????: ??????????¦Í??????.???? ¡°No buts,¡± Eric interrupted him, gesturing dismissively. His gaze hardened. ¡°We both know Hadley well. If we let her in, she¡¯ll cling to me as she always does. I¡¯d rather avoid any drama.¡± Eric pondered, ¡°Moreover, didn¡¯t she insist she didn¡¯t need my help?¡± Whyplicate his life? It was easier to let her sort things out on her own. ¡°Sebastian,¡± Eric interjected, raising his hand. ¡°Just drive. The traffic¡¯s starting to move.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Back at Silver Vis, Hadley arrived, sweating after a cramped bus ride, feeling as though she had been stuffed into a tiny can. She hade just to collect her belongings. Since her suitcase was still packed, the process was quick. She would simply pull it out and leave. Hadley copsed onto the living room sofa and pulled the cash she had withdrawn from the ATM out of her bag, counting it carefully. Exactly $5,200. She then grabbed a nk envelope, jotted down a few words on it, and after stuffing the cash inside, she ced it neatly on the coffee table. Havingpleted her tasks, Hadley felt a sense of relief wash over her. Now, she could leave with peace of mind. . . . Chapter 67 ?Chapter 67: Before heading out, she grabbed the remaining two pieces of bread from the refrigerator. She made her way back to her new rental. Fortunately, the peak of rush hour had subsided, leaving the roads open and easier to navigate. Upon arriving, Hadley unlocked her new home, ced her suitcase inside, and rolled up her sleeves, ready to clean. She diligently wiped down every surface, dusted all areas, and neatly arranged her belongings. By the time she finished, the day had turned into night. Feeling her stomach rumble, Hadley remembered the bread she had eaten on the bus ride¡ªit had hardly satisfied her after all the cleaning. With her wallet in tow, Hadley secured her apartment and walked to the nearby supermarket. She bypassed the better options, opting instead for a huge loaf of bread, some pickles, and a jar of peanut butter. Once home, Hadley prepared a simple meal¡ªpeanut butter sandwiches with some pickles. Options were few. Without any ie yet and after parting with $5,200, she had to make each dorst. The $5,000 from the police settlement wasn¡¯t her choice, but Hadley was adamant about not letting Eric handle it. She was determined to sever all ties with him. Luckily, Hadley had a job now and would soon get her first paycheck. She would have to stretch her budget until then, but at least she wouldn¡¯t starve. This situation didn¡¯t faze her; she had endured far worse. Back in the, Hadley had once rummaged through restaurant bins for food. At least now she could afford some bread and pickles, and she no longer faced the harsh res or had topete with homeless people over discarded food. Gone was the delicate young woman the Flynn family had once sheltered. Late that night, Eric arrived back at Silver Vis around two in the morning. The living room was shrouded in darkness, with only the dim light from a streemp filtering through the window. Entering, Eric instinctively looked toward the sofa. He stopped, blinked, thinking perhaps his eyes were deceiving him, and looked again. But no, his initial observation was correct. Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s The sofa was unupied. Confusion set in. Wasn¡¯t Hadley supposed to be there? It was incrediblyte. Where could she be? Eric let out a derisive snort. ¡°Done ying the helpless card? Finally got herself a room?¡± A wave of dizziness washed over him, prompting him to shake his head clear. Tonight, he had inadvertently overindulged in alcohol. Without further ado, he made his way upstairs. The following morning, Eric emergedte from bed, nursing a hangover that was tempered slightly by a refreshing shower. Downstairs, his housekeeper, Lina Hinks, was tidying up. Upon spotting him, she approached quickly. ¡°Mr. Flynn, I found this on the table for you. Please, have a look.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± . . . Chapter 68 ?Chapter 68: Eric epted the substantial envelope. Curiosity piqued, he wondered what it contained. The envelope was thick, seemingly stuffed with cash, and bore handwritten notes. ¡°To Eric Flynn, enclosed is $5,200. Of this, $5,000 covers the settlement you paid, and $200 is for cleaning the couch, which is the standard rate. I¡¯ve moved out. Apologies for any inconvenience over thest few days. Hadley Pearson.¡± That was the entirety of the message. Eric¡¯s expression hardened as he slit open the envelope, revealing a bundle of cash inside. Of bills tumbled out. ¡°What on earth¡­¡± Chuckling bitterly, Eric flung the envelope aside and continued deeper into the house. Pausing at the bathroom, he noticed the absence of Hadley¡¯s bulky suitcase. ¡°Lina!¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn!¡± Lina hurried to his side. ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Eric¡¯s face was stern as he gestured towards the servants¡¯ quarters. ¡°Have these rooms been cleaned? Is anyone upying them?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been cleaned,¡± Lina replied, puzzled. ¡°They¡¯re empty. No one has upied them.¡± It was clear then. Hadley hadn¡¯t just moved to another room. She had left for good. She likely departed the previous evening. And she had settled her debts with him. Since the age of fifteen, Hadley had depended on the Flynn family for everything. A cold rage flickered in Eric¡¯s eyes as his lips curled into a sneer. ¡°Hadley, do you think you can treat my home like a hotel? Justing and going as you please?¡± Eric then dialed Hadley¡¯s number. At that moment, Hadley was still deep in sleep. She answered groggily. Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s tone was even over the phone, yet Hadley sensed an underlying coldness that made her uneasy. She swallowed hard. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t returnst night? Where did you go?¡± What? A wave of surprise jolted Hadley more awake. ¡°Didn¡¯t you read the note I left? I¡¯ve moved out¡­¡± ¡°Who said you could leave?¡± Eric¡¯s voice rose sharply, the anger in his tone nearly piercing Hadley¡¯s ear. ¡°Was that cleared by me?¡± Hadley¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Since when do I need your approval? It¡¯s your house. I shouldn¡¯t have to stay where I¡¯m not wanted.¡± Caught off guard by Hadley¡¯s retort, Eric fell silent, unable to muster aeback. Hadley seized the moment. ¡°Is it the divorce that you¡¯re worried about? I admit I messed up the other day. That won¡¯t happen again.¡± Seeking to reassure Eric, she continued with a tone of resolve, ¡°I promise to be avable every day until we finalize the divorce. I won¡¯t waste any more of your time. Are we okay now?¡± Her assurance was firm. . . . Chapter 69 ?Chapter 69: Despite this, Eric couldn¡¯t quite dispel the irritation that lingered. ¡°After all these years abroad, you¡¯ve learned nothing about courtesy. Can¡¯t you even give a simple heads-up before leaving someone¡¯s home? What happened to your manners?¡± Hadley clutched her phone tighter and sighed, shaking her head. Eric¡¯s temperament was as terrible as ever, and his disdain for defiance remained strong. There was a time when his mood swings affected her deeply, but those days were long gone. ¡°You¡¯re right. I was impolite,¡± Hadley replied, ready to wrap up the conversation. ¡°Is there anything else? Because if not, I¡¯m going to hang up.¡± With a quick tap, Hadley ended the call. She set her phone aside and turned over, ready to fall back to sleep. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice echoed loudly through the room, his surprise and anger evident. She just hung up on him? That took nerve. Eric seethed with frustration. Well, if she was so eager to be gone, so be it. Regardless of Eric¡¯s feelings, Hadley remained indifferent. With a new job secured, a fresh living arrangement, and a singr goal to earn money, she was focused. Hadley immediately set about securing additional part-time work. Her n was to teach dance, as dancing was her only real skill. However, her hopes were dampened after visiting two studios; their schedules didn¡¯t align with hers. Each studio required instructors for evening sses, but her evenings were alreadymitted. The sry at Gnt was too substantial to consider leaving. Consequently, Hadley abandoned the idea of teaching dance. Following a morning filled with frustrations, Hadley found herself sitting in a park, unwrapping a peanut butter sandwich. The bread was now a bit gooey, yet she consumed it regardless. Amotion nearby captured her attention. A film crew appeared to be in the midst of a crisis, pausing their shoot. Visibly upset, the director eximed, ¡°Are we really considering canceling today¡¯s shoot because we¡¯re short one dancer? We have multiple scenes scheduled for this morning!¡± The assistant director bore the brunt of the director¡¯s frustration. ¡°We¡¯re only missing one dancer. Perhaps we could still proceed with the remaining ones? It might work out.¡± ¡°Really?¡± the director shouted, gesturing angrily. ¡°Is this your standard of professionalism? Are you joking with me, or are you underestimating our audience? Find a suitable recement immediately. You have half an hour!¡± Every story starts at galn ovels ; ¡°Understood!¡± The assistant director, clearly overwhelmed, turned aside, muttering under his breath, ¡°That dancer canceledst minute. How is this my responsibility? Where am I supposed to find someone on such short notice?¡± Just then, the assistant director noticed a woman observing the scene. He dismissively gestured at her. ¡°Can I help you? If you¡¯re here to watch, please move along.¡± The woman was none other than Hadley. After a brief pause, Hadley gathered her courage. ¡°Sorry, but I couldn¡¯t help overhearing your conversation.¡± The assistant director looked at Hadley skeptically. ¡°And?¡± Pointing to herself, Hadley confidently responded, ¡°I¡¯m a dancer. I hold a degree in modern dance from the Chauncey Academy of Art. Perhaps I could be of help? I believe I can step in for your missing dancer.¡± . . . Chapter 70 ?Chapter 70: Hadley¡¯s voice trembled slightly as she spoke. Unexpectedly presented with this chance, she seized it, driven by necessity and a sudden impulse. The assistant director regarded her with a measure of doubt. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Definitely,¡± Hadley answered, her nod decisive. ¡°Dance is an art that can¡¯t be pretended, and I have the skills.¡± With time pressing, the assistant director checked his watch. ¡°Okay, you have thirty minutes to master a new routine because we¡¯re on a tight schedule. Can you manage that?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley assured him. ¡°Just run me through the routine a couple of times, and I¡¯ll be set.¡± ¡°Is that true?¡± A hint of a smile appeared on the assistant director¡¯s face, somewhat skeptical of her im. ¡°Alright then, show us what you can do! But remember, if you don¡¯t get it right within two tries, that¡¯s it.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± ¡°Come with me,¡± he instructed, guiding Hadley toward where the other dancers were gathered. ¡°Heads up, everyone. She¡¯ll run through the choreography twice with you, and then I want to see how it looks,¡± he instructed. ¡°Understood,¡± responded the group of stand-in dancers. Hadley nearly had the whole routine down after just one rehearsal. The choreography was straightforward¡ªa basic ensemble piece suited for a television show background, easily within Hadley¡¯s capabilities. Observing from a distance, the assistant director was impressed after watching her performance. He apuded, eximing, ¡°Excellent!¡± He signaled his approval with a thumbs up. ¡°You really nailed it! Wee aboard!¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley responded gratefully. pping his hands, the assistant director instructed the film crew, ¡°Let¡¯s get her ready. Makeup and wardrobe, please. We¡¯re shooting shortly!¡± He hurried away to brief the director on Hadley¡¯s quick integration. Once in costume, Hadley joined the set, and the shootmenced wlessly. ???????????? ???? ????????: ??????????????????©q?????? Nheless, repeated errors by the principal actor necessitated several retakes of the scene. As the day concluded and the temporary dancers were dismissed, the production assistant approached to handle their paychecks. ¡°Thanks a lot.¡± ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Hadley collected her earnings and opened the envelope, delighted to see the number on her paycheck¡ª$400, a sum greater than she had anticipated. ¡°After receiving your payment, you are all set to leave.¡± They were no longer needed for the remaining scenes. Pleased with the amount, Hadley secured the envelope carefully. ¡°Hey, hold up!¡± Just as she was about to leave, she heard someone calling. Hadley turned to see the assistant director hurrying towards her. ¡°Yes?¡± . . . Chapter 71 ?Chapter 71: Breathing heavily from his quick pace, the assistant director eximed, ¡°I¡¯m d I caught you in time!¡± ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Hadley asked. ¡°Absolutely,¡± he replied between breaths, smiling at her. ¡°Your dance performance caught my eye¡ªit was exceptional.¡± ¡°Thank you, sir. That¡¯s very generous of you,¡± Hadley responded, appreciating thepliment. ¡°Here¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking,¡± the assistant director said, taking out his phone. ¡°Why don¡¯t we add each other on WhatsApp? Our team often needs dance doubles, and you have the right look and skills. I¡¯ll keep you in mind for any opportunities.¡± Hadley was taken aback by the offer. The idea of being a dance double had never crossed her mind. Noticing Hadley¡¯s hesitation, he continued, ¡°Dance doubles earn significantly more than what you did today. Does that sound good to you? Are you interested?¡± The prospect of better earnings quickly convinced Hadley. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± She took out her phone. ¡°Just a heads up, I have night shifts, so my avability is during the day.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± the assistant director assured her, syncing their WhatsApp details. ¡°Whenever something suitablees up, I¡¯ll reach out. If it works with your schedule, you cane aboard.¡± ¡°Perfect! Thanks a lot!¡± Unexpectedly, Hadley found herself with a resolved part-time job situation. She couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that Srixby was treating her well. Srixby was where Hadley¡¯s roots were deep; born and raised, she was determined to remain. No one was going to make her abandon her home again, as they had in the past. With the $400 she had just made, Hadley decided to indulge in a dinner treat for herself¡ªan omelet with crispy bacon. See more chapters at g??l no vels.?????? cing her meal on the table, anticipation made her mouth water. However, just as she was about to enjoy her first bite, her phone vibrated. Checking the disy, she saw it was Eric. Hadley suppressed the urge to sigh heavily. ¡°Hello? What now? Are we ready to finalize the divorce?¡± ¡°Do you only ever think about that?¡± Eric retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm and annoyance. ¡°Hadley, it¡¯s not just your manners that arecking¡ªyou¡¯re truly ungrateful.¡± Hadley was taken aback. What was prompting this reaction? ¡°Tomorrow!¡± Eric¡¯s voice rose sharply, his irritation clear. ¡°Grandma¡¯s surgery is tomorrow!¡± Hadley quickly understood, though she remained unfazed by his tone. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s tomorrow? Understood, I¡¯ll be there early. But don¡¯t call me ungrateful¡ªyou never mentioned Grandma¡¯s surgery was tomorrow until now.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was evident. . . . Chapter 72 ?Chapter 72: Lately, she seemed to have a retort ready for everything he said. Just like how he hated the days when she relied on him, he was equally frustrated with her newfound independence. Before Eric could continue his rebuke, Hadley interjected, ¡°Is there anything else? Because if not, I¡¯m about to hang up.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was audible as he clenched his teeth. ¡°Where are you staying? I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow morning, and we can go together.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Hadley responded swiftly. ¡°I¡¯ll make my own way there.¡± She had turned down his offer? Eric was clearly upset. ¡°We have to visit Grandma together. This isn¡¯t up for debate.¡± He needed to maintain appearances, especially for N¡¯s benefit. Hadley massaged her temples. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll go together.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s your ce?¡± Hadley paused for a moment. She had no intention of letting Eric know where she lived. It wasn¡¯t about what he might think; she simply didn¡¯t want him invading her personal space. ¡°Let¡¯s meet at Mayfield Road,¡± she suggested. ¡°Alright.¡± Eric thought about the location after ending the call. ¡°Mayfield Road? That rundown part of town? She¡¯s living out there now? What an inconvenience!¡± The following morning, Hadley set out early. She arrived at their designated meeting point precisely at 8 a.m., only to find Eric¡¯s car already there. ¡°Mrs. Flynn,¡± Sebastian said, stepping out to open the car door for her. ¡°Please,e in.¡± Read exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls Sebastian opened the back door, revealing Eric seated inside. Hadley gave Sebastian a grateful smile, gently closed the back door, and exined, ¡°Thanks, Sebastian. I tend to get carsick, so I¡¯ll sit in the front.¡± She then opened the front passenger door and settled herself inside. Sebastian let out an awkwardugh and climbed back behind the wheel. From the back seat, Eric raised an eyebrow, observing Hadley as she arranged herself. His handsome features took on a shadowed expression. Was she deliberately avoiding him? A smirk crept across his face. Did she really think he minded? This arrangement suited him perfectly! The roads were clear, and they arrived at the sanatorium well before 8:30 a.m. With N¡¯s surgery scheduled for today, they made their way directly to the surgical center. As Eric and Hadley approached the elevator together, they unexpectedly ran into Linda in the elevator bank. ¡°Eric,¡± Linda called out, standing by the elevator with her assistant. Upon seeing them, her face lit up with a friendly gesture toward Eric. ¡°Good morning.¡± Then, upon noticing Hadley, Linda¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°Hadley, good to see you too.¡± . . . Chapter 73 ?Chapter 73: ¡°Morning,¡± Eric replied with a nod. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at work today? Why are you here? I¡¯ve got everything under control here. You could¡¯vee after,¡± he added. Linda yfully frowned. ¡°No way, Eric. N is as much my family as she is yours. My job doesn¡¯t take priority over her.¡± Eric didn¡¯t argue further but instead looked down at Linda¡¯s ankle. ¡°How¡¯s the ankle holding up?¡± ¡°Just a bit sore, but I can manage,¡± Linda replied nonchntly. As they finished their conversation, the elevator doors opened. Eric held the doors open, gesturing for Linda and her assistant to enter first. After they stepped in, he followed, then looked back at Hadley. Nodding toward the open elevator, he said, ¡°Come on in.¡± Hadley paused, uncertain. Rather than moving forward, she stepped back. ¡°Just go ahead. I¡¯ll follow shortly.¡± What? Eric¡¯s confusion quickly turned to annoyance. ¡°What are you doing? Get in here!¡± His patience was running low. He reached out, intending to guide Hadley inside. However, Eric stopped mid-gesture, recalling how much Hadley detested being forced into contact. Any physical attempt would surely upset her. This realization made him reconsider. ¡°Let¡¯s go, quickly now! Come inside!¡± Eric tried to encourage her verbally instead. Hadley firmly shook her head, standing her ground. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was mounting, his temper on the brink. ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.??? Meanwhile, the elevator seemed indifferent to their quarrel. The doors started closing just before both Eric and Hadley. ¡°Stop!¡± Eric¡¯s attempt to halt the elevator doors was just a second toote. He grumbled softly, ¡°Such a difficult woman!¡± Inside, Linda and her assistant shared a look. ¡°Eric,¡± Linda said, gently pulling at his sleeve with a reassuring smile. ¡°Rx. It¡¯s N¡¯s surgery today. Hadley will make it up in time.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Eric responded, his brow furrowed. ¡°But why is she so hesitant to join us in the elevator?¡± Linda¡¯s smile faltered slightly. ¡°Well, it might be my fault. You know we had a disagreement recently, and perhaps she¡¯s avoiding me because of that.¡± A disagreement? Eric¡¯s expression hardened, his voice taking on a chill. ¡°If that¡¯s true, why is she throwing a tantrum now? Hadley should feel ashamed of herself!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on it,¡± Linda replied, her face tensing as she attempted to defuse the growing tension. ¡°That incident was some time ago. I was just upset then. We should put it behind us.¡± . . . Chapter 74 ?Chapter 74: ¡°You expect me to just forget about it?¡± Eric responded sharply. ¡°What Hadley did isn¡¯t something minor that can just be overlooked. It¡¯s unforgivable! We can¡¯t simply forgive and forget.¡± ¡°Eric¡­¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Linda attempted to soothe him, but Eric interjected, ¡°You might forgive her out of kindness. But to me, it¡¯s about the child our family lost. I will never forgive Hadley, not ever.¡± How could he let it go and still look his brother or the rest of the family in the eye? Linda looked up at Eric and then quietly let the matter drop, choosing to remain silent. She then recalled another issue. ¡°You mentioned that you had made a decision about finalizing the divorce. So, what¡¯s happening with you and Hadley now?¡± Eric dismissed the question. ¡°There¡¯s been aplication. We¡¯ll reschedule it for another time.¡± At that moment, the elevator halted, and the doors opened. Eric exited the elevator, ncing back at Linda. ¡°Grandma isn¡¯t aware yet, and you know how she sticks to her opinions. Please, let¡¯s not mention this to her for now.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Linda agreed, offering a reassuring smile. After a pause, Linda voiced her concern. ¡°So, there was a problem, and the divorce proceedings were halted?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric responded, his exnation brief. ¡°Ast-minute issue came up, and I wasn¡¯t able to attend. We need to move on.¡± With that, he strode forward. ¡°Alright.¡± Linda trailed behind, observing Eric¡¯s retreating figure while lost in thought. ¡°Linda,¡± her assistant murmured, drawing close. ¡°Mr. Flynn is finalizing his divorce. You might have a chance here. Don¡¯t miss it.¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales ¡°What are you implying?¡± Linda retorted, her frown deepening as she quietly scolded her assistant. ¡°Eric and I are just friends! If anything, we¡¯re practically family.¡± The assistant was visibly unnerved by Linda¡¯s intensity. ¡°Never mention such things again!¡± Linda replied sternly. ¡°If the press gets hold of it, we could be swamped with scandals. Understand?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ I understand,¡± the assistant stammered. ¡°We need to move,¡± Linda instructed, folding her arms as she quickened her pace to catch up with Eric. With Hadley yet to arrive, they were forced to wait in the lounge. Hadley entered a few minutester than expected. Eric nced at her with evident annoyance. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Grandma is waiting.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric led the way, Linda followed closely, and Hadley trailed behind. The room for pre-surgery preparation was set. N was on the bed, reaching out her hand eagerly as she saw Eric, Linda, and Hadley enter. ¡°You¡¯ve all arrived.¡± . . . Chapter 75 ?Chapter 75: ¡°Grandma.¡± ¡°N.¡± N gripped the hands of both Eric and Linda. ¡°I¡¯ll be alright, just you wait and see. No need to worry.¡± Her gaze then shifted to Hadley. ¡°Hadley,e closer, let me have a good look at you,¡± N said. ¡°N.¡± Hadley approached, and N tenderly took her hand. ¡°Hadley, you¡¯ve really matured after everything you¡¯ve endured. Once I recover, I¡¯m going to spoil you like in the old days, okay?¡± ¡°Absolutely. You¡¯re on for a pinky promise, no backing down!¡± Hadley responded, extending her pinky finger. ¡°Huh?¡± N was momentarily taken aback, but then herughter filled the room. ¡°Alright, alright!¡± N joyfully linked her pinky with Hadley¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s a promise, no going back on it!¡± From a short distance, Eric watched with a subtle grin. Despite Hadley¡¯s challenging demeanor, her knack for brightening N¡¯s mood was undeniable. With just a few yful words, N was filled withughter. Eric and Linda knew they couldn¡¯t inspire that joy quite like Hadley. ¡°It¡¯s time, Mrs. Flynn. We should get going.¡± A nurse arrived and began to take N toward the surgery room. The operation was expected tost between four to five hours, providing plenty of time for the family to wait in the VIP lounge. As lunchtime neared, Linda checked her watch before addressing Eric. ¡°Hey, Eric, what are you in the mood for? I¡¯ll ce an order.¡± ¡°Choose anything you like. I¡¯m not picky.¡± At that moment, Eric¡¯s phone vibrated with an iing work call. ¡°I need to take this. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± This left Linda and Hadley by themselves in the lounge. Linda offered a warm smile. ¡°What about you, Hadley?¡± ?????????????? ?????????????? con g???????¦Í?ls.c0m After a brief pause, Hadley slowly shook her head. ¡°No, thanks. You two go on without me.¡± She then picked up her bag and headed for the exit. Linda watched her leave with a slight smirk. ¡°Not hungry, huh? That¡¯s alright. I wasn¡¯t particrly eager to share a meal with you either.¡± She gestured for her assistant toe closer. ¡°Let¡¯s get something to eat. You remember what Eric prefers, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve got it covered,¡± the assistant replied confidently before walking off to order their food. By the time Eric returned, the food had been delivered. ¡°Eric!¡± Linda greeted him cheerfully, gesturing for him to join her. ¡°Here, sit down. We ordered all your favorites.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± Eric stowed his phone away and settled into a chair. As he reached for his fork, he looked around. ¡°Where¡¯s Hadley?¡± . . . Chapter 76 ?Chapter 76: ¡°Hadley?¡± Linda responded nonchntly. ¡°Oh, she left a bit ago. Said she wasn¡¯t hungry.¡± ¡°Not hungry?¡± Eric let out a derisiveugh. Lately, ¡°no¡± seemed to be Hadley¡¯s new favorite word, as if she were trying to make it her trademark. Always declining offers. He pushed his te aside and stood up. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Linda reached out, grasping his arm. ¡°To look for her. She might skip lunch if we don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Oh, drop it!¡± Lindaughed, releasing his arm. ¡°She was quite clear. Plus, you know her background in dance. Dancers tend to be strict with their diets.¡± ¡°Strict with her diet?¡± Eric was skeptical. Despite her recent return, he¡¯d observed her eating habits. Hadley had a strong appetite. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. She really can eat.¡± With that, he pushed back from the table and exited. Linda watched him go, her smile fading into a more troubled expression. Linda was upset by Eric¡¯s words. What did he mean by saying she didn¡¯t understand Hadley? Or did he mean to say that he did? To the extent that he¡¯d sacrificed his meal to find her? However, once outside, Eric found no trace of Hadley. Where could she have gone? With N¡¯s surgery still underway, it seemed unlikely she¡¯d just leave. Eric retrieved his phone and called Hadley¡¯s number. She didn¡¯t answer, but he could already hear the ringtone. Suddenly, he realized the sound was close by. Drawn to the ringtone, Eric headed toward the fire escape stairwell and spotted Hadley. ¡°Hello?¡± Hadley spoke into her phone just as the call disconnected. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eric¡¯s voice emerged unexpectedly from behind her. S???? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.con Caught off guard, Hadley turned sharply, her eyes wide with surprise. ¡°Eric, what brings you here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s you I should be questioning,¡± Eric retorted, his expression tinged with irritation. ¡°Why are you secluding yourself out here? Come and join me for lunch. Must I really persuade you like a child?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that!¡± ¡°Not this again!¡± Eric was growing tired of the repetition. ¡°Hadley, is that all you can say to me? We have no idea when Grandma will be out of surgery. What if she needs you, and you¡¯ve passed out from not eating? I don¡¯t want to deal with that mess.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t really need to¡­¡± ¡°Tell me the truth¡­¡± Eric¡¯s dark eyes intensified as they focused on Hadley¡¯s face, interrupting her. ¡°Are you just avoiding Linda?¡± What? Hadley was taken aback. Was that his assumption? Her silence led him to believe he was correct. . . . Chapter 77 ?Chapter 77: Eric¡¯s voice,ced with a hint of sarcasm, carried through the air. ¡°Thinking back, was it worth it? You know, you get what you give.¡± Hadley fixed her gaze on Eric, unblinking, and then abruptly questioned, ¡°Did Linda say that?¡± Hadley pondered internally if Linda had actually told Eric that she was afraid to face her. ¡°What?¡± Eric seemed puzzled by her question initially. ¡°Never mind.¡± Hadley decided not to pursue the matter further. It felt pointless to even mention it. Four years ago, Eric had unconditionally sided with Linda. Was there any chance he¡¯d support Hadley now? Moreover, Hadley was beyond trying to vindicate herself at this point. She simply shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really.¡± Hadley reaffirmed firmly. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything. You all go ahead and have lunch. I have my own food¡­¡± ¡°What have you got there?¡± Eric was about to respond, but his attention suddenly shifted to something by the stairs. He noticed it. Beside Hadley¡¯s seat was her ck backpack with an open lunchbox perched on top. The contents of the lunchbox were visible. Inside, there were noodles apanied by some greens. Eric tried to spot anything else, but that was it. He looked puzzled and a bit concerned. ¡°Hadley, is that what you¡¯re eating?¡± ¡°Is that what you¡¯re eating for lunch?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded, her face showing resolve. Eric was puzzled. Why would Hadley eat so little? Calling it in was an understatement. What made her choose something like that? Wasn¡¯t this kind of diet harmful to her health? The Flynn family provided Hadley with a monthly stipend. She had more than enough to live well, even by Srixby¡¯s high standards. Money clearly wasn¡¯t the issue here. There had to be another exnation. It confirmed what Linda had suggested. Hadley was likely trying to lose weight. ¡°Trying to maintain your figure by eating that little?¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was evident as he looked Hadley over. ¡°Look at yourself! You¡¯re so thin, a gust of wind might blow you away!¡± Your imagination thrives at punt Hadley remained silent, her expression unreadable. ¡°Alright then,¡± Eric snapped, frustrated. ¡°If you insist on starving yourself, fine. But remember, it¡¯s your health that will suffer, not mine!¡± With a dismissive gesture, Eric spun around and left abruptly. Atst, he was gone. Hadley took a slow, steadying breath, managed a weak smile, sat down again, and resumed eating her now cold lunch, each bite a struggle. The food seemed to stick in her throat, prompting her to grab her water bottle and take a few gulps. Back in the lounge, Eric reappeared, his mood clearly unchanged. Linda handed him a te of food. ¡°What happened to Hadley? Weren¡¯t you able to find her?¡± ¡°Forget about her!¡± Eric retorted sharply. The mere thought of Hadley seemed to sour his mood further. ¡°She¡¯s too caught up in her dietary fads. Just leave her to it!¡± . . . Chapter 78 ?Chapter 78: Linda gave a knowing smile as she shook her head. ¡°I warned you, but you wouldn¡¯t listen. Now,e on, have some more.¡± The surgery concluded sessfully at two in the afternoon, and N was transferred to a regr ward. The doctor briefed Eric thoroughly on the post-operative care. ¡°The next 24 hours are critical. Ideally, a family member should be present. We do have caregivers, but patients often respond better to family.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stay!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stay!¡± Both Eric and Hadley said at the same time. Eric looked over at Hadley, who then hesitated. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s really Mr. Flynn¡¯s decision. If he stays, that¡¯s enough.¡± The doctor suggested, ¡°Perhaps both of you should consider staying. For one, Mr. Flynn, you might not have the specific attentiveness that a female could offer in caring for an elder. Additionally, should any decisions need to be made, it¡¯s prudent for Mr. Flynn to be present.¡± He paused, observing both Eric and Hadley for their reaction. Silence fell between them. The doctor added, ¡°This is merely a rmendation. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.¡± ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda said, her expression concerned. ¡°Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do.¡± Eric resolved, addressing Hadley. ¡°We should both stay. Would that work for you?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Hadley nodded. Hermitment to stay was personal. N had looked after her for five years, and she felt indebted to her. She had even arranged a day off with Lennon to ensure she could be there. ¡°Looks like you do have some sense of duty,¡± Eric replied, and then turned to Linda. ¡°Linda, you were saying?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Linda replied with a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯m just eager for N to wake up. I have to return to work this afternoon and then attend an eventter.¡± Check out more at g??????o¦Í???????co?? ¡°No worries,¡± Eric offered warmly. ¡°Grandma has always appreciated you. She understands your workmitments, and I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Since you have workter,¡± Eric said, ncing at his watch, ¡°Linda, let me walk you out.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Back in the ward, N remained unconscious, an oxygen mask fitted to her face as the machines around her emitted a soft beeping. A nurse periodically checked on her. Hadley was tasked with keeping N¡¯s lips moist and alerting the nurse if the IV bag emptied or if any rms went off. Remaining vignt, Hadley positioned a chair next to the bed and stayed close. As the nurse reced the IV bag, she warned, ¡°Fever ismon after surgery. Keep monitoring her temperature.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep a close watch, thank you.¡± . . . Chapter 79 ?Chapter 79: After the surgery, N seemed to sweat more than usual, so Hadley took a warm towel and gently wiped her down. Upon returning, Eric entered to find Hadley tenderly wiping N¡¯s hands. He watched her careful, nurturing actions. Raising an eyebrow, he acknowledged internally that despite her shorings, Hadley showed genuinepassion in caring for N. It was a point worth acknowledging. However, Eric¡¯s thoughts soon returned to Linda¡¯s loss, casting a shadow over his mood once more. While Hadley remained inside to tend to N, Eric dealt with business matters in the outer room. As the evening approached and Eric concluded his tasks, the clock ticked on. The clock showed it was after six. Xander and Theodore brought dinner while Phillips checked in with Eric, inquiring, ¡°Mr. Flynn, shall we invite Hadley to join you for dinner?¡± Eric responded without hesitation. ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Why bother inviting Hadley? Did Eric really need to hear Hadley decline him once again, or endure yet another rebuff? He had no desire to subject himself to that ordeal; self-pity was not in his nature. Seeing Eric¡¯s decision, Phillips and the twin bodyguards exchanged nces, understanding that it was best not to question their employer¡¯s directive. As the clock struck seven that evening, Hadley spoke softly to the nurse. ¡°I need to step outside for a bit. I¡¯ll be just out front. Call me if anythinges up.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Hadley grabbed her backpack and headed out. g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ???????????? ???? ???? By this time, Eric and his team had already finished their meal. Xander and Theodore had left, with only Phillips remaining, deep in a business call. Hadley focused straight ahead, ignoring her surroundings, and made her way to the kitchen. From her backpack, she retrieved a lunchbox containing boiled corn-on-the-cob and hard-boiled eggs. The eggs were straightforward enough, but the cold corn-on-the-cob required more effort to eat. She ced it in the microwave and set the timer for three minutes. After removing the heated food, she eximed, ¡°Ah, that¡¯s hot!¡± Just then, Eric entered to fetch a ss of water. He acted as if he hadn¡¯t noticed her and refilled his ss. He was¡­ About to leave, just as Hadley bit into her dinner, Eric wondered if that really was all she was having. It seemed even scantier than her lunch, which had included noodles and vegetables. Eric¡¯s gaze lingered on her, his expression impassive. ¡°What is wrong with you, Hadley?¡± ¡°What?¡± Caught off guard by his question, Hadley looked up, only to find Eric already walking out. . . . Chapter 80 ?Chapter 80: Left alone, Hadley continued eating, perplexed. It seemed Eric¡¯s disdain for her extended even to her dietary choices. She was at a loss for words. Later that night, Hadley remained vignt at the bedside. Eric, unable topete with her determination, resigned himself to the sofa nearby. Both were too cautious to fall into a deep sleep, stealing only brief moments of rest. Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the loud beeping of a monitor. ¡°Beep¡­ Beep¡­¡± Instantly, Hadley leapt from her seat. She seized N¡¯s hand, concerned. ¡°N, can you hear me? What¡¯s happening?¡± Eric sprang from the sofa, rmed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Both Hadley and Eric fixated on the monitor. Though neither could fully interpret the readings, the disy for blood oxygen levels was an rming red, a clear sign of distress that was hard to miss. ¡°Get the doctor, now!¡± ¡°Right!¡± Frantically, Hadley pressed the call button beside the bed as Eric raced out of the room shouting, ¡°Doctor! Nurse!¡± Within moments, the medical team burst into the room. ¡°Please, give us room!¡± the doctor instructed. As the nurse drew the curtain to shield the bed, Eric and Hadley were pushed back. They were starting an urgent procedure, one not suitable for non-medical observers. Although Hadley and Eric were outside the curtain, neither feltpelled to leave. They stayed close, straining to hear the medical team¡¯s urgent discussions. ¡°There¡¯s a blockage from the mucus! We need to clear it!¡± G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m ¡°The suction isn¡¯t strong enough; it¡¯s too dense!¡± ¡°Try diluting it with saline!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Suddenly, another urgent voice emerged. ¡°This isn¡¯t working! The mucus won¡¯t clear!¡± Eric listened intently, his hands clenched, his face etched with worry. ¡°I can handle it!¡± While Eric hesitated, considering his next move, Hadley didn¡¯t wait. She swept aside the curtain and moved swiftly to the bedside. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric extended his hand to pull her back but was toote. ¡°Why are you here? This area is off-limits to family members!¡± ¡°Doctor!¡± Caught in the crisis, Hadley wasted no time. ¡°I can do this!¡± ¡°Do you intend to¡­¡± ¡°Hadley, don¡¯t make things worse here!¡± Eric had rushed in behind her, intent on intervening. . . . Chapter 81 ?Chapter 81: However, he and the doctor were too slow to react. Swiftly, Hadley leaned forward, positioning herself over N. Eric¡¯s eyes opened wide, struck by disbelief. The scene unfolding was unexpected. Hadley was attempting to clear N¡¯s airway using her own mouth. Both the doctor and nurse paused, momentarily stunned by her actions. Oblivious to their astonishment, Hadley lifted her head after clearing the obstruction. ¡°Dispose of it here!¡± The nurse quickly presented a bin, into which Hadley spat the mucus. Panting from the exertion, she inquired, ¡°Is it better now?¡± She felt the blockage had been removed, though she wasn¡¯t certain of the oue. ¡°It is!¡± The nurse eximed, pointing to the monitor with a smile. ¡°Look, her oxygen levels are improving!¡± A look of relief washed over the doctor¡¯s face. ¡°With the airway cleared, we can proceed with her medication. Could the family please step outside now?¡± With a deep exhale, Hadley agreed. ¡°Okay.¡± As she began to turn away, she felt a gentle tug at her hand. Confused, Hadley looked down. It was N. N, who had just experienced severe breathing difficulties, was not fully conscious yet. Her eyes were only partly open, her awareness slowly returning. ¡°N.¡± Gently, Hadley held her hand, reassuring her. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. Everything¡¯s going to be okay.¡± N was unable to speak, emitting only a soft murmur as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Tears welled up in Hadley¡¯s eyes as well; she felt a profound connection in that moment. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m here for you.¡± Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s Gradually, N¡¯s hand rxed, and she released her hold. Hadley turned, letting out a sharp breath. The brief ordeal had left her¡­ Soaked with sweat, Hadley felt the urgent need to clean her mouth. As she reached to draw back the curtain, someone else pulled it open. Looking up, she saw Eric. ¡°Ahem.¡± Eric cleared his throat, looking anywhere but at her. ¡°You were heading to the washroom, right? Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Leading the way, Hadley walked with Eric a few steps behind her. Reacting swiftly earlier, she had only had N¡¯s safety in mind. Now, the adrenaline was wearing off, leaving her shaken. As she entered the restroom, she stumbled on the threshold. ¡°Be careful!¡± Eric quickly reached out, steadying her. Hadley snapped back to awareness, hastily pulling away. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really.¡± There it was again. . . . Chapter 82 ?Chapter 82: Eric watched as Hadley regained herposure, noting how she recoiled from his touch. He pondered if she really found him that repulsive. At this point, scolding her wasn¡¯t an option¡­ She had just saved his grandmother. Eric managed to hold back his irritation from her earlier recoil, grabbed a cup, filled it with water, and offered it to her. ¡°Here, you should rinse out your mouth.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Hadley epted the cup gratefully and proceeded to rinse at the sink. Watching her from the side, Eric paused before saying, ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. In fact, I owe you thanks. Really, Hadley, thank you.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Hadley turned slowly, almost as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she heard. What did he just say? ¡°I¡¯m saying thank you,¡± Eric responded, trying to ease the tension. ¡°For what you did for Grandma.¡± Understanding dawned on Hadley, and she offered a slight smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t do it for you. N took care of me for five years. Helping her was the least I could do.¡± Putting aside the past four years, Hadley knew how much she owed to N for weing her into her home when she had no one to turn to. It was a logical response. Yet, Eric sensed that Hadley was maintaining a distance between them. He had always desired this separation. But now, it unexpectedly irked him. ¡°You¡¯re entitled to your feelings, but expressing thanks is my prerogative.¡± He looked at Hadley thoughtfully. ¡°What do you need? Name it, and I¡¯ll provide it as a gesture of my gratitude.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need¡­¡± ¡°Come on, tell me!¡± Eric¡¯s patience was waning. ¡°I hate being in someone¡¯s debt. Just tell me what you want!¡± L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï?? Hadley understood then. Eric feared she might see this as an opportunity to reattach herself to him. His offer was a way to settle any perceived debt and ensure she remained distant. ¡°Alright, then.¡± Hadley finally made up her mind. ¡°Let me think for a moment.¡± She pondered what to request as a thank-you gift. ¡°How about this?¡± she proposed confidently. ¡°Treat me to the donuts from Grandma¡¯s Kitchen.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric, surprised, thought he might have misunderstood her. He looked at her quizzically. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Did she really just ask for donuts when she could obviously have asked for more? Grandma¡¯s Kitchen was a cherished, quaint bakery in Srixby, famous for its small batches of morning treats. They baked only a few each day, and once they were gone, patrons had to wait until the following morning. The scarcity of these treats made them quite expensive. Hadley had been away for four years and had missed these delicacies. Even now that she was back in Srixby, she couldn¡¯t afford them on her own. . . . Chapter 83 ?Chapter 83: Her choice of thank-you gift was heartfelt. She nodded affirmatively. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m positive.¡± Eric chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re certain. There are no second chances.¡± Hadley could have requested anything¡ªa sum of money, a car, or more¡ªbut she had chosen donuts. ¡°I¡¯ve considered it well.¡± Still, she didn¡¯t waver, only specifying further. ¡°I want the paczki.¡± ¡°Alright then.¡± Eric agreed with a nod. He had offered her a choice, and she had firmly made hers. He felt no¡­ obligation to offer more. ¡°Tomorrow morning, once Grandma¡¯s condition is stable, I¡¯ll take you to get some.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± The next day, N¡¯s health had improved. The doctor visited early to check on her and confirmed her well-being. ¡°You both have been awake all night. Go home and rest. The nurses will look after her during the day.¡± Neither Eric nor Hadley had managed any sleep, so without objections, after ensuring N wasfortable, they left together. True to his word, Eric drove Hadley to Grandma¡¯s Kitchen. Without a chauffeur and unapanied by Phillips and the others, Eric parked and went in to purchase the donuts himself. ¡°I¡¯ming as well.¡± Hadley joined him eagerly, her lips parting in anticipation. ¡°Nothing beats freshly made donuts.¡± Eric was amused by her enthusiasm for the donuts. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you get plenty. Let¡¯s head out.¡± He took the lead. They arrived neither too early nor toote. Yet, there was already a line. ¡°You wait here. I¡¯ll join the line.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley found a seat and watched as Eric advanced slowly in the queue. She counted the remaining people before him. ¡°Five more, four more¡­¡± Soon, it was Eric¡¯s turn. Hepleted the purchase and retrieved the donuts, smiling slightly. Luckily, three paczki remained. These were ample to satisfy Hadley. Eric looked over the crowd and noticed Hadley approaching quickly. ¡°Did you manage to get them?¡± she asked eagerly. Eric nodded and approached her. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± . . . Chapter 84 ?Chapter 84: He was stopped mid-way by someone. It was Linda¡¯s assistant, Teresa Cruz. ¡°It really is you.¡± Teresa was not alone. Pointing at the car, she said, ¡°Linda¡¯s waiting in the car. I came to buy her donuts.¡± She sighed deeply. ¡°Linda wanted the paczki, but they were gone by the time I arrived. You know how particr she is. She refuses to eat anything else.¡± The assistant continuedining, ¡°The morning shoot is extremely hectic. If Linda doesn¡¯t eat anything, how can she handle it?¡± Suddenly, she paused, noticing Eric. She looked at the paper bag in his hand. ¡°Mr. Flynn, are you here for donuts too?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A look of difort appeared on Eric¡¯s face, with Hadley just a few steps behind him. ¡°What variety did you get?¡± asked the assistant, her tone light but probing. Eric did not respond, looking troubled. Teresa had already seen thebel on the bag. ¡°Paczki.¡± ¡°Are those paczki?¡± For the first time, Eric hated the clearbeling at Grandma¡¯s Kitchen. It was bing annoying. ¡°Teresa?¡± Linda, apparently impatient, had exited the car, her sunsses and mask on, searching for her assistant. ¡°Why is it taking so long to get some donuts?¡± Then she noticed Eric and Hadley. ¡°Eric, Hadley¡ªare you guys here for breakfast?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ?????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????: g???????¦Í?????????????? ¡°Linda,¡± Teresa quickly interjected. ¡°The paczki are all taken, but Mr. Flynn managed to get some.¡± As she said this, Teresa gave Eric a meaningful look. The implication was clear. He should offer them to Linda. Linda looked puzzled. ¡°Really? But you don¡¯t even like those, right?¡± Linda had known Eric well since they grew up together. ¡°Why would Eric buy them?¡± she wondered. Suddenly, it made sense. Linda¡¯s intuition red. ¡°Wait, who did you get them for?¡± With a light tone, Linda smiled. ¡°For Hadley, huh?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Eric nodded in confirmation. ¡°She was up all night caring for Grandma and hasn¡¯t eaten yet.¡± ¡°That makes sense,¡± Linda replied, still smiling. ¡°Go ahead, Hadley, eat before they cool off. I need to head to the set.¡± Before Eric could reply, Linda pulled her assistant¡¯s arm. ¡°We should go now.¡± ¡°But Linda!¡± Teresained. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask Mr. Flynn to give them to you? He would have agreed if you had asked!¡± ¡°You talk too much. Let¡¯s go.¡± . . . Chapter 85 ?Chapter 85: ¡°I¡¯m just looking out for you. You¡¯ll be hungry until lunch!¡± Eric overheard their entire conversation. He thought to himself that if Ernest were here, he wouldn¡¯t let Linda go hungry. He looked over at Hadley, who was still waiting, and called out, ¡°I¡¯ll get more for you!¡± With that, he hurried after Linda. ¡°Linda!¡± ¡°What?¡± Linda turned around, puzzled. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Here.¡± Eric handed her the bag. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t skip breakfast. You need to take better care of yourself.¡± ¡°This¡ª¡± Linda hesitated, reluctant to ept it. ¡°What about Hadley?¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric shrugged. ¡°There are other donuts. I¡¯ll find something else for her. She won¡¯t be left hungry.¡± ¡°Then¡ª¡± ¡°Just take them.¡± Eric ced the bag in her hand. ¡°Alright,¡± Linda conceded, a smile appearing. ¡°I won¡¯t argue then. I¡¯m in a hurry, so I must go.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± As Linda walked away, Eric turned back to Hadley. ¡°I¡¯ll get more. I¡¯ll queue up again¡ª¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Hadley spoke up firmly. ¡°Did you forget? You just bought thest three paczki.¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened, irritation evident in his voice. ¡°They have other options. Come on! They¡¯re all donuts! You¡¯re just being difficult now.¡± Hadley paused momentarily. She then chuckled quietly to herself. ?????????? ???????????? ??????? g???????¦Í????????????? Eric really had some nerve with his double standards. Linda could be picky about her food, and that was eptable. But when it came to Hadley, he called her difficult. Had he forgotten that those donuts he just gave Linda were meant to be Hadley¡¯s thank-you gift for staying up with N? As Eric¡¯s words left his mouth, he sensed his own mistake, difort flickering in his eyes. Yet, disying vulnerability was not in Eric¡¯s nature, especially not in front of Hadley. He wasmitted to his stance once he dered it. Eric¡¯s tone was resolute, bordering on defiant. ¡°So, are you going to eat or not?¡± Hadley perceived his growing impatience. She sighed internally, preferring to avoid any conflict. She responded affirmatively, ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like to eat.¡± Eric¡¯s expression rxed into a faint smirk as he softened his approach. ¡°What vor would you like?¡± ¡°Anything is fine.¡± Hadley had only wished for paczki, but they were sold out, and now she¡¯d just have to take whatever Eric had chosen for her¡ªjust like how things used to be between them. . . . Chapter 86 ?Chapter 86: ¡°Understood,¡± Eric replied, his eyebrow arching. ¡°I¡¯ll get them. Wait here.¡± Hadley settled into a seat, waiting calmly. Shortly, Eric returned with a tray that surprisingly included donuts and two cups of coffee. ¡°I¡¯ve got us coffee as well.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Hadley immediately inquired without much thought, ¡°What are these?¡± Eric responded casually, ¡°You said anything was fine, so I let them choose.¡± That seemed reasonable. Hadley picked up a donut and took a bite. She then grimaced slightly. Eric caught her expression. ¡°Something off with the donut?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Hadley offered a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s really hot; burned my tongue a bit.¡± Eric didn¡¯t dwell on it. He picked up a donut himself and took a bite. ¡°Maple syrup and bacon, huh? Not bad.¡± He looked over at Hadley. ¡°Do you like it?¡± Hadley swallowed her bite with difficulty. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s good.¡± Good? Far from it. She absolutely hated maple syrup. After nearly a decade of knowing Eric and sharing countless meals over five years, it baffled her that Eric still hadn¡¯t picked up on her hatred of maple syrup. It made sense, though. Eric often overlooked the preferences of those he was indifferent towards. Hadley knew she couldn¡¯t really me him; he wasn¡¯t obligated to remember her preferences. Nevertheless, she managed to suppress her difort and finished one donut. Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co?? After that, she stopped eating. ¡°Why have you stopped?¡± Eric appeared surprised. ¡°Are you full already?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied, patting her mouth with a napkin. ¡°I¡¯m fine now.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric¡¯s tone grew skeptical, and his expression hardened. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley affirmed with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ve received your thank-you gift and appreciated it. Thank you.¡± Appreciated it? Eric felt a twinge of annoyance. Was that her idea of appreciation? ¡°We¡¯re even now.¡± Hadley reached for her bag, ready to leave. ¡°I need to get going¡­¡± Suddenly, she stopped, a thought urring to her. ¡°Hey, Eric, when are you avable? Now that N¡¯s surgery is over, we should finalize our divorce.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not avable anytime soon!¡± Eric responded abruptly, irritation evident as he nced at the leftover donuts. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? You can¡¯t wait?¡± . . . Chapter 87 ?Chapter 87: Hadley shook her head, puzzled by his reaction. Rising from her seat, she said, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave you to it. Enjoy your breakfast.¡± She didn¡¯t wait for a reply, shouldering her bag and walking out. Eric remained seated, frustration simmering inside him. What was her angle? Did she just give him attitude? ¡°She¡¯s been away for years, and all she¡¯s learned is how to get under my skin,¡± Eric fretted. Returning to her apartment, Hadley took a nap to energize herself for her performance at Gnt that evening. Hadley arrived in thete afternoon, ready to get a head start on her preparations for the evening¡¯s dance performance. Lennon had chosen a beautiful outfit for her, a gown of soft, flowing chiffon that seemed almost weightless. She began dressing and applying her makeup. Lennon came into the dressing room. ¡°Mr. Lewis,¡± Hadley greeted, standing up quickly. ¡°Rx, keep sitting,¡± Lennon instructed with a smile, motioning for her to continue her makeup. ¡°Just listen while you get ready.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Lennon was there to talk about what wasing next. ¡°We¡¯reunching the Toasting Ceremony in a few days.¡± ¡°The Toasting Ceremony?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± It was a clever marketing strategy. As the venue focused on dance, they nned to include dance battles as part of the festivities, aligning with Gnt¡¯s dance queenpetition. Guests would have the opportunity to vote and bet on their preferred dancers. g?????0¦Í??????.??????, ???????????? ???????? It was expected that multiple bets might be ced on the same dancer. What was at stake? The top betting guest on the winning dancer, who would be crowned as the dance queen, would be honored by having her serve them a drink. Hadley understood the concept but remained skeptical. ¡°Do you think that will actually attract interest?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Lennon reassured her with a confident smirk. ¡°People here love to spend money for entertainment. They¡¯ll definitely enjoy this.¡± He didn¡¯t mince words. ¡°You¡¯re a guaranteed winner for dance queen. Just a heads-up, you¡¯ll be pouring drinks, so prepare for that. Are you okay with this?¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Hadley responded, her smile easy and assured. She had understood such responsibilities were part of the job when she joined Gnt. Lennon, feeling confident in her response, said, ¡°Great. Get ready, then. I have to go.¡± Meanwhile, outside, the familiar group was back in their usual spot. The booth facing the stage held Eric, Barrie, Marshall, and Denver, just as before. Tonight, Eric was more reserved than usual, his silence notable since their arrival. . . . Chapter 88 ?Chapter 88: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Barrie inquired, noticing Eric¡¯s sour mood. ¡°Something happened?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Eric acknowledged with a nod, not attempting to hide his feelings. His mind was preupied, thoughts of Hadley and the earlier mishaps lingering. Marshall, intrigued by his friend¡¯s demeanor, asked further, ¡°Who managed to ruffle the feathers of our Mr. Flynn? Share with us; it might lighten the mood.¡± Eric responded with a sardonicugh but then asked, ¡°What do young women generally appreciate?¡± This morning¡¯s events had beenrgely his own doing. He had made promises to Hadley that he hadn¡¯t kept. The issue with the donuts seemed minor, but failing to keep his word was a bigger problem. Hadley had left Grandma¡¯s Kitchen visibly distressed, and merely bringing her back there didn¡¯t seem sufficient. Eric considered that a thoughtful gift might mend fences, yet he was clueless about her preferences. All day, he pondered,ing to the realization that he knew nothing about her except for her feelings for him. However, offering himself as a gift was out of the question. Thus, Eric turned to his friends for suggestions. ¡°You mean it¡¯s about a woman?¡± Barrie and Marshall chimed in simultaneously. Barrie scoffed, ¡°Are you trying to figure out what Linda likes?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Marshall replied. ¡°After all these years, you should be the expert on her preferences, given all the gifts you¡¯ve given her.¡± Eric¡¯s irritation was apparent. ¡°It¡¯s not about Linda.¡± ???????????? ???????? ??????????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°No way!¡± Both Marshall and Barrie were stunned, speaking in unison again. ¡°You guys are exhausting,¡± Eric retorted, visibly annoyed. He was clearly serious this time. Barrie leaned in, intrigued. ¡°Has Eric Flynn moved on to someone new?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± Eric immediately regretted bringing it up. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have mentioned¡­¡± However, Marshall became more thoughtful. ¡°Generally, women appreciate simr things. Clothes, jewelry, designer bags¡ªit¡¯s hard to go wrong there.¡± Was it really that simple? It wasn¡¯t a particrly innovative suggestion, yet Eric had considered it as well. ¡°Okay.¡± Eric decided to keep it simple and notplicate things further. ¡°Look over there, it¡¯s S!¡± Denver interjected excitedly, pointing towards the stage. ¡°S? Who¡¯s that?¡± Everyone else was confused. . . . Chapter 89 ?Chapter 89: ¡°The jazz dancer who performs under a mask, the one fromst time!¡± Following her electrifying jazz performance, Hadley quickly rose to fame. Under Lennon¡¯s astute marketing stunts, she had be Gnt¡¯s star attraction. Guests were willing to pay big money just to see her. But Lennon understood the power of rarity and refused every offer. He kept even Hadley¡¯s identity under wraps. To the patrons, she was only known as Miss S, which only heightened the intrigue. Tonight, the buzz was that Miss S would perform, drawing an unprecedented crowd to the nightclub. The evening¡¯s takings were through the roof, multiple times higher than normal. ¡°There she goes, on stage!¡± Everyone¡¯s attention shifted to the stage. Abruptly, darkness enveloped the stage. The murmurs halted as anticipation built. Then, a single spotlight illuminated, revealing Hadley in a flowing red outfit at center stage. As the music swelled, she moved gracefully, captivating everyone. Hadley executed a graceful twirl and leapt up, casting a yful look at the audience. Yet her identity remained concealed, her face obscured by a delicate veil, adding to her allure. ¡°Bravo!¡± ¡°Amazing!¡± The crowd was initially taken aback by her dramatic entrance, but then burst into apuse that swelled like an ocean wave. Hadley¡¯s performance continued seamlessly. Her movements were fluid, as if she were a breeze weaving through trees, mesmerizing and effortless. ???????????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????[?]?????? Wires attached to her allowed her to move in sync with the melody, captivating everyone present. ¡°She¡¯s incredible!¡± Barrie eximed, visibly impressed. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Marshall agreed. ¡°This new dancer at Gnt really stands out from the rest.¡± The performance itself was a feast for the eyes. Eric watched, his expression a mix of admiration and slight unease, but he remained silent. Denver couldn¡¯t contain his enthusiasm. ¡°She¡¯s obviously skilled. A real professional, unlike those amateurs we often see here.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Marshall chuckled, ncing at his cousin. ¡°Sounds like someone has a bit of a crush.¡± Denver fumbled for words, his face turning red. ¡°I just overheard some guests mentioning it. You all were too engrossed in your own conversations to notice.¡± ¡°Wow!¡± The crowd suddenly erupted in cheers. . . . Chapter 90 ?Chapter 90: Hadley ascended gracefully, ribbons encircling her as if she were an angel descending from the heavens. ¡°Where¡¯s she going?¡± ¡°Who knows!¡± ¡°Over here, please!¡± Many in the audience stretched out their hands, eager to graze the fabric of her celestial costume. Yet, Hadley was floating directly towards the booth by the stage, where Eric and his group were seated. Eric remained in his seat, intently watching as the dancer approached his location. As Hadley neared, she caught sight of Eric. A slight surprise registered in her, though she masked it quickly and stuck with the choreography. With a deft movement, she swept her long, flowy sleeve towards Eric. Eric reflexively reached out to catch it. However, Hadley swiftly withdrew her sleeve before his fingers could make contact. All Eric grasped was the faint scent left behind in the air. Behind her veil, Hadley was sure Eric wouldn¡¯t recognize her. She shed a brief smile and twirled back towards the center of the stage. ¡°Wow! Who¡¯s the lucky guy?¡± ¡°It¡¯s that booth over there!¡± ¡°Which VIP got that attention?¡± ¡°Why wasn¡¯t it me?¡± The crowd was abuzz with excitement, and then the stage lights suddenly went dark, and the music stopped. When the lights flickered back on, S had disappeared from view. Eric sat motionless, deep in thought. Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o?? To his friends, it appeared as though he had been hit by a bolt from the blue. ¡°Hey!¡± Barrie jolted Eric¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Come back to us, man!¡± Marshallughed at the scene. ¡°It seems Eric¡¯s changing his ways. He¡¯s buying gifts for a mystery woman and now he¡¯s captivated by Gnt¡¯s lead dancer. I¡¯m really impressed, man.¡± ¡°Knock it off!¡± Eric retorted, his voice a blend of humor and annoyance. Yet, he couldn¡¯t exin why his heart had skipped a beat when S flicked her sleeve toward him, or why he had instinctively held his breath. And that peculiar feeling of familiarity with the dancer? It puzzled Eric. That evening, Hadley performed just a single dance. When the crowd shouted for more, Hadley felt a bit bashful. Lennon dismissed the calls for an encore. ¡°Look, Hadley, one performance per night is enough. Do you know how much revenue you generate in those few minutes? Remember that. With the Toasting Ceremonying up, a slice of the betting pool will be yours. You¡¯ve earned it.¡± Hearing about her share of the earnings cheered Hadley up. After all, money was her primary reason for dancing at the nightclub. ¡°Time to pack up and head home,¡± Lennon instructed. . . . Chapter 91 ?Chapter 91: ¡°Alright, Mr. Lewis.¡± Exiting Lennon¡¯s office, Hadley headed towards the dressing room. Along the way, a young man approached her in the staff hallway, leading her to assume he worked there. With her veil already removed, she gave him a polite nod and a small smile. ¡°You¡­¡± The young man halted, his eyes fixed on Hadley as he swallowed nervously. ¡°Are you Miss S?¡± Hadley, taken aback, questioned, ¡°You don¡¯t work at Gnt?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Denver identified himself, pointing at his chest to jog her memory. ¡°Last time, you dropped your key pouch. I was the one who found it and gave it back to you. Do you remember now?¡± Recognition dawned on Hadley. ¡°Oh¡­ Yes, that was you.¡± While her memory wasn¡¯t perfect, she remembered recent events clearly. ¡°Why are you here in the staff area?¡± Denver looked a little uneasy as he scratched the back of his head. ¡°I¡¯m not too familiar with this area. I was actually looking for the restroom.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Hadley gave him directions. ¡°Exit through that door, go straight, make a left, and then a right. You¡¯ll find the restroom there.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Denver paused, seeming reluctant to leave. ¡°Wait a second,¡± Hadley called out to him as he started to walk away. Denver turned quickly, his face lighting up with a smile. ¡°Yes?¡± A smile crept onto Hadley¡¯s face as well. ¡°Please keep this encounter to yourself. It¡¯s part of our manager¡¯s promotional tactics that no one sees my face for now, okay?¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Denver replied, nodding with enthusiasm. ¡°Your secret¡¯s safe with me.¡± They shared a moment ofplicity. F??ll ?????????? ??????i?????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.?????? ¡°I need to head out now. Bye.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Hadley smiled warmly once more. Denver¡¯s smile remained etched in his memory, aforting afterimage that persisted even after she had left. As Denver departed, Eric entered the backstage area. He approached Lennon directly. ¡°I need to see S.¡± Having witnessed her performance twice, Eric felt a persistent, unsettling familiarity. He was intent on discovering the source. Lennon¡¯s heart raced with mixed emotions, knowing Hadley was the golden ticket. Even someone like Eric Flynn couldn¡¯t resist her allure. With feigned regret, Lennon responded, ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯m sorry, but she¡¯s already finished for the day and has left.¡± ¡°She was already gone?¡± Eric was skeptical. ¡°You expect me to believe that?¡± He saw through what he believed was a tactic to maintain her mystique and boost attendance. ¡°I need to see her right now!¡± Eric then made his way towards the dressing rooms. Lennon grew anxious. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please, I¡¯m telling the truth¡­¡± . . . Chapter 92 ?Chapter 92: Now what? If Eric encountered Hadley now, it could disrupt all of Lennon¡¯s carefullyid ns. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Lennon¡¯s anxiety was evident. ¡°The dressing rooms are upied by many young women. It would be inappropriate for you to enter.¡± Eric immediately stopped at these words. Indeed, entering abruptly could lead to unintended sightings. He turned around and shot Lennon a frosty re. ¡°You don¡¯t intend to bring her out, then?¡± Lennon forced a nervous smile. ¡°We¡¯re simply performing our duties here. If you could kindly support her, we¡¯ll always reserve the best seat for you. She would appreciate it deeply.¡± Eric scoffed coldly. Lennon was proving to be a slick and crafty businessman. Eric wasn¡¯t about to cause amotion over a mere dancer. ¡°Do you expect me to support her?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes, cold and dark, briefly shed with an icy smile. ¡°Let¡¯s see if she has what it takes to impress.¡± With those words, he walked away. That woman was merely a dancer. Did she really think she could affect him? ¡°Take care, Mr. Flynn! Hope to see you again!¡± As Eric walked away, Lennon bowed and ushered him toward the exit. After leaving Gnt, Eric didn¡¯t return to Silver Vis. Instead, he went straight to the sanatorium to be with his grandmother after her surgery. He nned to stay overnight to monitor her condition. N was out of immediate danger but remained frail. She spent most of her time asleep, barely conscious. During the night, she was under constant care from nurses and caregivers. Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm Eric¡¯s primary concern was ensuring that all was well. The night passed without any problems. At dawn, Eric was awakened by his rm for an urgent morning meeting that required preparation. He collected the clothes Phillips had prepared for him and proceeded to shower. Meanwhile, Hadley reached the door of N¡¯s room and was about to enter when someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind. Turning around, Hadley saw Marshall Myers and greeted him with a smile. Marshall looked surprised. ¡°Are we acquainted?¡± Realizing Marshall didn¡¯t recognize her, given how much she had changed over the years, Hadley was about to introduce herself. ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°Wait, are you Hadley?¡± Marshall unexpectedly said her name. ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded with a smile and a nod. ¡°Ah.¡± . . . Chapter 93 ?Chapter 93: Marshall expressed genuine surprise before warmlyplimenting her. ¡°You¡¯ve be so much prettier. I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡± ¡°Thanks, you¡¯re too kind.¡± ¡°Are you here to see N?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wonderful, I am as well. Let¡¯s enter together.¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± With a courteous gesture, Marshall opened the door, motioning for Hadley to proceed. ¡°Ladies first, please.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Inside, a nurse was attending to N¡¯s morning needs. Marshall indicated the sofa. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley seated herself. ¡°Would you care for something to drink?¡± Before Hadley could respond, Marshall had already risen and was heading to the kitchen. He returned with two cups of coffee and ced one in front of her. ¡°Is this alright?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, thank you.¡± Hadley, feelingpelled, took the cup. Marshall encouraged her with a smile. ¡°Go ahead, take a sip.¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± Upon tasting it, Hadley found it bitter and furrowed her brow. ¡°It¡¯s in ck coffee. Not to your liking? Shall I add some milk or sugar?¡± Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother!¡± ¡°It¡¯s no bother at all.¡± Marshall went to the kitchen and soon returned with milk, adding it to her cup. ¡°Is this sufficient?¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­¡± ¡°Oh dear, that¡¯s too much!¡± Marshall feigned a spill, causing Hadley to startle. He then chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m just messing with you.¡± Hadley, realizing the jest, gave him a look of mock distress. ¡°You really frightened me!¡± ¡°Do you scare that easily?¡± Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and Eric entered. He found Hadley and Marshall sharing a moment ofughter on the sofa. He stopped sharply. His attention was drawn to Hadley¡¯s face, slightly uplifted, her lips curved in a gentle, warm smile. He recalled never seeing such a smile directed at him before. Always, she had been more critical and questioning towards him. Yet here she was, smiling so freely¡ªbut for another man. . . . Chapter 94 ?Chapter 94: This sight darkened Eric¡¯s mood, and he approached them briskly, casting a brief nce at Marshall. ¡°Marshall.¡± Eric pointedly disregarded Hadley. ¡°Hey, buddy.¡± Marshall nodded. Just then, Xander and Theodore entered with breakfast. Though Marshall had informed Eric of his visit, Hadley¡¯s presence was unexpected. As they arranged the meal, Xander noted, ¡°We only have two portions.¡± Marshall responded swiftly, ¡°No problem. Hadley,e over here. You can have mine.¡± Hadley hesitated, and Eric was noticeably surprised. Since when were Hadley and Marshall so close? ¡°There¡¯s no need¡ª¡± ¡°No!¡± Hadley initially resisted but was interrupted by another voice¡ªEric¡¯s. Marshall, caught off guard, looked back and forth between them. What exactly was happening here? He shot Eric a questioning look and said softly, ¡°What¡¯s the issue? It¡¯s merely breakfast.¡± Despite knowing Eric¡¯s feelings toward Hadley, Marshall still thought he was overreacting. He then decisively took his breakfast and set it in front of Hadley. ¡°Go ahead and eat, Hadley. Ignore him. This is my breakfast, and I¡¯m sharing it with you. If you refuse, it would be as though you¡¯re disrespecting me.¡± With reluctance, Hadley epted the meal. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Marshall replied with a big grin. Marshall¡¯s yful expression brought a smile to Hadley¡¯s face, her dimples peeking through. Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? Upon seeing another smile from her, Eric¡¯s frustration grew, and he was on the brink of reacting. Suddenly, a distressed whimper was heard from the inner room. Instantly, they all stood, their expressions tense as they rushed to investigate. Inside, they heard the caregiver saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mrs. Flynn. We¡¯re just changing your sheets and helping you clean up.¡± N resisted, visibly upset, shaking her head. Eric approached with concern. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked the caregiver. The caregiver exined, ¡°Mrs. Flynn had her catheter removedst night, but she¡¯s still feeling the effects of the anesthesia and has be incontinent.¡± N, always a strong figure, struggled to ept her current state. ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric started, unsure of what to do. ¡°Please, let them help you,¡± he suggested. N, silent, gestured dismissively and closed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Hadley stepped forward, reaching to hold N¡¯s hand. ¡°N, it¡¯s me, Hadley. Let me help you, okay? I¡¯m no stranger. I would¡¯ve cared for my own grandmother this way.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± N opened her eyes and firmly held onto Hadley¡¯s hand. Though she hadn¡¯t been fully aware before, she recognized Hadley¡¯s aid. She remembered how Hadley had sucked out the mucus she was choking on with her own mouth when the sputum aspirator failed. Meanwhile, Eric had just stood there when it all happened. Though he wasn¡¯t necessarily neglectful, it was undeniably brave and selfless for Hadley to do that for N. . . . Chapter 95 ?Chapter 95: ¡°Okay,¡± N responded, with tears forming in her eyes. Hadley then instructed everyone to leave. ¡°You can all leave. I can manage on my own.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± As the nurses and caregivers left, followed by Eric and Marshall, Eric cast a lingering nce back at Hadley, his expression reflecting a mix of emotions that were difficult to decipher. Hadley fetched a basin of water, pushed up her sleeves, and carefully began wiping down N¡¯s body, taking her sweet time. She swapped out N¡¯s old clothes for fresh ones, her hands moving softly and steadily, as though she were handling something precious. Meanwhile, Marshall and Eric sat across from each other, shooting the breeze. Marshall tipped his head toward the inner room where Hadley was busy. ¡°She is not the same girl she used to be, huh?¡± ¡°Not the same girl?¡± Eric muttered, a flicker of irritation sparking inside him. ¡°You¡¯ve barely crossed paths with her since she returned. What makes you think you¡¯ve got her all figured out?¡± Marshall clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t need a decade to spot it. The way she carries herself, that look in her eyes¡ªit¡¯s like night and day now.¡± His voice had a warm edge, as if he were tipping his hat to her. Eric wasn¡¯t having it, his lips twisting into a smirk. ¡°Old habits cling like burrs. It¡¯s all a front, I¡¯m telling you!¡± ¡°A front?¡± Marshall raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. ¡°What has she got to prove to you or me? Look, I get it¡ªyou¡¯ve never been her biggest fan¡ªbut didn¡¯t you both sign the divorce papers already?¡± His tone cut through Eric¡¯s grumbling, sharp and knowing. He nodded toward the room again before continuing, ¡°Check out how she is tending to N. Cut her some ck, man. Just treat her like family¡ªlike a sister or something.¡± Eric let out a dry huff. ¡°Since when did you turn into a chatterbox? You came to see my grandma but barely lifted a finger. Finish your grub and hit the road!¡± ¡°I refuse to,¡± Marshall jokingly replied. ¡°I promise to save my meal for Hadley¡­¡± Read more at g??lnovel s.?????? ¡°Enough!¡± Eric let out a half-amused, half-fed-up chuckle. ¡°She is my¡­¡± ¡°Sister now, isn¡¯t she? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got this¡ªnow scram!¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Marshall said with a shrug. He wolfed down thest of his breakfast in a couple of hasty bites. ¡°I¡¯ll hit the road then.¡± ¡°Sweet,¡± Eric replied, tossing him a casual nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be a tadte, though.¡± The two had been teaming up on a project and originally nned to head out together after Marshall swung by to see N. But life threw a curveball, and Eric had to hang back a little longer. Soon after Marshall bolted, Hadley slipped out of the inner room. She had just finished sprucing up N¡ªcleaned her up, got her into some fresh clothes¡ªand was clutching a bundle of dirty clothes. A caregiver darted over to Hadley, all chipper. ¡°Let me snag those for theundry!¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley said, passing them off with a grin. Eric flicked his eyes toward Hadley, his voice softening before he could catch himself. ¡°Go scrub those hands.¡± . . . Chapter 96 ?Chapter 96: ¡°On it,¡± Hadley replied, heading off to freshen up. When she came back, Eric jerked his chin at the chair across from him. ¡°Sit down.¡± Hadley blinked, thrown for a loop. ¡°What¡¯s up? You need something?¡± If not, she had to hit the road pronto¡ªshe was already pushing it to get back to Gnt for rehearsal. ¡°Just sit when I say sit,¡± Eric snapped, his brow creasing. Patience wasn¡¯t exactly his forte. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? The chair isn¡¯t gonna eat you. Sit already.¡± Hadley let out a quiet sigh but plopped down anyway. A smirk tugged at Eric¡¯s lips, smug as can be. He waved a hand at the untouched breakfast spread¡ªhis portion¡ªstill sitting pretty on the table. ¡°Dig in.¡± ¡°Say what now?¡± Hadley froze, wondering if her ears were ying tricks on her. Eric was offering her food? Earlier, he had practically put up a ¡°no Hadley allowed¡± sign around the grub. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Eric clocked Hadley¡¯s hesitation and read her mind like a book. He swallowed hard, practically choking on the words. ¡°Look, earlier? That was me being a jerk. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hadley¡¯s jaw hit the floor. Eric, of all people, apologizing? She had to be dreaming. In all the time she had known him, this was a unicorn moment. Still, she figured it all boiled down to N. Hadley¡¯s voice came out soft as a whisper. ¡°No need to say sorry to me. I get it¡ªyou¡¯re not exactly my cheerleader, maybe even can¡¯t stand the sight of me. It¡¯s only natural you¡¯d rather not bump into someone who rubs you the wrong way. But I¡¯m here for N, not you. I¡¯ll be more careful and make sure to steer clear of your radar from now on.¡± She shed a small smile, nodding at the table. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing to feel bad about. I¡¯ll pass on breakfast.¡± He hadid out an apology, and she still wasn¡¯t biting? Eric¡¯s face clouded over, his tone dropping to subzero. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ll scarf down whatever Marshall shoves your way, but when I offer something, it¡¯s a hard no?¡± See full story at g???????¦Í???????co?? As he spoke, Eric¡¯s mind shed back to Hadley¡¯s warm smile at Marshall, and it lit a fire in his chest. Narrowing his eyes, Eric spat out his words like venom. ¡°You sure looked cozy grinning at Marshall earlier, huh? What¡¯s the deal¡ªare you into him now?¡± Hadley blinked,pletely thrown. What was he even on about? But Eric wasn¡¯t letting up. His eyes zed with fury, a wild tempest churning beneath the surface. ¡°Marshall is way out of your league¡ªdon¡¯t even think about it! Setting aside the fact that everyone in this town knows your name for all the wrong reasons, you¡¯re a divorcee with a rap sheet of bad vibes. You¡¯ve got no shot with any of Srixby¡¯s big shots!¡± Hadley took it all in without a word, her initial stun giving way as the color drained from her cheeks. Then Eric twisted the knife. ¡°Talk about reaching for the stars!¡± . . . Chapter 97 ?Chapter 97: In an instant, Hadley¡¯s whole frame locked up, shaking like a leaf caught in a storm. How could someone this nasty even exist? How had she ever fallen for a guy this rotten? She looked at Eric, her smile faint but sharp enough to cut ss. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m swinging way out of my league! But you? Can you sink any lower than lusting after your own brother¡¯s woman? Is there a soul in Srixby who hasn¡¯t heard about that dirty little secret of yours?¡± Her words dropped like a bomb, leaving a thick, suffocating silence in their wake. Eric¡¯s fists clenched tight, his re turning icy and downright sinister as it swallowed Hadley whole. ¡°Hadley!¡± Before he could blow his top, Hadley spun on her heel, snatched her backpack off the couch, and hightailed it out the door. Eric¡¯s chiseled face darkened, his lips pressed into a thin, furious line. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have even bothered with you!¡± With no one to take it out on, heshed out, kicking over two chairs in a row in a sudden burst of fury. But the anger still gnawed at him, unrelenting. What the heck was wrong with him? Why was he letting Hadley get under his skin like this? Later that evening, Hadley rolled up to Gnt like clockwork. After her performance, she slipped into the dressing room to wipe off the stage makeup. Then her phone buzzed with an overseas call. ¡°Hello!¡± Hadley answered, her voice heavy. ¡°Dr. Williams.¡± ¡°Hey, Ms. Pearson,¡± Mathias Williams replied, his tone just as grave. ¡°I need to talk to you about Joy¡¯s condition.¡± ???????????????? ???????????????? @ g??????¦Í??????©q????? ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley straightened up without even realizing it. ¡°Joy had her treatment a few days back,¡± he went on. ¡°She dealt with some vomiting and diarrhea, but she¡¯s bounced back a bit thesest couple of days.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes dulled, a pang twisting in her chest. She wasn¡¯t there with her daughter. Joy must¡¯ve felt so alone. ¡°Your friend¡¯s been keeping herpany, though,¡± Mathias added, referring to Colleen. ¡°Joy¡¯s holding up alright,¡± Mathias said with a sigh. ¡°I know you¡¯re from Srixby. Now that you¡¯re back, have you thought about giving Joy a little sibling like we¡¯ve talked about before?¡± Hadley caught the hint loud and clear. If there was even the tiniest glimmer of hope, she would snatch it up in a heartbeat. But no, the reality was a harsh wake-up call. She shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not an option, Dr. Williams.¡± Mathias let out a soft sigh. ¡°Sorry, I overstepped.¡± ¡°No, don¡¯t say that. I know you¡¯re just looking out for her.¡± After the call ended, Hadley stared at her phone, her eyes glistening as they lingered on the screensaver¡ªa photo of Joy¡¯s bright little face. ¡°Joy, my sweet girl,¡± Hadley whispered, her voice cracking like fragile ss. ¡°I¡¯m busting my tail to make enough cash. I¡¯ll bring you home soon, I promise!¡± . . . Chapter 98 ?Chapter 98: It was Monday today. Mondays were Hadley¡¯s days off, as Gnt typically saw less business. With some free time avable, Hadley chose to visit N. N¡¯s health was improving significantly; she was fully conscious and gradually regaining strength. Together with a caregiver, Hadley assisted N out of bed and wheeled her into the garden to soak up some sunlight. ¡°Hadley,¡± N exhaled deeply, grasping Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°I will always remember your kindness, dear.¡± ¡°I did what I felt was necessary for you,¡± Hadley responded, offering a soft smile as she shook her head gently. N squeezed her hand. ¡°And I¡¯ll never forget it.¡± Tears welled up in N¡¯s eyes, her voice breaking. ¡°My biggest regret is how I left you on your own these past years¡­¡± ¡°N,¡± Hadley quickly pulled out a tissue to dab at the older woman¡¯s tears. ¡°That¡¯s behind us now. I¡¯m doing well, aren¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± N affirmed with a reassuring smile. ¡°You will always be part of my family, as Eric¡¯s wife.¡± Hadley¡¯s face showed a moment of uncertainty. She then decided to leave it to Eric to break the news of their divorce to N, however he saw fit. She knelt to gently massage N¡¯s calf. ¡°I don¡¯t have work today. I¡¯ll stay with you tonight, is that alright?¡± ¡°That would be wonderful.¡± Just then, the caregiver approached. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, you have a call,¡± she said, offering N the phone. ¡°Thank you.¡± g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ???????????? ???????? N epted it and noticed Eric was on the line. ¡°Grandma.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± N asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at Linacre Lake now? Don¡¯t worry about checking in if you¡¯re busy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not why I¡¯m calling this time, Grandma,¡± Eric responded, his voice light with amusement. He continued, slightly amused, ¡°I¡¯m actually calling to see if you could have someone look for a man envelope. I may have left it there.¡± Eric had been spending nights at the sanatorium to be close to N, often bringing work with him, which exined why he thought he might have left it there. N¡¯s face took on a grave expression. ¡°Do you need it immediately?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s crucial for a meeting tonight. Could you please look for it?¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± Having been a professional herself, N understood the importance of such requests. She set the phone aside and turned to Hadley. ¡°Hadley, would you mind checking inside my room for a man envelope?¡± . . . Chapter 99 ?Chapter 99: ¡°Of course.¡± Without hesitation, Hadley made her way indoors to search. Returning shortly, Hadley held up a C4-sized man envelope. ¡°Is this the one?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a look.¡± N epted the envelope, examined its contents, and then reconnected with Eric on the phone. ¡°It¡¯s here. I¡¯ve got it.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Relief was evident in Eric¡¯s voice as he responded over the phone. ¡°Grandma, can you arrange to have it sent to me?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± N consented and then ended the call. As she started to search her contacts to make another call, she paused, struck by an idea. She then turned to Hadley. ¡°Hadley, could youe here for a moment?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± N grasped Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Eric needs these documents urgently. I trust no one but you to deliver them. Would you mind making the trip?¡± N gently tapped the envelope, her voice lowering. ¡°These papers contain sensitive business information. It¡¯s too risky to entrust them to a courier.¡± Hadley paused, weighing her response. She realized N¡¯s request might be an attempt to mend bridges between her and Eric. Reluctantly, because she wasn¡¯t ready to face Eric again, Hadley almost declined. Yet, she couldn¡¯t express her true feelings to N about her strained rtionship with Eric. ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley finally agreed, her voice tense as she epted the task. Ultimately, Hadley was just there to deliver a package. She nned to hand it off to Eric and make a quick exit without engaging in any conversation. ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± N said, pleased, her smile broadening. ¡°First, let¡¯s sit down for some refreshments together while we enjoy the sun before you head out.¡± N pondered the timing of the delivery. The documents weren¡¯t needed untilter that evening. ¡°It might be better for them to meet in the evening and then she stays,¡± she muttered silently. L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.?????? ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley agreed, unaware of N¡¯s subtle matchmaking. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡± Departing the sanatorium around four in the afternoon, Hadley slipped the man envelope into her backpack and caught a bus to Linacre Lake. Linacre Lake, a burgeoningmunity within Srixby¡¯s region, required a lengthy two-hour bus journey. Arriving at her destination, Hadley walked the short distance to Eric¡¯s hotel, following the directions N had sent her. The hotel was recently built, its corridors still reeking of fresh paint. Once inside, Hadley adjusted her backpack to the front and called Eric. Back in his hotel room, Eric saw Hadley¡¯s name sh on his phone. Surprised, he wondered why she was calling. Memories of theirst argument surfaced, stirring a mix of emotions. She had even used him of harboring inappropriate feelings for Linda. . . . Chapter 100 ?Chapter 100: With a cold expression, Eric ced his phone face down on the table, ignoring the iing call. Outside, Hadley checked her phone, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Eric answering? Doesn¡¯t he need these documents?¡± Could he be tied up with something? Perhaps it was just bad timing? After a brief pause, Hadley decided to text him instead. ¡°I was asked by N to deliver something to you.¡± She quickly took a photo of the man envelope she was holding and sent it to Eric. Eric¡¯s phone buzzed on the table. He frowned. What did Hadley want now? He pondered. ¡°She still thinks I have such low morals, yet she contacts me?¡± Nevertheless, Eric picked up his phone, swiped to unlock it, and looked at the message. When he saw the message from Hadley, Eric¡¯s expression softened. She was simply delivering the documents he needed. He quickly got to his feet and left his room. Outside, the evening was setting in, marked by a faint glow of the sunset on the horizon. There stood Hadley, dressed in a beige T-shirt and cargo jeans, her long hair secured with a ck hair tie. Her figure was slender and poised, outlined by the fading light. A lump formed in Eric¡¯s throat as he approached her. ¡°Hadley,¡± he called out gently. Hearing her name, Hadley looked up. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here,¡± she responded, swiftly pulling the man envelope from her backpack to hand it to him. ¡°Here you go. Is this what you were waiting for?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric answered, examining the contents of the envelope. ¡°Everything appears to be in order.¡± He sealed the envelope back and offered Hadley a knowing smile. ¡°You really do have impable timing.¡± G a lno v els is packed with thrilling adventures ¡°Huh?¡± Hadley looked puzzled, unsure of his implication. Eric, tapping his watch, retorted yfully, ¡°I called Grandma just after one today, and now you finally turn up? There¡¯s no bus back at this hour, is there? nning to stay over?¡± Hadley¡¯s heart skipped a beat at Eric¡¯s insinuation. There was no bus back to town tonight? Eric¡¯sughter had a biting edge. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re ying your old games.¡± He had believed Hadley was no longer pursuing him, yet here she seemed to be reverting to her previous tactics. ¡°Persistent, aren¡¯t you?¡± Eric muttered to himself. ¡°Fine,¡± Eric responded, gesturing dismissively. ¡°You¡¯ve made the effort toe here, so I¡¯ll arrange a ce for you to stay tonight.¡± Without waiting for her response, Eric started to walk away, expecting Hadley to follow. However, Hadley remained rooted to the spot. Realization dawned on her that he suspected her of deliberately timing her visit. Eric looked over his shoulder, his expression turning sour. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing? Or are you cooking up a new n now that I¡¯ve caught on?¡± . . . Chapter 101 ?Chapter 101: Hadley masked her profound annoyance. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you¡¯re mistaken. I had coffee with N. I should¡¯ve delivered those papers earlier.¡± Marshall quickly understood that N had likely orchestrated this. He nced at Hadley yfully. ¡°Is that so? Aren¡¯t you hoping to reconcile with Eric, perhaps revive something from the past?¡± Hadley paused momentarily, her smile tinged with sadness. Given her past infatuation with Eric, Marshall¡¯s assumption didn¡¯t seem unreasonable. Breathing out slowly, Hadley confessed, ¡°I¡¯ve changed. That part of my life is over. Besides, nothing with Eric was ever worth reigniting.¡± Her words hung in the air as Marshall fell silent. He observed Hadley through the rearview mirror, noticing her transformation. They soon reached the hotel. Marshall looked at Hadley and asked, ¡°Are you hungry? Let¡¯s go grab something to eat. I have some workter, but let¡¯s eat first.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley agreed. They walked into the hotel restaurant, with Marshall taking the initiative and cing the order. ¡°Eat up,¡± he encouraged, gesturing toward the spread. ¡°Thank you, Marshall.¡± Hadley was famished, as her earlier treats with N hadn¡¯t been sufficient. While they ate, Marshall¡¯s phone rang persistently. He was here on business, hence the continuous calls. Marshall wrapped up one call only for another to immediately follow. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± He spoke into the phone, furrowing his brow as he listened. ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll take a look.¡± Standing, he appeared to be in need of handling something urgent. After setting his phone down, Marshall said to Hadley, ¡°I need to sort this out. Please, take your time with the meal.¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all He then pointed at his te. ¡°Help yourself to anything you like here.¡± Hadley nodded as Marshall walked off, his mind clearly elsewhere. Hadley felt a mix of frustration and weariness. She had no clue about her usations. She came because N requested her presence. ¡°I¡¯m far from perfect, but I keep my word when I say I¡¯ll leave you alone.¡± She then walked away briskly. ¡°Hadley, where are you heading?¡± Was her reaction that severe? A mix of humor and irritation welled up in Eric as he watched her disappear. ¡°Off so soon? Fine. If I meddle in your affairs again, call me foolish.¡± Meanwhile, Hadley found herself at the bus stop where she had alighted earlier, feeling disheartened. Was there really no bus returning? What was her next step? As she surveyed her surroundings, she realized she was quite isted. Just then, a sleek ck Cayenne pulled up next to Hadley. The window rolled down, and a familiar voice sounded. ¡°Hadley.¡± . . . Chapter 102 ?Chapter 102: Marshall¡¯s presence here wasn¡¯t really surprising, given the connections between the Flynn and Myers families. ¡°Mr. Myers.¡± ¡°Why so formal? Just Marshall will do.¡± Adjusting a lock of hair behind her ear, Hadley nodded. ¡°Marshall.¡± ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± Marshall noted the time. ¡°It¡¯ste, and there are no buses now. What brings you out here?¡± Before Hadley could answer, Marshall gestured for her to join him. ¡°Get in,¡± he suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Hadley said, climbing into the car without protest. As they drove, Hadley briefed Marshall on the events, her voiceden with regret. ¡°Had I known it would turn out this way, I wouldn¡¯t have stayed for¡ª¡± ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Hadley responded. Before she could continue, Marshall hurried off. Perhaps because Marshall was Eric¡¯s friend, Hadley felt a sense of relief in his absence. She ate voraciously. Finishing her drink, she mistakenly grabbed Marshall¡¯s ss, assuming it was water. Upon taking arge gulp, she choked on the spicy, fiery liquid. ¡°What is this?¡± she coughed out, her expression contorted. ¡°It¡¯s so spicy!¡± It dawned on her then¡ªshe had unwittingly downed a strong liquor. Deciding to stick to her own food and beverages, she avoided Marshall¡¯s drink thereafter. Finishing her meal, Hadley soon felt the effects of the alcohol, her cheeks flushed. ¡°What should I do tonight?¡± she wondered aloud. ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ????: g???????¦Í????????????? Staying at the hotel was not feasible due to the high cost. Bag over her shoulder, Hadley walked to the lobby and found some sofas. She decided to camp out there for the night, drawing on her past experience with overnight shifts at a supermarket. This time, however, the impact of the alcohol was more severe than she anticipated. Her head spun and her eyelids felt heavy, leading her to slump on the sofa in a daze, only half-aware. Her heart raced, keeping her from fully resting. ¡°This is tough,¡± Hadley thought bleakly, her head throbbing. Suddenly, she sneezed, further disorienting herself. Located in the mountains, the Linacre Lake area was briskly cold at night. Hadley, dozing off on the sofa, shivered and felt unwell from the chill. ¡°Achoo, achoo!¡± Her sneezing echoed in the lobby as Eric and Marshall entered, returning from their meeting. Both nced over and noticed Hadley slumped on the sofa. ¡°Oh man!¡± Marshall eximed, a hint of guilt coloring his tone. ¡°I got so caught up in work, Ipletely forgot about Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 103 ?Chapter 103: Eric, clearly irritated, pulled Marshall aside. ¡°Didn¡¯t she head back home? What do you mean you forgot her?¡± Marshall was indignant. ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable. She came here to deliver documents for you. Weren¡¯t you aware there were no buses back to town? Did you expect her to find her own way?¡± Eric scoffed dismissively, ¡°She left by herself. She was just trying to stay longer under false pretenses, but I saw through that.¡± Marshall shook his head, not convinced. ¡°Believe me, she¡¯s done with you.¡± Ignoring Eric¡¯s protests, Marshall continued towards Hadley. Eric objected, ¡°And how is this your concern?¡± Marshall retorted, ¡°Why stop me?¡± ¡°I told you she left on her own terms,¡± Eric responded, then walked over to where Hadley was seated. Following him, Marshall cautioned, ¡°Be gentle with her. Remember, she¡¯s vulnerable right now.¡± Eric stopped in front of Hadley, who was dabbing her red, sneeze-raw nose with a tissue. Noticing his presence, she looked up, her expression earnest. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± she inquired. Eric, caught off-guard, stammered, ¡°I thought you were stronger than this. Why haven¡¯t you left?¡± Hadley¡¯s face fell, and she remained silent, hurt evident in her demeanor. ¡°Hold on.¡± Eric paused, sniffing the air. He leaned closer and asked, ¡°Hadley, have you been drinking?¡± He crouched down to meet her gaze. The unmistakable smell of alcohol was overwhelming. Suddenly, Hadley burst into a fit of giggles, her demeanor lightening. Holding up her fingers close together, she confessed with a yful smile, ¡°Just a little. Really, just a tiny bit!¡± Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s This unexpected reaction from Hadley caught Ericpletely off guard. Her radiant smile disarmed him entirely. ¡°Her smile could floor anyone,¡± he thought to himself, stunned by her charm. Overwhelmed by her infectious grin, Eric was left utterly bewitched. Did Hadley smile at Marshall like this when they were in N¡¯s ward the other day? At the time, Eric had only seen a quick side view of Hadley, but now he realized this was what Marshall must have witnessed in full. His gaze sharpened as he studied Hadley¡¯s seemingly unfocused look. ¡°Do you even recognize me?¡± Could she have confused him with Marshall? After all, it was Marshall who had apanied Hadley back to the hotel today. Eric¡¯s expression grew even sterner. ¡°You?¡± Yet, as she looked into Eric¡¯s intense, contemtive eyes, Hadley chuckled lightly. ¡°I know you. You¡¯re Eric. My dearest Eric.¡± . . . Chapter 104 ?Chapter 104: A knot formed in Eric¡¯s throat as he observed her rosy cheeks. Hadley must be intoxicated. That was the only exnation for why she would refer to him in such an endearing way, reminiscent of when she had first be part of the Flynn household. Even while drunk, Hadley¡¯s recognition of Eric was clear. Feeling a strange surge of warmth, Eric extended his hand to her, his voice deep and resonant. ¡°Why did you have to drink so much? Let¡¯s get you up.¡± ¡°No!¡± Hadley eximed as Eric reached out. She backed away, her expression wary. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± she insisted, shaking her head emphatically. ¡°Hey,¡± Marshall intervened,ughing lightly. ¡°Looks like Hadley¡¯s still sharp, even a bit tipsy. She¡¯s keeping her boundaries clear.¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Don¡¯t sleep on the couch. Use the bed.¡± ¡°No, no!¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes flew open as she protested. ¡°I¡¯ll stay on the couch. I don¡¯t want to disturb your bed.¡± His frown deepened, his tone bing stern. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m that fussy?¡± What harm could she do to his bed? ¡°Indeed!¡± Hadley confirmed, nodding earnestly. ¡°Others might not see it, but I know how much you dislike having me around.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric¡¯s voice softened. Chuckling lightly, Hadley nestled deeper into the sofa, her eyelids drooping again. ¡°Here is fine for me,¡± she whispered. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric persisted, trying to keep her awake. ¡°Stay up. Let¡¯s talk.¡± ¡°Too noisy!¡± Hadleyined, brushing him off with a hand wave. ¡°I just need some sleep.¡± Was she irritated with him? ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í????????????? Eric shook his head, a half-smile creeping onto his face. ¡°What¡¯s the use of arguing with a drunk?¡± he pondered. ¡°Are you really going to sleep without even showering?¡± ¡°A shower?¡± Hadley¡¯s mind was foggy, her thoughts slow to connect. Abruptly, she leaned forward, closing the distance between her and Eric. ¡°Do I smell bad?¡± she asked, almost nose to nose with Eric. Eric¡¯s pulse quickened. What was she doing so close? He recoiled quickly, his face hardening. ¡°Please, keep your distance and speak properly!¡± Unaware of Eric¡¯s difort, Hadley pulled at her shirt¡¯s cor. ¡°Go on, smell. I¡¯m not offensive, am I?¡± Reluctantly, Eric conceded with a resigned sigh. ¡°Alright, alright. You¡­¡± ¡°Smell fine. Actually, you smell quite nice.¡± Hadley¡¯sughter rang out, her mood evidently lifted. ¡°See? I¡¯m as fresh as a daisy, no shower needed!¡± She gestured towards Eric, her voice slurring slightly. ¡°Night-night, Eric.¡± The tie from Eric¡¯s earlier attempt to guide her still dangled from her wrist. Eric found himself at a loss for words, managing only a stuttered, ¡°G-goodnight,¡± as he watched her. Before she knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep on the sofa. Eric nced at her peaceful, slightly smiling face and couldn¡¯t help but let a small smile form on his own lips. . . . Chapter 105 ?Chapter 105: Almost instinctively, his hand moved toward her cheek. However, just as his fingertips were about to brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden reminder shing in his mind: Hadley detested being touched. He quickly withdrew his hand. What was going through his mind? Did he genuinely feelpelled to touch Hadley? Could he have lost his senses? Quickly, Eric left the room as confusion overwhelmed him. He urged himself to rx. ¡°Throughout our marriage, I never felt inclined to touch her. What¡¯s different now? It must be some peculiarity,¡± Eric pondered. As morning light began to filter through the curtains, Hadley awoke. This was her first experience with hard liquor, leaving her with a slight headache. As she rubbed her forehead, her eyes caught sight of the tie still wrapped around her wrist. A man¡¯s tie? Whom did it belong to? Memories began to trickle back. She gasped, her hand covering her mouth. ¡°Could it be? Eric?¡± But that seemed unlikely. The man fromst night had been too kind. Eric was never that considerate. It must be Marshall then. He was the one who had given her a ride and even bought her dinner. The more she considered it, the clearer it became. It had to be Marshall. After a refreshing shower, Hadley felt moreposed. She took the room key and stepped into the hallway just as Eric and Marshall came out of their rooms opposite hers. Eric avoided making eye contact, maintaining his typical distant demeanor. Yet, it was Marshall who greeted her with a warm smile. ¡°Good morning, Hadley. Did you end up drinking my vodkast night? How are you feeling?¡± ¡°Ah, so it really was Marshall.¡± Hadley concluded with a sense of relief. She returned the smile. ¡°A bit of a headache, but I¡¯m okay.¡± Approaching him, she added, ¡°Marshall, thank you for looking out for mest night and arranging the room.¡± Eric stood there, his expression a mix of confusion and annoyance. What was she talking about? ¡°I was the one who took care of her and arranged the room. Is she really forgetting all that just after one night?¡± Eric wondered, his irritation mounting. Marshall, sensing the confusion, began to intervene. He cleared his throat, preparing to correct the misunderstanding. ¡°Hadley, aboutst night¡­¡± ¡°Marshall,¡± Eric interjected, his voice smooth and nonchnt, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°She¡¯s expressing genuine gratitude. Why not just ept it gracefully?¡± Marshall paused, slightly bewildered by Eric¡¯s response. What was his friend ying at? . . . Chapter 106 ?Chapter 106: Could it be that Eric was trying to avoid any deeper involvement with Hadley? Maybe he feared she might cling to him again if the truth came out. ¡°Sure thing,¡± Marshall eventually gave in, deciding to support Eric¡¯s strange charade. ¡°No big deal,¡± Marshall said smoothly, picking up where Hadley left off. ¡°I appreciate the gesture, Hadley.¡± ¡°Actually,¡± Hadley added, suddenly recalling another detail. She extended her hand, presenting a neatly folded tie. ¡°I also wanted to return this to you.¡± Marshall looked at the tie, his smile widening as he epted it. ¡°I took care to wash it, used the hotel¡¯s hairdryer to dry it, and even ironed it out. It should be just like new,¡± Hadley exined, ensuring everything was returned in perfect condition. ¡°Cool,¡± Marshall acknowledged with a nod. ¡°You always handle things well, Hadley.¡± ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Hadley responded casually, adding a shrug. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve got a lot on your te. I won¡¯t keep you.¡± Marshall nced at Eric briefly before asking Hadley, ¡°Do you need me to arrange a ride for you?¡± Eric remained impassive. ¡°No need!¡± Hadley quickly dismissed the offer. ¡°I¡¯ll catch the bus. Thanks anyway! See you around!¡± With a quick turn, she started walking away. ¡°Stay safe on your way!¡± Marshall called after her. ¡°Will do!¡± After she had left, Marshall turned to face Eric. ¡°Why the insistence on keeping her at arm¡¯s length? Afraid she¡¯ll get too attached again?¡± Eric, caught off guard by thement, blinked. He wasn¡¯t really worried about that; he was more annoyed that Hadley seemed to be feigning ignorance. ???????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????©q?????? ying along with Marshall¡¯s assumption, Eric responded, ¡°Exactly.¡± Marshall chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Man, rx. She¡¯s not chasing you anymore. Did you notice how effortlessly cool she was just now? People move on. Her crush on you is old news. We haven¡¯t been a part of her life for years. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Even the deepest infatuation fades away eventually.¡± He chuckled heartily. ¡°Who knows, she might have found someone new in the, someone exotic!¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Eric responded, his expression unreadable, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. ¡°That would be ideal.¡± Yet, a sharp look shed briefly in Eric¡¯s eyes, revealing a flicker of something deeper. Snatching the tie from Marshall, Eric approached a nearby trash can and tossed it in without a second nce. ¡°The day I get tangled with her again is the day I admit I¡¯m a fool,¡± Eric muttered darkly to himself. Later that evening, Hadley was at Gnt. The Dance-Off Championship was in full swing, attracting huge crowds, much to Lennon¡¯s delight. . . . Chapter 107 ?Chapter 107: After her performance, Hadley rxed in the dressing room until her phone rang. It was a call from someone she hadn¡¯t heard from in ages. ¡°Hello there, Mr. Webster.¡± Elvin Webster, that was his full name, the assistant director who had exchanged WhatsApp contacts with Hadley during theirst encounter. Hadley had been eagerly anticipating Elvin¡¯s call for several days, and it had finally arrived. ¡°Hadley,¡± Elvin greeted her warmly. ¡°About that opportunity I mentionedst time? It¡¯s shaping up. We¡¯re preparing for a historical drama and need dance doubles. Are you interested?¡± The prospect excited Hadley immensely. Yet, she hesitated, unsure. ¡°I¡¯m a bit worried about the timing.¡± ¡°We have several part-time dance doubles shortlisted,¡± Elvin tried to reassure her. ¡°Once we finalize the schedule, we¡¯ll coordinate with everyone¡¯s avability.¡± That flexibility was exactly what Hadley needed. ¡°However,¡± Elvin continued, ¡°I¡¯ve rmended you specifically to the director. The dance sequences are crucial, and since you¡¯re new, he¡¯s keen to meet you in person.¡± ¡°That sounds reasonable.¡± ¡°When might you be free to meet?¡± Elvin paused to check the schedule and then inquired, ¡°Is four p.m. tomorrow okay for you?¡± ¡°No problem,¡± Hadley responded promptly, confirming her avability since it didn¡¯t conflict with her shifts at Gnt. ¡°Where will we meet?¡± ¡°Meet me at Central Cinema, located in Metropolitan za. And remember, punctuality is key.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Webster. Thank you.¡± Hadley expressed her gratitude, ending the call with a burst of excitement. This job wasn¡¯t just another gig; it was part of a major production, possibly even a movie. She spected about the potential earnings, recalling the four hundred dors she made in just a few minutes at herst job. Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o?? The following day, Eric arrived at Metropolitan za a little after two in the afternoon. With Phillips by his side, he exited the parking garage and took the elevator to the Central Cinema, where Linda¡¯s movie premiere was scheduled. Linda, a leading actress with East Entertainment Media¡ªapany initiated by Ernest¡ªwas starring in tonight¡¯s feature. Now that Eric managed East Entertainment Media, he made it a point to support thepany¡¯s top actress. He chose to arrive early for the three o¡¯clock premiere to ensure he was fully present for Linda. Eric¡¯s attendance at the premiere sent a powerful message throughout the film industry¡ªthe Flynn family fully supported Linda, solidifying her prestigious standing. Industry insiders clustered around Eric, each eager to get his attention and possibly secure a partnership with his influential family. ¡°Mr. Flynn, take a look at this script, would you? It might be something Miss Harris would be interested in,¡± one hopeful producer suggested. . . . Chapter 108 ?Chapter 108: Eric averted smoothly. ¡°I suggest you discuss it directly with Linda. Script selection isn¡¯t my forte.¡± In a nearby conversation, industry veteransmented quietly among themselves. ¡°Even with Ernest out of the picture, Linda still seems to have everything under control, especially with Eric by her side. That¡¯s some solid support,¡± one said. ¡°Keep it down! Eric is just over there. He might hear us,¡± another cautioned in a hushed tone. ¡°Why hold back? Everyone knows Eric¡¯s her main supporter. It¡¯s no secret. Makes you wonder if he¡¯ll ever really win her over.¡± Amid the murmurs, Linda approached, beaming, with director Adonis Faulkner at her side. ¡°Eric, I¡¯m so d you¡¯re here,¡± she said warmly. ¡°Wee, Mr. Flynn.¡± Eric responded to Adonis¡¯ greeting with a nod, his face lighting up with pride. ¡°Good news¡ªpremiere tickets are selling fast. We¡¯ve already crossed a hundred million in pre-sales.¡± Eric had been closely monitoring the financials as an investor, receiving the profit updates directly. ¡°Really?¡± Adonis couldn¡¯t hide his excitement. Even as an aplished director, the prospect ofbining critical acim with box office sess was exhrating. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic, Mr. Flynn. Congrattions!¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Following a brief exchange, Linda escorted Eric to the exit. Fitting the premiere into his busy schedule had been difficult for Eric, but he had managed to make a brief appearance. Exiting through a side door, Linda and Eric found themselves in a secluded corridor. ¡°I¡¯m really d today,¡± Linda said, her excitement evident. Transitioning from television to her first major movie project, Linda was ecstatic about the sess, feeling it marked a significant achievement in her career. ¡°Eric, thank you so much,¡± she said, her voice trembling slightly and her eyes moistening. ¡°After Ernest¡¯s ident, it seemed like everything was crumbling around me¡­ I don¡¯t know what I would have done without your support.¡± Eric, ever the caretaker, handed her a tissue. ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. It¡¯s what I should do. Ernest would expect no less from me while he¡¯s recovering.¡± Instead of epting the tissue, Linda allowed Eric to dab her tears gently. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. You don¡¯t want to ruin your makeup.¡± Eric handled her with such tenderness. Linda raised her gaze, meeting Eric¡¯s eyes with a hint of bewilderment. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Their gazes intertwined. Gently, Linda moved closer to him, her eyes searching his for an answer¡­ Eric, noticing her slight wobble, instinctively supported her. To an onlooker, they might appear as a couple caught in a moment of closeness, their interaction deeply affectionate. At the same time, Hadley was approaching, phone in hand, talking to herself. ¡°Is this the right floor? Central Cinema¡­ Yeah, I believe so.¡± . . . Chapter 109 ?Chapter 109: ¡°Now, which door is it?¡± As she looked up, her eyes unexpectedly met Eric¡¯s. Hadley stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the duo entangled in what seemed to be an intimate embrace. Were they about to kiss? ¡°Oh no!¡± Hadley cursed silently. Eric faced her directly, while Linda remained oblivious, her back turned. She had no idea Hadley was standing there, witnessing the moment. Eric¡¯s expression stiffened, hisplexion turning pale as his grip on Linda¡¯s arm unconsciously tightened. Hadley? What was she doing here? Hadley was the first to shake off the shock, her body snapping into motion as she spun around to flee. Why was she running? Did she see him as some kind of dreadful specter lurking in the dark? ¡°Linda!¡± Eric¡¯s tone turned rigid as he pushed Linda away. ¡°You don¡¯t need to walk me out. I can handle it myself.¡± Before Linda could respond, Eric was already striding down the hallway, his long legs effortlessly closing the distance between him and Hadley. ¡°Eric!¡± Linda¡¯s voice rang out, sharp with frustration. She clenched her fists, staring after him. Had shee on too strong and driven him away? Eric, familiar with every inch of the building, caught up with Hadley in no time, cornering her in the stairwell. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he snapped. Hadley found herself trapped, her back pressed t against the cold wall. Eric braced his hands on either side of her, effectively caging her in. ¡°Why are you running? Do I terrify you that much?¡± Hadley swallowed hard. To her, he was far more fearsome than any¡­ Stay tuned galnov??????.co?? The monster conjured from childhood nightmares. Shrinking away to avoid the idental brush of his arm, she sped her hands together and pleaded, ¡°Please, just let me go! I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt you two!¡± ¡°If they were nning to cozy up, they should have picked a better location,¡± she thought. That corridor? Anyone could have walked by. What? Interrupting? Eric¡¯s face darkened, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits as he growled her name, ¡°Hadley, what absurd ideas are running through your head?¡± Linda belonged to Ernest. There wasn¡¯t a shred of possibility for anything between him and her. And yet, this wasn¡¯t the first time Hadley had assumed such nonsense. She wasn¡¯t the only one, either. Half the people in Srixby likely shared her misconception. Eric had never cared to correct them. There was nothing to correct. His history with Linda was tangled, yes, but it had never crossed the line into something inappropriate. Yet, for reasons beyond his understanding, he felt an inexplicable need to rify things with Hadley. ¡°Linda and I are not what you think!¡± . . . Chapter 110 ?Chapter 110: ¡°What?¡± Hadley blinked, momentarily thrown off. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration red again. ¡°Are you ever going to stop this nonsense?¡± Noticing the storm brewing in his eyes, Hadley hesitated. ¡°Wait, are you seriously exining yourself to me?¡± Eric¡¯s silence was confirmation enough. ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± Hadley said, still baffled. ¡°I¡¯m just your ex-wife. It¡¯s none of my business. You and Linda¡­ You know the truth, and that¡¯s enough.¡± Eric stood there, fuming but unable to find the right words. Why was he even wasting his breath? There was no reason to justify himself. ¡°If anything¡­¡± Hadley added after a pause. ¡°Maybe you should exin it to Ernest.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Her words reignited Eric¡¯s fury. ¡°Are you trying to stir up trouble?¡± Hadley seized the opportunity, ducking beneath his arm and bolting, tossing a final remark over her shoulder. ¡°Maybe you should talk to N! Situations like this don¡¯t just happen in stories, you know!¡± Situations like this? What was she even talking about? Ernest was lying in aa, yet Hadley seemed convinced Eric was entangled with his sister-inw in some ndestine affair. The notion wasughable. There was no way that could be true. The Flynn family would never tolerate such disgrace. And yet¡­ Something about her words clung to him like a stubborn shadow. The memory of Linda¡¯s earlier expression resurfaced, leaving a faint unease gnawing at the back of his mind. ¡°Maybe I should move on and find someone new,¡± he mused. But how? And where? ?????? ???????? ????????????????: g??????¦Í????????????? It wasn¡¯t as if he could simply conjure a new partner from thin air. Hadley had been overseas for years, but they were still legally bound in marriage. For that reason, the thought of meeting new people hadn¡¯t even crossed his mind. But now? Maybe it was about time. That evening, without calling Barrie or Marshall, Eric found himself heading to Gnt alone. As always, the VIP booth in front of the stage remained reserved exclusively for him. Lennon practically bounded over the moment he caught wind of Eric¡¯s arrival, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Eric leaned back, draping one arm over the sofa while tapping his knee absentmindedly with the other. ¡°Which slot is she dancing in tonight?¡± Lennon¡¯s eyes gleamed knowingly. . . . Chapter 111 ?Chapter 111: He was well aware of why Eric was here. ¡°So, she¡¯s the one,¡± he thought smugly. But he yed it smooth. ¡°Well, Mr. Flynn, we¡¯ve got quite a few dazzlingdies here. Who exactly are you referring to?¡± Eric smirked. ¡°You¡¯re sharp, Lennon. Who else? I didn¡¯t crash into the dressing room for just anybody.¡± Lennon chuckled, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Right, right. She¡¯s on after three more songs tonight.¡± Eric arched a brow. ¡°No fixed schedule?¡± ¡°It shifts based on a random draw among the dancers.¡± Random draw? That was new. Lennon, catching Eric¡¯s interest,unched into a rundown of the Dance-Off Championship before shing another wide grin. ¡°Mr. Flynn, why not join in on the excitement?¡± Joining in on the excitement? Eric lifted a brow. Lennon certainly had a way with words. ¡°Alright.¡± He was here for S, and he wasn¡¯t about to let anyone outbid him. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal. No matter who ces the highest bet, I¡¯ll top it by half a million.¡± Lennon¡¯s jaw nearly hit the floor. ¡°Very well, Mr. Flynn!¡± he said, barely containing his excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead and thank you on her behalf.¡± Then, as if struck by another idea, Lennon added, ¡°What¡¯s your drink tonight? I¡¯ll have it ready for you.¡± Eric shot him a sidelong nce. ¡°Trying to squeeze more out of me, are you?¡± he thought. Still, he shrugged. ¡°Let her decide. Whatever she chooses.¡± 1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m ¡°Perfect!¡± Lennon beamed and dashed off to find Hadley. ¡°Hadley! Great news!¡± Hadley, still fixing her makeup, turned to him with a questioning look. ¡°What¡¯s got you so giddy?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a sponsor!¡± Lennon rubbed his hands together eagerly. ¡°Someone just dered they¡¯ll beat any bid by half a million, no matter what!¡± That was a staggering amount. The final bids weren¡¯t even set yet, but that kind of money was jaw-dropping. It made sense why Lennon imed she didn¡¯tprehend the world of the rich when she first voiced doubts about this dance-off event. The wealthy did toss cash around like confetti. ¡°Get ready!¡± Lennon urged, noticing Hadley was still dabbing at her makeup with the precision of an artist adding the final stroke to a masterpiece. ¡°I won¡¯t hover; it¡¯s not the moment to make an entrance just yet. But don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll meet him after thepetition. And trust me, he¡¯s not some old relic clinging to hisst strands of hair.¡± . . . Chapter 112 ?Chapter 112: ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t care less if the man had a full head of curls or was as bald as the moon. It was just a simple toast to express her gratitude for the generosity¡ªnothing she couldn¡¯t handle with ease. Out in the VIP booth, Eric sat like a king surveying his domain, his gaze fixed unblinkingly on the stage. Atst¡­ The overhead lights dimmed, wrapping the room in anticipation. Was this it? Was she about to step into the spotlight? The music ignited, and small circles of light flickered onto the stage, unfurling like ripples spreading across a midnightke. The room was filled with the sound of trickling water. Then, from the depths of shadow, she emerged¡­ This evening, Hadley glided onto the stage, adorned in an exquisite white gown that clung to her torso like a lover¡¯s embrace before cascading into a free-flowing train below. The silken material danced with the spotlight, glinting like liquid starlight with every graceful motion she made. Her face was concealed by a mask, one half adorned with an intricate lotus design, delicate and blooming, while the other remained a nk canvas of mystery. The contrast was striking, a silent promise of hidden depths. Hadley exuded a serene allure, an enigma wrapped in elegance. There was something maic about her, a puzzle that didn¡¯t unnerve but rather beckoned the audience closer, stirring their curiosity like moths to a me. In that moment, she danced with a grace that seemed to defy thews of the earth, her movements as fluid as a dream. She was a vision of purity, a lotus flower in full bloom, untouched by the world¡¯s mor. She paid no heed to the crowd, her focus inward, her presence ethereal. Yet, her indifference only amplified her allure¡ªshe was a star beyond reach, a celestial being gracing the mortal stage. The audience sat entranced, their eyes glued to her every twirl and leap, unable to tear themselves away from the magic unfolding before them. Perched in the opulent VIP booth overlooking the stage, Eric sat utterly enchanted, his eyes locked on Hadley, as if she were the sole star in his universe. A soft, primal rhythm of drums began to pulse through the air, and Hadley soared upward, her body slicing through the space in a perfect mid-air split. With effortless precision, she seized a ribbon that unfurled from above. She swirled across the stage, a vision of elegance in motion, each gesture painting the air with poetry. ¡°Incredible!¡± ¡°There she glides!¡± Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd¡ªtheir voices swelling into a chorus of delight that echoed off the walls. Yet the ribbon fell short, too brief to carry Hadley near Eric¡¯s booth. A shadow of disappointment flitted across his features, and he swallowed a lump of longing, the bitter taste of it lingering. Then, a darker realization struck him like a storm cloud breaking. Eric bristled at the way the others ogled her, their gazes too hungry, too irreverent. It gnawed at him, their audacity to feast on her beauty with such reckless abandon. . . . Chapter 113 ?Chapter 113: He snatched his ss from the table, downing its contents in one fierce gulp, the burn of the liquor mirroring the fire in his chest. Before Hadley could even vanish from the stage¡¯s embrace, Eric sprang to his feet, driven by an unspoken urgency, and made his way backstage with determined strides. Eric lingered near the staff entrance, the dim hallway humming with anticipation, until he caught sight of her. Hadley approached with quiet poise, her fingers lifting the hem of her gown ever so slightly, each step a testament to her unshakable elegance. ¡°Hi,¡± he ventured, his voice soft yet heavy with intent. Only a few strides separated them now. For a fleeting moment, Hadley froze behind her mask, her breath catching. Was he speaking to her? Could he have seen through her disguise? No¡ªif he had truly recognized her, his demeanor would have been far lessposed. Hadley¡¯s hands tightened into fists, a facade of serenity masking her inner turmoil, though she held her tongue, wary of betraying herself with a single word. Were she to utter even a syble, she worried it might unravel the carefully woven veil of her disguise. Instead, she swept into a graceful curtsy, her movements poised as she attempted to glide past him with the elegance of a shadow. ¡°Hold on!¡± Eric hade here just for her¡ªno way was he letting her slip through his fingers so easily. In a swift motion, Eric¡¯s hand shot out, catching Hadley¡¯s arm. Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment, a reflexive tug nearly breaking her free. But then it hit her¡ªEric didn¡¯t know her true identity. She had to keep herposure, no matter how fast her heart raced. Still, Hadley¡¯s gaze, peeking out from behind the mask, fixed on Eric with a startled intensity. ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ¡ª ????????????: ????????????????©q?????? Eric blinked, a strange wave of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washing over him. Those eyes¡­ why did they stir something deep within him? Realizing his boldness might have crossed a line for a first encounter with a youngdy, he quickly released her. ¡°Apologies, I overstepped.¡± Hadley let out a silent breath of relief. Thank goodness he had let go just in time¡ªany longer, and her reaction might have sent the mask tumbling. ¡°Hello!¡± Eric stepped back, giving her space to breathe, and extended his hand with newfound courtesy. ¡°I¡¯m Eric Flynn. May I offer to treat you to a¡­¡± ¡°Shh.¡± Hadley hushed him, her finger pressing lightly against Eric¡¯s lips before he could finish his sentence. Eric froze, caught off guard. No one had ever dared to quiet him like that. Though Hadley¡¯s mask hid her expression, Eric could almost feel the mischievous smile dancing beneath it. So, he fell silent as if under a spell, his words fading into the air like whispers on the wind. Then, just as quickly, Hadley withdrew her hand, turned on her heel, and sauntered away. . . . Chapter 114 ?Chapter 114: ¡°Hey¡­¡± Eric called after her, unwilling to let her vanish so easily. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Just in the nick of time, Lennon swooped in, his arm darting out to block Eric¡¯s path with urgency. ¡°Mr. Flynn, we had a deal, didn¡¯t we? Thepetition¡¯s still in full swing! Sure, the final toast is all yours, but we¡¯ve got to keep things above board for now, right? Can you hold your horses just a bit longer?¡± ¡°Step aside already!¡± Eric was ready to brush past Lennon, his patience wearing thin. But before he could push him out of the way, he caught sight of her¡ªHadley turning back around. She lifted a delicate hand to the edge of her mask. For a heartbeat, Eric¡¯s pulse raced. Was she about to reveal herself? Yet, she didn¡¯t. Instead, she nudged the mask ever so slightly and let out a yful giggle. Then, she spun around and darted off. Eric stood rooted to the spot, a swirl of amusement and frustration bubbling within him. ¡°Is she ying me for a fool?¡± he mused. He had to hand it to her¡ªshe was skilled at this game. That tiny gesture had him hooked like a fish on a line. Suddenly, the urgency to chase her down melted away. This was turning into quite the intriguing situation. Eric¡¯s curiosity burned brighter, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what secretsy beneath that mask. Was she worth all this trouble and expense? ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Lennon¡¯s voice cut through Eric¡¯s reverie, his hand waving in front of Eric¡¯s face like a pesky fly. ¡°You alright? Had a bit too much to drink? Need a hand?¡± ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? g??????¦Í????????????? ¡°Stop it.¡± Eric snapped back to the present, giving Lennon a quick p on the shoulder. ¡°Cut the drama. I¡¯ll show her respect. If she is not ready to show her face, I¡¯ll wait.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a true gentleman, sir.¡± Lennon¡¯s face lit up, a grin spreading wide as if he had just struck gold. As soon as Eric turned to leave, Lennon scurried off to find Hadley. ¡°Hadley, did you see that fine fe? That is the sponsor!¡± Lennon was practically buzzing with excitement. ¡°I told you¡ªhe is the real deal, pockets deeper than the ocean and a face to match! With him in your corner, what is there to worry about?¡± Some cards Lennon still held close to his chest. The toast after the championship was merely the opening act. Plenty of dancers at Gnt ended up entwined with Srixby¡¯s elite. But Lennon figured that wasn¡¯t Hadley¡¯s aim¡ªat least, not yet. Hadley offered a polite smile, though inside, she sighed. ¡°He is in for a rude awakening.¡± By the light of day, Hadley made her way to the sanatorium, a ritual she had carved out amidst her bustling routine. N still couldn¡¯t wrangle a proper bath, so Hadley took it upon herself to swing by each day. She would help scrub away the grime and slip N into crisp, fresh clothes with a tenderness that spoke volumes. . . . Chapter 115 ?Chapter 115: The nurses could handle it, no doubt, but N found a rare kind of peace in Hadley¡¯s familiar touch, like a warm nket on a chilly evening. ¡°Hadley, you¡¯re an absolute angel,¡± N murmured, now snug in clean pajamas, her spirits lifted like a kite on a breezy afternoon. She gave Hadley¡¯s hand a gentle pat, her eyes softening. ¡°But look at you¡ªskinny as a rail! You¡¯re running yourself ragged looking after me.¡± ¡°No sweat off my back.¡± Hadley shot back with a yful grin. ¡°I¡¯ve always been this thin.¡± Hadley scooped up the bundle of dirtyundry with a deft hand. ¡°I¡¯ll drop these off with the nurse.¡± ¡°Alright, dear,¡± N replied, her voice a soft echo in the quiet room. No sooner had Hadley stepped out than her phone buzzed to life on the bedside table, rattling against the wood. N¡¯s eyes darted to the screen, where the name ¡°Lawyer Mr. Haywood¡± glowed like a beacon. Cristian Haywood? Wait a second! Could that be the same Cristian Haywood she knew? Cristian was a big fish in Srixby¡¯s legal pond, the Flynn family¡¯s go-to man for all thingsw and order. Why on earth was he ringing up Hadley? Cristian didn¡¯t take just any case¡ªhe was the kind people called when the stakes were sky-high. Was Hadley caught up in some kind of mess? Why hadn¡¯t Hadley breathed a word of it? N¡¯s mind churned. Hadley had no kin to speak of and had always leaned on the Flynn family. What kind of trouble could have possibly snared her? With her curiosity piling up, N made up her mind in a heartbeat. She snatched Hadley¡¯s phone from the bedside table and answered the call. ¡°Hello, Hadley,¡± came the voice on the other end, smooth as polished ss. ¡°I was wondering when you might have a moment to spare. The divorce papers have been gathering dust on my desk, and we need your signature to tie up the property transfers and alimony arrangements once and for all.¡± N held her tongue, her face clouding over as the words sank in deeper than she had expected. Every story starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, ¡°Hello? Hadley, are you there? Can you hear me?¡± The voice pressed, tinged with patience. N didn¡¯t utter a peep. Instead, she ended the call with a firm press of her thumb, her thoughts racing. Without missing a beat, she reached for her phone and punched in Eric¡¯s number, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as the line began to ring. ¡°Grandma?¡± Eric¡¯s voice filtered through the phone, tinged with confusion from his cluttered office. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve really done it this time!¡± N¡¯s voice was shaking with anger. ¡°Get over here now!¡± With that, she ended the call. Just then, Hadley reentered the room after dropping off the dirtyundry, only to find N visibly upset. ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s happened? Are you not feeling well?¡± . . . Chapter 116 ?Chapter 116: ¡°Hadley.¡± N reached out, grasping her hand, tears streaking her face. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me what you¡¯ve been going through?¡± She thrust Hadley¡¯s phone toward her, her voice wobbling. ¡°Cristian has been calling nonstop about the divorce papers!¡± A chill ran through Hadley, her dread evident. Eric, puzzled and anxious, arrived swiftly. ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s the emergency?¡± He was still piecing together the situation. Eric¡¯s expression shifted to one of unease as he observed N, who appeared unharmed but visibly upset, and Hadley, who stood silent and tense. N¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharp andmanding. ¡°Eric,e here now!¡± ¡°Understood.¡± The urgency in his grandmother¡¯s voice was something Eric couldn¡¯t overlook, prompting him to drop all his ns and rush to her side. ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric tried to speak as he approached. But no sooner had hee close than a sharp pnded across his face, taking himpletely by surprise. It was N who had struck him, her expression stern. ¡°Grandma?¡± Eric, bewildered and rubbing his cheek, stared at N. ¡°Why did you hit me?¡± ¡°You brat! That¡¯s why!¡± N¡¯s stern expression was one Eric hadn¡¯t seen in years, giving him an uneasy feeling. ¡°You think you can just do whatever you want now, Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Grandma, I don¡¯t understand. What¡¯s the issue?¡± Eric was genuinely confused. N had stepped back from thepany¡¯s daily operations and left household decisions to Linda long ago. ¡°Grandma, could you rify what you mean¡­¡± Then, realization hit Eric. His gaze quickly shifted to Hadley, who was standing there, conspicuously silent, deliberately avoiding eye contact. Hadley kept her eyes downcast, unwilling to meet Eric¡¯s gaze. ¡°Hadley, is it you?¡± Eric snapped, his voice growing harsher. ¡°Stop right there!¡± N interjected sharply, her voice booming like a sudden storm. ¡°How dare you speak to Hadley that way? You¡¯re the one who pushed her away. How is this her fault?¡± The truth was now apparent. Eric¡¯s features stiffened with the unfolding reality. He fixed a hard stare on Hadley. ¡°What happened to the agreement we had? You promised me, and now you¡¯re going behind my back? Bringingints to Grandma?¡± N was already aware of the situation, so Eric saw no point in continuing to conceal it. Hadley tried to speak, but the words failed her. ¡°What can I even say?¡± Hadley wondered silently. It was never her intention for N to discover things this way. Leaving her phone unattended had been a careless mistake, but she really should have been more careful and kept her phone with her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hadley said softly, her head bowing. . . . Chapter 117 ?Chapter 117: ¡°Now you¡¯re sorry?¡± Eric¡¯sughter was sharp and mocking. ¡°Now Grandma¡¯s distressed. What if she falls ill because of this stress? Can you handle that?¡± ¡°Stop it!¡± N interjected forcefully, positioning herself between them. ¡°If there¡¯s any stress, it¡¯ll be because of you, Eric, not Hadley!¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric¡¯s voice faltered, overwhelmed by frustration. Whose side was she really on? ¡°A divorce, really?¡± N¡¯s voice trembled, her eyes starting to tear up. ¡°Eric, you promised me. Yes, Hadley has made her mistakes, but we sent her away for four years! Wasn¡¯t that punishment enough?¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric said, his hand massaging his forehead as he tried to formte a defense. ¡°You always take her side. Have you ever considered that maybe I just don¡¯t want to be with her?¡± ¡°Then who is it that you do want?¡± N retorted, her eyes piercing through him. Words escaped Eric at that moment. N let out a soft, cold chuckle, though she held back slightly, careful not to humiliate her grandson too openly. ¡°You use me of forcing you into marriage with Hadley. But weren¡¯t you the one who agreed to it? Didn¡¯t you nod and say yes?¡± It was true; N had always envisioned Hadley as a good match for Eric, but she would never have pushed him into it without his consent. Eric stiffened as N brought up the past, realizing he could not refute her words. Hisplexion paled, and he nodded reluctantly. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Without hesitation, he tried to qualify his statement, saying, ¡°That was my mistake. I never should have¡­¡± ¡°Eric,¡± N interjected sharply, cutting off his excuses. ¡°You¡¯re not a child anymore. It¡¯s time to ept the consequences of your actions. Hadley was your choice.¡± ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???? g????????¦Í???????????? ¡°Are you really going to just walk away from her now? Do you see her as someone disposable? Should your error condemn her to unhappiness forever?¡± Eric found himself without a rebuttal. His only option was to bow his head in silence. ¡°I refuse to ept this,¡± N said with resolve. ¡°As long as I breathe, I cannot ept such a thoughtless divorce!¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric attempted to exin. ¡°It¡¯s clear we¡¯re not a match¡­¡± N dismissed his reasoning. ¡°How much time have you spent together, really? Barely two months as a married couple before she departed. You won¡¯t know if you¡¯repatible until you give it a real chance!¡± At that moment, N grabbed at her chest over her heart. ¡°Grandma!¡± ¡°N!¡± In a flurry of concern, Eric and Hadley hurried to her side, offering their support. ¡°Call the doctor immediately!¡± ¡°Right away!¡± Hadley eximed, dashing off. ¡°Eric,¡± N grasped her grandson¡¯s hand firmly. ¡°Your treatment of Hadley isn¡¯t fair¡­ I know you still hold her responsible for what happened to Linda¡¯s child, and trust me, her loss pains me too¡­ But it was an ident. Hadley isn¡¯t malicious in nature. Remember, she saved my life. Please, reconsider how you¡¯re treating her. Promise me, Eric, promise me¡­¡± . . . Chapter 118 ?Chapter 118: ¡°I hear you, I do.¡± At that moment, what choice did Eric have? He squeezed N¡¯s hand in affirmation and nodded. ¡°Rest easy, Grandma. I¡¯ll honor your wishes. I promise.¡± The doctor arrived promptly, administered an injection to N, andpleted his examination. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, merely a spike in emotional stress. Still, try to avoid such stress in the future.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°Thanks for your help, doctor.¡± Following the injection, N drifted into a peaceful sleep. Leaving the room, Eric was closely followed by Hadley. ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley mustered her bravery to break the silence. ¡°Yes?¡± Eric responded, his gaze cold and distant. In his eyes, she had be a betrayer, someone who had deceived him. ¡°Say your piece directly to me and keep Grandma out of it next time.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart constricted, yet she held back her retort. ¡°Today was an oversight on my part, but it won¡¯t impede our separation. I¡¯m still prepared to proceed when you are¡­¡± ¡°Stop,¡± Eric interjected, his patience worn thin by her seemingly rehearsed speech. ¡°Spare me the act. We both know a divorce isn¡¯t possible right now, so why even say that?¡± Silence fell as Hadley struggled to find the right words. It was truly an unfortunate coincidence, leaving her without a usible exnation. Eric scoffed dismissively, eying her with a cold gaze. ¡°Why cling to me like this? What do you gain from it?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for her to respond and strode away. Rooted to the spot, Hadley massaged her temples, overwhelmed by her own misfortune. ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í????????????? That evening at Gnt, Eric was absent. Following her performance, Hadley walked backstage to find the doorway to her dressing room overrun with bouquets. ¡°Hadley!¡± Lennon approached with a flourish, visibly thrilled. ¡°Look at this spectacle! These blossoms, and more inside¡ªall courtesy of Mr. Flynn!¡± ¡°I was actually quite anxious earlier because Mr. Flynn, who usually attends, didn¡¯t show up¡ª¡± Lennon said, unable to hide his excitement. ¡°But look at this! My worry was for nothing. Even though Mr. Flynn isn¡¯t here, he¡¯s still thinking about you.¡± Really? Hadley managed a smile, though it felt somewhat absurd. When she was his wife, Eric barely noticed her. Now, hidden behind a mask, she had somehow caught his eye. Who would have thought Eric would be captivated by a dancer of all people? She pondered his potential reaction upon discovering who was behind the mask. Disappointment? Or perhaps even anger? Regardless, she was certain it wouldn¡¯t be a wee surprise. . . . Chapter 119 ?Chapter 119: It was Monday, Hadley¡¯s typical day off. She had nned to spend the night with N. N was happy to have herpany and saw no reason to refuse. Arriving early in the morning, Hadley came with her bag and everything she needed for the day. N woke up early, surprised to find Hadley already there. ¡°Hadley, you¡¯re here so early? Don¡¯t you young people usually sleep in when you don¡¯t have work to do?¡± ¡°I can catch up on sleep any time. Missing one day won¡¯t hurt.¡± Sitting beside N, Hadley noticed how well she looked. She had been contemting this conversation for days and had finally decided to voice her thoughts. ¡°N.¡± Hadley gently took her hand. ¡°I need to tell you something. Please promise you won¡¯t get upset or agitated. I¡¯m just sharing my feelings.¡± Seeing Hadley¡¯s earnest expression, N responded with a reassuring smile. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m all ears.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll say it then.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°N,¡± Hadley began, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°I¡¯m so thankful you took me in all those years ago. If it hadn¡¯t been for you, I likely would have had to stop dancing and look for a different job much earlier¡ª¡± Her voice faltered, but she pressed on. ¡°Your grandmother was my best friend, and to me, you are like my own granddaughter. I¡¯ve always seen you that way,¡± N admitted, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°You¡¯ve always looked out for me and cared for me¡ª¡± Hadley, fighting back emotions, made her request. ¡°So, I¡¯m asking you, please look after me one more time.¡± ¡°What?¡± N was taken aback momentarily, interpreting Hadley¡¯s solemn demeanor as an indication of a serious request. Quickly nodding, she urged, ¡°Alright, tell me what it is. Whatever it is, I will agree.¡± ¡°I appreciate that, thank you,¡± Hadley began, gathering her resolve. Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o?? ¡°Please agree to let Eric and I divorce.¡± ¡°What?¡± N¡¯s face was a mask of shock. She couldn¡¯t grasp what she was hearing. ¡°Do you understand what you are asking?¡± N pressed. ¡°I do, yes,¡± Hadley confirmed, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°I once deeply loved Eric. That truth was undeniable.¡± ¡°But now, my feelings have changed.¡± Behind her, the bathroom door was slightly ajar. A tall figure paused in the doorway, rooted to the spot upon catching the tail end of the conversation. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± N¡¯s voice was slightly trembling as she held Hadley¡¯s gaze. Hadley tightened her hand. Continuing with a shaky voice, she revealed, ¡°He never truly cared for me. His heart always belonged to Linda.¡± N was speechless, unable to counter the truth. ¡°So you knew,¡± N murmured under her breath. . . . Chapter 120 ?Chapter 120: Hadley continued softly, tears starting to form in her eyes, ¡°All I want is to find someone who genuinely loves me. I want to experience being truly cared for. Please, grant me this chance at real happiness.¡± Tears began to well up in N¡¯s eyes as she looked down. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡± It was a well-known secret in Srixby that N¡¯s grandsons both fancied the same woman, a topic often whispered about. N had always favored pairing Hadley with Eric for reasons of her own. She didn¡¯t want the Flynn family to be ridiculed or embroiled in scandal. Finding Eric a different partner seemed the best solution. Ultimately, N¡¯s efforts led to their marriage, but it had eventually turned sour. Now, as an older woman, N felt remorseful watching their marriage crumble into resentment. Choking back tears, she said, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I¡¯ve wronged you. How will I face your grandmother when my timees?¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Hadley offered a tissue to dry her tears. ¡°So, will you let us divorce?¡± Pausing for a moment, N then inquired, ¡°Is there truly no chance for reconciliation? Didn¡¯t you once have deep feelings for him?¡± While N had her own motives, she always adored Hadley and believed they were a good match. ¡°Yes, I once cared for him deeply,¡± Hadley acknowledged, but then added resolutely, ¡°But him leaving me alone to fend for myself in the for four years changed everything. My feelings for him have¡­¡± ¡°Completely vanished.¡± Upon hearing Hadley¡¯s mention of those four years, N¡¯s expression hardened noticeably, and any lingering tears dried. She realized Hadley was serious, not merely pretending. ¡°Alright, if you¡¯ve made up your mind¡­¡± Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m N took a deep breath and nodded, ncing toward the bathroom. ¡°Eric, were you listening?¡± Startled, Hadley looked up. Eric was here as well? She turned and saw Eric stepping out of the bathroom, approaching them. He had spent the night and was taking a shower before he changed and got back to work when Hadley arrived. Surely, he had overheard everything. Eric approached, addressing his grandmother as he drew closer. Meanwhile, Hadley, troubled, kept her gaze lowered, her forehead creased with concern. N reached out, gently touching Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Now that Eric is here, I must ask you once more. Did you sincerely mean everything you just said?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded firmly, without any hesitation. Eric¡¯s expression darkened at her confirmation, a tight feeling emerging in his chest. N exhaled heavily. ¡°In light of this, Eric, I consent to the divorce.¡± Caught off guard, Eric struggled to process the swift resolution. . . . Chapter 121 ?Chapter 121: Hadley expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thank you, N.¡± N then looked toward Eric. ¡°What about you, Eric? You achieved what you desired. Why remain silent?¡± Managing a strained smile, Eric replied, ¡°Thank you, Grandma.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks,¡± N responded briskly. ¡°I did this not for you, but because Hadley requested it. You owe her your gratitude.¡± Hadley, dismissing the need for any thanks, smiled at Eric and said, ¡°This is beneficial for us both, so there¡¯s no need for thanks.¡± Her smile was radiant, filled with genuine happiness and relief. Eric, observing her joy, felt a pang of confusion. Was her happiness genuine, or had he misunderstood their situation all along? ¡°But just remember,¡± N added, shifting the tone slightly. ¡°The divorce won¡¯t happen as quickly as you might hope.¡± ¡°What?¡± Both Eric and Hadley stopped in their tracks, uncertain. What was N implying? ¡°Why that look?¡± N¡¯s chuckle broke the tension as she addressed Eric. Turning her attention to Hadley, she patted her hand reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. I¡¯m just ensuring your well-being.¡± She then faced Eric again. ¡°You should know what I¡¯m getting at, if you have any heart. Hadley has no one else. I¡¯ve failed her before, so it¡¯s my duty to see her settled before I can rest easy.¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Hadley interjected, shaking her head. ¡°I can look after myself.¡± But N dismissed her concerns and continued to fix Eric with a stern look. ¡°I expect you to look after Hadley as if she were your own sister. I want her to be happy and well cared for until she marries someone decent. Her well-being will reflect on you. Do you grasp my meaning?¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Eric acknowledged with a nod. The message was unmistakable. Hadley, though not his wife anymore, was still his family. Finish reading at ?????????¦Í???????????? ¡°Do you get it?¡± N asked, her tone sharpening as she scrutinized him. Eric quickly reassured her. ¡°I¡¯ve got it. Don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Good,¡± N responded, though her gaze lingered on Eric, sensing something amiss. ¡°What¡¯s that look for? You think I¡¯m asking too much?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Eric responded hastily, shaking his head. A peculiar sensation washed over him, a mix of relief and confusion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandma. I¡¯ve given my word, and I¡¯ll look after her well¡­ Consider Hadley as my sister now.¡± At the mention of ¡°sister,¡± Hadley subtly lowered her gaze, concealing a slight, scornful smile. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided,¡± N replied. She dismissed him with a wave. ¡°Off you go. Hadley will stay with me.¡± ¡°Okay, take good care, Grandma.¡± With that, Eric departed, gently shutting the door behind him. As he left, he caught sight of Hadley offering N a slice of orange. . . . Chapter 122 ?Chapter 122: ¡°Give this a try¡ªit¡¯s really sweet.¡± N sampled it, and her face lit up. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s as sweet as you, Hadley!¡± Eric, stepping away as the door clicked shut, mulled over Hadley¡¯s actions. Was she crafting a plot to wrest back some control? However, she had indeed repeatedly assured N of her disinterest in him. Her assertions appeared sincere. Could she really mean it? A few dayster, it was nearing midnight when Hadley exited Gnt. The sequence of the dance-offpetition was left to chance, causing some to perform early and others muchter. This night wasn¡¯t thetest she had been held up; there had been sessions that extended until one or two in the morning. Hadley made her way to the bus stop, hoping to catch thest one home. But as she waited, no buses appeared. It seemed she was toote. Unfazed, Hadley noticed this part of town had many rental bikes avable. She headed towards the nearest intersection, finding all the bikes stationed across the street. Waiting for the green light, she noticed someone familiar at the same light. It was Eric, returning from a social function and heading back to Silver Vis. Eric had indulged in a bit of alcohol; though not enough to be drunk, theck of dinner made his stomach uneasy. He reclined in his seat. Trying to take a rest. ¡°Huh?¡± Out of the blue, Sebastian gestured towards the window. ¡°Mr. Flynn, isn¡¯t that Hadley over there?¡± What? Prompted by Sebastian¡¯s remark, Eric¡¯s eyes snapped open, and sure enough, it was Hadley. He turned to Sebastian, impressed. ¡°Your eyesight is truly remarkable, Sebastian. You always manage to find her in a crowd.¡± Sebastian let out a lightugh. F0r more, visit g??l??ovels.??o?? ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because she¡¯s so distinctive? She always catches my eye first in any crowd. And look, she¡¯s by herself tonight. What do you think she¡¯s doing out sote?¡± ¡°You think I have answers to that question?¡± Eric quirked an eyebrow. As the pedestrian light flicked to green, Hadley darted across the street, pulled out her phone, scanned the QR code on a nearby bike, and started pedaling away with purpose. Sebastian, ever curious, asked loudly, ¡°What could she possibly be doing out sote?¡± Remembering past interactions, Sebastian held back from suggesting they offer Hadley a ride. Merely secondster, Ericmanded, ¡°Sebastian, follow her.¡± Startled, Sebastian blinked but quicklyplied. ¡°Understood.¡± He pressed on the gas and maintained a discreet distance behind Hadley. ¡°Mr. Flynn, should we escort her home?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Eric replied, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. ¡°Keep the pace slow. Just make sure we don¡¯t lose sight of her.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Sebastian was puzzled but didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Alright, understood.¡± Being an expert driver himself, Sebastian found tailing someone rtively straightforward. . . . Chapter 123 ?Chapter 123: He maintained a careful distance, tracking Hadley to Mayfield Road, where Eric had previously picked her up. This area, though older, housed several respectable apartments. However, Hadley suddenly veered off, heading in a new direction. As they delved deeper, the neighborhood¡¯s decline became stark. The surroundings grew increasingly shabby. Eric¡¯s face grew stern, reflecting the setting¡¯s gloom. Sebastian, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, ¡°What could she possibly be doing in such a ce? Does she live here, or is she visiting someone?¡± Who would she visit at such ate hour? The idea of Hadley residing here also seemed imusible. Despite everything, Eric had always ensured she was well provided for. Eric¡¯s features hardened further. ¡°Keep following her.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± They reached a stretch where the road narrowed too much for the car to pass. Sebastian had to halt the car. ¡°This is as far as we can go.¡± Eric stared into the narrow alley with a grim expression. ¡°What¡¯s down that way?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± Sebastian hesitated, his voice tinged with unease. ¡°That leads to West Twelfth Alley.¡± West Twelfth Alley. This part of Srixby had a notorious reputation. A historic area, it housed a diverse mix of some of the city¡¯s poorest residents. The area was infamous for its harshness and economic struggles. Stepping from his car, Eric was resolved to discover Hadley¡¯s purpose in this challenging neighborhood. He was puzzled about her choice to visit this area in the middle of the night. Latest stories on Yet, by the time he stepped out of his car, she was already gone. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± Behind him, Sebastian chimed in with a suggestion. ¡°If she is living here, why not just call her to find out?¡± Consider calling her? With a cynical chuckle, Eric dismissed the idea. Would she openly share the truth with him? She had left his house without notice, andter simply told him to wait at Mayfield Road when he came to pick her upst time to visit N. It seemed quite likely that she was residing nearby. Eric found this revtion intriguing. He had provided her with a residence. What made her choose to stay here instead of one of his luxurious vis? What thoughts upied Hadley¡¯s head? Had she lost her senses? It hardly mattered to him. Yet, he had given his grandmother his word to look after Hadley. . . . Chapter 124 ?Chapter 124: He pivoted, retrieving his phone to make a call. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Phillips¡¯ voice came through from the other end. ¡°I need you to do something for me,¡± Eric responded curtly. ¡°Check if Hadley resides on West Twelfth Alley.¡± Hadley had previously headed to the Central Cinema in Metropolitan za as Elvin requested to meet the movie director Adonis, who was quite taken with her. They set a date for her dance audition, and that day had arrived. Arriving makeup-free so they could style her however they saw fit for the production, Hadley immediately reached out to Elvin. ¡°Hadley!¡± Elvin rushed over, despite being swamped, and led her to the dressing room where a makeup artist was quickly arranged. ¡°Join the others outside once you¡¯re finished with your makeup,¡± he instructed. ¡°Alright, thank you,¡± Hadley replied. The other women in the dressing room, alling to audition for the stand-in for the lead actress, wore identical makeup and outfits. These stand-ins weren¡¯t chosen for their distinctive features. Instead, their bodies were the focus. However, the makeup artists were still struck by Hadley¡¯s noticeable features. Luckily, she was only a stand-in because her allure might have overshadowed the lead actress otherwise. After getting ready, the women assembled outside. Adonis, ever thorough, personally supervised the audition. Each stand-in performed their dance routine under his watchful eye. When Hadley¡¯s turn came, Adonis briefly reviewed her file, noting her graduation from Chauncey Academy of Art and her impressive dance skills. Yet, it was her remarkable stage presence that truly captured his attention. ¡°Elvin.¡± ?????????????? ???????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????©q????? ¡°Right here!¡± ¡°Bring her over,¡± directed Adonis, pointing at the stage where Hadley was dancing. ¡°Immediately.¡± Elvin, sensing a positive oue, hurried to retrieve Hadley, whom he had rmended. ¡°Mr. Faulkner, she¡¯s here.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Re-examining her file, Adonis confirmed, ¡°Hadley Pearson?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Standing confidently with her hands neatly folded, Hadley appeared serene and poised. She stood undisturbed by the attention. After all, being visible was part of being a dancer. ¡°Not bad,¡± Adonismended, nodding in approval. ¡°Did you study modern dance?¡± he inquired. ¡°Yes, I did.¡± ¡°Do you have any other ns besides dancing?¡± . . . Chapter 125 ?Chapter 125: Hadley hesitated, puzzled by his question. ¡°What exactly do you mean, Mr. Faulkner?¡± ¡°Forget it,¡± Adonis dismissed the topic with a smile. Though pleased by her appearance, Adonis recognized it was premature for any definite decision. He first needed to assess her capability in the stand-in role. Tapping the papers in his hand, he announced, ¡°You¡¯re in.¡± Surprised, Hadley¡¯s face lit up with a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you so much!¡± ¡°Proceed,¡± Adonis said. ¡°Elvin will fill you in on the details.¡± ¡°Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Faulkner.¡± After Hadley had left, Adonis instructed Elvin, retrieving her file. ¡°Keep her at the top of the list from now on.¡± ¡°Do you mean to say¡ª¡± ¡°Just ensure she¡¯s here when we need her,¡± Adonis confirmed with a nod. ¡°Understood!¡± Elvin replied enthusiastically. ¡°Hadley will be ecstatic!¡± Adonis, recalling her striking appearance, remarked, ¡°She¡¯s quite the looker and unbelievably photogenic.¡± The auditioning women were all professional dancers, many exceptionally skilled. Yet, filmmaking was more than just skills and techniques. It demanded a certain charisma, which Hadley naturally possessed. ¡°She¡¯s been given the chance; now let¡¯s see if she can capitalize on it,¡± Adonis reflected. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on her, since it was I who rmended her,¡± Elvin assured. He then delivered the news to Hadley. ¡°You must seize this opportunity!¡± He cautioned her with measured words. ¡°Seed here, and Mr. Faulkner will surely feature you further.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Webster.¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens ¡°My pleasure.¡± With a heart full of hope, Hadley left the studio, her steps buoyant with anticipation, the excitement carrying her into the evening at Gnt. After an exhaustive day, Phillips entered with pressing news for Eric. ¡°Sir, it appears Hadley actually resides on West Twelfth Alley.¡± Eric¡¯s expression turned grim instantly. He chuckled briefly, finding some humor in the revtion. ¡°The exact address has been sent to your phone,¡± Phillips mentioned, avoiding Eric¡¯s intimidating stare. ¡°Excellent.¡± Eric was checking his phone when it suddenly rang. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hey, bro,¡± Marshall¡¯s voice teased. ¡°Are you headed to Gnt tonight?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Eric felt out of sorts tonight, with more pressing matters at hand. ¡°Why not? I heard you¡¯ve been¡ª¡± Interrupting Marshall¡¯s rambling, Eric snapped, ¡°I¡¯m busy. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡± . . . Chapter 126 ?Chapter 126: With that, he ended the call. He then directed Phillips, ¡°Give the driver the night off. I¡¯m driving myself.¡± ¡°Very well, Mr. Flynn.¡± Phillips suspected Eric was intent on confronting Hadley himself. As predicted, Eric snatched his car keys, descended via the elevator to the underground garage, entered his car, and headed directly to West Twelfth Alley. Much like before, his car halted at the alley¡¯s entrance, forcing Eric to proceed on foot. Guided by the address from Phillips, he eventually stood before Hadley¡¯s building. ¡°Is this the ce?¡± Disbelief washed over him as he surveyed the dpidated apartment building, its dark hallways reeking of decay. Could anyone actually live here? At the doorstep, Eric paused, his irritation mounting, and decided to knock. Despite his persistent knocking, there was no response. Left with no alternative, Eric attempted to call her. Again, there was no answer. Eric¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°Hadley, you owe me a thorough exnation!¡± At Gnt, Marshall and Barrie faced each other, Denver sitting alongside. ¡°Eric really ditched us today?¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably wary of our teasing,¡± Barrie spected. Denver, puzzled, inquired, ¡°Why would Eric fear our jests?¡± ¡°Really, you haven¡¯t noticed?¡± Marshall replied, eyeing his cousin. ¡°Lately, Eric¡¯s been quite taken with a certaindy.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Interest sparked in Denver. ¡°Who might that be?¡± ¡°There, take a look.¡± Barrie gestured towards the stage. ¡°It¡¯s Miss S right over there.¡± More c0nt3nt at g??l??ovels.??o?? Denver¡¯s face hardened momentarily. Luckily, they didn¡¯t notice his brief scowl due to the dim lighting. Denver then cracked a smile. ¡°Eric¡¯s had someone special already, hasn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± Marshall scoffed. ¡°Given their status, it¡¯s a long shot.¡± Barrie exhaled deeply. Ultimately, they felt a sense of contentment for Eric. At longst, he had found someone captivating, moving past his previous fixation on Linda. Barrie exchanged looks with Marshall. ¡°Since he¡¯s not here, we ought to watch out for his girl on his behalf, right?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Marshall agreed, readying his phone. ¡°Let¡¯s send something her way. Make sure they know it¡¯sing from Mr. Flynn.¡± Behind the scenes. ¡°Hadley!¡± Grinning widely, Lennon made his way over to Hadley once more. He was disappointed by Eric¡¯s absence tonight. Yet, despite Eric¡¯s absence, an unexpectedte-night treat arrived. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Mr. Lewis?¡± Hadley inquired, rising to greet him with a grin. ¡°Just a second¡­¡± . . . Chapter 127 ?Chapter 127: With a flourish, Lennon gestured to the doors of the dressing room and called out to those at the entry, ¡°Go ahead, bring everything inside.¡± No sooner had he issued the invitation than a group of seven or eight individuals entered, each carrying an item. With evident delight, Lennon instructed them, ¡°Set everything down on the middle table.¡± Thisrge table, positioned at the center of the dressing room, served as amunal spot for meals, casual drinks, and asionally to host Lennon¡¯s talks. The group, d in delivery uniforms, was clearly there to drop off takeout. ¡°What is this about?¡± Whispering to one another, Hadley¡¯s colleagues clustered around her, curious about the unfolding scene. Hadley shrugged and answered candidly, ¡°I¡¯m just as clueless.¡± As they unpacked the takeout, the logo on the packaging caught their eye¡ªit was from the Red Shell Bistro. ¡°Look, it¡¯s desserts from the Red Shell Bistro!¡± ¡°Seriously? Mr. Lewis, this is quite the treat!¡± After all the items were set on the table, the delivery crew departed. Gathering everyone¡¯s attention with a p, Lennon announced, ¡°Ladies, we¡¯ve got desserts from the Red Shell Bistro here, plenty for all!¡± ¡°Wow!¡± The room erupted in cheers. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lewis!¡± ¡°Wow, Mr. Lewis, you¡¯ve really outdone yourself.¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± With a dismissive wave and a knowing look toward Hadley, Lennon said, ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t pay for it. Give your thanks to Hadley! This treat is courtesy of Mr. Flynn on her behalf!¡± ?????????????? ????????????: g??????¦Í?????????????? ¡°Amazing, Hadley!¡± ¡°Truly, we¡¯re fortunate to have you as a friend, Hadley.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s dive in then!¡± ¡°Thanks for this, Hadley!¡± Confronted with her colleagues¡¯ yful remarks, Hadley managed a tight smile. ¡°Hadley.¡± Approaching with a grin, Lennon said, ¡°Though Mr. Flynn couldn¡¯t be here tonight, his generous act speaks volumes. Remember that.¡± Hadleypressed her lips, nodding. ¡°Understood.¡± Having other tasks to handle, Lennon didn¡¯t stay. ¡°Make sure you get some too. It was Mr. Flynn¡¯s treat especially for you¡ªdon¡¯t let them finish everything!¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Once Lennon was gone, Hadley¡¯s smile quickly faded. What was Eric thinking? Was he genuinely taken with a dancer? And did Linda have any clue? . . . Chapter 128 ?Chapter 128: Could he really risk igniting Linda¡¯s jealousy? Would he feel deceived when he realized that the person behind the mask was his former wife? Displeased, Hadley had no desire to indulge in the desserts. Rising, Hadley made her way toward the bathroom. Right outside the dressing room, she unexpectedly bumped into someone she knew. Denver had quietly slipped in. Even though this corridor was meant for Gnt¡¯s staff, the door usually remained unlocked. He wasn¡¯t sure why he had entered, but his cousin had sent ate-night treat to S under Eric¡¯s name¡­ What would her reaction be? Would she appreciate how much Eric seemed to value her? ¡°Hey¡­¡± Hadley paused, blinking. ¡°Couldn¡¯t find the bathroom again?¡± ¡°Not this time¡­¡± Denver was taken aback by the immediate encounter. Peering into the dressing room where the desserts from Red Shell Bistro were being enjoyed, he hesitated before asking, ¡°You¡¯re not joining them?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley was briefly thrown off before she caught on. ¡°Those desserts? Nothing there really appeals to me, so I passed.¡± Denver¡¯s eyes brightened, and his smile hinted at a thought. Not a fan of those desserts? This might imply a couple of possibilities. Perhaps she simply didn¡¯t enjoy them as she imed, or maybe she disliked the person who had them sent¡­ In either case, it was promising news for Denver. Denver hesitated, then asked, ¡°What do you enjoy, then?¡± Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Caught off guard, Hadley inquired, ¡°What¡¯s prompting your question?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Denver¡¯s face flushed at her question. ¡°I was just curious. You don¡¯t have to answer.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯m heading out.¡± Hadley gestured forward. With a nod of resignation, Denver watched her depart, his gaze lingering. Abruptly, Hadley spun around. Denver snapped to attention. What was that? After a brief pause, Hadley said, ¡°Pumpkin soup.¡± With those words lingering in the air, she departed without a backward nce. ¡°Pumpkin soup,¡± Denver muttered under his breath, a smile gradually spreading across his face. She had given him an answer. ¡°Perfect!¡± His pulse quickened with anticipation. . . . Chapter 129 ?Chapter 129: Returning from the bathroom, Hadley shook off their brief interaction and turned her attention to preparing for her show. Once finished, she wiped off her makeup, changed out of her costume, and got ready to head home. ¡°Hey!¡± Just as she was leaving Gnt, someone called out. Uncertain if the call was for her, Hadley turned and saw Denver sprinting toward her with a bag in hand. She halted, waiting to see what he wanted. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Huffing slightly from his jog, Denver approached Hadley with a slightly red face, handing her the bag with a restrained grin. ¡°I brought this for you.¡± Curious, Hadley eyed the bag warily. ¡°What¡¯s inside?¡± Denver, pressed for time, knew his cousin and Barrie were expecting him. They would tease him endlessly if they knew he¡¯d been out searching for S. ¡°Please, just take it,¡± he insisted. In his rush, Denver pushed the bag into her hands. Hadley¡¯s brow furrowed as their hands briefly touched before he quickly withdrew his. ¡°Got to go!¡± With a smile, Denver turned and dashed away. ¡°Wait, what¡¯s inside this?¡± Hadley called after him. Over his shoulder, Denver called back with a wave, ¡°Pumpkin soup!¡± before sprinting off. Pumpkin soup? Perplexed, Hadley peered into the bag. Indeed, the soup was still warm. She¡¯d mentioned it offhand, and he¡¯d actually gone and gotten it? Did he have feelings for her? Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m Exhaling deeply, Hadley shook her head in disbelief. Was he just a spoiled rich kid chasing a whim, or a clueless one caught up in his first crush? Either way, she didn¡¯t care. For now, a new rtionship was off the table for her. Still, she was grateful for the pumpkin soup. With the bag in tow, Hadley returned to her apartment on West Twelfth Alley. In her building, where elevators were unheard of, the stairwell was dark; the lights were faulty across multiple floors, hers included. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved her phone and activated the shlight feature. The beam cut through the darkness when, suddenly¡­ Startled by the figure looming at her doorstep, Hadley nearly lost her grip on her phone. ¡°You¡¯ve finally returned.¡± A voice emerged from the shadows. What? The familiarity of the voice sent a buzz through Hadley¡¯s mind. Could it be¡­? Could it be someone she knew? Hesitantly, she aimed her phone¡¯s light once more. ¡°Hey!¡± . . . Chapter 130 ?Chapter 130: The light hit Eric¡¯s eyes, prompting him to shield them with his hand, his irritation evident. ¡°Hadley, are you trying to blind me?¡± Hadley found herself at a loss for words. Was it really Eric standing there? Ignoring her initial instinct to withdraw, she directed the shlight more intently toward him. A closer look confirmed it was indeed Eric. She wasted no time and turned to flee. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric quickly stepped forward and caught her long ponytail. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Hadley stumbled back, her face tightening in pain as he pulled her hair. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before demanding, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eric let out a quiet, almost indifferent chuckle, making no effort to exin himself. Instead, he gestured toward the door and ordered, ¡°Open it.¡± Hadley hesitated, momentarily thrown off. Was he expecting toe inside? Reluctantly, she protested, ¡°If you need to say something, say it here.¡± ¡°Open it!¡± Eric¡¯s patience frayed as he red at her. ¡°Must I repeat myself?¡± Recognizing the intensity of Eric¡¯s mood, Hadley decided to defuse the tension byplying. She unlocked the door, and Eric entered without uttering a word. ¡°It¡¯s so dark in here. Aren¡¯t there any lights?¡± Quick to address his growing annoyance, Hadley stepped in and turned on the main light, finally brightening the room. Find more at g?? lno ve ls.??o?? The apartment felt tiny, especially with Eric¡¯s imposing presence making the cramped space feel even smaller. Silently, he surveyed the room. Itprised a single bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a tiny bathroom. Despite being advertised as a one-bedroom apartment, the spaces merged, with the kitchen by the entrance and only the bathroom isted. Was this really a ce for living? It was smaller than a single room in his expansive Silver Vis property. The apartment¡¯s only redeeming feature was its cleanliness and order. Yet, Eric saw it as nothing more than an eyesore, regardless of its state. Abruptly, he turned, fixing Hadley with a severe look. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Taken aback, Hadley momentarily hesitated. ¡°You see, this is the apartment where I live.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Eric responded coldly. ¡°I want to know why you choose to live here.¡± Confused, Hadley suppressed a sigh. Sarcastically, she exined, ¡°This is all I can afford.¡± . . . Chapter 131 ?Chapter 131: ¡°Absurd!¡± Eric retorted instantly. ¡°Didn¡¯t I provide a house? Didn¡¯t I offer alimony? And now you¡¯re telling me this is all you can afford?¡± ¡°That¡¯s your money, your property,¡± Hadley responded crisply. ¡°I have no part in it.¡± Eric, taken aback, asked, ¡°What was that?¡± Hadley offered a slight smile. ¡°I made it clear when I signed the divorce papers. I wouldn¡¯t ept anything from the Flynn family. And I meant every word.¡± During her toughest times, she had abandoned her dignity and begged for his help, but it never came her way. Now that she was doing well, she certainly wouldn¡¯t take anything from him ever again. Eric recalled a conversation with Cristian, who mentioned that she hadn¡¯t yet visited thew firm toplete the property transfer. ¡°Is this really your n?¡± Confusion marred Eric¡¯s face, suspecting a new scheme of hers. ¡°It¡¯s quite straightforward.¡± Looking up to meet his gaze due to their height difference, she smiled subtly. ¡°Now that we¡¯re divorced, Eric, I will manage my life independently.¡± ¡°Manage alone?¡± Eric scoffed dismissively. ¡°Like this? In this slum?¡± ¡°Slum?¡± With a muted smirk, Hadley replied, ¡°Perhaps to you, it¡¯s a¡­¡± ¡°Slum.¡± For her, this was already a nice apartment. She had endured far worse conditions in the, even sleeping on the streets for a while. ¡°Whatever.¡± Eric, losing patience with the conversation,manded, ¡°Pack your things. You¡¯re leaving with me now.¡± ¡°What?¡± Startled by his irrational demand, Hadley protested, ¡°Leave? This is my home. I¡¯m staying.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s look was intense and full of exasperation, frustrated by her continual rejections. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m here to coddle you? I¡¯m doing this for Grandma.¡± Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm At that moment, Hadley recalled something important. N had instructed Eric to support her as he would his own sister, tied to the condition of agreeing to their divorce. Realizing she understood, Eric urged, ¡°Let¡¯s go, pack up now!¡± ¡°No.¡± Hadley remained firm in her refusal. ¡°Hadley?¡± His patience thinning, Eric pressed, ¡°What do you really want?¡± Exhaling deeply, Hadley replied calmly, ¡°Eric, didn¡¯t N ask you to ensure I was alright? Just observe how well I manage on my own. Will you let me handle my affairs?¡± ¡°Let you handle your affairs?¡± Eric looked at her skeptically. ¡°Be realistic, Hadley. You¡¯ve been under our care since you were fifteen¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s long past.¡± Interrupting him sharply, Hadley stated, ¡°I appreciate everything the Flynn family has done for me, Eric, but trust me. I am capable of taking care of myself now. I¡¯m no longer the parasite youbelled me.¡± ¡°A parasite?¡± Eric¡¯s brow creased with irritation. ¡°When did I ever call you that, Hadley?¡± Yet, wasn¡¯t it the truth? For someone of his stature, dismissing others was effortless. Hadley felt a chill, but she dismissed it, affirming, ¡°I¡¯m settled here, Eric. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± . . . Chapter 132 ?Chapter 132: ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric was determined not to let her stay. ¡°Do you realize the nature of this neighborhood? West Twelfth Alley is no ce for someone like you. The people here, they¡¯re dangerous!¡± Dangerous? True enough. As a dancer at a nightclub, Hadley was no stranger to eclectic crowds. ¡°It¡¯s not a problem,¡± Hadley responded nonchntly. ¡°I keep to myself, Eric. I avoid trouble.¡± Eric was taken aback by her defiance,pletely thrown off. ¡°The night is advancing.¡± Hadley approached the door and swung it open. ¡°It¡¯s time for bed. You should leave.¡± She was clearly showing him out. Eric realized he had no leverage. He couldn¡¯t force her to leave. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Hadley arched an eyebrow, gesturing towards the door. ¡°It¡¯s time to leave.¡± Taking a deep breath, Eric stepped out. Yet as he crossed the threshold, he feltpelled to say one more thing. ¡°Hadley, you¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m quite alright.¡± Interrupting him, Hadley smiled warmly. ¡°No need to worry about N, Eric. She¡¯s on board. I¡¯ll speak with her again. She won¡¯t dy much longer, I assure you.¡± Eric paused, surprised. Did she really think that was what he was after? He started to object, but then reconsidered. Wasn¡¯t the divorce truly what he was after all along? ¡°It¡¯ste.¡± Hadley smiled softly. ¡°Drive safely.¡± She then gently closed the door behind him. Discover your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s Eric was enveloped by darkness. This dreadful ce! If Hadley chose to remain here, so be it. It wasn¡¯t his role to make her miserable. If she was determined to endure this, what could he do? Resolute, Eric turned and hastened down the stairs, his decision firm. The stairwell was pitch ck. Abruptly, Eric halted. Something sticky snagged his foot. ¡°What the hell is that?¡± A slick, unpleasant sensation clung to the bottom of Eric¡¯s shoe, sending a shudder up his spine. He aimed his phone¡¯s shlight downward, only to find that he had stepped on something soft¡ªand clearly edible. Disgust twisted his expression as he yanked his foot back. Irritated, he stomped twice, shaking off the remnants, and then strode forward, his patience already wearing thin. Behind him, Hadley threw the door wide open. She had just realized that, without meaning to, she might have dropped her pumpkin soup earlier when she was startled by Eric¡¯s presence at her doorstep. . . . Chapter 133 ?Chapter 133: Turning on her phone¡¯s shlight, she scanned the area, sweeping the beam across the hallway until she spotted it in the corner. But the sight made her stomach drop¡ªthe bowly shattered, with soup sttered messily across the floor. Hadley released a slow, disappointed breath. ¡°It¡¯spletely ruined,¡± she muttered under her breath. Without hesitation, she turned away, reached for a mop, and set to work. It only made sense that she should be the one to clean up the mess. Still, she didn¡¯t dwell on the spilled soup for long. By the next morning, she had put it out of her mind and arrived at the address Elvin had sent, stepping in right on time alongside a small group of other dance stand-ins. What she hadn¡¯t expected was to see Adonis there as well, standing next to the choreographer. ¡°I¡¯ll make this quick,¡± he said, his tone brisk. ¡°The choreographer and I have already discussed what I want to present. Every routine they¡¯ve designed needs to be drilled until it¡¯s wless. When the cameras roll¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want a single pause.¡± Adonis had built his reputation on continuous takes, demanding that background dancers perform with the precision and stamina of Broadway productions, even for filming scenes in a single shot. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the girls replied in unison. Hadley gave herself a silent pep talk. She wasn¡¯t nervous. As a dancer, her job was to execute every move with precision, and she was more than ready for it. From morning until well past midday, Hadley and the other girls pushed themselves to their limits under the choreographer¡¯s watchful eye, sweating through every grueling sequence. Adonis¡¯ expectations were nothing short of relentless. And this was just for the opening number¡ªor so they¡¯d been told. By the time the choreographer finally pped his hands and dismissed them, it was already past two in the afternoon. ¡°Make sure you keep practicing when you get home. You all know exactly what Mr. Faulkner expects from you.¡± The best stories are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??????? ¡°We will.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley gathered up her belongings, pressing a hand to her stomach as it let out a low, impatient growl. They had been given boxed lunches earlier, but after dancing for hours on end, the energy from that meal had long since burned away. Now she had a decision to make¡ªgrab a burger nearby or drag herself home and make something for herself? The thought of cooking¡ªthough more economical¡ªfelt exhausting. She needed food immediately. Stopping by a fast-food ce nearby, she grabbed a burger, unwrapped it, and took a bite as she continued walking. ¡°Hadley?¡± A voice suddenly called out to her. Pausing mid-bite, Hadley lifted her gaze. A middle-aged man stood a short distance away, watching her with an expression that made it seem like he thought she might disappear at any second. . . . Chapter 134 ?Chapter 134: ¡°Hadley!¡± Upon taking a few steps closer, the man¡¯s face broke into an eager, almost disbelieving smile. ¡°It¡¯s really you! You¡¯ve grown so much¡ªI barely recognized you¡­¡± His voice trailed off, the rest of his sentence hanging in the air. Hadley let out a quiet scoff, the sarcasm evident in her voice. ¡°Look, could you move? You¡¯re in my way.¡± The man hesitated, momentarily thrown off by her response. ¡°Hadley, don¡¯t you recognize me?¡± ¡°Should I?¡± She raised an eyebrow, her tone indifferent. ¡°Are we supposed to know each other?¡± For a brief moment, he couldn¡¯t tell if she had truly forgotten him or if she was intentionally shutting him out. Pointing to himself, the man tried again. ¡°It¡¯s been years¡ªfive, to be exact. You¡¯ve changed a lot, but I haven¡¯t. If you just take a second to think, you should¡ª¡± ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Hadley had no patience for this conversation. ¡°I don¡¯t know you. Get out of my way and stop blocking me.¡± Without waiting for a response, she stepped around him, ready to put the encounter behind her. ¡°Hadley!¡± Out of nowhere, the man reached for her and grabbed her arm. ¡°Wait¡ªjust listen for a second!¡± The moment his hand closed around her wrist, something deep inside Hadley snapped, like a trigger being pulled without warning. A sharp cry tore from her throat as her eyes widened in pure panic. She struggled violently against his grip, her breathing turning ragged. ¡°Let go of me! Get your hands off me now!¡± ?????????¦Í??????.??????, ???????? ???????????????? ???? ¡°Is something wrong?¡± The man stared at her, confusion written all over his face. He didn¡¯t understand why she was reacting as though he were a threat. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m not trying to hurt you! I just¡ª¡± ¡°No! Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Hadley shook her head frantically, terror shing in her eyes. No matter how hard she tried to pull away, she couldn¡¯t break free. The more she fought, the tighter his hold became. ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling sick?¡± ¡°Get your hands off her!¡± Before the situation could spiral any further, someone appeared. It was Eric. The afternoon sun burned brightly overhead, casting a golden glow that entuated his striking features, making him seem almost unreal. Without hesitation, Eric reached out, his fingers gripping the middle-aged man¡¯s wrist. As he moved, the crisp white cuff of his shirt slipped into view, revealing a polished tinum cufflink. Even in a moment like this, Eric exuded an effortless smoothness. . . . Chapter 135 ?Chapter 135: ¡°Eric¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s voice came out as a whisper, barely believing he was standing there, defending her. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Though her words were faint, Eric caught them. There was something in her tone¡ªan unspoken reliance on him¡ªthat sent an unexpected tightness through his chest. His gaze snapped toward the man still holding Hadley¡¯s arm. ¡°I said let go. Are you deaf?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± The middle-aged man finally seemed to recognize him. His grip loosened instantly, his face shifting from confusion to shock. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± he stammered. ¡°Flynn?¡± Eric scoffed, a sharp, unimpressed sound escaping him. With a flick of his wrist, he shook off the man¡¯s hand as if the very touch were beneath him. ¡°So you know who I am. And yet, you still thought you couldy your hands on my wife? Get the hell out of my sight.¡± He didn¡¯t spare the man another nce. His focus was entirely on Hadley. Her face had drained of color, her body trembling, her lips pale. She lookedpletely shaken. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric furrowed his brow in concern. Was she really sick? Every time he¡ªor any other manid a hand on her, she reacted like this, panic and fear flooding her. Eric racked his brain for an answer. This wasn¡¯t how she used to be¡ªnot in the memories he had of her. When they were newly married, they had shared a bed. It hadn¡¯t been perfect, but it had been intimate. She had always gravitated toward him, never hesitating to be near him. So why was she like this now? ???????? ?????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í??????©o????? Hadley wobbled unsteadily on her feet, and without thinking, Eric moved to catch her. But as soon as his hand lifted, she recoiled, as if his mere presence was something to be feared. Eric froze, his frown deepening. ¡°I won¡¯ty a hand on you,¡± he said, his voice steady but firm. ¡°Just tell me¡ªare you okay? Can you walk?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley gave a weak nod, forcing herself to respond, though her voice barely rose above a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­ Thank you.¡± That cold, distant politeness struck a nerve. Hadley had never spoken to him like this before. She had never kept this kind of careful, measured space between them. Eric gestured toward the street. ¡°My car¡¯s parked over there. Where are you headed? I¡¯ll take you.¡± ¡°Not up for debate!¡± He cut her off before she could refuse. ¡°I made a promise to Grandma that I¡¯d look after you, and I don¡¯t break my promises. You¡¯re in no condition to be on your own right now. How could I just walk away?¡± . . . Chapter 136 ?Chapter 136: Hadley stared at him, her expression unreadable. Wasn¡¯t he capable of that? There had been plenty of times before when Eric had turned his back on her without a second thought. ¡°Alright then.¡± Hadley gave a weary nod, too drained to argue. ¡°I appreciate it.¡± Some of the tension in Eric¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Come on.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± They walked side by side, neither of them closing the deliberate gap between them. A short distance away, the middle-aged man stood in silence, his brows furrowed in deep contemtion. Though he had stepped back earlier, he had never truly left. As Eric and Hadley disappeared from sight, he remained rooted in ce, his mind racing to make sense of it all. He knew they had been married once, but he also knew their rtionship had been far from easy. Four years ago, Eric had sent Hadley away, casting her off without hesitation. Yet now, she was back. But what did that mean for the two of them? Were they still husband and wife, or had time changed everything? As the car moved down the road, Eric kept stealing nces at Hadley beside him. ¡°You alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Hadley gave a small nod, though her bodynguage told a different story. Her grip on her backpack was rigid, fingers locked around the straps as if she were holding on for dear life. Eric didn¡¯t miss the way Hadley clung to her bag, her fingers curled tightly around the straps. His brow furrowed. There was no mistaking it¡ªshe was still shaken from what had happened. The thought of that middle-aged man made irritation re inside him. ¡°Who the hell was that guy? What was his problem?¡± No matter what excuse that man had, Eric wasn¡¯t the type to let anyoney a hand on his family and get away with it. Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m ¡°I¡¯ve never seen him before,¡± Hadley said with a small shake of her head after a brief silence. ¡°He must have confused me with someone.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric¡¯s brows knitted together as he processed that. Was that really all there was to it? Something about that man¡¯s behavior didn¡¯t sit right with him. It hadn¡¯t felt like a simple misunderstanding. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what happened,¡± Hadley confirmed with a decisive nod. ¡°I tried exining, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. Then he started grabbing¡­¡± Eric let out a low grunt, epting her exnation. ¡°What a lunatic!¡± But if Hadley had no idea who the guy was, that meant Eric had no way of tracking him down. Eric frowned, realizing toote that he hadn¡¯t pressed for more details when he had the chance. ¡°You know¡­¡± Eric began, still unsettled by everything that had happened. ¡°What would you have done if I hadn¡¯t shown up?¡± Hadley turned to him, the question catching her off guard. Uncertainty flickered in her gaze. . . . Chapter 137 ?Chapter 137: ¡°Unbelievable,¡± Eric muttered, exhaling sharply before shaking his head. ¡°You were in a crowded area. Why didn¡¯t you scream? Someone would¡¯ve helped you!¡± It should¡¯ve been the first thing she thought to do, yet she hadn¡¯t. How could she be so careless about her own safety? Hadley nodded, taking in what he said. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll keep that in mind next time.¡± Neither of them spoke after that. The conversation faded, leaving the car in silence. Eric sat there, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. The urge to ask why she reacted so strongly to being touched weighed on his mind, but for some reason, the words refused toe out. He pulled up near the entrance of West Twelfth Alley and brought the car to a smooth stop. Hadley turned to him with a polite smile. ¡°Appreciate the ride.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Eric responded without a second thought. She pushed the door open and climbed out, adjusting her backpack as she moved. In the process, something slipped free andnded on the seat. ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric called after her, picking up the item. A hamburger. ¡°Whoops, my bad,¡± Hadley hurriedly grabbed it, offering a sheepish grin. ¡°It¡¯s well-packaged. No smell, I swear.¡± What? Eric frowned at Hadley. ¡°You actually think I¡¯d care if my car smelled like a hamburger?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Hadley gave a firm nod. Wouldn¡¯t he, though? She hadn¡¯t forgotten how, on the first day she returned, she¡¯d made noodles in his kitchen, and Eric had grumbled about the smell for hours. Eric hadn¡¯t forgotten either. And now, he had no defense. R?????? ???????????????? ???????? g??l????¦Í??????.??o?? He shot back, but there was more defensiveness in his tone than conviction. ¡°That was totally different! You¡¯re twisting things. Don¡¯t act like Iin about every little thing.¡± ¡°Got it, loud and clear,¡± Hadley said with a nod. ¡°If he says it¡¯s fine, then it¡¯s fine,¡± Hadley thought to herself. ¡°No clue why he¡¯s making such a big deal out of it again though.¡± She stuffed the hamburger back into her bag, and Eric suddenly felt uneasy. ¡°Wait. Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s all you¡¯re eating for lunch?¡± Hadley hadn¡¯t eaten yet? At this hour? And all she had was a single hamburger? ¡°No,¡± Hadley said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°I already had lunch. Just wanted a snack.¡± Eric let out a slow breath, slightly relieved, but his gaze fell on her backpack. It was flimsy, the kind one could buy for a few bucks. Her clothes were just as in¡ªan old T-shirt and cargo jeans, nothing special about the fabric or fit. ¡°Call it simple if you¡¯re being generous. Call it run-down if you¡¯re being honest,¡± Eric thought. His frown deepened. He¡¯d never really paid attention before, never looked too closely at Hadley. Now that he thought about it, she¡¯d been dressing like this ever since she got back from abroad. Hadley had told him she was done being a burden, that she wanted to be independent and live on her own terms. And it was clear now¡ªshe meant every word. . . . Chapter 138 ?Chapter 138: Oblivious to whatever was running through Eric¡¯s mind, Hadley zipped up her backpack, slung it over one shoulder, and gave him a quick wave. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going in.¡± ¡°Yeah. See you.¡± Eric stayed in the car, his eyes following her as she walked away, each step pulling her further from him. Something tightened in his chest, a nagging weight he couldn¡¯t shake. He didn¡¯t know what to call it, but it lingered, gnawing at him long after she was gone. By the time night fell, Srixby was pulsing with its usual evening energy. But tonight, Gnt was bursting at the seams. It was the long-awaited grand finale of the dance-offpetition. Long before the finals even began, the club was packed wall-to-wall. Security had to turn people away just to keep the crowd from spiraling out of control. Everypetitor gave it their all, but when it was over, there was no doubt. ¡°Dance Queen!¡± ¡°S! Dance Queen!¡± ¡°S! Dance Queen!¡± The chants shook the club, the electricity in the air still buzzing as Hadley slipped backstage. Even with the walls between her and the audience, their cheers still rang loud in her ears. Lennon had seen thising, and watching it unfold exactly as he expected only made him more satisfied. But what he hadn¡¯t predicted was that Eric wouldn¡¯t be here to see it. Lennon let out a sigh, pressing his fingers to his temples. ¡°Tsk. What a waste¡­ Mr. Flynn didn¡¯t even show up.¡± Hadley looked unimpressed. ¡°Mr. Lewis, he hasn¡¯t been around for days. That night might¡¯ve just been him talking big for show.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Lennon blinked, taken aback. ¡°Wait, seriously?¡± He scrambled for evidence. ¡°But what about the flowers? Thete-night snacks? He sent all that, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Sure, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s nowhere to be seen tonight,¡± Hadley pointed out, keeping her tone even. ¡°So what now? Am I supposed to give a toast to the most generous patron, right?¡± With Eric not showing up, skipping the toast wasn¡¯t exactly an option. Lennon hesitated. ¡°Well¡­ Mr. Flynn did say he¡¯d always top the highest bid by half a million.¡± Hadley let out a quietugh. ¡°Oh, really? Did he seal that promise with a pinky swear, or did he put it in writing? Did you get the money upfront?¡± There was no contract, no official agreement¡ªjust words. She pushed further. ¡°He hasn¡¯t even shown up in ages. What if he forgot? You can¡¯t just assume things will go your way on a verbal promise alone. You¡¯ve got to think this through.¡± Lennon chewed on her words. She had a point. ¡°How about I just go out there and do the toast now?¡± Hadley suggested. ¡°Not happening!¡± Lennon snapped, his jaw tightening. ¡°That toast is for Mr. Flynn and no one else.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t see the logic. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re the one ditching. He is.¡± . . . Chapter 139 ?Chapter 139: ¡°Oh, Hadley, my dear!¡± Lennon groaned, hisugh tinged with exasperation. ¡°Sure, if he doesn¡¯t show, I miss out on his money. But if he rememberster and hears we went ahead without him, I¡¯ll be the one paying for it!¡± Hadley pressed her lips together, saying nothing. There was no denying it¡ªEric¡¯s name still carried serious weight in Srixby. ¡°And what about the crowd?¡± The audience outside was still waiting for the Dance Queen to raise a ss to the top patron. It was the real finale of the night, and without Eric making an appearance, everything hade to a standstill. The tension was mounting, and the impatience in the air was palpable. ¡°Leave it to me,¡± Lennon said with a dismissive flick of his wrist. ¡°I¡¯ll throw Mr. Flynn¡¯s name out there and see if anyone¡¯s foolish enough to question it.¡± That settled it. Hadley had no further arguments. Lennon had made his stance crystal clear. ¡°I¡¯m heading out front,¡± Lennon announced, smoothing back his pomade-slicked hair before puffing out his chest. With a confident stride, he made his way toward the stage. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for!¡± His voice rang out,manding the room¡¯s attention. ¡°Tonight¡¯s top patron will receive a personal toast from none other than our shining star, Miss S! And now, the big reveal. The title of tonight¡¯s top patron belongs to¡­ Mr. Eric Flynn!¡± The crowd erupted. ¡°No way!¡± ¡°It¡¯s him! Mr. Flynn!¡± The audience went wild, their cheers surging through the venue like a tidal wave. ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????: g???????¦Í????????©q????? After all, nothing stirred up a crowd quite like the spectacle of a billionaire backing a breathtaking dancer. ¡°Miss S, raise a toast to Mr. Flynn!¡± ¡°Raise a toast!¡± The crowd at Gnt erupted in cheers, their voices bouncing off the walls like a rolling tide. Yet, amid the excitement, a realization dawned upon them¡ªneither Eric nor Hadley was present. ¡°Where is Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Has anyone seen him? I don¡¯t see him anywhere.¡± Soon, murmurings turned into certainty¡ªEric had not made an appearance at all. ¡°Come on now,¡± someone teased, amusementced in their voice. ¡°Mr. Lewis, how does Mr. Flynn im the title of top patron if he hasn¡¯t even set foot in the ce tonight?¡± ¡°Are you pulling the wool over our eyes?¡± ¡°Or is it that you¡¯ve locked Miss S away, unwilling to let her grace us with her presence?¡± ¡°No, no!¡± Lennon frantically waved his hands, motioning for the growing unrest to settle. ¡°Here¡¯s the situation. Mr. Flynn may not be here in person, but he did leave behind a message.¡± A message. That was all Lennon could offer. After all, if he revealed the prearranged scheme¡ªwhere Eric would automatically outbid anyone by half a million dors¡ªit would be like stirring a ho¡¯s nest. . . . Chapter 140 ?Chapter 140: The Flynn familymanded power, but the gathered guests were not the type to be trifled with either. ¡°A message, you say?¡± That exnation carried as much weight as a feather in a storm. ¡°So, Mr. Flynn can ce bets out of thin air now?¡± ¡°Hold on a second! I recall Gnt¡¯s rules clearly. If you¡¯re not present, your bid doesn¡¯t count!¡± That statement struck a chord, heads nodding in agreement like synchronized pendulums. ¡°That is right! Rules are rules!¡± The agitation swelled like a rising tide, particrly in Cody ke, the second-highest bidder of the night. Cody, heir to the ke Group, had always been a steadfast admirer of S, never hesitating to spend extravagantly on her performances. Cody was predicted by everyone to be tonight¡¯s biggest winner. It had seemed like a given. It was unexpected that Lennon would dere Eric the winner. Cody had swallowed his displeasure at first, but now, the tide had shifted in his favor. ¡°Mr. Lewis,¡± Cody called out, stepping forward with deliberate intensity, his finger jabbing in Lennon¡¯s direction. ¡°Since everyone is in agreement, are you not bound to follow the rules?¡± ¡°This is¡­¡± Lennon hesitated, sweat forming at his temples. Not even Eric¡¯s name could silence the crowd. The web of deception he had spun was unraveling before his eyes. What was he supposed to do now? Meanwhile, across town, Eric leaned casually against his car, a day¡¯s work behind him. As the vehicle sped toward Silver Vis, his eyes drifted toward the scenery beyond the tinted ss. A thought crossed his mind. ¡°Sebastian.¡± ?????????????? ????????: g??????????????????????? ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°I have something to handle. Stop the car, and I will drive myself. You can take a cab and go home.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sebastian blinked in confusion. ¡°Mr. Flynn, where exactly are you going? I can drive you.¡± ¡°No need.¡± Eric shook his head, declining the offer. Without another word, he slid into the driver¡¯s seat and pulled away, his departure as silent as his refusal. Sebastian remained rooted in ce, watching the car veer left at the next intersection. A frown tugged at his brow¡ªSilver Vis was in the opposite direction. ¡°Where is he going?¡± Eric wondered. He was headed for Gnt. He had stayed away for some time, partly because of Hadley, but tonight, something in the air¡ªor perhaps something inside him¡ªurged him back. Meanwhile, chaos was unraveling at the nightclub. ¡°Mr. ke, you can¡¯t go in there! That¡¯s the staff-only area!¡± ¡°Out of my way!¡± Cody¡¯s temper was already a firestorm, fueled by disappointment and wounded pride. He hadn¡¯t gotten the result he expected, and in his world, that meant both his money and his dignity had gone up in smoke. There was no way he was letting this slide. . . . Chapter 141 ?Chapter 141: ¡°Lennon!¡± He stormed through the backstage area, his finger stabbing the air as he singled out Lennon. ¡°I have spent a fortune on her, and I expect answers! Besides¡­¡± He swept his arm toward the onlookers trailing behind him like moths drawn to the scent of scandal. ¡°Ask them if my request is unreasonable!¡± ¡°Unreasonable? Hardly!¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s fair!¡± They were here for the drama, nothing more. ¡°Mr. ke, I swear I¡¯m telling the truth. Mr. Flynn¡ªI¡ª¡± ¡°Stop throwing Mr. Flynn¡¯s name around like a shield!¡± Cody, marinated in liquor, felt the burn of alcohol intensifying his temper. With a forceful shove, he sent Lennon stumbling. ¡°Does Mr. Flynn even know you use his name like this? Step aside!¡± ¡°Ouch!¡± Lennon stumbled, barely managing to stay on his feet before he hit the ground. Shaking off the misstep, he raced after Cody, who had already bulldozed his way into the dressing room. Inside, several dancers were in the middle of wiping off their makeup and changing into their regr clothes. The moment Cody stormed in, a chorus of startled shrieks filled the room. Cody paid them no mind, cutting straight to the chase. ¡°Where is S?¡± ¡°Tell her toe out and share a drink with me!¡± ¡°Her?¡± A heavy silence fell over the room as every gaze instinctivelynded on Hadley. She had already wiped away her makeup and was no longer wearing her mask. However, she reacted swiftly, slipping it back on the instant Cody barged in. Ironically, that only served to make her stand out even more. Cody¡¯s eyes gleamed with recognition. Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn A loud, amusedugh burst from his throat. Striding forward, he zeroed in on her. ¡°So, this is where you¡¯ve been hiding!¡± Hadley straightened, keeping her voice asposed as a stillke. ¡°Good evening. May I ask what this is about?¡± For a brief moment, Cody faltered. He couldn¡¯t see her face, but something about her voice caught his attention. Up close, her poised stance and graceful figure were impossible to ignore. ¡°Miss S, you gave your word that you would toast with the top patron after the performance. Surely, you¡¯re not thinking of going back on it now?¡± Hadley had no issue with the request. However, the choice was not hers to make. She cast a nce at Lennon, who immediately stepped forward to shield her. ¡°Mr. ke, this is a private space full of young women. Can we take this conversation somewhere else?¡± Just when he was inches away from getting what he wanted, another roadblock appeared. Cody¡¯s patience, already hanging by a thread, snapped. . . . Chapter 142 ?Chapter 142: With a sneer, he seized Lennon¡¯s shoulder and shoved him aside. ¡°Out of my way! Unless you want me to tear this ce apart, I suggest you don¡¯t test me!¡± Without waiting for a response, he reached for Hadley, locking his fingers around her slender wrist. The moment their skin touched, something dark flickered in his gaze. Her skin was smooth, like untouched silk beneath his grip. ¡°Now this is nice,¡± he mused. ¡°Come along with me!¡± He tightened his hold, intent on dragging her away. ¡°No! No!¡± Hadley¡¯s carefully heldposure shattered at the man¡¯s touch. ¡°Let go of me!¡± She fought against his grip with every ounce of strength she had. Cody¡¯s head snapped toward her, his face twisting in irritation. ¡°You¡¯re just a performer, and yet you dare raise your voice at me?¡± ¡°I said, let go!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice rang out again,ced with defiance despite the tremor in it. Their struggle intensified, and in the scuffle, Hadley lost her footing and crashed onto the floor. Cody, his ego bruised and temper ring, tightened his grip and started dragging her toward the door. ¡°I¡¯m not letting go. Whether you like it or not, you¡¯reing with me today!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Hadley screamed in terror. Nheless, he yanked her forward with brute force. Hadley trembled uncontrobly, her voice cracking as she cried out, ¡°Let go of me! Let go!¡± The entire room stood frozen in shock. Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o?? ¡°Mr. Lewis! Do something!¡± ¡°Damn!¡± Lennon had not expected the situation to spiral out of control so quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll call security right now! Hadley, just hold on!¡± ¡°What should we do? Should we step in?¡± ¡°But Cody is not someone you want to cross.¡± ¡°Look at him! If we interfere, we might end up in trouble ourselves!¡± Hadley¡¯s gasping sobs grew louder. Her wrist had gone numb under Cody¡¯s crushing grip, her body locked in a rigid state of fear, and her breath came in short, uneven bursts. ¡°Look!¡± ¡°S doesn¡¯t look good!¡± ¡°Step aside.¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through themotion like a de¡ªcalm, precise, and brimming with authority. He didn¡¯t need to raise it. The weight of his words alonemanded attention. In the crowd, recognition sparked instantly. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± . . . Chapter 143 ?Chapter 143: ¡°It¡¯s really Mr. Flynn!¡± The restless murmuring died down as people instinctively moved aside, clearing a path without hesitation. Eric walked through them with unshaken confidence, reaching the center of the disturbance in mere moments. His gaze sharpened slightly, a ghost of a smirk curling on his lips. ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± His voice carried an air of nonchnce, as if he were merely making an idle remark about the pleasant evening. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± Cody¡¯s stomach twisted with panic. So it wasn¡¯t just empty talk! Lennon had been dead serious. This was real. And he was in deep trouble. Eric didn¡¯t so much as nce at him, treating his existence as nothing more than background noise. His attention was elsewhere, locked onto the woman Cody had been holding moments ago. Hadley was still in her stage costume, her mask slightly askew, long hair disheveled as she sat slumped on the floor. She looked utterly miserable. ¡°Humph.¡± Eric scoffed, his breath carrying a cold, mocking edge. Then, without¡­ Warning, his armshed out like a whip. A sharp crack split the air. Before anyone could react, Cody was airborne, flung like a broken marite before crashing violently against the wall. A strangled cry tore from his throat as pain exploded through his back. His spine struck the wall with brutal force, the impact rattling through his entire body. But it didn¡¯t stop there. His face burned with a fierce sting, and an unsettling warmth trickled down his chin. Blood. L¨»t??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.?????? Cody spat, coughing up a mix of red and saliva. Something solid hit the floor with a soft clink. His tooth. The realization sent a shudder through him. Eric Flynn¡¯s strength was beyond question. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Cody forced out a ragged breath, ignoring the sharp sting that shot through him. If there had been any doubt before, it was gone now¡ªthis woman meant something to Eric. Everyone in the city knew Eric had never taken an interest in any woman. Yet tonight, he¡¯d crossed a line for this dancer without hesitation. ¡°My bad. I didn¡¯t realize she was yours¡­¡± ¡°Out of my sight!¡± Eric¡¯s voice was sharp with irritation. His focus never wavered from Hadley, still curled up on the floor, her entire frame shaking. ¡°Of course.¡± Now mostly sober and no longer concerned about pride, Cody staggered back, retreating without another word. . . . Chapter 144 ?Chapter 144: Eric closed the remaining distance, stopping right in front of Hadley before reaching out his hand. ¡°It¡¯s alright now. You can get up.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t react, as if she hadn¡¯t even registered his words. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Lennon burst in with security trailing behind him, only to find that the crisis had already passed. His relief was obvious. ¡°Man, am I d you showed up when you did!¡± Then, he grumbled, unable to hold back. ¡°You saw it, right? That Cody ke kept iming I was throwing your name around just to intimidate him. But seriously, without your permission, I wouldn¡¯t have dared¡ªnot even if I had nerves of steel!¡± Lennon¡¯s endless rambling grated on Eric¡¯s patience. Tuning him out, Eric crouched down in front of Hadley. ¡°Are you hurt? It¡¯s over now¡­ Let me help you up.¡± As Eric spoke, his hand came to rest gently on her shoulder. Hadley flinched violently, her reaction sharp and instinctive, rejecting his touch without thinking. ¡°What the¡ª¡± Lennon, startled by the sudden outburst, let out a yelp of his own. Irritation shed across Eric¡¯s face. ¡°What are you screaming for?¡± He fixed Lennon with a sharp, irritated re. ¡°Shut it.¡± ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Lennon muttered, nodding quickly. Lowering his voice to a near whisper, he leaned in slightly. ¡°She¡¯s shaken up bad. That stunt Cody pulled really did a number on her!¡± Really? Eric narrowed his eyes. Something didn¡¯t sit right. That look in her eyes, the way she shrank back¡ªhe had seen this before. The entire situation felt eerily familiar. F??nd n?w ??h??????????s ??t g??l??ov?ls.????? His chest tightened as realization wed at the edges of his mind. Without another word, he turned sharply toward Lennon. ¡°Clear the room.¡± Lennon blinked, unsure he¡¯d heard correctly. ¡°Wait¡­ Everyone?¡± Eric didn¡¯t bother exining. He simply leveled the other man with an icy, expectant stare. That was all it took. ¡°Got it!¡± Lennon wouldn¡¯t risk pressing the issue any further. He straightened up and instantly got to work, waving his arms to herd everyone out. ¡°Alright, the show¡¯s over! Move it! Out, all of you!¡± Within moments, the dressing room emptied, leaving only Eric and Hadley behind. Eric took a step closer, his jaw tight as he studied the woman in front of him. His hand lifted slightly, hovering in hesitation before he reached toward her mask. A beat of silence passed before he stopped and spoke, his voice steady yet firm. ¡°Do you want to take this off yourself, or should I do it for you?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t answer. Her head remained bowed, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if bracing against an unseen force. . . . Chapter 145 ?Chapter 145: Eric exhaled slowly, willing himself to keep his patience. His tone softened as he called her name. ¡°Hadley?¡± At that, she stirred. Her chin lifted slightly, and through tear-streakedshes, her gaze met his. The moment their eyes locked, Eric felt the breath catch in his throat. His fingers twitched as he reached out. ¡°Rx,¡± he murmured. ¡°I won¡¯t touch you.¡± Hadley closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment as Eric carefully slipped his fingers beneath the mask and lifted it away. The mask slipped away, uncovering her face beneath it. And there she was. Hadley. Eric clenched the mask in his grip, his eyes shutting for a brief moment as everything clicked into ce. That strange feeling of familiarity when he first saw her on stage. That unshakable pull toward her, no matter how much he tried to¡­ignore it. Of course, it made sense now. Hadley was a dancer. And he had been too blind to see it. ¡°You¡­¡± Eric shot to his feet, his initial shock melting into raw frustration. He pointed straight at her. ¡°Hadley, what the hell are you doing in a ce like this? Do you even understand what kind of ce this is?¡± Hadley smirked,pletely unfazed by his outburst. She had been expecting this. From the moment she realized Eric frequented Gnt, she knew this confrontation was inevitable. She got to her feet, dusting herself off before meeting his re head-on. ¡°Mr. Flynn, youe here all the time. If anyone knows what kind of establishment this is, it should be you.¡± Your next adventure is at g al n ovels . con Eric¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°And you knew that, yet you still chose to be here?¡± Hadley tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. ¡°Why not? If you¡¯re allowed here, why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Eric¡¯s voice shot up, his anger boiling over. A vein pulsed at his temple. ¡°I¡¯m here to enjoy the performance! What¡¯s your reason? You¡¯re putting yourself up for sale! Hadley, my family took you in and raised you. Do you have no sense of dignity or self-respect?¡± Dignity and self-respect? Hadley¡¯s hands tightened into fists, a sharp pain twisting inside her as if something deep within her was unraveling. She had long been deprived of the luxury of clinging to ideals like honor and dignity. Those were things she had sacrificed long ago during her struggle to stay alive. Survival was all that mattered now. ¡°Say something!¡± Eric¡¯s voice sliced through the silence, sharp with usation. He took her refusal to answer as an admission of guilt, his tone growing even harsher. ¡°You told me you wanted to stand on your own. Is this what¡­¡± . . . Chapter 146 ?Chapter 146: ¡°You meant? unting yourself in front of men just to scrape by?¡± As he spoke, Hadley met his words with an icy re. Her lips curled into a smirk, dripping with contempt. ¡°That¡¯s right¡ªI unt my body for money. And you, Mr. Flynn? You¡¯re the one paying for it. What gives you the right to sit in judgment?¡± ¡°You¡ª!¡± She didn¡¯t flinch. She didn¡¯t back down. ¡°I¡¯m a dancer,¡± she stated, steady and unwavering. ¡°I earn my way with my own skill. I don¡¯t steal. I don¡¯t cheat. I don¡¯t break thew. Tell me, what exactly am I doing wrong?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°So you¡¯ve learned to run your mouth.¡± His patience snapped. ¡°After all these years, this is the person you¡¯ve be? I won¡¯t stand here and argue with you. Gather your things ande with me. I refuse to let this continue!¡± ¡°Not happening.¡± Hadley lifted her chin, her defiance cutting through the air like a de. ¡°This is my life¡ªI¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± Eric froze for a second, stunned by her resistance. Then his expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he lowered his voice to a dangerous growl. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯ll let this slide? If you won¡¯t leave with me, I¡¯ll see to it that this ce shuts down. You¡¯ll have nowhere left to run.¡± Hadley met Eric¡¯s threat with nothing more than a knowing smile, effortless and unwavering. Her voice remained steady, almost amused. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± She barely acknowledged the storm gathering in Eric¡¯s expression¡ªthe tension in his jaw, the fire in his eyes. Instead, she pushed forward, her words measured and deliberate. ?????????????? ?????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Tell me, just how much is the Flynn family name worth to you? If you walk out that door now, all people will talk about is two patrons fighting over a pretty dancer. Typical nightclub drama. No scandal. No fallout.¡± Then, with a subtle shift, her voice took on a biting mockery. ¡°But shut down Gnt? Oh, that would be a mistake. Because then, I¡¯ll make sure everyone knows exactly who I am. You might see me as nothing, but let¡¯s not forget¡­ I¡¯m still Mrs. Flynn.¡± She paused just long enough to let the weight of her words settle before delivering the final stroke. ¡°Picture the headlines, Eric. The esteemed Flynn family¡¯s daughter-inw¡ªSrixby¡¯s most coveted nightclub dancer. Now that would be a spectacle, don¡¯t you think?¡± Eric went rigid. His features hardened, his fury warring with disbelief. Hadley simplyughed. ¡°How could you allow something so disgraceful? Quite the scandal, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± A heavy silence settled over the room. Eric¡¯s jaw tightened, the muscle ticking in frustration. As much as he despised it, Hadley had struck exactly where it hurt. . . . Chapter 147 ?Chapter 147: The thought of the Flynn name being dragged through the mud, turned into Srixby¡¯stest mockery, was a humiliation he could not afford. ¡°Fine. Very well.¡± His gaze turned razor-sharp, a slow, cruel smirk curling his lips. ¡°Hadley, you really are an ingrate, aren¡¯t you?¡± Who did she think he was doing all this for, anyway? ¡°We took you in, gave you everything, and this¡ªthis is how you repay me? By using my own family to threaten me?¡± Hadley met his stare. ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Her voice was smooth. ¡°But let¡¯s be clear. Leave me alone, and nothing will spiral out of control. Soon enough, I won¡¯t even be a Flynn anymore. So tell me, Eric¡ªwhy are you so determined to meddle in my affairs?¡± Their eyes locked, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension, neither willing to yield. A soft, measured tap shattered the standoff. ¡°Who is it?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was edged with impatience. The door creaked open just enough for Lennon to peek inside, his expression cautious. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­ just checking if you needed anything?¡± Eric and Hadley had been alone inside the dressing room for too long, and Lennon was starting to get worried. After the fiasco with Cody, Lennon was probably wondering if Hadley needed rescuing. ¡°No! Get lost¡ª¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice sliced clean through his dismissal. Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn Eric¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What now?¡± She smiled, a picture of effortless poise. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± she said, addressing him as if he were nothing more than a stranger. ¡°Mr. Lewis can bring some wine. You¡¯re the man of the night, after all. It¡¯s only right that I offer you a toast as promised.¡± Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Even now, she kept up the act, treating him as if he were nothing more than a name on a guest list, just another face in the crowd. A bitter realization settled in. If that was how she wanted to y it, then so be it. Eric¡¯s lips curled into a slow, ice-edged smirk. ¡°Sure. Why not?¡± Hadley turned to Lennon, her voice as effortless as ever. ¡°Would you mind taking care of that?¡± Lennon brightened. ¡°On it!¡± In a sh, he was gone¡ªonly to return just as swiftly. A waitress trailed behind him, bncing a tray with wine and two sses. ¡°Everything¡¯s set, Mr. Flynn.¡± Lennon nced at Hadley, giving her a subtle nod. With quiet poise, she stepped forward, lifting the bottle with steady hands. The wine poured smoothly, the deep red liquid catching the light before settling into the ss. Then, with deliberate grace, Hadley extended it toward Eric, both hands cradling the stem, a picture ofposure. . . . Chapter 148 ?Chapter 148: ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Her voice was measured. ¡°A toast¡ªto your generosity¡­ and all that you¡¯ve done.¡± Eric¡¯s gaze flicked from her face to the ss she offered, lingering just a moment too long. Then, a sneer danced at the corners of his lips. He reached out, inhaling deeply as he took the ss, closing his eyes and savoring a sip of the wine. ¡°¡®A ¡¯72 Chianti,¡± he said, a hint of ironycing his tone. ¡°You¡¯ve got taste.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Lennon trailed off before adding, ¡°Hadley picked it herself¡ªsharp instincts, don¡¯t you think?¡± Eric tilted his head, his eyes settling on her. Did she, now? He didn¡¯t respond. Didn¡¯t offer a reaction. Just arched a brow¡ªthen, with effortless confidence, brought the ss to his lips and drained it. In one smooth motion, Eric closed the space between them like a striking viper. His hand caught the back of Hadley¡¯s head before she could move. Her breath faltered. Her body went still. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Eric didn¡¯t answer¡ªnot immediately. His grip remained firm, holding her in ce, his breath brushing against her ear as he spoke in a voice meant only for her. ¡°If you¡¯re so determined to ruin yourself, I won¡¯t stand in your way.¡± His tone was ice-cold, edged with something sharper¡ªa warning, a promise. ¡°But don¡¯t think for a second there won¡¯t be consequences.¡± Hadley¡¯s body stiffened, every instinct urging her to recoil, but she refused to let him see even a flicker of hesitation. Instead, she forced a small, unwavering smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Flynn.¡± Her voice was quiet and steady. ¡°I¡¯ve made my choice. Even if it leads to a dead end, I won¡¯t turn back.¡± Fine. Let her have it. Eric¡¯s fingers loosened, his gaze flickering away as though releasing something far heavier than just her. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out, his exit swift and final. The moment the door clicked shut, Hadley let out a long, unsteady breath. Her knees wavered, and she staggered back, catching herself against the wall. ?????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í??????????????? ¡°Wait¡­ What?¡± Lennon¡¯s voice wavered, his mouth slightly open as he tried to process what had just unfolded before him. ¡°Hadley, are you okay?¡± She managed a small nod. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Lennon didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°Fine? Are you serious? What the hell just happened? Why did Mr. Flynn storm out like that? What did you say to him?¡± Hadley only shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he¡¯s noting back.¡± Lennon¡¯s eyes widened, disbelief crashing over him. ¡°What? What do you mean he¡¯s noting back?¡± Days passed, and Eric never returned to Gnt. Lennon could feel it creeping in, curling around his thoughts like an unanswered question. Restless, he finally turned to Hadley, unable to hold back any longer. ¡°Hadley, what really happened between you and Mr. Flynn that night? Just tell me. Maybe I can help figure something out.¡± . . . Chapter 149 ?Chapter 149: ¡°Nothing happened.¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t exin the truth, so she simply said, ¡°I suppose he just didn¡¯t like what he saw when I took off the mask.¡± Lennon stared at her, his eyebrows furrowed. Eric? Unsatisfied with her? The very idea was absurd. Lennon had seen Hadley turn heads without even trying. How could Eric¡ªof all people¡ªbe indifferent? What was wrong with him? And yet, reality stared Lennon in the face, offering no room for argument. Eric was gone. With a weary sigh, Lennon dragged a hand through his hair. ¡°Well¡­ I guess there¡¯s nothing we can do about it.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t flinch. If anything, she met his gaze with quiet certainty. ¡°So, do I still need to wear the mask?¡± There was no hesitation in her voice. ¡°Of course.¡± Lennon had hoped¡ªtruly hoped¡ªthat Eric would step in and back her career, which would also bring big money to his club. But no one had predicted this turn of events. Now, with Eric out of the picture, the mask had to stay. Some truths, however, were better left unsaid. ¡°Keep it on for now,¡± Lennon said, his voice firm yet contemtive. ¡°You¡¯ve already built a name with it. Might as well make it your signature.¡± Hadley inclined her head, epting his words without argument. ¡°Alright. If you say so.¡± But deep down, Lennon knew the truth: the mask couldn¡¯t stay forever. Sooner orter, it would have toe off¡ªbut not without a reckoning. After all the drama, the chaos of her life only intensified. Between rehearsals, performances, and now the film, Hadley¡¯s schedule had be a relentless blur. g???????¦Í??????.??????, ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ???? At the set, she and a few stand-ins had just wrapped up their first routine for Adonis, setting the stage for filming in the next couple of days. Hadley was constantly in motion, caught in an endless cycle between the set and Gnt¡ªdancing under one set of lights only to rush off and perform under another. After wrapping up at the set, she sank into the bus seat, exhaustion pressing against her limbs as the vehicle wove its way back to West Twelfth Alley. Just as Hadley let her eyes drift shut for a fleeting moment of rest, her phone buzzed. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before answering, ¡°Dr. Williams?¡± Every time Mathias called, a knot tightened in her stomach, her mind bracing for the worst. She dreaded the possibility of bad news about Joy. ¡°Ms. Pearson!¡± Mathias¡¯s voice came through, steady as ever, but something was different this time¡ªno heavy silence, no ominous pause hanging between them. ¡°I have good news for you.¡± Hadley sat up instantly, her fingers tightening around the phone. ¡°Really?¡± Her pulse quickened, her breath catching. ¡°Could it be¡­¡± The rest of the sentence hovered at the edge of her lips, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say it. Speaking it aloud felt dangerous, as if putting it into words might jinx it and shatter whatever fragile hope she had left to hold onto. . . . Chapter 150 ?Chapter 150: ¡°Yes.¡± Mathias didn¡¯t sugarcoat the truth. Over the years, he had witnessed Hadley¡¯s struggles unfold right before his eyes. ¡°Joy¡¯s name finally made it onto the list!¡± Hadley froze. For a moment, it was as if the world had stopped spinning. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their weight pressing against her resolve. She clenched her fists, willing herself not to break. ¡°Th-thank you, Dr. Williams.¡± Emotion swelled in her chest, so vast that words felt like a foreign concept. ¡°Why are you thanking me?¡± Mathias chuckled. ¡°I hardly lifted a finger. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s been running yourself ragged. Now, once the surgery is done, Joy will finally be free from this agony.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ that is right.¡± ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Mathias added, his voice steady, ¡°you¡¯ll need to gather the surgery fees quickly.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart lurched. The corners of her mouth, which had barely begun to lift, ttened again. Of course¡ªthe cost. That enormous, suffocating weight still loomed over her. ¡°Roughly¡­ how much?¡± she asked, her voice uneven. ¡°About five hundred thousand dors,¡± Mathias answered without hesitation. Five hundred thousand dors! She had braced herself for a hefty sum, had scrimped and saved every¡­ A penny, but hearing the actual number still sent a chill down her spine. Bncing meals for herself and Joy had always been an uphill battle¡ªone that felt endless. The monthly medical bills piled up like clockwork, relentless as the tide. Even with all her sacrifices, her savings seemed like nothing more than a drop in the ocean. Mathias knew bits and pieces of her financial struggles. ¡°You better move quickly. The surgery could happen in as little as two months or stretch out to six. There¡¯s no telling.¡± As a doctor, his hands were tied beyond that. ¡°I understand,¡± Hadley murmured. Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s When the call ended, she found herself teetering on the edge of hope and despair. Joy finally had a chance! A real chance at healing! But the money¡­ Two months, six at most. Where on earth was she supposed to find that kind of cash? Despite her hectic schedule, Hadley carved out time to visit N at the sanatorium. Day by day, N was growing stronger. ¡°Hadley, you came.¡± There was warmth in N¡¯s voice, and a touch of color had returned to her face. ¡°N.¡± As Hadley stepped inside, she noticed another presence¡ªEric. It had been their first encounter since that explosive argument at Gnt. ¡°Come, sit.¡± N took Hadley¡¯s hand, a gentle smile gracing her lips. ¡°I¡¯m feeling much better. Before you know it, I¡¯ll be back home. You¡¯ve been worrying yourself sick over me.¡± . . . Chapter 151 ?Chapter 151: ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± ¡°Fine? Look at you!¡± N gave her a scrutinizing once-over. ¡°You¡¯ve only been back in Srixby for what¡ªa few weeks? And you¡¯ve already¡­ shrunk to half your size.¡± Eric, who had been silent, flicked his gaze toward Hadley. His mind wandered to her cramped little ce on West Twelfth Alley. No matter how many times he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t make sense of it. Why did she insist on living like that? A dry chuckle slipped past his lips. ¡°Lost weight?¡± he mused bitterly. ¡°Serves her right. She has no one to me but herself.¡± ¡°What are youughing at?¡± N¡¯s sharp voice snapped him back to the present. ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric hesitated, clearing his throat awkwardly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± N pointed a firm finger at him. ¡°Before you leave, take some of these back for Hadley.¡± During her stay, visitors had showered N with gifts. The room was practically bursting with them. She had already shared plenty with the doctors and nurses, but there was still an overwhelming amount left. Hadley quickly shook her head. ¡°N, I don¡¯t need them.¡± ¡°They are for you. Take them.¡± N refused to hear otherwise. ¡°I chose things that will do you good¡ªfood, daily necessities. Don¡¯t let them go to waste. Eric will help bring them back to Silver Vis.¡± In her mind, Hadley still lived at Silver Vis. After all, Eric had more properties than he needed, so if anyone had to move after the separation, it certainly wouldn¡¯t have been her. Hadley knew that declining too forcefully might tip N off. With a reluctant nod, she relented. ¡°Thank you. I will take them then.¡± ¡°Why are you acting like we are strangers?¡± N then turned to Eric with a re. ¡°Did you hear what I just said? Why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Have you lost your tongue?¡± ¡°I heard you loud and clear.¡± Eric begrudgingly acknowledged her words, his voiceced with reluctance he made no effort to hide. ¡°No need to fret, Grandma. I¡¯ll make sure both she and the things arrive home safely. Is that enough?¡± Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s Beneath the surface, Eric sneered. Did Hadley really care about any of this? After a while, Hadley and Eric rose to leave together. They loaded the gifts into the trunk of Eric¡¯s car, each item a small weight added to a growing burden. In silence, they drove to West Twelfth Alley, Eric at the wheel and Hadley nestled in the back seat. When they reached the alley entrance, the car rolled to a stop. With a sullen demeanor, Eric silently unloaded the items from the trunk and set them down on the asphalt. ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley said, noticing his irritated expression. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. ¡°Just leave them here. I¡¯ll manage.¡± Eric¡¯s mood darkened further. She nned on carrying them herself? Hauling such heavy loads over a long stretch and up the stairs? It was impossible to do in one trip. Did she really think he was just a useless spectator? Ignoring his inner turmoil, Hadley bent down to grab the items. Suddenly, a voice called out to her. . . . Chapter 152 ?Chapter 152: ¡°Hadley!¡± Looking up, Hadley¡¯s smile blossomed. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you!¡± Eric squinted at the neer¡ªa slender, average-looking guy who rolled in on a bike. Hadley was smiling at him? Did she know this guy? What was their story? The guy, shaken by Eric¡¯smanding presence, swallowed hard and set the bag back on the ground. ¡°And that too,¡± Eric added, nodding toward the flour sack still resting on the guy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Put it down.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± the grocery store owner responded with a quick nod, not sparing another thought. Meanwhile, Hadley stood frozen,pletely thrown off by what had just happened. Eric turned to her abruptly, his gaze sharp and impatient. ¡°Why are you just standing there? Pay for the flour already!¡± ¡°Huh? Oh¡ªokay,¡± Hadley stammered, fumbling to find her wallet. ¡°Just a second.¡± Eric¡¯s gaze darkened as he noticed the store owner sneaking nces at Hadley. Was she really this oblivious? How could she not pick up on it? Wasn¡¯t it obvious to her what was going on? ¡°What¡¯s taking so long?¡± His voice cut through the moment, growing harsher. Something as simple as finding her wallet shouldn¡¯t be taking this long. ¡°There,¡± Hadley said, handing over the cash. ¡°All set.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing¡­¡± The owner¡¯s gaze flickered toward Eric, hesitation marking his words. ¡°Hadley, he, uh, he is¡­¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be on your way?¡± Eric interjected, his cold, piercing stare cutting through the tension like a de. The owner tensed, his resolve crumbling in an instant. He knew better than to press further. ¡°Ah, well¡­ Hadley, I¡¯ll get going then¡­¡± ¡°Alright, take care.¡± Hadley gave him an awkward little wave. Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Eric¡¯s patience snapped, his voice edged with irritation. What was so fascinating? And that lollipop in Hadley¡¯s mouth had been driving him up the wall. Before she could react, Eric reached over, plucked it from her lips, and¡­ He tossed it straight into the roadside gutter. Hadley stared at him, stunned. ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± ¡°Why are you yelling?¡± Eric had reached his limit. Some random man handed her candy, and she just ate it without a second thought? Now that it was gone, at least he felt a sense of relief. His eyes locked onto Hadley¡¯s. ¡°Cheap candy. I bet it tastes just as cheap. You¡¯re not allowed to eat stuff like that.¡± What? Hadley couldn¡¯t find the words to respond. Did she ever ask him to try it? And what did the taste of the candy have to do with him? Watching her fume in frustration only soured Eric¡¯s mood further. ¡°Who was that guy? What¡¯s he to you? Are you seriously upset just because I threw out the lollipop he gave you?¡± ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± Hadley blinked, baffled. ¡°He owns the grocery store nearby where I buy things from. He was just being nice and gave me candy, and you tossed it like it was nothing. Am I supposed to thank you for that?¡± . . . Chapter 153 ?Chapter 153: ¡°That¡¯s all there is to it?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes narrowed as he pressed for more. ¡°What else would there be?¡± Hadley shot back, still not understanding where he was going with this. Alright. Eric quickly figured it out¡ªit was just some guy with an unrequited crush. A smirk tugged at his lips as he crouched down, easily hoisting a box. ¡°Quit standing around. Come give me a hand.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley walked over, her thoughts lingering. Since when had she asked for his help? Eric had already bnced two boxes in his arms and motioned toward her. ¡°Stack the flour on top. You¡¯re carrying those two bags of fruit.¡± Right after speaking, he realized his tone might havee off a little harsh. ¡°Can you handle that?¡± he asked. ¡°I can.¡± Hadley gave a firm nod and followed his instructions. Still, she hesitated. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s not too heavy?¡± As far back as she could remember, she had never once seen Eric do any kind of manualbor. ¡°This? You call this heavy?¡± Eric let out a mocking scoff as he strode ahead without slowing down. ¡°Move it. Don¡¯t just stand there.¡± Even his posture radiated irritation. Hadley was dumbfounded. Then why carry it at all? she thought. No one forced him to help, yet he went out of his way to do it and then got annoyed about it. With a sigh, she grabbed the fruit bags and hurried after him. Eric was strong¡ªshe had to admit that much. He carried the heavy boxes straight to her apartment and ascended to the fifth floor without a single pause. ¡°Open the door.¡± Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Hadley fumbled with the keys, twisting them in the lock until the door finally swung open. Eric walked in and dropped the boxes onto the floor without ceremony. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths, exhaustion clear on his face. Hadley caught sight of the sweat glistening on his forehead and felt a slight pang of guilt. ¡°Do you want to wipe your face? Maybe get some water?¡± ¡°Bring it.¡± Eric didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°What?¡± ¡°A towel.¡± His re sharpened. ¡°What else do you expect me to wipe my face with?¡± ¡°Oh! I¡¯ll grab one!¡± Hadley rushed into the bathroom, grabbed a fresh towel, and handed it over. ¡°Here. This one¡¯s clean.¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened as he shot her an unimpressed look. Hadley blinked in confusion. What now? What had she done this time? ¡°Tsk.¡± Eric clicked his tongue, clearly irritated. ¡°You seriously expect me to wipe my own sweat?¡± He lifted his hands, showing them off. ¡°Take a good look. They¡¯re covered in dust from carrying your stuff. How do you expect me to clean my face like this?¡± . . . Chapter 154 ?Chapter 154: ¡°Then¡­¡± Hadley hesitated before mumbling, ¡°Do you want me to do it for you?¡± The second the words left her mouth, she regretted them. No one annoyed Eric more than she did. ¡°Or maybe¡ª¡± ¡°Hurry up!¡± Eric cut her off, impatience shing in his eyes. ¡°Just get it over with. This ce is a joke. Not even an elevator.¡± Hadley hesitated for a moment, but Eric wasn¡¯t having it. ¡°What are you standing there for? Do it already.¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± Still feeling a little dazed, Hadley gave a small nod and lifted her hand as she stepped closer. The difference in their heights became painfully obvious. Without the extra height from her heels, Hadley barely reached Eric¡¯s shoulders, making the contrast between their heights even more noticeable against his towering 6¡¯2¡å frame. Eric seemed to take note of that too. When Hadley stretched onto her toes, he exhaled sharply and leaned down, clearing his throat. ¡°Can you even reach?¡± ¡°I can.¡± Hadley gave a slight nod before dabbing the towel against his skin. A soft, fresh scent clung to the fabric¡ªthe same one she always carried. Eric found himself distracted. With her this close, he could make out every tiny detail of her face. Her skin was impossibly smooth¡­ Hadley¡¯s skin waspletely unblemished, as if the slightest touch could leave a mark. Eric¡¯s throat felt dry. He swallowed hard. Absorbed in wiping his face, Hadley didn¡¯t notice his gaze. She worked in silence, her touch light and careful. So, she has this side to her too, Eric thought quietly. The Hadley he remembered wasn¡¯t like this. In his mind, she had always been loud, always in his space. ¡°Eric, did you see Danica today?¡± g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ?????????? ?????????? ¡°Eric, when are youing home?¡± ¡°Eric, who was that girl you were talking to? You better spill!¡± ¡°Eric, don¡¯t even think about looking at other girls, and definitely don¡¯t smile at them. Got it?¡± Eric wondered if things would have turned out differently between them if she had been this soft-spoken before. ¡°All done.¡± Hadley pulled back, lowering the towel. Snapped out of his thoughts, Eric felt a strange, lingering emptiness. ¡°Do you want something to drink?¡± Hadley asked, setting the towel aside and turning to pour him a ss. ¡°I only have water, though.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fine.¡± Eric watched as she moved, then gestured toward the hall. ¡°Mind if I use your bathroom?¡± ¡°Sure, it¡¯s on the left.¡± He disappeared inside and returned a momentter, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch. As soon as his eyesnded on Hadley again, he caught her hesitating. ¡°Uh¡­ Sorry, I don¡¯t have any spare cups. Want me to run downstairs and grab you a bottle?¡± . . . Chapter 155 ?Chapter 155: No cup? Eric¡¯s gaze flicked to the table, where a lemon-yellow mug sat. He pointed at it. ¡°What about that one?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ mine!¡± Before she could finish, Eric had already grabbed it and downed the water in one go. Hadley froze, staring nkly. Guess I¡¯ll just wash itter, she thought. As Eric set the mug back down, he noticed her slightly puffed cheeks. Then, it hit him. ¡°Wait. That was yours?¡± Hadley lifted an eyebrow. What else could it be? Was he expecting someone else to be here? Eric let out a low chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re really something, you know that? I help you out, take one sip from your mug, and suddenly I¡¯m the bad guy?¡± That wasn¡¯t the case. Hadley opened her mouth, ready to set him straight, but before she could, his phone rang. He nced at the screen, and his expression shifted in an instant. ¡°It¡¯s me. Go on.¡± Judging by his tone, it was something work-rted. ¡°Got it. I¡¯m on my way now.¡± Eric ended the call and turned toward her. ¡°I need to go.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley nodded, walking with him to the door. As he stepped out, she said, ¡°Drive safe.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Eric gave a slight nod before heading down the stairs. For a brief second, something strange settled over him¡ªalmost like a husband leaving for work while his wife saw him off. But when he reached thest step, Eric slowed, ncing back toward her ce. His expression darkened. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? brings great stories How was he going to convince Hadley to leave this dump of a neighborhood? Hadley hardly spared another thought for Eric¡¯s visit. The moment he left, it was already slipping from her mind, no more than a passing breeze that barely registered. Right now, she had far more pressing concerns. Money. After turning it over in her head countless times, Hadley found herself considering someone she had sworn never to contact again. Not under any circumstances. Not even if her life depended on it. But she was still alive, and she desperately needed help. For the sake of her child, she had no choice but to swallow her pride. With a deep breath, she pulled out a phone number she hadn¡¯t touched in years. Her fingers trembled as she dialed it. Did he still have the same number after all this time? She pressed the call button, holding her breath. The line connected. A voice¡ªone she hadn¡¯t heard in so long, yet still painfully familiar¡ªanswered. ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s this?¡± . . . Chapter 156 ?Chapter 156: Hadley¡¯s heart pounded against her ribs. Her tongue felt heavy, but she forced herself to speak. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± A brief silence followed. Then, the man¡¯s voice came through again, this time filled with a mix of shock and something dangerously close to excitement. ¡°Hadley? Is this really you?¡± She gripped the phone tighter, her other hand pressing hard against her knee. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s me.¡± His reaction was immediate. ¡°Can¡¯t believe you actually called me!¡± His voice wavered slightly before he caught himself. ¡°Wait¡ªdo you need something?¡± He seemed to realize how that sounded and quickly backtracked. ¡°I don¡¯t mean you can¡¯t call unless you need something! That¡¯s not what I meant. You can call me anytime. Whenever. I¡¯ll always pick up.¡± The way he stumbled over his words made Hadley¡¯s eyes sting. Her fingers curled into her palm, shaking just a little. She didn¡¯t waste time on pleasantries. ¡°I need money. A loan. Will you lend it to me? I can¡¯t promise to pay it back quickly, but I will.¡± ¡°Money?¡± He faltered for a second, clearly caught off guard, but there was no hesitation in his answer. ¡°Of course. How much?¡± ¡°Five hundred thousand.¡± Hadley gave him the number without wavering. ¡°Come again?¡± The man was clearly taken aback. His voice shot up slightly as he blurted, ¡°Hadley, why do you need that kind of money? What happened?¡± Hadley¡¯s expression hardened. She had no intention of exining. ¡°Are you lending it or not? If you¡¯re not, I won¡¯t waste your time.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± He rushed to stop her before she could hang up. ¡°Just¡ªdon¡¯t hang up yet! Let¡¯s meet in person.¡± Feel the thrill at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s Meet up? What for? Hadley frowned, immediately wary. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± He must have sensed her hesitation because his voice softened. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the money, I promise. It¡¯s been years. I just want to see you. That¡¯s all. We¡¯ll meet, and I¡¯ll hand the money over. Fair enough?¡± Hadley weighed her options. She had no desire to see him again, but five hundred thousand wasn¡¯t a small amount, and her child¡¯s life depended on it. After a long pause, she gave in. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll text you the time and ce. Just don¡¯t back out on me.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± A few dayster, Hadley arrived at a private club in the city. It was an exclusive spot¡ªquiet, discreet, the kind of ce where people went when they didn¡¯t want to be seen. The irony wasn¡¯t lost on her. He was the one who wanted to see her, yet he was also the one going out of his way to stay under the radar. Hadley showed up ten minutes early. Since entry was restricted to members, she had to give his name at the front. ¡°This way, please.¡± . . . Chapter 157 ?Chapter 157: ¡°Thanks.¡± Adjusting the strap of her bag, she followed the staff member inside. The interior was dimly lit, and the air carried a faint scent of expensive cologne and aged whiskey. It was her first time in a ce like this, and despite being led in, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she didn¡¯t quite belong here. As she walked down the hallway, a door ahead suddenly swung open. Before she could react, someone stepped out, and she walked straight into them. ¡°Sorry!¡± The apology left her lips instinctively. ¡°No prob¡ª¡± The man started to brush it off, but the moment he saw Hadley, his words cut short. Holding his phone in one hand, the man squinted his eyes. ¡°Hadley?¡± Hadley froze for a moment, caughtpletely off guard. Of all people, why did it have to be him? ¡°Why are you even here?¡± Under the dim lights, Eric¡¯s expression shifted almost immediately. His eyes darkened, suspicion shing across his face. Hadley almostughed. ¡°What? You cane here, but I can¡¯t? Or is there some rule saying I¡¯m not allowed?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to concern yourself with my business.¡± She had no patience for a pointless back-and-forth. ¡°I have somewhere to be. I¡¯m leaving.¡± The staff member who had been guiding her remained nearby, waiting. ¡°Apologies for the dy.¡± Hadley picked up her pace, moving past Eric without another nce. ¡°There¡¯s no rush,¡± the staff member assured her with a polite nod. Eric stood rooted in ce, watching as she disappeared around the corner. His fingers curled into fists before he shoved his phone into his pocket, his frustration bubbling over. She didn¡¯t want him interfering? Fine. He wouldn¡¯t. ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????? g??????????????????????? Why should he even care? But back in the private room, Eric couldn¡¯t rx. His mind was¡­ Elsewhere, it didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Marshall and Barrie exchanged nces before speaking up. ¡°What¡¯s with you, man?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s about Linda again?¡± Normally, Eric brushed off their teasing with little more than a smirk, but this time, he barely reacted. Instead, he turned to them with a question. ¡°If a womanes here, what could she possibly be here for?¡± Marshall and Barrie looked at each other. ¡°Depends on what kind of woman you¡¯re talking about.¡± This club catered to all sorts. Some came for business, like the three of them. Others, though, had entirely different reasons. But many came for reasons they¡¯d rather keep under wraps. The reason? Discretion was the club¡¯s biggest selling point. Eric¡¯s brow furrowed, and he muttered, almost to himself, ¡°A dancer?¡± . . . Chapter 158 ?Chapter 158: Barrie let out a knowing chuckle. ¡°A dancer, huh? Come on, Eric, don¡¯t y dumb.¡± Marshall shot Barrie a warning look, and Barrie quickly caught on. Everyone knew Eric had seemed infatuated with a dancer from Gnt, buttely, he hadn¡¯t been seen anywhere near that club. Barrie cleared his throat and rephrased. ¡°You mean that dancer is here?¡± ¡°What else would she be up to?¡± Eric leaned back, his voice tight. ¡°If you¡¯re not the one covering her tab, someone else will. The girls from Gnt almost all end up on the same path eventually.¡± Eric¡¯s grip tightened on his ss. Hadley had mentioned she was here to meet someone. It couldn¡¯t possibly be business, could it? That thought alone made something snap inside him. ¡°Hey! Where are you running off to?¡± ¡°I¡¯m getting her out of here!¡± Eric¡¯s voice was firm, resolute. He had no choice. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and let this happen. Hadley was still legally his wife. They hadn¡¯t even finalized the divorce yet. If he let this slide, people wouldugh him out of town. Marshall and Barrie quickly followed, exchanging silent nces as they hurried after him. At the reception desk, Eric¡¯s presence alone made the receptionist tense. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Her voice was wary, almost pleading. ¡°Please don¡¯t make this difficult for us. You know we can¡¯t disclose guest information. If I do, I¡¯m out of a job.¡± That wasn¡¯t the only issue. This ce thrived on secrets. If even one got out, the entire business could crumble. The things concealed within these walls were far from trivial. A single slip, and the entire foundation of trust would copse. Inside the private lounge, Hadley sat across from the man, who had been silently observing her since her arrival. His gaze never faltered, fixed on her as though he were searching for something. ¡°Hadley, this is the third time we¡¯ve crossed paths. That day at Kingsbridge¡ªyou were there to see your grandmother, weren¡¯t you? You wore a mask then¡­¡± Hadley cut him off, her tone firm but calm. ¡°That¡¯s not why I came.¡± She met his eyes, unwavering. ¡°Let¡¯s not waste time. You said you¡¯d bring the money. Do you have it?¡± ?????? ???????????????? ????????????: gal?no?vels?co?m The man nodded, his response deliberate. ¡°I do.¡± His fingers drummed lightly on the table, but he made no move to hand over the money. ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you, but¡­ it¡¯s been years. You disappeared without a word, left the country, cut everyone off. How have you been? And you and Eric¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Her voice was steady, but the sharpness beneath it was clear. She locked eyes with him, unflinching. ¡°Do you really think you have the right to ask me that?¡± He hesitated, then spoke again, his voice softer. ¡°Why not? Hadley, I still care about you. You and Eric¡ª¡± ¡°Care?¡± Hadley let out a harsh, bitterugh. ¡°Now you care? After all this time?¡± There had been a time in her life when she needed help the most. Where was he then? Words of concern that came only after the damage was done meant nothing. The man sat in silence, his expression tightening with a mix of regret. ¡°I won¡¯t deny that I let you down. But at least tell me this¡ªwhy do you need so much money? What happened? Is Eric giving you trouble?¡± . . . Chapter 159 ?Chapter 159: He had seen them together not long ago. Eric had seemed protective, unwilling to let her go. They hadn¡¯t appeared like a couple falling apart, but the fact remained¡ªHadley had been sent overseas and kept away for four years. ¡°Hadley, just tell me¡ª¡± She had no patience for this. Hadley took a slow breath, steadying herself. ¡°If I don¡¯t exin, does that mean I¡¯m not getting the money?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡ª¡± Before he could finish, a sudden, forceful pounding shook the door. Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! The intensity of the banging made it clear that if they didn¡¯t open the door, whoever was outside was more than ready to break it down. ¡°Open up!¡± ¡°Open the door!¡± ¡°Srixby PD! We know you¡¯re in there!¡± What was happening? Why had the police shown up? Hadley¡¯s gaze flicked toward the man across from her. His face had drained of color, his panic unmistakable. ¡°Shit!¡± He shot up from his seat, his breathing quick and uneven. Even if they had done nothing wrong, getting caught up in a police matter could easily spiral into something far worse. A simple questioning could turn into a scandal. But more than anything, he couldn¡¯t afford for his family to find out about this meeting. Hadley saw right through him. ¡°How ridiculous!¡± she thought. He had spoken big words about caring for her, but now that things were about to getplicated, his only concern was himself. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Additional chapters at g ??ln ov els .???? ?? She arched a brow, her voice sharp with amusement. ¡°We¡¯re innocent, aren¡¯t we? We could just open the door and exin everything. There¡¯s nothing to hide, right?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His hesitation said it all. Her lips curled into a cold smirk. ¡°Rx, I¡¯m just messing with you. But look at you¡ªalready breaking a sweat.¡± Her amusement faded as she turned toward the balcony. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be seen, then leave through there.¡± ¡°Hadley¡ª¡± ¡°Now!¡± Her patience had run dry. ¡°Unless you¡¯d rather stay? Because I¡¯m about to open the door. Once they take you in for questioning, let¡¯s see how you exin this to your wife.¡± He froze, then spun on his heel and bolted toward the balcony without another word. He ran. Hadley let out a quiet scoff. She never needed him anyway. With a steadying breath, she walked toward the door and pulled it open. ¡°Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 160 ?Chapter 160: She barely had time to register what was happening before she was met with Eric¡¯s furious face. The intensity in his eyes sent a jolt through her. For a split second, she swore he looked like a man who had just caught his wife in bed with another man. ¡°Just 100k at the mess you¡¯ve made!¡± His voice was thick with anger, and before she could respond, he lifted his hand in a sharp motion. The officers behind him rushed into the room. They searched every inch of the space. Nothing. ¡°No one¡¯s here?¡± ¡°Just her?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened, his entire body tense with disbelief. He didn¡¯t trust a single word of it. Jaw clenched, he stormed in and¡ªchecked for himself. ¡°Where did he go?¡± Eric spun around to face Hadley. ¡°The man you were here with¡ªwhere is he?¡± Hadley arched a brow, her toneced with amusement. ¡°What man? Mr. Flynn, you really shouldn¡¯t be throwing out reckless usations like that!¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric grabbed her waist without warning. Hadley gasped as she struggled, losing her bnce and stumbling backward onto the sofa. Eric didn¡¯t release her. His grip was firm, and his towering figure loomed over her, casting a heavy shadow. ¡°Enough games. Who were you here with? Where is he?¡± Hadley¡¯s breath hitched. Her face lost color, and hershes quivered slightly. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Eric¡¯s patience snapped. His eyes burned with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. M?????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? ¡°Fine. Then answer this¡ªhave you been with another man?¡± Hadley froze. For a second, she thought she had misheard him. Then anger red inside her, sharp and uncontainable. Without hesitation, she shot back, ¡°And what if I have? What does that have to do with you?¡± Eric¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°I¡¯m the one asking the damn question! Yes or no?¡± His voice thundered through the room, his fury barely restrained. The way he looked at her, as if daring her to admit it, was suffocating. Hadley refused to be intimidated. She met his re head-on, her voice steady and defiant. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡± Eric fell silent for a moment. Fine, let it be! He suddenly released her and rose from the sofa, his imposing figure casting a long shadow. Freed atst, Hadley exhaled, steadying herself. ¡°Hey, you.¡± A police officer strode toward her. ¡°You¡¯reing with us.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Hadley, still rattled, snapped her head up in shock. ¡°We have reason to believe you¡¯re involved in illegal activities here. You¡¯ll need toe down to the station for questioning.¡± Illegal activities? . . . Chapter 161 ?Chapter 161: Did they seriously think she was here selling herself? Her stomach twisted in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous! I haven¡¯t done anything!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t get to decide that,¡± the officer stated tly. ¡°Take her away.¡± ¡°No!¡± Panic surged through Hadley. ¡°Bring a female officer! Escort her out!¡± ¡°On it.¡± The club manager paced anxiously outside, his nerves on edge. ¡°What¡¯s happening here? There has to be some kind of mistake! Our establishment doesn¡¯t allow that kind of business, and she isn¡¯t even one of our members. Officer, whatever she¡¯s involved in, it has nothing to do with us!¡± The manager was frantic, his pulse racing as he inwardly cursed whoever had stirred up this mess and put his club under the spotlight. And really, who else could it be? Of course, it was Eric. When the receptionist had refused to let him dig around, he had gone straight to the cops. Hadley¡¯s gaze shot to Eric. It was him, no doubt about it! Was she his target? And if so, why? Did he really believe this would rattle her? She had nothing to be afraid of. Let them drag her to the station if they wanted. She had no secrets and could face whatever came her way. ¡°Hold on!¡± Eric¡¯s voice broke through the tension as he marched toward her. When he reached her, he leaned in close, his breath brushing against her ear. ¡°Tell me the truth, and I¡¯ll make sure they let you go.¡± Hadley cast a fleeting nce at Eric before lowering her head with a faint smile. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll tell the police whatever they need to know.¡± She was curious to see if Eric truly believed he could dictate every turn of her fate. Eric hadn¡¯t expected her to dig in her heels like this. Was it really so impossible for her to just talk to him and clear things up? Trapped between frustration and disbelief, Eric let out a cold, sharpugh. ¡°Fine, perfect! Let¡¯s get moving then!¡± Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??????? Did she think he relished interfering in her affairs? If he kept sticking his nose in, he might as well be a fool. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Hadley turned and followed the policewoman out. A momentter, a loud crash echoed behind her. She froze for a heartbeat. Eric had overturned the coffee table in a fit of rage. The roomy in ruins. At the police station. ¡°Officer, I¡¯ve exined everything clearly.¡± She had been repeating herself like a scratched record, yet the officers remained unimpressed. ¡°You im you are innocent, so why were you there?¡± Hadley opened her mouth, but then shut it again. She had been alone in that room, just as she had already said. ¡°Your story is full of holes, Miss Pearson. You need to tell us the truth.¡± Hadley fell silent, the pressure pressing down on her like a boulder. ¡°Any witnesses? Friends? Family? Someone who can vouch for you?¡± This¡­ Her mind went nk. She had no one. . . . Chapter 162 ?Chapter 162: The officer sighed. ¡°Alright, detain her for now.¡± He snapped his notebook shut and motioned for her to be taken away. The iron door groaned, and she was shoved into a cell. Three or four other women were already there, their skimpy outfits shing with the heavy makeup they wore. Their line of work was no mystery. Hadley pressed her lips together and settled into a corner. The women threw a few nces her way but made no effort to engage her. ¡°When are they letting us out?¡± one of them grumbled with a yawn. ¡°This is ridiculous. How are we supposed to make a buck like this?¡± ¡°You¡¯re still worried about cash? We should count ourselves lucky they¡¯re not shipping us off to one of those reform programs. Those things drag on for months!¡± ¡°Free food from the government isn¡¯t too shabby though!¡± Hadley listened, a gnawing dread settling in her stomach. Was she headed toward the same fate? She had heard of those reform programs. Not quite prison, but still a cage. She couldn¡¯t afford to get entangled in that. She hadn¡¯t seen this messing. If only she hadn¡¯t let that man slip away. After some time, an officer swung by, unlocked the door, and hauled two women out. ¡°You two, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°These two headed for White Lake?¡± the officer asked his colleague. ¡°Yeah.¡± Hadley caught their hushed exchange and tightened her arms around herself. White Lake was where Srixby Prison stood. What was she supposed to do? Just sit here and wait for the walls to close in? Eric¡¯s arrogant face shed through her mind¡­ She shut her eyes for a second. Then, she stood up and moved to the iron door. ¡°Officer! I need to call my family!¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away They allowed her one call, and Hadley dialed Eric¡¯s number. But it was Phillips who answered. ¡°I will pass it along to Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± She hung up and waited. No one came. Her phone had been confiscated when she was brought in, so she had lost all sense of time. Each second crawled by like an eternity. Would he truly note? It wouldn¡¯t surprise her. Men like him didn¡¯t take kindly to being defied. Just as she was about to resign herself to her fate, the iron door creaked open again. ¡°Hadley Pearson?¡± Her head snapped up. ¡°Your family is here. Come out.¡± Hadley jumped to her feet, her fists clenching unconsciously. For a split second, she felt an overwhelming urge to cry. Eric was waiting, sprawled in a chair as if the entire station belonged to him. As she walked toward him, a smirk yed at his lips. ¡°You must have a real fondness for police stations. You haven¡¯t been back long, and this is already your second visit.¡± Hadley ignored his jibe, stopping in front of him with her head slightly bowed. . . . Chapter 163 ?Chapter 163: Eric raised an eyebrow, his fingers drummingzily against the table. ¡°Did you drag me down here just to y the silent game? Do you think I have time to waste?¡± Hadley took a deep breath before lifting her gaze to meet his. ¡°I have not.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric paused for a beat before smirking. ¡°Have not what? You¡¯re speaking in riddles.¡± She knew he was ying with her on purpose. Why was he always like this? Did he care about her? Not a chance. Not in this lifetime. Maybe it was just because they hadn¡¯t divorced yet? But that was a weak excuse. Their marriage had been dead for four years, nothing more than an empty husk. Still, Eric wanted answers, and if Hadley wanted her freedom, she had to provide them. Hadley furrowed her brows and spoke carefully. ¡°The question you asked and the answer you¡¯re seeking¡­ I have not¡­¡± ¡°You have not what?¡± Eric refused to let it go. He suddenly stood up, leaning in close, his breath warm against her skin. ¡°Tell me.¡± Hadley bit her lip, frustration and embarrassment warring inside her. ¡°I have not been with other men!¡± Was he satisfied now? ¡°Oh,¡± Eric said, as if it had finally clicked, but then his voice dropped an octave. ¡°You¡¯re not lying to me, are you?¡± Hadley stared at him, startled, shaking her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not lying.¡± Eric let out a slow, icy chuckle. Without warning, his hand shot out, grasping Hadley¡¯s chin and forcing her to look at him. She flinched slightly. He ignored her reaction, his voice cold and sharp like a de against stone. ¡°You said it, and I will believe you. But if I find out you¡¯re lying, you won¡¯t like the consequences.¡± Your source of stories: galn¦Òv??ls.?????? ¡°No!¡± Hadley gasped, cold sweat forming on her back. She shook her head. ¡°I am not lying.¡± ¡°Good.¡± With that, Eric released her. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He turned and walked ahead. Behind him, Hadley let out a shaky breath, clutching her chest. ¡°Hurry up!¡± ¡°I aming!¡± Outside, Eric yanked open the passenger-side door, shooting her a look. Eric gave her a pointed look as she moved toward the back seat. ¡°Sit in the front.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Do I look like your driver? Do you think you¡¯re that important?¡± Hadley frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°Then take the front seat!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± With little choice in the matter, Hadley acquiesced. Eric didn¡¯t have a chauffeur; he was behind the wheel himself. As she settled into the passenger seat, an uneasy feeling crept over her. . . . Chapter 164 ?Chapter 164: ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Eric cast a sidelong nce her way. ¡°Hey, there¡¯s a bag in the back. Can you get it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s inside?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you see it. Why the twenty questions?¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Hadley swung around, reached back to the rear seat, and opened the bag. She stopped when she saw what was inside. When Hadley peeked inside the bag, her brows furrowed. Lollipops? She puzzled over it, wondering if the whirlwind of the night¡ªthe chaos, the excitement, the relentless twists¡ªhad finally scrambled her senses. ¡°What are you zoning out for?¡± Eric nced at her briefly, his toneced with casual impatience. ¡°Open one.¡± Did he want one for himself? Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡± She reached into the bag, pulled one out, peeled off the wrapper, and held it out to him. ¡°Here.¡± Eric¡¯s lips curled into the faintest smirk. ¡°Why are you handing it to me?¡± Huh? Hadley blinked in surprise. If not for him, then for whom? He was the one who told her to open it. Now he didn¡¯t want it? Was he just toying with her? Eric let out a soft sigh, catching the baffled expression on her face. He leaned in, plucked the lollipop from her grasp, and murmured, ¡°Open your mouth.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Hadley¡¯s lips parted slightly in confusion. Even so, Eric seized the moment. With deliberate ease, he ced the lollipop between her lips. Hadley¡¯s mind scrambled. What was going on here? Eric chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. ???????????? ?????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q?????? For once, there were no barbed words or sharp exchanges between them. And when he smiled like that, with the ghost of boyish mischief flickering in his eyes, he seemed almost innocent. He gave her a nod. ¡°How is it? Sweet?¡± Hadley hesitated, swallowed, and then nodded slowly, her expression dazed. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°So good it¡¯s got you speechless?¡± Eric nced at her, his voice teasing. ¡°What, nning to enjoy the whole stash by yourself? There¡¯s a whole bag, you know. Shouldn¡¯t you unwrap one for me too?¡± So, he did want one after all? Hurriedly, Hadley grabbed another, peeled it open, and held it up to his lips. Eric hummed under his breath before leaning down to take a bite. The sugary taste hit his tongue, and he frowned slightly. What was so special about this? It was just sugar¡ªsomething only kids would lose their minds over. Then again, Hadley was young enough to be swept up in such small joys. It made sense she liked it. ¡°Last time, I tossed your lollipop.¡± Eric¡¯s tone carried a hint of regret. ¡°You gave me hell for it. So, here¡ªI¡¯m making amends with a whole bag, all different vors. Happy now?¡± This was his way of apologizing? Hadley was too stunned to respond at first. . . . Chapter 165 ?Chapter 165: Upon seeing her freeze, Eric¡¯s brow creased. ¡°What? You don¡¯t like it?¡± She shook her head quickly. ¡°No, I love it. Thank you.¡± She had no clue why he was being so oddly generous, but she wasn¡¯t about to risk saying otherwise. Who knew if he¡¯d get annoyed and haul her back to the police station? ¡°As long as you like it.¡± Eric leaned back, content. The candy melted on his tongue, and before he even realized it, his lips curved into an easy, satisfied smile. Back at her apartment, Hadley¡¯s phone buzzed. It had been vibrating in the car earlier. Not in the mood to deal with it, she had put it on silent. But whoever was calling wasn¡¯t giving up. It was well past midnight now, and Hadley almost felt sorry for their persistence. She sighed and answered. ¡°Hello¡­¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± The voice on the other end was frantic. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t I get through? Are you alright? Did the police give you trouble?¡± Hadley smirked inwardly. His concern always arrived toote. ¡°I¡¯m fine, and I¡¯m hanging up now¡­¡± ¡°Wait!¡± The desperation in his voice cut through. ¡°About the money. I left in a hurry and forgot to give you the check. I¡¯ve got everything set. Let¡¯s meet, and I¡¯ll hand it over¡­¡± ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± His confusion was palpable. ¡°Are you mad?¡± Hadley dodged the question, focusing on what she needed to say. ¡°I¡¯ll figure out the money another way. As for you, we¡¯re done. After this call, I¡¯m blocking you. Please don¡¯t reach out again.¡± F??rst ??pp??ared ??n g?????????¦Í??????????? ¡°Had¡ª¡± She didn¡¯t wait to hear the rest. Without hesitation, she hung up and blocked his number. Tilting her face upward, Hadley blinked hard. How could she have been so foolish? How many times did she have to trip over the same mistake before she learned? Reaching out to him had been a misstep, but after tonight, she wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake again. He would never know what she endured alone every time he chose to turn away. She shut her eyes, feeling the sting behind her lids. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Hadley,¡± she murmured to herself. ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± She had to figure something out. For Joy¡¯s sake, she would. That night, the nightclub pulsed with its usual opulence and energy. Hadley remained the reigning star of the stage, but ever since that¡­ After the infamous toasting incident, everyone knew she was under Eric¡¯s favor. So, they watched from a respectful distance. No one dared to step out of line. But as time went on, the whispers started. Eric didn¡¯t seem as invested in his star performer anymore. Word on the street was that his interest had been fleeting, a passing spark that had long since fizzled out. . . . Chapter 166 ?Chapter 166: In fact, he hadn¡¯t shown his face in weeks. Thevish gestures¡ªthe flowers, the midnight snacks, the small indulgences¡ªhad all disappeared. Nightclub regrs weren¡¯t naive; they could see that Hadley had escaped Eric¡¯s notice. Even if that weren¡¯t the case, some of them couldn¡¯t resist giving it another try. After a quiet spell, admirers began creeping back into the picture. Tonight, when Hadley stepped into the dressing room, the space was overflowing with flowers. ¡°Hadley, you¡¯re here!¡± Lennon sauntered over, his grin wide as he gestured at the floral spectacle. ¡°Look at this. Our Hadley¡¯s got a magic touch. The turnout tonight¡­ It nearly rivaled the attention Eric had oncevished on her.¡± Hadley eyed the blooms and asked, ¡°Did Duran Murray send these?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Lennon confirmed with a smirk. ¡°He¡¯s been extra generous with youtely.¡± Hadley frowned, curiosity piqued. ¡°What¡¯s his angle?¡± ¡°What?¡± Lennon blinked, taken aback. ¡°You mean¡­¡± Hadley nodded, her gaze unwavering. ¡°Yeah, I mean. Does he simply appreciate me and my performance, or is there something bigger at y?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Lennon was caught off guard by her directness. Sure, plenty of nightclub performers found themselves entertaining¡­ Clients beyond the stage¡ªit wasn¡¯t unusual. But Hadley¡¯s candor was another story. Lennon usually took it upon himself to ry client requests rather than answer questions like these. He hesitated before giving Hadley an honest answer. ¡°He hasn¡¯t said anything outright.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley absorbed the information and then turned back to him. ¡°Can I meet him after the show?¡± Fresh content avable now g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s She gestured at the floral avnche. ¡°He went all out. I should thank him in person.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Lennon didn¡¯t hesitate. A cooperative performer made his job easier. ¡°Shall I set it up?¡± ¡°Yes, thank you, Mr. Lewis.¡± ¡°Anytime.¡± As he turned to make the arrangements, he sighed inwardly. ¡°What a prize¡­ and it¡¯s that old-timer Duran who¡¯s going to cash in?¡± Still, he set his reservations aside. If Hadley became Duran¡¯s girl, it would be a win for Gnt. Later that night, thanks to Lennon¡¯s coordination, Hadley finished her performance, wiped away her stage makeup, changed, and made her way to Duran¡¯s private room. ¡°Mr. Murray,¡± Lennon called out, shing a polished smile as he ushered her inside. ¡°Hadley¡¯s here.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± Duran asked, settling deeper into the plush sofa. He was in his early forties, middle-aged but clinging to thest threads of youth. His slicked-back hair couldn¡¯t hide the thinning patch in the middle, a telltale sign of a receding hairline. Wrinkles lined his face, and his belly pushed against his suit¡ªa man well-fed byfort and excess. His tailored suit and steady gaze gave him the air of a man ustomed to control. He nced up, eyes skimming over Hadley beforending on her face. . . . Chapter 167 ?Chapter 167: ¡°Your name is Hadley?¡± Lennon gave Hadley a gentle nudge. She caught the cue, stepping forward with practiced poise. ¡°Yes, Mr. Murray. I¡¯m Hadley Pearson,¡± she said, her voice steady and sure. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± He grinned, turning the name over like a coin between his fingers. ¡°That¡¯s a lovely name.¡± But it wasn¡¯t just the name¡ªshe was even more striking in person. On stage, the mask had concealed her face, but her eyes hinted at something captivating. Still, he¡¯d underestimated just how mesmerizing she was. He hadn¡¯t expected her to be this stunning. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Hadley smiled, her clear eyes catching the light like stars in a quiet sky. ¡°I¡¯m really just here to thank you¡ªfor everything. Your support these past few days, the flowers¡­ I loved them.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Duran lifted an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. His satisfaction was unmistakable. ¡°I¡¯m d you did.¡± ¡°Mr. Murray¡­¡± As Hadley spoke, Lennon signaled the waiter with a flick of his hand. A tray arrived smoothly. She reached for a pre-poured ss of wine and held it out to Duran. ¡°This one¡¯s on me,¡± Hadley said. ¡°Of course.¡± Duran epted the ss with a nod. She grabbed another from the tray. ¡°I¡¯ll go first¡ªas a sign of respect.¡± Tilting her head back, she downed it in one go. A sharp cough escaped her as the burn hit. She had swallowed too fast. Your story hub g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°Sorry,¡± she admitted with a sheepish smile. ¡°I¡¯m not much of a drinker. Hope you don¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± Duran chuckled, though a faint crease soon formed between his brows. ¡°If alcohol isn¡¯t your thing, don¡¯t force it. You don¡¯t have to be so formal with me, alright?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley nodded, her smile easing. ¡°Thanks for understanding, Mr. Murray.¡± Duran lifted his ss and emptied it in one smooth motion. ¡°See? I¡¯m with you. From now on, let¡¯s keep things casual.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley smiled and nodded, knowing when to stop. ¡°Mr. Murray, you must be busy, so I¡¯ll head out now.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± She turned to leave but hesitated, ncing back. ¡°Will you be here tomorrow?¡± ¡°What?¡± Duran blinked, caught off guard. His gaze searched hers. ¡°Do you want me to be?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Hadley nodded, her smile warm. Before he could respond, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you tomorrow.¡± With that, she turned and left. Duran sat there, momentarily stunned. Then, a quietugh escaped him¡ªsurprised, amused. ¡°Interesting¡­ Very interesting.¡± Outside the private room, Lennon shot Hadley a look that was hard to read. . . . Chapter 168 ?Chapter 168: ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± From what he¡¯d seen, she was making a move on Duran. But getting involved with a guy like that? That wasn¡¯t something she could just walk away from. Hadley didn¡¯t answer directly. Instead, she tilted her head slightly. ¡°What do you think of him?¡± ¡°What do I think?¡± Lennon sighed, cutting to the chase. ¡°He¡¯s a bit too old for you, don¡¯t you think?¡± Too old was putting it lightly. Duran was old enough to be Hadley¡¯s father. But Lennon figured she already knew that. Hadley shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°I mean, do you think it¡¯s possible?¡± ¡°Possible?¡± Was she asking if she could actually be Duran¡¯s lover? Even Lennon paused, thrown off by the question. In his gut, he knew there was no ¡°possible¡± when it came to something like this. But he also knew that everyone who took that route had their reasons. When Hadley first started at the nightclub, Lennon could tell she was in a tight spot. She needed money, and fast. So, she went along with his arrangements without a word ofint. But there was a big difference between featuring Hadley to draw in customers and pushing her toward one of them. That was a line Lennon never expected her to cross. He paused, weighing the options¡ªDuran versus Eric. ¡°Duran might not have Eric¡¯s deep pockets, but he¡¯s got connections. You get what I mean?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, her gaze steady. ¡°I get it.¡± ¡°So, sticking with Duran? You¡¯d have it easy,¡± Lennon continued. ¡°And yeah, he¡¯s older, but he¡¯s got no strings attached.¡± ¡°No strings attached?¡± More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m ¡°Divorced.¡± Lennon grinned. ¡°I heard it was his wife who pulled the plug. The reason, though, works in your favor.¡± That was certainly a plus. No wife meant fewerplications, even if the whole situation still felt off to Hadley. ¡°Got it.¡± Hadley felt the same. ¡°I¡¯ll need your help with the arrangements, Mr. Lewis.¡± But Lennon still hesitated, his unease creeping in. ¡°Hadley, are you sure you don¡¯t want to think this through? Or maybe give it a little more time?¡± Maybe Eric woulde back for her? Or what if someone else, someone better suited to her, came along? ¡°No.¡± Hadley shook her head, resolute. ¡°Duran¡¯s a solid option. I¡¯m the one reaching here.¡± As a dancer barely getting by, could she really afford to be selective? Time was running out. Joy¡¯s surgery was going to cost five hundred thousand dors, and Hadley needed toe up with that amount quickly. Lennon exhaled slowly, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face. ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re sure about this. I¡¯ll handle it. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Hadley went to visit N. They rxed in the sun for a while before Hadley ushered her back inside for some refreshments. . . . Chapter 169 ?Chapter 169: N sampled a treat and smiled. ¡°This almond pudding¡¯s really good. Try it, Hadley.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley replied, though she wasn¡¯t hungry. Still, she took a small bite. ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± Hadley hesitated, her thoughts swirling, before she spoke. ¡°N, I want to get the divorce finalized soon.¡± N froze, her eyes narrowing. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Hadley? This came out of nowhere.¡± ¡°N.¡± Hadley set her spoon down and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. ¡°The divorce will happen sooner orter. And I just want it sooner. Please, just agree.¡± ¡°Then tell me why, Hadley. If Eric can wait, why can¡¯t you?¡± ¡°N.¡± Hadley took a steadying breath. ¡°You always said that as long as I¡¯m happy, that¡¯s what matters. But while I¡¯m still legally Eric¡¯s wife, I can¡¯t move on. I can¡¯t start fresh.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Hadley struggled to find the right words. She was about to be Duran¡¯s mistress, but even in that role, she couldn¡¯t stay married. That was why getting the divorce done was so urgent. She clenched her jaw, swallowing her guilt, and lied. ¡°I have someone I love.¡± Just then, the door opened, and someone walked in. Eric slowed his steps, drawing closer without making a sound, careful not to alert anyone in the room. ¡°Who is it?¡± N asked, her voice tight with concern as she gripped Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Is it someone I know? Can I trust him?¡± Hadley hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°He¡¯s experienced, dependable¡­ and the best part is, he really cares about me. He¡¯ll take good care of me.¡± N went silent, processing what Hadley had said. Everything Hadley mentioned was what Eric had never given her. N sighed softly. ¡°Sounds good, then.¡± Your imagination begins with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q????? ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, her voice quieter. ¡°N, please do this for me. If you don¡¯t, I won¡¯t be able to face him while I¡¯m still legally another man¡¯s wife.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± N hesitated, her voiceced with reluctance. ¡°Does Eric really have no chance at all?¡± ¡°N?¡± Hadley found the question almostughable. ¡°He doesn¡¯t need one. In fact, if anything, our divorce will only be a relief for him.¡± It was clear now¡ªthere was no turning back. N finally nodded. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯ve found where you truly belong, we can¡¯t keep holding you back.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley said, a touch of joy in her voice. ¡°Eric.¡± N nced at her grandson, who had quietly approached. She sighed. ¡°You heard what Hadley said.¡± Hadley jumped, startled. She had been facing away from the door and only now noticed him standing there. Quickly, she stood and nodded politely toward Eric. ¡°Yes,¡± Eric replied with a casual shrug. ¡°Good.¡± N sighed. She then shot Eric a re, frustration mixed with helplessness. ¡°Make time to finalize the divorce with Hadley soon.¡± . . . Chapter 170 ?Chapter 170: ¡°Thank you, N!¡± Hadley pressed her lips together, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Eric noticed the spark of happiness in her. Was she really that pleased? And who was this person she imed to love? ¡°Hadley.¡± N couldn¡¯t hide the reluctance in her voice, the worry for Hadley¡¯s future still lingering. ¡°Bring him by sometime, alright? Let me take a look at him.¡± N thought to herself, Hadley¡¯s already suffered through one bad marriage because of me. I have to make sure this guy really is the right one for her. But how could Hadley respond to that? She offered a smile, keeping her answer vague. ¡°Yes, I will. When he has some free time.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± N looked over at Eric, who was standing nearby, and waved him over. ¡°Why are you just standing there? Sit down and join me for some tea.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Hadley, my dear.¡± N motioned toward her. ¡°Can you grab some silverware for Eric?¡± ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Hadley agreed and stood up to leave. As soon as she was gone, N¡¯s expression turned serious as she turned her gaze to Eric. ¡°Who is this person Hadley says she loves?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Eric blinked, surprised, and shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know? What a loser!¡± N sneered, narrowing her gaze. ¡°What did I tell you? I asked you to look out for Hadley like she¡¯s your sister, and this is how you show up? You don¡¯t even know who she¡¯s seeing?¡± Eric fell silent but couldn¡¯t resist responding. ¡°I¡¯ve never had a sister. I wouldn¡¯t even know where to start.¡± N¡¯s frustration red. ¡°You don¡¯t need a guidebook to care about someone. If you¡¯d invested half the energy in Hadley that you put into Linda, she wouldn¡¯t be in this situation!¡± Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Grandma?!¡± Eric was taken aback, a knot of panic tightening in his chest. ¡°What do you mean? Linda and I aren¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Enough.¡± N snorted dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in arguing with you. I just want to know who Hadley¡¯s with, and if he treats her right. Understand?¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric nodded, his voice small. He didn¡¯t need N¡¯s instructions¡ªhe was already determined to find out. Later, after leaving the sanatorium, Eric drove Hadley home. This time, she didn¡¯t wait for him to invite her. She slid into the passenger seat without hesitation. As the car cruised down the road, Hadley turned to Eric. ¡°When do you think we should go to the courthouse? Let me know when you pick a time.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Eric mumbled, his mind elsewhere. Trying to sound casual, he added, ¡°You¡¯ve only been back in Srixby for a few days, and you¡¯ve already found a boyfriend? That was quick.¡± Hadley paused, then smiled. ¡°Yes. Rtionships aren¡¯t about how long you¡¯ve known someone. You can know someone for years and still not feel a thing.¡± Her words hung in the air. Eric¡¯s gaze darkened. Was she implying something about hisck of feelings for her? A knot formed in his chest, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. ¡°Don¡¯t let love cloud your judgment, Hadley. Just because a guy¡¯s nice doesn¡¯t mean you should throw yourmon sense out the window.¡± . . . Chapter 171 ?Chapter 171: ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Hadley replied quietly, shaking her head. ¡°Not many people have treated me well. After my grandma passed, it was just N and Ernest, back then. This guy¡­ he¡¯s the third. I¡¯m grateful for him.¡± Eric¡¯s breath hitched. He wanted to say something. What about him? Hadn¡¯t he been good to her? But the words caught in his throat. He hadn¡¯t been good to her. In fact, he¡¯d been terrible. But could he really be med? If she hadn¡¯t pushed so hard to marry him¡­ Maybe he could have treated her better. Frustration bubbled up inside Eric. ¡°Who the hell is this guy?¡± he thought. He needed to find out. That evening, Hadley arrived at Gnt as usual. Lennon slipped into the dressing room with some news. ¡°Hadley, I spoke with Duran. Everything¡¯s set up for you. Just be prepared.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley took a steadying breath and nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°No need to thank me,¡± Lennon replied, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and anxiety. ¡°Down the road, I might need you to put in a good word for me with Duran.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Lewis,¡± Hadley said with a smile. Inside, she was already bracing herself. Some things just had to be done. The following day, Hadley made time to visit the hospital. She checked in, waited her turn, and was finally called in to see the doctor. The doctor paused, tapping the paper as he met Hadley¡¯s gaze. ¡°This medication isn¡¯t something you should take lightly. Follow the prescribed dosage exactly.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Hadley said. ¡°If you notice any adverse effects, stop right away ande back to see me.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s has the stories you love ¡°And,¡± the doctor added, handing her the prescription, ¡°make sure to return for regr follow-ups. I¡¯m responsible for your care.¡± ¡°Alright, thank you. I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡± Hadley took the prescription, paid at the counter, and picked up her medication from the pharmacy. She had only managed to see this doctor because of Colleen. The truth was, considering her condition, the doctor wasn¡¯t supposed to prescribe these kinds of meds. But Hadley needed them desperately, so she had relied on Colleen to make it happen. She was fully aware that the medication could cause side effects, but she didn¡¯t have much of a choice. Her condition, the one that made her unable to tolerate being touched, would make it impossible for her to throw herself into Duran¡¯s arms. And for that reason, she needed such medical help. Hadley held the medicine bottle tightly, as if it were herst lifeline. With this, there was nothing to be afraid of. That evening, at Gnt. After the performance, Lennon led her toward a private room in the back. ¡°He¡¯s waiting inside.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± . . . Chapter 172 ?Chapter 172: Hadley lifted a hand and knocked on the door. Before he left, Lennon gave her onest warning. ¡°Watch yourself.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Hadley took a steadying breath and pushed the door open. ¡°Mr. Murray.¡± The room was bathed in soft lighting, the warm glow casting long shadows. A gramophone on the table yed a slow, soothing melody. Duran stood, offering a soft smile as he pulled out a chair for her. ¡°Have a seat.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Duran settled across from her and gestured toward the table. ¡°Hungry? I had these prepared for you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Her gazended on a rich brownie and a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit. Duran leaned back, watching her reaction. ¡°I asked Lennon. He said you liked these.¡± Hadley hesitated for a beat, warmth creeping into her expression. ¡°I do,¡± she admitted, her voice softer. Despite everything¡ªhis age, the secrecy of their arrangement¡ªhe had¡­ Hadley picked up a spoon and began to eat. She had already wiped away her stage makeup and changed into something simple, almost modest. Yet, despite the toned-down look, there was no hiding the quiet elegance she carried¡ªthe kind that made people look twice. Duran studied her for a beat before asking, ¡°How old are you, anyway?¡± ¡°Twenty-four.¡± A soft sigh escaped him. ¡°So young.¡± His gaze lingered, the weight of it making his words feel heavier than they should. L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± Hadley set down her spoon. ¡°Mr. Murray¡­¡± She pushed back her chair and stood, offering her hand with a small smile. ¡°Thanks for the food. Care to dance?¡± Duran chuckled, slipping his fingers into hers. ¡°Why not?¡± The moment their hands met, Hadley tensed¡ªjust for a second. A shiver of unease flickered through her, but she smothered it before it could settle. Duran rose, his grip steady as he slid his other arm around her waist. Hadley rested a hand on his shoulder, falling into step with him as the music swayed around them. ¡°Hadley,¡± Duran murmured, his voice smooth and unreadable. Duran studied her, his gaze unwavering. ¡°Do you understand what I want from you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley lifted her chin, meeting his eyes without hesitation. ¡°I do.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re willing?¡± He already knew the answer¡ªher actions had spoken for her. But still, Duran wanted to hear it. ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was steady, her resolve unmistakable. ¡°I¡¯m willing.¡± A slow smile curved her lips as she looked up at him. . . . Chapter 173 ?Chapter 173: She was like a delicate flower, and when she smiled, it was as if that flower bloomed right before his eyes. ¡°Alright, good to know.¡± Duran swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head out.¡± What? Hadley hesitated. Was he really leaving without her? Duran caught the flicker of confusion in her eyes and smiled. ¡°Not tonight, but soon. I¡¯ll take you somewhere nicer than this. We¡¯ll have dinner and everything. It shouldn¡¯t happen in a ce like this¡ªyou deserve better.¡± He let go of her waist but kept her hand in his. ¡°Walk me out?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley quickly steadied herself and followed as he led her toward the exit. Meanwhile, just outside, Eric¡¯s car approached Gnt. Eric hadn¡¯t set foot in Gnt for ages, and he wasn¡¯t here for a casual visit. He had one goal¡ªto find out who Hadley¡¯s new man was. Eric remained across the street, hidden in the shadows of his car, his eyes locked on Gnt¡¯s entrance. This wasn¡¯t exactly something he could talk to other people about¡ªthis was personal, and he needed to handle it alone. Rather than parking in front, he had chosen a spot with the perfect view of the door. He¡¯d see Hadley the moment she stepped outside, no distractions. ¡°Here I am, almost-ex-husband of the year, acting like some overprotective big brother,¡± Eric thought. He almostughed at the irony. Then, through the tinted ss, he spotted her. Hadley. But she wasn¡¯t alone. Her hand was wrapped around another man¡¯s. And just as his stomach tightened, the valet brought Duran¡¯s car around. Hadley nced up at Duran, her voice light. ¡°Mr. Murray, drive safely.¡± For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co? ¡°Sure.¡± Duran¡¯s smile softened as he let go of Hadley¡¯s hand and slid into the car. But just as he was about to close the door, he paused and nced back at her. ¡°Hadley.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± She smiled, her gaze steady. Duran hesitated for a brief moment, his nerves catching up to him. ¡°Can I kiss you?¡± Hadley froze, a sh of tension tightening her muscles. Her fists clenched instinctively, but she kept her smile intact. ¡°Of course,¡± she replied, her voice calm. ¡°Great.¡± Duran stepped forward, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek, his touch lingering. Then, Duran lowered his head. Hadley closed her eyes, a faint crease forming on her brow as a wave of tension swept through her. Sensing her unease, Duran hesitated. Instead of kissing her lips, he gently pressed his lips to her forehead. Hadley blinked slowly, her eyes fluttering open, confusion flickering across her face. ¡°Mr. Murray?¡± . . . Chapter 174 ?Chapter 174: Duran chuckled softly, his gaze kind. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. Take your time. You need it, and I need time to prepare myself too.¡± With a final smile, he stepped back, released her, and slid into the car. Hadley stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. ¡°Take care,¡± she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. Her heart still raced, but she tried to remind herself to be grateful. Lennon hadn¡¯t lied to her. Duran really was one of the better patrons. Hadley let out a soft chuckle, forcing the bitterness down into her chest. She was already in this mess, so what was the point of being picky anymore? ¡°Hadley!¡± A voice suddenly cut through the air, sharp andmanding. A firm grip seized her wrist, yanking her with such force that it felt as if her bones might snap. Hadley gasped, the sudden pain making her cry out. Hadley¡¯s breath caught as she looked up, her gaze meeting Eric¡¯s furious stare. His jaw was clenched, and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed with the intensity of his anger. His handsome face was twisted with rage, yet even in that moment, Eric was undeniably striking. ¡°Eric? W-what are you¡­¡± Hadley stammered, caught off guard by Eric¡¯s sudden appearance and the storm of fury in his eyes. ¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was sharp, each word cutting through the air. Veins bulged on his forehead as he spoke, his tone frigid. ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, feeling a knot tighten in her chest. ¡°Do you even know who he is?¡± Eric pressed, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Duran Murray is old enough to be your father!¡± ¡°I am aware,¡± Hadley replied evenly, her voice betraying no hint of unease. ¡°Older men can be more caring. You know¡­¡± ??¦Á???????? §ã????¦Ñ???????? ??¦Á??????¦Í??????©q????? Before she could finish her sentence, Eric¡¯s hand shot out, gripping her chin with unrelenting force. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cracked with frustration as he yanked her closer, his grip tightening painfully. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Out of all the men in the world, you picked him?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes shed with sudden, raw realization. Without warning, he reached for her forehead, rubbing it with an intensity that made her flinch. ¡°You even let him kiss you? Huh? You actually let him kiss you!¡± His words were like a punch, the fury clear in every syble. Eric¡¯s grip was relentless, and his hand on Hadley¡¯s forehead felt like it could tear the skin right off. ¡°Ah!¡± Hadley whimpered, struggling to pull away, but Eric was too strong. Pain shot through her, and her vision blurred with tears. ¡°Eric! Stop it! You¡¯re hurting me!¡± Her voice cracked, desperate for him to release her. ¡°It hurts so much! Please¡­¡± ¡°Serves you right!¡± Eric hissed, his eyes zing with fury. ¡°You let him kiss you! Some old creep doesn¡¯t deserve to even touch you!¡± . . . Chapter 175 ?Chapter 175: Eric was taken aback by the implications of his own statement. It seemed to suggest that Hadley was someone irreceable. When had hee to view her as beyond the reach of others? The whole situation felt bizarre. A wave of panic washed over Eric, constricting his throat and drying his mouth as he hurried to rify. ¡°What I meant to ask was, are you really that desperate? Or are you just settling for leftovers with someone like him?¡± Hadley was still reeling from Eric¡¯s initial remarks when his cutting words struck her. She stopped, her eyes clear and piercing, meeting Eric¡¯s. A soft, scornful chuckle escaped her lips. Lifting her chin defiantly, Hadley responded coldly, ¡°You can try to knock me down all you like, but leave Mr. Murray out of it, will you?¡± Eric instantly regretted his words. His intention had been to provoke a realization in Hadley, but he recognized that he had overstepped. ¡°What kind of man do I deserve, Eric?¡± Hadley asked, her hands balling into fists at her sides. ¡°As you put it, I¡¯m the punchline of Srixby, a divorced woman working the club scene. Getting together with Mr. Murray? That would be reaching for the stars for someone like me.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way!¡± Eric retorted, his frustration evident. He had intended to convey that Duran simply wasn¡¯t worthy of her. ¡°So, what are you trying to say?¡± Hadley¡¯s smile was cold as her demeanor cooled further. Continuing sharply, Hadley said, ¡°Mr. Flynn, please understand. Mr. Murray¡­¡± Stay tuned for more g??lno¦Íe??s.c?m ¡°Murray treats me well. I¡¯m asking you, don¡¯t ruin this for me!¡± She cast a long, imploring look at Eric before turning to flee. ¡°Hadley! Wait!¡± Eric called out in annoyance. However, Hadley didn¡¯t look back, her figure hastening under the streetmps, her silhouette flickering in the light. Eric massaged his temples, feeling a headacheing on. This woman was somehow more infuriating than ever. Since that evening, Duran hadn¡¯t shown his face at Gnt. Though she appearedposed, Hadley harbored a growing anxiety. Would he ever return? Duran hadn¡¯t made a physical appearance, but he had made contact eventually. ¡°Hadley, it¡¯s me.¡± ¡°Mr. Murray,¡± Hadley responded, her emotions a tangle of happiness and worry. She was relieved he remembered her, yet anxious for the same reason. ¡°When are you done for the night?¡± He was aware that Hadley¡¯s shifts at Gnt varied with the event schedule. ¡°This evening¡­¡± Hadley figured. ¡°It¡¯ll be a quick one. Mr. Lewis has lined me up first.¡± ¡°That sounds good,¡± Duran responded cheerfully. ¡°It¡¯s a bitte, but would you like to have dinner afterward? Are you interested?¡± . . . Chapter 176 ?Chapter 176: ¡°Definitely,¡± Hadley replied promptly. ¡°Excellent. I¡¯ll see youter then.¡± ¡°Until tonight.¡± Once the call ended, Hadley received a text from Duran detailing the time and ce for dinner. Hadley secured her phone,pleted her performance at Gnt, quickly notified Lennon, and then dashed to her meeting. Unnoticed, a watchful eye tracked her exit¡­ The meeting was arranged at the Red Shell Bistro. To ensure privacy, a private room had been reserved, away from¡­ Curious onlookers watched as Hadley entered, and Duran was already there, awaiting her arrival. ¡°Mr. Murray,¡± Hadley said, having sped over as fast as she could. ¡°I apologize for any dy.¡± ¡°It¡¯s perfectly fine.¡± Standing, Duran greeted her with a gentle smile and took her hand. ¡°A true gentleman always waits for hisdy.¡± He showed her to her seat, pulling out a chair for her with care. He then offered her the menu. ¡°Please, choose whatever you¡¯d like.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± She selected a meal that was tastefully understated, neither toovish nor too modest. Duran¡¯s gaze lingered on Hadley with curiosity. She was unlike the usual dancers he met; Lennon had once shared that she was a graduate from the Chauncey Academy of Art. She had an artistic ir, enhanced by her experiences studying abroad. This suggested she came from a cultured background. ?o?.sl??ou??? uo s??s?? l??????o ¡°Hadley,¡± Duran said cautiously. ¡°Do you have any family?¡± Mid-drink, Hadley paused, her water ss halfway to her lips. With a slight, sad smile, she shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m on my own now.¡± ¡°What?¡± Duran seemed surprised. Misinterpreting his surprise as confusion, Hadley said, ¡°All my rtives are gone. It¡¯s just me.¡± That exined a lot about her. No wonder she ended up performing at Gnt and was now even open to being with one of her patrons. ¡°Hadley,¡± Duran said softly, his voice full ofpassion. ¡°From this moment, consider me your family. I¡¯m here for you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley nodded, her eyes misting as she sniffled and¡­ Managed a small smile. ¡°By the way¡­¡± Delving into his pocket, Duran produced a small velvet box. He flipped it open and presented it to Hadley. ¡°I got this for you.¡± . . . Chapter 177 ?Chapter 177: ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Hadley peered inside. Nestled within the box was a sizable diamond ring. The diamond gleamed brilliantly in the lighting. ¡°Is this for me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With a warm smile, Duran took the ring and carefully ced it on Hadley¡¯s left middle finger. ¡°Do you like it?¡± Just then, outside the door¡­ ¡°Mr. Flynn, this is not your reservation. You¡¯re in the wrong room.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Eric pretended to be confused. ¡°I made this booking myself. How could I get it wrong? It must be this room!¡± He had tracked Hadley to this very room, watching her go inside. Regardless of the circumstances, Eric was determined to enter. He needed to get Hadley out. ¡°Please, Mr. Flynn, don¡¯t¡­¡± The server was unable to stop Eric as he barged through, swinging the door open to the private room. Immediately, Eric¡¯s gaze fixed on Duran, who was sping Hadley¡¯s hand, the sparkling diamond ring adorning her finger. Had things really progressed to this stage? Did he just propose? ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Taken aback by the abrupt entry, Duran recognized the intruder. Swiftly letting go of Hadley¡¯s hand, Duran rose, greeting Eric with a smile. ¡°Mr. Flynn, to what do we owe this visit?¡± With a chuckle, Eric stepped closer, extending his hand to Duran. ¡°Mr. Murray,¡± he murmured, his eyes closing momentarily in a gesture of remorse. ¡°Apologies, it seems I¡¯ve confused the room numbers and intruded. Sorry for the interruption,¡± Eric exined, his eyes drifting over Hadley, his smile carrying a trace of irony. Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content ¡°And who might this be? Mr. Murray, won¡¯t you make introductions?¡± ¡°Apologies.¡± With an awkwardugh, Duran motioned toward Hadley. ¡°This is Hadley Pearson. She¡¯s just starting out on one of our projects, essentially a colleague. Hadley, meet Mr. Eric Flynn.¡± ¡°Pleased to meet you, Mr. Flynn,¡± Hadley said, rising to her feet, her hands resting at her sides. Eric¡¯s voice carried a hint of yfulness as he pretended not to know Hadley. ¡°A new colleague, you say? So charming, yet only just beginning? Mr. Murray, you shouldn¡¯t keep talents like her so hidden.¡± At Eric¡¯s words, Duran visibly tensed, shaking his head vigorously. ¡°No, no, she¡¯s genuinely just starting out.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Eric¡¯s gaze intensified, focusing on Hadley as if she were under a spotlight. . . . Chapter 178 ?Chapter 178: Hadley maintained herposure, though her heart raced. The fear was evident¡ªshe was worried that Eric might lose his cool and create a disturbance. However, he remainedposed. His curiosity quickly dissipated. ¡°My apologies for the disruption, Mr. Murray. I must attend to anothermitment and will need to leave now.¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Duran, visibly anxious, hastened to show him out. ¡°Take care, Mr. Flynn.¡± Eric dismissed the formality with a casual wave. ¡°Don¡¯t bother seeing me out.¡± And with that, he exited. The moment the door closed, Hadley exhaled a silent, lengthy breath. Relief washed over her. The crisis had been averted. ¡°Hadley.¡± Duran returned, guiding her back to her seat. After a pause, he awkwardly said, ¡°About what just happened¡­¡± He studied her face before continuing, ¡°I apologize. You understand our situation¡­ It¡¯s not easy for me to be entirely forting.¡± His role was delicate. Though he was officially divorced and single, any connection with a woman of Hadley¡¯s background might jeopardize his professional reputation. Hadley wasn¡¯t someone who could easily step into the limelight. Yet, Hadley gave a calm nod, showing no concern. ¡°I get it. No need for exnations.¡± ¡°That¡¯s reassuring.¡± Duran wasforted by her understanding and discretion, which deepened his sense of responsibility toward her. With a sigh of relief and a smile, he reassured her. ¡°While we may need to keep some things low-key, I promise topensate in other ways. I¡¯ve secured a ce for you to live¡ªit¡¯s currently being set up. Soon, you¡¯ll be able to move in.¡± This ce would be their private retreat, a sanctuary away from prying eyes. Recognizing the dynamics of their arrangement, Hadley offered no objections. ¡°I trust your judgment.¡± Shifting the topic, Duran added, ¡°I had nned to send some money to your family, but¡­¡± galno¦Í?ls is your update source He had recently learned that she had no family left. ¡°So here¡¯s the n,¡± he said, locking eyes with her. ¡°The money will go to you instead. You¡¯re on your own now, so use it however you see fit¡ªsave it, spend it, or maybe even start a small business. It¡¯s entirely up to you.¡± ¡°Mr. Murray¡­¡± Upon hearing his offer, Hadley couldn¡¯t contain herself. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she felt a tightness in her throat. She had intended to request financial help once their arrangements were in order¡­ Yet, he had anticipated her needs. Indeed, their rtionship was transactional¡ªhe was her patron. However, the fact remained that when she was most in need, he had generously stepped forward. Reflecting on her child Joy, who was far off in the, Hadley pressed her lips together. For her daughter¡¯s sake, she had to persevere. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Noticing her tears, Duran reached for a tissue and offered it to her. ¡°Why the tears?¡± ¡°Mr. Murray.¡± Hadley shook her head, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°Thank you¡­ I really mean it. Thank you.¡± . . . Chapter 179 ?Chapter 179: With a lightugh, Duran gently dabbed her tears away with the tissue. ¡°Why thank me? This is simply what I ought to do. Let¡¯s drop the formalities; too many thanks create distance between us.¡± Nodding, Hadley calmed her emotions and mustered a faint smile. ¡°Understood¡­ I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± That evening, Hadley made her way back to West 12th Street. Per Duran¡¯s ns, they would relocate to their newly renovated residence together once it was ready, giving Hadley time toe to terms with the change. This thoughtfulness deepened her appreciation for him. Duran had driven her to Mayfield Road and let her off at the corner, as she had requested, from where she walked the remaining distance by herself. Entering the alley, Hadley noticed a tall figure shrouded in darkness leaning against a wall, his face obscured by the shadows. A scornful voice shattered the silence. ¡°Look who we¡¯ve got here! Did your boyfriend drop you off?¡± It was Eric. A knot formed in Hadley¡¯s stomach. His presence meant trouble. Hadley¡¯s expression tightened, and she instinctively stepped backward. Eric noticed her withdrawal and his gaze sharpened. ¡°Hadley¡­ Are you trying to avoid me?¡± His demeanor became more threatening when he was upset. Desiring to avoid any confrontation, Hadley maintained a steady voice. ¡°What is it that you need?¡± Eric scoffed, ¡°What do I need?¡± He mocked her question. ¡°Are you really asking me that?¡± Emerging from the shadows, Eric moved under the faint glow of the streetlight, his chiseled features tense with barely contained anger. Before Hadley could respond, Eric grabbed her left hand and thrust it forward. ¡°What is this? Exin now!¡± His eyes were fixed on the ring Duran had given her. Hadley furrowed her brows, attempting to withdraw her hand. ¡°This is none of your concern!¡± ?????????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í??????????????? ¡°Not my concern?¡± Eric scoffed derisively. ¡°Seems you¡¯ve forgotten, you¡¯re still legally my wife!¡± Fury surged within him at the sight of the ring. Abruptly, he tightened his grasp and forcefully removed the ring from her finger. ¡°Remove it immediately. You¡¯re not keeping this.¡± ¡°Release me!¡± Hadley protested, struggling against his grip. However, Eric overpowered her. Hadley inhaled sharply. With a swift motion, Eric flung the ring. It spiraled through the air, disappearing into the darkness of the street. ¡°Now try wearing it!¡± ¡°No!¡± Hadley cried out, her voice breaking as she stared in horror at where her ring had vanished into the night. ¡°Eric!¡± Her rage was clear; her eyes zed as she stared him down. ¡°How dare you throw my ring away? Have you lost your mind? I am not your wife!¡± . . . Chapter 180 ?Chapter 180: Her gaze was intense and unwavering, her voice trembling with fury. ¡°It¡¯s been four years since we separated! Our marriage has been over for ages! We are no longer husband and wife!¡± ¡°You¡ª¡± Eric was momentarily stunned, his anger boiling over. Was she really this upset about a ring? His expression hardened. ¡°What¡¯s your n, then? Looking for a new husband? Duran Murray? That¡¯sughable.¡± His voice was frigid. ¡°He didn¡¯t even dare to acknowledge your rtionship when I asked him. Do you honestly believe he¡¯s going to marry you? You¡¯re living in a fantasy!¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware he¡¯s not going to marry me,¡± Hadley said, her chin held high, her demeanor fearless. Eric halted, visibly taken aback. ¡°You know this and you¡¯re still with him?¡± he asked, his tone lowering in disbelief. ¡°Hadley, have you lost your mind? You¡¯re young, yet you¡¯re content to be just another man¡¯s mistress?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± replied Hadley, her look one of cool detachment. Eric scoffed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? He¡¯ll never marry you. You have no security. At any moment, he could cast you aside. You¡¯re deluding yourself.¡± ¡°And if he does marry me, what security would that give me?¡± Hadley asked, a hint of sarcasm in herughter. Her scornful eyes swept over him. ¡°Eric, don¡¯t be absurd. I was once married, remember? And tell me, what ¡®security¡¯ did that marriage provide?¡± Eric caught his breath, struck silent. Hadley continued, her tone incisive. ¡°I was a bride for just two months, and how often was my husband even present? Then he banished me abroad. For four years. Four, Eric!¡± Her voice escted, her words piercing him sharply. ¡°So where was this fabled ¡®security¡¯ then? Exin it to me!¡± .c¨®m is the source Eric opened his mouth to respond, yet no sound emerged. Bathed in the dim streetlight, his face appeared almost ghostly. Indeed, he was the one responsible. With his teeth gritted, Eric retorted harshly, ¡°And who caused all that? You brought it upon yourself. It wasn¡¯t my doing!¡± Hadley responded with a cold, mockingugh. ¡°You¡¯re correct,¡± she said, her tone airy and detached. ¡°If you despise me so much, why concern yourself with my actions?¡± What? Eric¡¯s anger burned hotter, his eyes shing as he tried to process Hadley¡¯s defiance. She actually thought he was overstepping? It was absurd. People always came to him for help. No one had ever dared speak to him this way before. ¡°Hadley, you¡ª¡± ¡°Go!¡± Hadley snapped, cutting him off, her voiceced with frustration. She had no time for this. The ring. The one Eric had carelessly tossed away, a symbol of Duran¡¯s promise. She had to find it, and fast. . . . Chapter 181 ?Chapter 181: Without another word, Hadley spun around and ran toward the spot where Eric had thrown the ring. Under the dim streetlights, she crouched low to the ground, her fingers trembling as she searched the pavement, determined to find it no matter what. The alley was dim, the faint glow of the streetlights doing little to illuminate the cracked pavement. Hadley¡¯s hands shook as she searched the ground, the darkness swallowing up every inch she covered. Frantic, she yanked out her phone, flicking on the shlight. The beam cut through the ck, but it only highlighted how small and insignificant the ring seemed in the vast emptiness of the alley. How could she even find it? A quiet, desperate whisper slipped from her lips. ¡°Please, please¡­¡± She didn¡¯t know who she was asking, but she needed to find it. She had to. What if Duran found out? What if he knew she¡¯d lost his gift the moment she turned her back? The thought clenched her chest. She couldn¡¯t let that happen. Across the street, Eric watched, his eyes narrowing as he observed Hadley kneeling in the dim light. His chest burned, a cold, simmering anger building inside him, spreading like wildfire, choking everything else. Did she really care that much about the ring from Duran? ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric stormed over, his grip tight on her shoulder, yanking her back with a force that made her stagger. ¡°Stop looking! Do you hear me?¡± ¡°Let go!¡± Hadley whipped her head up, her face flushed with anger and frustration. Her eyes were red, the weight of everything crashing down on her. ¡°Eric, don¡¯t push me¡­ I¡¯m starting to hate you more every day!¡± She just said she hated him. The words hit Eric like a p. He froze, his chest tightening. ¡°You hate me?¡± Continue reading at g?????¦Ï¦Í??????. c o?? ¡°Yes!¡± Hadley snapped, her voice cracking with raw emotion. ¡°When I was younger, I couldn¡¯t leave you alone. That was my mistake! I¡¯ve already paid the price for being so foolish. Please, Eric, just let me go.¡± Eric let out a bitterugh, disbelief shing across his face. ¡°Unbelievable,¡± he muttered, his gaze cold and cutting. ¡°Ungrateful. Fine, do whatever you want.¡± In one swift motion, Eric yanked his hand away from her and turned on his heel, his expression hard as stone, anger radiating off him. If she was so set on degrading herself and chasing after that old man, then so be it. Eric¡¯s mind roared, ¡°I¡¯d be a damn fool if I let myself get involved again!¡± As Eric reached the corner of the alley, something tugged at him, forcing him to nce back. There she was¡ªHadley, still crouched, scouring the ground under the dim light, determined but helpless. With a flick of his wrist, Eric pulled the diamond ring from his pocket, his fingers curling around its cold, sharp edges. A cruel smile tugged at his lips. ¡°You¡¯ll never find it,¡± he thought, the words echoing in his mind like a dark promise. His grip on the tiny ring tightened, the metal digging into his palm until it almost hurt. Without another nce, Eric spun on his heel, yanked out his phone, and dialed a number. . . . Chapter 182 ?Chapter 182: ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Phillips¡¯ voice came through, crisp and professional. Eric¡¯s voice was cold and precise as he gave his order. ¡°Leak Duran¡¯s little affair to his family.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Phillips responded, his tone businesslike. Eric was well aware that Duran was divorced, but the man also had a son and a daughter, both adults. The timing would be perfect. Hadley hadn¡¯t found the ring. Frustration and worry gnawed at her. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what Duran might say when they met again and she didn¡¯t have the ring on her finger¡ªhow would she exin losing something so precious that he¡¯d just given her? Luckily, Duran was preupied with other matters over the next few days. He didn¡¯t show up at Gnt, nor did he ask Hadley out. Their conversations remained confined to the phone, maintaining a small but crucial distance between them. But Hadley knew it was only a matter of time before they¡¯d have to face each other again. Unexpectedly, Eric showed up at Gnt one evening. As soon as Eric entered, Lennon was notified and rushed to greet him. ¡°Mr. Flynn, it¡¯s been a while! What brings you here tonight?¡± Lennon asked, his voice cheerful, yet cautious. Eric offered a faint smile, though his eyes were anything but warm. ¡°What, do I need to exin myself to you now?¡± Lennon froze for a moment before awkwardly chuckling. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m just d to see you.¡± ¡°Great.¡± Eric gave a slight nod, and then, almost casually, he asked, ¡°Does she have a performance tonight?¡± Lennon¡¯s heart sank. So Eric was still fixated on Hadley¡­ This was bad news. Hadley was already involved with Duran, at least for now. ¡°Yes, she does,¡± Lennon said, his voice tight. He nodded quickly, his mind racing. He feared Eric would demand to see Hadley right then and there. What would he do in that case? But to Lennon¡¯s surprise, Eric simply waved him off. ¡°Alright, you can go.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Lennon muttered, relief flooding him as he turned to leave. He wiped the sweat from his brow. What was Eric up to? He asked about Hadley and then just dropped it? Was he still interested in her or not? Lennon couldn¡¯t make sense of Eric¡¯s intentions. Shaking his head, he walked away, still uneasy. Later, Lennon quietly slipped into the dressing room. ¡°Eric¡¯s here. He¡¯s in his usual spot.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley froze, a frown tugging at her lips. He was here again? What was he after this time? Lennon sighed, a mix of frustration and concern in his voice. ¡°I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s thinking, Hadley. Just¡­ be careful.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Hadley gave a small nod and stood up, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. It was time for her to go on stage. Everything seemed normal. . . . Chapter 183 ?Chapter 183: Hadley performed like she always did, moving through her set with ease. It all went smoothly, until she finished and made her way back to the dressing room, wiping the makeup off her face. She figured Eric was here for business. After all, he used to frequent the ce. Once she finished removing her makeup, she slipped into the dressing room to change. But even from inside, she could hear raised voices. It sounded like an argument. Could it be Eric? No, it wasn¡¯t him. The voice that cut through the air was sharp, unmistakably female. Hadley hurried to change, her fingers moving faster than usual. She pushed open the door and stepped outside. ¡°Let me through! I¡¯m going to tear that little vixen apart today!¡± The woman¡¯s voice screeched, high-pitched and nearly unbearable. ¡°Hey! You can¡¯t go in there!¡± someone yelled. ¡°Stop her!¡± another voice called out. ¡°Move!¡± the woman shouted. The dressing room door was suddenly thrown open¡ªmore like it was kicked in. Hadley had just regained her bnce when a young woman, around her age, stormed in with an air of fury. ¡°You!¡± The woman jabbed a finger toward Hadley, her stance full of disdain and superiority. ¡°You bitch!¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley blinked,pletely confused. She had no idea what was going on. The woman took two sharp steps forward, her gaze locking with Hadley¡¯s. ¡°Are you Hadley Pearson?¡± She raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Hadley stood frozen, her mind racing, before she nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me¡­¡± Before she could say another word, the woman¡¯s hand shot up, and in a swift motion, pped Hadley hard across the face. ?????????????? ???????????????? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????.?????? The force of the blow caught Hadleypletely off guard. She instinctively raised her hand to her cheek, her brows knitted in pain. With a burst of anger, Hadley red at the woman. ¡°How dare you re at me?¡± The woman sneered, lifting her chin in defiance. ¡°What? Don¡¯t women like you, with no shame, deserve to be pped?¡± Hadley waspletely lost. She had no idea where this wasing from. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Lennon¡¯s voice cut through, stepping in behind the woman, waving his hands frantically and mouthing something. Hadley squinted, trying to catch the word Lennon was silently saying. Duran? So, this woman was here because of Duran? But wasn¡¯t he divorced? Besides, this woman looked too young to be his wife. ¡°Hadley!¡± The woman¡¯s sharp voice cut through her thoughts, and she pointed a finger at Hadley, her posture exuding superiority. Pointing directly at Hadley¡¯s nose, the woman spoke with icymand. ¡°I¡¯m telling you now¡ªstay away from my dad! Girls like you, who sleep around and pretend to be innocent, only want his money and power. He might be fooled, but I won¡¯t stand for it!¡± . . . Chapter 184 ?Chapter 184: So, this was Duran¡¯s daughter. Hadley smiled, rubbing her still-tingling cheek. ¡°Miss Murray,¡± Hadley said coolly, her calmness unwavering, ¡°may I ask if your father knows you¡¯re here today?¡± The young woman, Vera Murray, froze, her face tightening. ¡°My dad¡¯s blinded by you, you little vixen! He doesn¡¯t need to know about this. I¡¯ll make him see the truth about you! I¡¯m warning you¡ªleave him alone, or don¡¯t me me for what happens next!¡± Vera red at Hadley, her eyes burning with such hatred that it felt like she wanted to strike her down right then and there. ¡°Miss Murray,¡± Hadley responded with a light shake of her head, her smile tinged with mild amusement. ¡°Please excuse my frankness, but your father is a grown man¡ªdivorced and single. It¡¯s entirely up to him who he decides to be with now. Even as his daughter, it¡¯s not your ce to meddle.¡± Vera¡¯s expression twisted in shock. ¡°So, you won¡¯t leave him?¡± Steadily meeting Vera¡¯s incredulous look, Hadley remained resolute. ¡°Correct. I will stay unless Mr. Murray tells me otherwise.¡± ¡°You¡ª!¡± Vera¡¯s anger surged beyond her initial fury as she stormed in. Her brows furrowed tightly together, her face twisted with rage. ¡°You have no shame! Do you think you can just charm men and get what you want with your looks? Well, watch this! I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t deceive anyone else after I¡¯m through with you!¡± In a surge of fury, Vera lunged at Hadley, grabbing her hair with a fierce grasp. ¡°Ah!¡± A sharp pain shot through Hadley¡¯s scalp, causing her to cry out, her face contorted in agony. ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me!¡± ¡°Let go?¡± A dark, menacingugh escaped Vera. ¡°Feeling frightened now? It¡¯s toote! Just wait until I¡¯m finished with you!¡± Hadley wasn¡¯t about to passively endure the attack. She quickly grabbed Vera¡¯s wrist, attempting to loosen her grip. ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????[.]?????? ¡°You think you can hit me? Didn¡¯t your family ever teach you the consequences of being a home-wrecker?¡± Their struggle intensified, turning into a fierce tangle of limbs. Caught off-guard, Lennon was at a loss. ¡°Stop this! Miss Murray, think about what will happen if your father learns of this¡ª¡± ¡°Let him find out!¡± Vera¡¯s defiance was evident. ¡°Do you really think my father would choose a cheap dancer like you over his own daughter, even if I went too far today? That¡¯sughable!¡± Reluctant to physically intervene, Lennon looked desperately to the others. ¡°Someone help separate them!¡± ¡°Right!¡± Several women rushed to intervene, trying to pry them apart. However, their attempt only escted Vera¡¯s rage. Breathing heavily, her eyes wild with fury, she scoffed, ¡°You¡¯ve got help? Good! Let¡¯s see how you manage now!¡± In a frantic assault, she lunged forward again¡ªthis time, her fingers tightening around Hadley¡¯s neck. . . . Chapter 185 ?Chapter 185: Hadley gasped for air, feeling her windpipe constrict under the brutal hold. Intense pain shot through her neck as her surroundings began to blur. Her vision swirled, and her thoughts grew foggy. It dawned on her then¡ªthis was no mere outburst. Vera was truly intent on killing her. No¡ªshe couldn¡¯t let herself be killed. Desperately, she silently pleaded for rescue. As darkness began to im her, Hadley glimpsed Vera¡¯s insane smile. ¡°Can¡¯t breathe? Then let¡¯s just get it over with! You think you cantch onto my father and live an easy life? Did you ever stop to think that the money he spends on you belongs to me? What a joke!¡± Her voice grew distant, and Hadley resignedly thought, So, this is how I go¡­ ¡°Release her!¡± On the brink of losing consciousness, a burst of motion caught Hadley¡¯s attention¡ªa towering, formidable figure. Eric. His face was a storm of anger, his presence overpowering. He moved swiftly, grabbing Vera¡¯s wrist in a firm, almost effortless grasp. ¡°Ah¡ª!¡± Vera¡¯s cry pierced the air as she abruptly released her hold. Suddenly, Hadley could breathe again. Air rushed back into her lungs, triggering a harsh bout of coughing as she gasped and clutched her neck, her body trembling violently. She lost her strength and slumped to the floor. ¡°Hadley!¡± Worry and fury etched deep into Eric¡¯s expression. He quickly lifted her into his arms, cradling her gently. He soothed her with a soft pat on the cheek. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hadley could only shake her head, still struggling for breath. Eric¡¯s gaze snapped to Vera, his eyes a storm of dark fury. ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???? g????????¦Í????????????? ¡°How could you harm her?¡± His tone was as sharp as frost. ¡°Unable to control your disgraceful father, yoush out at an innocent woman instead?¡± Vera recoiled but retorted sharply, ¡°And who might you be? Just another one of her admirers? Figures. Men like you thrive on humiliation.¡± Eric¡¯sugh was bitter, his grip tightening around Hadley as he held her closer. ¡°Had you not been a woman,¡± he said bluntly, ¡°do you think you¡¯d still be able to stand before me, hurling insults?¡± Vera stood motionless. His voice was even, but the threat in it was undeniable. ¡°Disappear, now!¡± hemanded, his temper ring. His voice dropped into a threatening rumble, heavy with revulsion. ¡°Leave before I forget my restraint when ites to violence against women.¡± Vera¡¯s courage wavered, her voice shaky. ¡°You¡­ Okay! But this isn¡¯t over!¡± She no longer dared to retort. Casting a final resentful look, she hurried to her feet and fled. Eric¡¯s attention returned to Hadley, cradled in his arms, her¡­ Complexion was ghostly, and Eric¡¯s concern deepened as he looked at her. ¡°Hadley, can you tell me how you¡¯re doing?¡± . . . Chapter 186 ?Chapter 186: Hadley tried to speak, but no sound emerged. Worse still, her throat felt like it was on fire, as if every breath drew mes through a torn and tender passage. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes. Damn it! Eric¡¯s expression tightened, veins standing out on his forehead. He quickly adjusted his grip to hold her more securely. His voice softened, but it was filled with resolve. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re heading to the hospital now. Everything will be alright.¡± Clutched to his chest, Hadley felt a surge of disorientation. Was she seeing things? There seemed to be a flicker of concern in Eric¡¯s eyes, and¡­ sorrow? It had to be her imagination. At the hospital, Hadley underwent a thorough examination. As the doctor reviewed the scans, his expression darkened with concern. ¡°Her vocal cords and soft tissues are damaged.¡± The doctor cast a wary nce at Eric, as though suspecting him of wrongdoing. Eric¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Can we focus on what¡¯s next instead of throwing usations?¡± The doctor nodded. ¡°She will recover. However, she requires medication¡ªboth pills and creams. Most importantly, she must avoid speaking for a while. Trying to talk will cause her pain and could worsen the injury. Complete vocal rest is crucial.¡± The severity of it hit Eric hard. A storm seemed to gather in his eyes. Could Duran¡¯s daughter really have caused this much harm? The doctor handed him a prescription. ¡°Take this and get her the necessary medications.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric turned to Hadley with a firm, reassuring tone. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll be back with your medications.¡± As he made his way toward the pharmacy, a memory stopped him¡ªan earlier hospital visit where he¡¯d only stepped out to settle a bill, only to return and find her missing. He turned quickly, his tone sharp with a warning. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about leaving before I return. Understand?¡± Hadley gave a faint nod. ???????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ?g???????¦Í????????????? Satisfied, he left. When he returned with the medications, he watched as the doctor applied the cream. ¡°Just about this much each time,¡± the doctor instructed. ¡°Understood,¡± Eric replied, his voice calm yet distant. He turned his gaze to Hadley, his expression unreadable. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Hadley tried to push herself up from the chair, but as she attempted to rise, a sharp pain shot through her chest, making her gasp for breath. Eric nced back, his irritation clear as his brow furrowed. ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re such a burden. Tell me, Hadley, what are you good for, besides causing trouble?¡± Even with his sharp remarks, Eric moved closer and gently lifted Hadley into his arms. ¡°Make sure you hold on,¡± he instructed. ¡°Don¡¯t slip.¡± Hadley remained silent, leaning against him. Seeing herply, a faint smile tugged at Eric¡¯s lips. It was good that she could follow directions when needed. He helped her into the car and fastened her seatbelt securely. . . . Chapter 187 ?Chapter 187: Hadley tried to speak, her voice rasping. ¡°What now?¡± Eric nced at her quickly, his tone brisk. ¡°Don¡¯t start saying you don¡¯t need my help.¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley replied, pausing, then shaking her head decisively. Her previous frustrations with him still lingered, but she couldn¡¯t deny her gratitude for his help tonight. Avoiding his gaze, she murmured softly, her voice barely audible, ¡°Thank you¡­ for your help.¡± A fleeting spark of something gentler shed in Eric¡¯s eyes, stirring something within him. He gave a wry smile. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Before she could say more, he interjected, ¡°Save your voice. The doctor was clear about resting it. I understand your gratitude.¡± He closed the car door behind her, then made his way to the driver¡¯s side and drove her back to her residence. Lennon had given Hadley a couple of days off, so she didn¡¯t need to return to work anytime soon. Meanwhile, Eric paid a visit to N at the sanatorium. ¡°Arrived at the right time, I see.¡± N had been anxious about Hadley¡¯s supposed boyfriend. She grabbed Eric¡¯s wrist urgently and asked, ¡°Have you looked into him?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the story with Hadley¡¯s boyfriend?¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric¡¯s face showed a mix of triumph and underlying annoyance. ¡°Drop it. That chapter is closed.¡± ¡°Closed?¡± N¡¯s expression revealed confusion. ¡°But Hadley said he was good to her.¡± ¡°Good to her?¡± Eric scoffed, his voice thick with scorn. ¡°The man¡¯s practically old enough to be her father, and he has children¡ª¡± ¡°What?! No, that¡¯s uneptable!¡± N interrupted, her face turning stern before Eric could continue. ¡°Hadley¡¯s lost her senses. With her qualities, she could pick anyone. Why settle for someone like that?¡± ?????????????? ?????????? ?????? galn??v??????£®?????? Eric felt a surge of satisfaction as his grandmother echoed his own sentiments. ¡°That¡¯s right. I never supported it.¡± ¡°Good,¡± N nodded in approval, then continued, ¡°Make sure you handle this correctly. Can Hadley be persuaded by you? If not, I¡¯ll have a word with her.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Eric interjected, raising his hand to reassure her. ¡°Focus on your recovery. I¡¯ve taken care of everything. It¡¯s already over between them.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± N¡¯s tension eased upon hearing this. ¡°That¡¯s reassuring¡­ It seems Hadley still retains some judgment.¡± Eric chose not to respond. Some judgment? Without his intervention, that headstrong girl would have continued her misguided path. ¡°Eric,¡± N said, looking at him with approval. ¡°You¡¯ve managed this situation well. Keep watching over Hadley like this, will you?¡± ¡°Understood, Grandma.¡± After leaving the sanatorium, Eric drove directly to West 12th Street. The trunk of his car was filled with items his grandmother had prepared for Hadley¡ªa convenient excuse for his visit. . . . Chapter 188 ?Chapter 188: When he arrived and knocked, Hadley was already in the kitchen, making herself some soup. The soup was the only thing she could manage. Her throat ached severely, making swallowing solid food nearly impossible. The consistency of the soup was important¡ªit couldn¡¯t be too thick, or she would struggle to eat. At the sound of the knock, she approached the door and opened it to find Eric, his armsden with several bags. There he was again. ¡°Step back,¡± he ordered, barging past her as he entered. He dropped the bags on the entryway cab and turned to look at her puzzled expression. ¡°What?¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°Why that look?¡± Hadley gestured toward the bags. Eric cleared his throat, slightly ufortable. ¡°These are from Grandma. You think I came here by choice? It¡¯s so cramped, there¡¯s hardly room to move!¡± Despite his grumbling, he made himselffortable on the sofa, sprawling out. He grabbed a cup of water from the table and took arge swallow. Hadley meant to intervene, but it was toote¡ªhe had used her cup again. When he set the cup down, he realized his mistake. Rather than showing embarrassment, he simply raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°What? There aren¡¯t any other cups. Did you expect me to visit and not have a drink of water?¡± Hadley lowered her eyes, choosing to remain silent. ¡°You¡ª¡± Suddenly, another knock interrupted Eric, reverberating through the room. Both turned their heads, their expressions mirroring confusion. Who could it be? Hadley approached the door and opened it, revealing Duran standing on the other side. She opened her mouth to speak, her voice raspy and weak. ¡°Mr. Murray¡­¡± ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í?????????????? ¡°Hadley.¡± Duran managed a strained smile, his eyes immediately catching sight of the medicinal patch on her throat. ¡°This is my fault. I¡¯m sorry you were hurt.¡± Instinctively, Hadley touched her throat, shaking her head slightly. She moved to let him in. ¡°No, that¡¯s fine.¡± Duran caught her intention and offered a weak smile in return. ¡°I won¡¯te in. I just need to say a few things, and then I¡¯ll leave.¡± Hadley paused, then nodded slightly. She had an inkling about what wasing. Their secret rtionship couldn¡¯t remain hidden much longer, especially after his daughter¡¯s outburst. It was only a matter of time before his son would take action as well. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m truly sorry.¡± Duran¡¯s voice was somber. ¡°We need to pause our arrangement for now.¡± As she had expected. Hadley froze briefly, her eyshes fluttering as she absorbed his words. ¡°Okay.¡± She knew he didn¡¯t have to make this visit. Their rtionship was strictly business; there were no emotional debts. Though things hadn¡¯t worked out in the end, she still held deep respect for Duran. And he had always respected her in his way. Hadley gently touched her throat again, mustering the strength to respond. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ okay. I don¡¯t¡­ hold this against you.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Duran gazed into her eyes, his own betraying a hint of reluctance to part ways. Attempting onest time, he asked, ¡°Could you¡­ possibly wait for me¡± . . . Chapter 189 ?Chapter 189: ¡°After everything calms down at home, maybe we can¡ª¡± ¡°Ah, and who might this be?¡± An unhurried, resonant voice interrupted. From within the apartment, a formidable presence emerged. The man¡¯s height alone seemed to dwarf Duran. His demeanor wasn¡¯t overtly hostile, yet his presence was undeniablymanding. When Duran caught sight of his face, he stopped short, his expression registering surprise. ¡°M¡­ Mr. Flynn?¡± Eric gave a slight nod, his expression forming a courteous yet tight smile. ¡°Mr. Murray, our paths cross once more.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Duran¡¯s eyes darted between Eric and Hadley, confusion washing over him. ¡°You two¡­ What¡¯s going on?¡± What was Eric doing here? During his past visits to Gnt, there had been whispers about Eric¡¯s particr interest in Hadley. Was he here to rekindle whatever had been between them? Duran kept his thoughts to himself, while Eric seemed indifferent to exining. Instead, Eric reached into his pocket, retrieved a small paper bag, and casually tossed it to Duran. ¡°Good timing. Here¡ªtake your thing back.¡± Eric¡¯s dismissive gesture made it seem as though he were discarding something contemptible. ¡°What is this?¡± Duran reflexively caught the small bag, his brows furrowing in confusion. As he opened it, he found the ring he had once given to Hadley. Hadley¡¯s reaction was immediate. She turned sharply toward Eric, her expression one of astonishment. Hadn¡¯t he discarded it that very night? Could it be that he had held onto it all this time? A sardonicugh escaped Duran as he gripped the ring tightly, his face hardening. The realization hit him. Hadley was no longer his to keep¡ªshe had moved on to Eric. That made sense. Eric was younger, wealthier, and free from theplexities Duran had to offer. With a resigned look, Duran slipped the ring into his pocket and faced Hadley. ¡°Forget my earlier request. You¡¯re with Mr. Flynn now. Consider yourself fortunate. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Step into fiction with . What? Shock shed across Hadley¡¯s face. Did Duran really think she was romantically involved with Eric? This misunderstanding could only lead to chaos. Eric couldn¡¯t stand her, and discovering this mix-up would likely send him over the edge. ¡°No¡ª¡± she said, her voice strained. ¡°Tsk,¡± Eric¡¯s re was sharp, his toneced with annoyance. ¡°The doctor told you not to speak. Want to lose your voice for good?¡± Was she still pining for that older man? Hadley bit back her response, overwhelmed by frustration. See? He was already furious. And the worst part? She couldn¡¯t even clear the air. Duran caught the tense exchange, his expression weary. He nodded stiffly at Eric before turning to leave. Hadley moved instinctively, taking a step forward and opening her mouth to call out, saying, ¡°Mr. Mu¡ª¡± . . . Chapter 190 ?Chapter 190: ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice was fierce, his patience worn thin. He grabbed her wrist and pulled sharply. ¡°If you make a move to follow him, you¡¯ll regret it!¡± She was absolutely maddening! Frustrated, he yanked at his tie and pulled her back inside with him. The door mmed shut with a loud thud. Hadley couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what had triggered him this time. With her throat aching, debating was out of the question, so she merely turned her head away, ignoring his presence. ¡°Hah.¡± Eric¡¯sugh was biting, devoid of amusement. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to face him. His expression was stern, his eyes sharp with fierce scrutiny. ¡°Who are you pouting for? Don¡¯t tell me¡­ you¡¯ve fallen for that old man?¡± Hadley¡¯s irritation surged as she met his gaze with a fierce look. What did he understand about her feelings? He was clueless about her struggles, yet he kept interfering! With a defiant lift of her chin, she whispered hoarsely, ¡°Yes. I like him.¡± Eric froze, taken aback by her admission. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± His tone was one of disbelief. ¡°That old man? What¡¯s there to like? His age? Are you so desperate for a father figure, Hadley?¡± Fury contorted Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ none¡­ of your¡­ concern!¡± Eric instantly regretted his words. She had lost her parents early in life, and the one thing she trulycked was the affection of a family. And now he was attacking her with it? For the first time, regret washed over Eric, stirring a desire to retract his harshments. Yet, apologizing was foreign to him¡ªespecially to someone like Hadley, toward whom his feelings had always been less than favorable. The apology stuck in his throat. ¡°Leave¡­ now!¡± C?ntent ?riginally fr?m g?l????¦Í????????????? Hadley was beyond caring about his regrets. She couldn¡¯t even bring herself to nce at him, let alone share the same space. With a forceful push, she thrust her arms against his chest, guiding him toward the exit. ¡°Just¡­ leave!¡± Perhaps driven by guilt or a sudden realization that he had crossed a line, Eric didn¡¯t resist this time. He allowed Hadley to push him out the door. With a loud bang, the door mmed firmly in his face, narrowly missing his nose. Eric touched the bridge of his nose, muttering, ¡°Quite lively, isn¡¯t she¡­¡± But really¡ªshe had feelings for Duran? Was it possible that her desire for paternal affection was what had attracted her to older men? No, that couldn¡¯t be right. Eric dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. After all, Hadley had once harbored feelings for him, loving him deeply for years. It seemed imusible that she would shift her affections from him to someone like Duran. She must be confused, still young, and too easily misled. Yes, that had to be the only exnation. . . . Chapter 191 ?Chapter 191: Eric¡¯s frown deepened as his annoyance grew. Even with Duran out of the picture, Hadley might still be misled. And now, it seemed, it was his burden to handle. Dealing with his ex-wife was proving to be an increasingly demanding task. Two dayster, Hadley was feeling much better. Although her voice remained slightly hoarse, the pain had eased considerably. After a conversation with Lennon, she decided it was time to return to performing. That night, as Hadley was applying her makeup in the dressing room, Lennon appeared at the door. ¡°Hadley!¡± His face was alight with excitement, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. ¡°You won¡¯t believe it!¡± Hadley looked up, her expression curious. ¡°What is it?¡± Her voice was still faint, hardly more than a whisper. Unable to hold back his joy, Lennon burst outughing. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­ he¡¯s back! It¡¯s unfortunate about Duran, but can you believe it¡ªMr. Flynn has returned! Seems like fate is on your side, Hadley!¡± Hisughter filled the room. Indeed, Duran might have been a fine option. However, Eric Flynn was in a league of his own. Yet, a smile failed to form on Hadley¡¯s lips. She understood the truth¡ªEric wasn¡¯t here to support her. He was merely keeping tabs on her. As he had bluntly put it, he viewed her dancing in a nightclub as a stain on the Flynn family¡¯s reputation. ¡°Hadley,¡± Lennon¡¯s voice grew more earnest. He remembered well the recent strains between her and Eric. With a soothing, convincing tone, he said, ¡°Try to rx a bit. No matter what, just y along with him, okay? Men¡ªparticrly those sessful ones like him¡ªvalue their pride. Just tter him a bit, keep him content, and believe me, it¡¯ll work wonders for you.¡± He winked, then whispered confidentially, ¡°Believe me, aligning with Eric will benefit you far more than Duran ever could.¡± Hadley managed a dryugh and nodded in agreement. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the attitude.¡± Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega) With a supportive pat on her shoulder, Lennon said, ¡°Now, go on¡ªMr. Flynn is eager to watch you perform.¡± After the performance, Hadley removed her makeup and changed before stepping out through the backstage door. She found Eric waiting there, casually leaning against the wall. Unsure how long he had been there, she noticed him turn toward her as soon as he heard her approach. He didn¡¯t waste time with pleasantries, simply saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Without a word, Hadley followed him. Eric led her to his car and opened the passenger door. ¡°Hop in.¡± Taking a deep breath, Hadley slid into the vehicle. As they drove off, she stole a nce at him and said, ¡°Can you¡­ maybe stop visiting Gnt?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Eric replied smoothly. ¡°If I¡¯m tied up, even if you ask, I won¡¯t make it.¡± However, he then shed her a sly smile. ¡°But just so you know¡­ I¡¯ve made my stance very clear¡ªno one in Srixby who respects the name Eric Flynn will entertain any ideas about you.¡± . . . Chapter 192 ?Chapter 192: Hadley¡¯s expression shifted to one of confusion. ¡°Your stance? What exactly did you do?¡± Eric cleared his throat, avoiding a direct answer. Instead, he gave her a pointed look. ¡°Quiet now. You¡¯ve just regained your ability to speak, and here you are, already chattering away?¡± Hadley pressed her lips together and opted to remain silent. The rest of their journey passed in quiet. Upon reaching West 12th Street, Eric didn¡¯t apany her upstairs. He simply waited downstairs, watching until the light in her apartment window flickered on. Just as he was about to drive away, the world around him suddenly plunged into darkness. What was happening? Everything around Eric was engulfed in darkness, visibility reduced to nothing. His gaze shifted towards Hadley¡¯s apartment, noting theplete ckness that surrounded her modest living space as well. For a moment, Eric wondered if Hadley might be frightened, considering she was alone. Not willing to wait, Eric activated the shlight on his phone and moved toward the building. He quickly ascended the stairs, taking two or three at a time, reaching the fifth floor in no time. Inside, Hadley was rummaging through a drawer for candles, using her phone¡¯s light to guide her. The sound of knocking startled her, and she paused, looking toward the door. She hurried over to open it. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± More chapters on g????????¦Í??????.????? As the door creaked open, Eric¡¯s eyes met hers in the dim light. ¡°Do you often have visitors? Besides the grocery store guy I sawst time¡ªwho elsees around?¡± Still a bit startled, Hadley shook her head. ¡°Nobody else.¡± Eric let out a soft chuckle, his expression unreadable. He strode past her, his long strides bringing him directly to the sofa where he sat down. ¡°So, what¡¯s the situation here?¡± Hadley sighed. ¡°The power¡¯s gone out.¡± ¡°A ckout?¡± Eric raised an eyebrow. ¡°Here?¡± ¡°Can you believe Srixby still experiences ckouts?¡± Hadley muttered, her tone a mix of disbelief and frustration. ¡°That¡¯s just how things are,¡± Hadley said. ¡°This part of town is quite old. The electrical infrastructure is outdated, which leads to frequent repairs and disruptions.¡± For Eric, who was raised in a more affluent area, such realities were beyond his usual experiences. ¡°This neighborhood is really run-down¡­¡± Eric grumbled. Visibly annoyed, he then asked, ¡°Why do you have to stay in a ce like this?¡± Hadley chose not to directly respond to his criticism. Shifting the focus, she asked, ¡°Did you need something bying up here?¡± . . . Chapter 193 ?Chapter 193: At her question, Eric hesitated. How should he respond? Should he admit that he was concerned for her safety? Too awkward to voice his thoughts, Eric scoffed lightly. ¡°I just came to see what was up. If anything happened to you, exining it to Grandma would be difficult.¡± That was why he was here. Hadley nodded, acknowledging his words. ¡°I appreciate it, but you can go now.¡± Eric was startled. Was she dismissing him already? It seemed she didn¡¯t value his concern at all. Frustration surged within him. ¡°Leave? In this darkness? How am I supposed to even see all those stairs?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have your phone?¡± Hadley asked, her tone casual. ¡°My phone¡¯s out of battery!¡± Eric snapped. ¡°Okay, hold on.¡± Hadley suddenly seemed to recall something and returned to rummaging through the cab for candles. Eric, puzzled by what she was doing, got up and joined her by the cab. Leaning in, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s this you¡¯re searching for?¡± ¡°Candles.¡± ¡°Candles?¡± Eric repeated, taken aback. ¡°You actually keep candles around?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she answered without looking up. ¡°Power outages are frequent here. Thendlord and the agent warned me when I signed the lease, so I came prepared.¡± Really? She knew about the frequent outages and chose this ce anyway? A puzzled frown crossed Eric¡¯s face as he watched her silhouette against the faint light. This resourcefulness was uncharacteristic of the Hadley he remembered¡ªshe had always seemed more demanding and less prepared. L??€$? ???t??§ñ? I¦Ç ?a?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m ¡°Found them.¡± Finally, Hadley pulled some candles from the back of the drawer. With a slight smile, she said, ¡°Here they are.¡± She offered a candle to Eric. ¡°Here, use this to light your way out.¡± Eric gave her a skeptical look and scoffed, ¡°Keep it. I don¡¯t need it!¡± Hadley paused, baffled. ¡°But you said it was too dark to see the steps.¡± ¡°How ridiculous!¡± Eric retorted, his toneced with contempt. ¡°You expect me to walk out holding a candle? Absolutely not!¡± In his refusal, he knocked the candle from her hand. ¡°I don¡¯t want that thing anywhere near me!¡± Hadley stood still, a look of astonishment crossing her face. She murmured, ¡°Okay, no need to overreact.¡± Just then, she tensed, her reaction turning urgent as she grasped Eric¡¯s hand. ¡°What¡¯s the matter now?¡± Eric asked, confused. Hadley let out a scream. . . . Chapter 194 ?Chapter 194: The candle fell to the floor as she leapt back in fright. ¡°Hadley! Hadley?¡± Eric was bewildered by the sudden chaos. As Hadley leapt towards him, his reflexes took over, and he instinctively reached out to catch her. In an instant, Hadley clung to him like a lifeline. Oblivious to her own reaction, she gripped Eric¡¯s neck tightly. Screams muffled in panic. Caught off guard, Eric found himself supporting a trembling bundle of warmth against his chest. He swallowed nervously, securing her more firmly with one hand while gently cradling the back of her head with the other, pulling her closer. Their cheeks brushed, and her unique fragrance enveloped him, filling his senses. She felt incredibly soft and smelled so sweet¡­ His tone involuntarily softened. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve got you.¡± Jolted by his reassuring words, Hadley realized what she had done¡ªshe had impulsively thrown herself into Eric¡¯s arms. She quickly started to pull away, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I didn¡¯t mean to cling like that.¡± Eric remained still, either missing her intent or ignoring it, as he chuckled softly. ¡°What got you so scared?¡± Hadley, her cheeks warming with embarrassment, muttered, ¡°I think it was a cockroach.¡± In a ce like this, encountering cockroaches wasn¡¯t unusual. Despite her efforts with insecticide, a few persistent critters remained. She ced a hand against his chest, saying softly, ¡°I¡¯m alright now. You can let go.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Eric nodded, but he didn¡¯t release her just yet. Instead, he carried her to the sofa, lowering her carefully onto the cushions. His fingers hesitated, barely grazing her as he began to withdraw. Clearing his throat, which felt constricted and rough, Eric whispered, ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Feel inspired on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c§à?? ¡°What?¡± Peering upward, Hadley tried to discern his features in the low light. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Eric¡¯s voice faltered. His heartbeat thundered, loud and chaotic, his breathing intense. Instinctively, his embrace tightened as he moved nearer, his head lowering toward hers. In the shroud of darkness, his lips sought hers with surprising uracy. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her. The desire was immediate andpelling. Abruptly, light burst through the room, causing Hadley and Eric to instinctively close their eyes against its re. ¡°Look, the power¡¯s back!¡± A wave of relief washed over Hadley as she opened her eyes. Yet, she suddenly stopped short. Eric¡¯s face, undeniably handsome, loomed close enough that their breaths mingled. His lips, tantalizingly close, seemed poised to meet hers. This closeness¡ªwas he about to kiss her? Panic fluttered in Hadley¡¯s chest, her skin damp with a nervous sweat. Surely not. Eric¡¯s known disdain for her made such a thoughtughable. Perhaps the darkness had tricked his senses. . . . Chapter 195 ?Chapter 195: ¡°Hey¡­¡± In a gentle reminder, Hadley murmured, ¡°The lights are back on now.¡± Eric looked up, his face unreadable. Internally, he was in turmoil. Was he just moments away from kissing Hadley? How could that even happen? When had she begun to affect him so? What went wrong? What had led to this? Attempting to appear detached, Eric stepped back and said casually, ¡°Well, everything seems normal now. I should get going.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Rising as well, Hadley escorted him to the door. ¡°Be careful out there.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± With that, Eric left and didn¡¯t look back. Stepping out of the apartment building, Eric stopped and gazed up at the light from Hadley¡¯s window. His expression was unreadable, the shadows of his long eyshes veiling any hint of his thoughts. The following day, Eric made his way to see his elder brother, Ernest. A phone call from Ernest¡¯s doctor had prompted Eric¡¯s visit, arriving alone as Linda was tied up with a film shoot. The call had been urgent, with the doctor needing to speak directly to Eric. ¡°Can youy out the situation for me?¡± Eric asked, his brow creased with concern, dreading potentially dire news. The doctor offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Mr. Flynn, don¡¯t worry, I bring good news. We¡¯ve got a promising opportunity. A breakthrough drug from Aradimen, specifically designed for conditions like your brother¡¯s.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric¡¯s interest sparked. ¡°Really? Tell me more.¡± The doctor exined, ¡°This new treatment was developed by a team in Aradimen and is showing promise in clinical trials, particrly with patients who are trapped in long-term vegetative states.¡± He continued, ¡°Given that your brother has beenatose yet stable due to excellent care, this treatment could prove effective.¡± ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????£®?????? However, the medication was rare and not mass-produced, making it both costly and difficult to obtain. Yet, Eric¡¯s family had resources. The doctor believed Eric could manage what he couldn¡¯t. ¡°Mr. Flynn, do you think you can secure this drug?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out.¡± Determined, Ericmitted to doing whatever it took to retrieve the drug for Ernest, hopeful to bring him back from the brink of his long confinement. Pausing briefly, Eric then instructed the doctor, ¡°Let¡¯s keep this¡­ ¡°Between us, away from my grandmother and Linda for the moment.¡± ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± The doctor nodded, understanding Eric¡¯s cautious approach. While the treatment had proven effective for some, its sess was far from guaranteed. Past experiences had tempered their expectations. . . . Chapter 196 ?Chapter 196: Eric chose to bear this hope and potential heartache alone until there was undeniable proof of Ernest¡¯s recovery. Should Ernest awaken, it would be a moment for collective joy. But if not, the weight of the disappointment would rest solely on Eric¡¯s shoulders. N was making a steady recovery following her operation. Over recent days, she had been preparing to leave the healthcare facility. Looking ahead, her recovery would be better supported at home, especially given the resources at the Flynn family¡¯s disposal, which surpassed any facility¡¯s capabilities. On N¡¯s release day, Hadley paid her a visit. ¡°Hadley,¡± N¡¯s face brightened, and she grasped Hadley¡¯s hand warmly. ¡°You¡¯re always the first to show up, such a dear.¡± At that moment, Eric swung the door open and stepped in. Catching sight of Hadley, a spark of joy shed in his eyes, and his voice betrayed a cheerful note. With a yful raise of his eyebrow, he jokingly said, ¡°So, my nights here count for nothing, Grandma?¡± ¡°Stop fishing forpliments,¡± N replied, patting Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Hadley is far more considerate than you. You just stand there like you¡¯re barely even present.¡± Eric chuckled. ¡°Alright, Hadley wins hands down.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± N drew Hadley in closer, making her intentions clear. ¡°Hadley, you¡¯re staying at my ce for the next few days.¡± Her statement was decisive, leaving no room for debate. Caught off guard, Hadley faltered. ¡°N, this¡­ doesn¡¯t seem right, does it?¡± With the current state of her rtionship with Eric, moving into the Flynn residence felt inappropriate and questionable. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t that be right?¡± N¡¯s gaze hardened slightly. ¡°Does the fact that you and Eric aren¡¯t together mean you stop caring about me as well?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it at all,¡± Hadley quickly shook her head. ?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Then do as I said.¡± N¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You are like my own beloved granddaughter, and you always will be, no matter what. I¡¯ve just been discharged, so is it too much to ask for yourpany for a few days?¡± At that, Hadley found it hard to decline. To bolster N¡¯s request, Eric added his persuasion, ¡°Hadley, please agree. Linda is away, and Grandma could really use thepany.¡± It would seem quite unkind to decline now. Left with little option, Hadley conceded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stay for a bit.¡± ¡°Wonderful.¡± N expressed her approval, gently patting Hadley¡¯s hand and caressing her hair. ¡°You¡¯re such a sweetheart.¡± Given her uing stay, Hadley needed to gather some belongings from her apartment. N asked Eric to ensure she returned safely to the Flynn Mansion. Eric would have volunteered regardless of N¡¯s suggestion. Once at West Twelfth Alley, Hadley quickly packed her essentials, and they set off for the Flynn Mansion. During the drive, Hadley suddenly remembered to ask, ¡°By the way, do you know when Linda will be back?¡± ¡°In a couple of days. What makes you ask?¡± . . . Chapter 197 ?Chapter 197: Hadley nodded, then said, ¡°Can you give me a heads-up before she returns?¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric looked at her, puzzled for a moment. ¡°Why do you need to know?¡± Hadley was surprised. Didn¡¯t he get it? ¡°So I can leave,¡± she exined. ¡°You¡¯re aware she wouldn¡¯t appreciate sharing the same space as me.¡± Upon hearing this, Eric stiffened, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. He chuckled softly. ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. Linda isn¡¯t one to bear grudges. She probably doesn¡¯t even hold it against you anymore.¡± Really? A subtle smile tugged at Hadley¡¯s lips as she gently shook her head. ¡°Then just think of it as me not having the courage to face her.¡± At her words, Eric caught his breath. Those were the very same words he had once spoken to her. In that moment, he found himself unable to argue. Later that evening, Hadley was settling into life at the Flynn Mansion. After dinner, N asked Eric to stay for a private conversation. ¡°Grandma, is there something you need?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± N held her teacup delicately, taking small sips. ¡°Do you understand why I insisted Hadley stay?¡± Eric quirked an eyebrow. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it to keep youpany?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± N red at her clueless grandson, chuckling weakly as she shook her head. Exhaling deeply, she admitted, ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ve epted it. If you really don¡¯t have feelings for Hadley, I¡¯lle to terms with that.¡± Eric looked confused. ¡°What did I do now?¡± ???????????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í???????????? This conversation seemed to drift back to an old usation¡ªthat he didn¡¯t care enough for Hadley. ¡°What did you do?¡± N fixed him with a stern look. ¡°Even if romance is off the table, you could at least act like her brother. You two spent years together under this same roof, yet you don¡¯t even¡­¡± ¡°Seems you can¡¯t even remember her birthday! If Ernest were here, he¡¯d never forget.¡± What? Eric was taken aback. Was it almost time for Hadley¡¯s birthday? N continued, ¡°I¡¯m nning a proper birthday celebration for her and hope to find her a suitable match.¡± ¡°Mm-hmm¡­¡± Eric nodded absentmindedly, his attention elsewhere, until he suddenly tensed. ¡°Wait, a match? What are you suggesting?¡± N fixed him with a stern look. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± It dawned on Eric immediately. His annoyance red. ¡°Grandma, this can¡¯t be your serious intention.¡± Was this some sort of joke? Organizing a birthday gathering to showcase every suitable bachelor in Srixby for Hadley¡¯s selection? ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric¡¯s voice wasden with exasperation as he rubbed his temples. ¡°Is there anyone in Srixby unaware of my rtionship with her?¡± . . . Chapter 198 ?Chapter 198: ¡°Whose responsibility is that?¡± N¡¯s response was sharp and cold. ¡°Had you treated her right, would I need to take such steps?¡± ¡°But, Grandma¡­¡± ¡°Stop,¡± N interjected, her hand raised to silence him. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind. Without my interference, what if she finds herself yet another unsuitable older man?¡± She shook her head in dismay. ¡°We can¡¯t let that happen again. Eric¡­¡± Her gaze met his,den with remorse. ¡°You pushed her away. Both of us did her wrong. It¡¯s my duty to ensure she finds a good man who can take care of her. Otherwise, I¡¯ll find no peace, even in death.¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric was speechless, feeling defeated. With no alternatives left, he let out a resigned sigh. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do it your way.¡± Nodding with approval, N confirmed her ns. ¡°Excellent. Since Linda is away, you will oversee this. Ensure that every eligible young man from Srixby is invited.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The word came from Eric through clenched teeth, the effort seeming to cause him difort. ¡°And one more thing,¡± N continued. ¡°Keep this from Hadley for now. I want to secure the right suitor before we tell her.¡± Finding the ideal match for Hadley wouldn¡¯t be simple. In the elite circles of Srixby, her past could provoke hesitation. Any missteps might discourage her potential suitors. However,promising on standards was out of the question. Having been nurtured by the Flynn family, Hadley deserved a partner of stature, someone worthy of joining their family. Even if it was for a second marriage, N wouldn¡¯t allow Hadley to marry beneath her. After their conversation, Eric left the study and made his way to his room. It was alreadyte, and he had no ns to return to Silver Vis that night. He decided to stay at the Flynn residence instead. As he passed by Hadley¡¯s room, Eric paused momentarily. Since she was fifteen, Hadley had lived in the Flynn household. This room had always been hers. Even during her marriage to Eric and the years she spent abroad, N had made sure it stayed just as she left it. The door was closed. ?????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í??????©o????? Eric¡¯s gaze sharpened. What could Hadley possibly be doing inside? Suddenly, the door swung open. Their eyes locked. Eric, feeling unexpectedly ufortable, quickly diverted his gaze. ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice stopped him. His expression tensed. Her tone carried no warmth, only a cool, formal distance that irked him, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint the cause. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hadley asked, noticing his shift in expression and puzzling over what might have bothered him this time. Yet, this only seemed to aggravate him further. His voice was sharper than intended. ¡°What do you want?¡± Confronted by his abruptness, Hadley went straight to the point. ¡°I need a favor. Could you help me by not telling N about my job at Gnt? Just say I¡¯m tutoring kids, teaching them dancing. Is that okay?¡± . . . Chapter 199 ?Chapter 199: There it was. Eric gave a slight nod. ¡°Understood.¡± He paused for a moment, then added, ¡°This isn¡¯t sustainable, though. You should consider leaving Gnt soon.¡± Hadley¡¯s expression hardened, but she managed a strained smile. ¡°It¡¯s my livelihood.¡± ¡°Do you really need to do this?¡± Eric¡¯s disapproval was clear. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be left without means.¡± Hadley responded with a sarcasticugh. ¡°Really? And just how am I supposed to get by?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll look after you!¡± The words escaped Eric before he could stop them, freezing both of them. Hadley blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly. ¡°What did you say?¡± Eric swallowed hard. Instant regret washed over him as he realized what he had just said. What was he thinking? Trying to regain control, he quickly replied, ¡°I mean, our family would support you. Grandma loves you like a granddaughter. Do you think she¡¯d ever let you go hungry?¡± Ah, so that was what he meant. Hadley exhaled softly, somewhatforted by his rification. A faint smile appeared on her face. ¡°But I¡¯m not truly a Flynn. While N may care deeply for me, I can¡¯t presume on her generosity. The Flynn family has given me so much already¡ªI don¡¯t want to be further indebted.¡± With a dismissive wave, she signaled the end of their conversation. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯m heading to bed now. Good night.¡± She then retreated and gently closed the door. Eric stood in the hallway, his expression thoughtful. This Hadley¡­ she moved with a certain poise, carefully choosing when to step forward and when to pull back. She was no longer the reckless girl he once knew. Could any of Srixby¡¯s elite look beyond her history and truly value her? Eric¡¯s jaw tightened. Cursed be that uing birthday gathering. Despite his deep-seated annoyance, he acknowledged his duty to see it through. Above all, he truly wished to be celebrating Hadley¡¯s birthday with her. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive Unbeknownst to Hadley, preparations for the party were already underway. That very morning, on her birthday, as Hadley sat down for breakfast with N amidst the unusual bustle around the house¡ªmarked by delivery trucks and busy staff¡ªHadley looked around in bewilderment. ¡°N, what¡¯s happening today?¡± N gave her a warm smile, patting her hand affectionately. ¡°It¡¯s your special day, my dear. We¡¯re preparing for your birthday banquet.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°What? But¡­ you shouldn¡¯t have gone to such lengths. It¡¯s just another birthday.¡± It had been ages since she¡¯d celebrated her birthday in any significant way. Her own birthday had slipped her mind entirely. ¡°It¡¯s essential,¡± N said, her tone filled with genuine regret. ¡°You weren¡¯t introduced properly during the wee banquetst time¡­ We need to rectify that. I want everyone in Srixby to acknowledge that you are as dear to me as a granddaughter.¡± ¡°N¡­¡± ¡°Everything is set in motion,¡± N added, her face lighting up with a reassuring smile. ¡°The invitations have gone out, and the staff are ready. All you need to do is get dressed up and enjoy the evening.¡± . . . Chapter 200 ?Chapter 200: As they spoke, the grand iron gates began to open. A sleek ck Bentley Arnage glided smoothly into the driveway. N sped Hadley¡¯s hand and pulled her up. ¡°Since we¡¯re already on the subject, this is the perfect moment.¡± ¡°N, I¡ª¡± ¡°You know I don¡¯t take no for an answer! No excuses!¡± With no way to argue, Hadley followed her upstairs. Since the entire thing had been kept a secret, the dress was hidden away in N¡¯s room. N led Hadley into the walk-in closet and gestured toward a dress hanging neatly on a rack. The fabric rested beneath a protective garment bag, crisp and freshly pressed. ¡°Go on, take a look. Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡± Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± N gave Hadley a once-over, her eyes sharp with scrutiny. ¡°You¡¯re tall, and your figure is incredible. This dress was made for you. Try it on.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Satisfied, N stepped out of the walk-in closet and waited just outside. ¡°Mrs. Flynn?¡± The housekeeper, Kira Delgado, approached, her expression tight with concern. ¡°There¡¯s an order that doesn¡¯t sit right with me. Can you take care of it?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Without hesitation, N followed her. With Linda unavable, it was up to her to sort it out. Not long after they left, Eric appeared upstairs. He¡¯de home early on purpose, curious if there was anything he could help with. When he didn¡¯t find N or Hadley downstairs, he decided to check upstairs. ¡°Grandma, you in there?¡± Eric knocked twice on N¡¯s door. When no one answered, he tried the handle. It wasn¡¯t locked, so he eased it open and stepped inside. In the walk-in closet, Hadley had slipped into the gown. It fit as if it were made for her, hugging every curve perfectly¡ªexcept for one issue. The zipper was in the back, just out of reach. No matter how she¡­ Hadley struggled with the zipper, twisting and turning, but she couldn¡¯t quite reach it. Growing impatient, she heard footsteps approaching and assumed it was N. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction ¡°N, can you zip me up? I¡¯ve been fighting with this thing forever.¡± The footsteps hesitated, then moved closer. Hadley sensed someone behind her and turned her head slightly. ¡°Could you¡ª¡± The words caught in her throat. Her whole body tensed. That wasn¡¯t N. It was Eric. Her breath hitched. A jolt of panic shot through her, and she instinctively tried to bolt. ¡°Stay still.¡± Eric¡¯s fingers closed around her wrist, his other hand steadying her waist. He leaned in, his breath feather-light against her ear. ¡°In a dress like this, where do you think you¡¯re running off to? One wrong step, and it might just slip right off. You know that, right?¡± Hadley went rigid. . . . Chapter 201 ?Chapter 201: He wasn¡¯t wrong about it. So, she didn¡¯t dare move. A faint smirk tugged at Eric¡¯s lips. His hand eased to her waist. ¡°Let me handle the zipper for you, okay?¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley mumbled, her gaze falling as she gave a small nod. ¡°Thank you.¡± How had things ended up like this? Where was N? Right now, the only person she could turn to was Eric. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see.¡± Eric¡¯s fingers traced along her waist, searching. ¡°Where¡¯s the zipper?¡± He searched for a moment,ing up empty. Heat rushed to Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s right there! How are you not¡ª¡± ¡°Finding it?¡± ¡°I really can¡¯t see it.¡± His confusion was genuine. ¡°I¡¯ve never worn a dress before, you know.¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­ there¡­¡± Hadley trailed off, frustration creeping into her voice. Words weren¡¯t getting through. With a quiet sigh, she reached back and guided his hand. The second their skin touched, a spark shot through her¡ªa soft, buzzing warmth that sent a shiver down her spine. Eric tensed for a split second, caught off guard by the unexpected sensation. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant. If anything, it was¡­ nice. Hadley, unaware of his reaction, guided his hand to the zipper pull. ¡°Here. Feel it now?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ?????????????????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? Eric swallowed hard, his Adam¡¯s apple shifting. His throat felt dry, almost scratchy, like he couldn¡¯t quite get the motion right. ¡°Yeah, got it.¡± ¡°Then hurry up,¡± Hadley huffed. ¡°Zip it already!¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Eric braced one hand on her waist while the other tugged the zipper upward. Yet, his gaze betrayed him, trailing the path of the closing fabric, lingering on the soft, unbroken line of her back. Such a beautiful, wless back¡­ unlike his own¡­ He squeezed his eyes shut, but the darkness behind his lids wasn¡¯t empty. Blood-streaked memories surged forward¡ªgunfire, chaos, a sharp, searing pain. His back throbbed, a phantom ache settling deep in his muscles. ¡°Are you finished?¡± Hadley¡¯s impatient voice snapped him back to reality. What was taking him so long? ¡°All set.¡± Eric snapped back to reality and zipped up thest inch. The zipper stopped just below her shoulder des, leaving the elegant curve of her back exposed. His throat tightened, heat creeping up his neck. He quickly averted his gaze. . . . Chapter 202 ?Chapter 202: Hadley turned to face him, but he was already looking away, his expression carefully controlled. Still, something about the moment unsettled her. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to shake off the feeling. The silence between them thickened with each passing second. Hoping to break the tension, she forced augh. ¡°Well¡­ how does it look?¡± Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His gaze sharpened, studying her as though seeing something new. Hadley instantly regretted asking. Why had she said that? The question felt silly now, hanging awkwardly in the air. ¡°Hadley? Are you finished?¡± N¡¯s voice floated in from outside the walk-in closet¡ªa much-needed lifeline. ¡°N!¡± Hadley practically lunged for the door. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m done!¡± But just as her fingers brushed the handle, a deep voice rumbled through the quiet. ¡°It¡¯s stunning.¡± Eric had finally spoken. Hadley froze but refused to turn around. Instead, she quickened her pace and slipped out the door. Behind her, Eric remained still, his Adam¡¯s apple dipping as he muttered under his breath, ¡°Truly stunning.¡± Outside, N¡¯s eyes flicked over Hadley¡¯s flushed face. Her brow arched. ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± she asked. ¡°Why are you so red?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley felt the heat on her cheeks intensify. Had it been that obvious? She licked her lips, suddenly self-conscious. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I had trouble with my zipper earlier, and it¡­ just threw me off.¡± I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels N let out a lightugh. ¡°That¡¯s it? So, did you manage to zip it up? Need some help?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m good! Got it sorted!¡± Hadley responded quickly. ¡°Great. Perfect timing¡ªKira wants us to taste-test the dishes. You in?¡± ¡°My pleasure!¡± Hadley nodded eagerly, weing the distraction. If N ever found out she¡¯d been alone with Eric in the walk-in closet, there¡¯d be no way to exin it. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± N grinned. As they headed off, Eric stepped out of the closet, running a hand over his forehead. He stared at the door, still puzzled. Why had Hadley bolted like that? ¡°Was she really that afraid of Grandma finding us together?¡± Night settled over the city. Unlike the intimate wee gathering weeks ago, tonight¡¯s celebration was a spectacle. The Flynn Mansion, sprawling and opulent, easily amodated the flood of guests. A quick scan of the crowd confirmed it¡ªnearly every influential family in the city had shown up, many bringing their entire households. The grandeur was undeniable. The invitations had been clear: avish birthday banquet for Hadley, the adopted daughter of the Flynn family. Yet, at that moment, Hadley remained in her room. . . . Chapter 203 ?Chapter 203: Her makeup was wless. All that was left was to step outside. Hadley took a steadying breath, her eyes locked on her reflection. Exhaling slowly, she pressed her lips together before allowing a small smile to form. She rose gracefully, gathering the hem of her skirt as she stepped out. By now, N and Eric had been weing guests for quite some time. As Hadley reached the staircase, the hum of conversation andughter wrapped around her, the energy of the banquet pulling her in. Upon scanning the room, Hadley¡¯s gazended on N. She started walking toward her. Hadley started walking toward N when a cheerful voice cut through the noise. ¡°Hey there!¡± Hadley turned to see a young man near the entrance, grinning and waving at her. Hadley hesitated before recognizing the familiar face. ¡°Is that you?¡± It was indeed a familiar face¡ªthe man she had asionally seen at Gnt, the one who had once bought her pumpkin soup. ¡°Yep, that¡¯s me,¡± Denver said with a brilliant smile. ¡°Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d bump into you here.¡± Denver had been abroad for a project in recent weeks and had just returned to Srixby. It had been some time since hest visited Gnt and saw Hadley. To his joy, chance had brought them together once more. He extended his hand. ¡°I realize I never properly introduced myself. I¡¯m Denver Moran.¡± ¡°Pleasure to meet you,¡± Hadley responded, her smile modest as she took his hand. Denver paused, then awkwardly scratched his neck. ¡°Might I know your name?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± It felt right to introduce herself now that he had. ¡°I¡¯m Hadley Pearson.¡± Hadley. Denver repeated her name silently, his smile widening. Her beauty was unmistakable, and she moved with the grace of a skilled dancer. Even the sound of her name brought a sense of delight. She radiated an effortless charm. ¡°Are you here for the birthday party too?¡± he asked. Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls Pausing briefly, Hadley gave a hesitant nod. ¡°I suppose I am.¡± After all, she was the guest of honor. Just then, Denver¡¯s phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID before looking back at her. ¡°Looks like my friends are here¡ªI¡¯ll find youter.¡± ¡°Sure, go ahead,¡± she responded casually. With a nod, Denver walked away, phone pressed to his ear. ¡°Where are you guys? I¡¯m already here¡­¡± Looking across the room, Hadley caught sight of N, who was waving at her. She straightened up, offered a courteous smile, and made her way over. As the event kicked off, the venue buzzed with the arrival of most attendees. N stood at the center, with Eric on her left and Hadley on her right. ¡°Who is the youngdy beside N?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but she certainly catches the eye. Do you know which family she¡¯s from?¡± ¡°Come on, think about it for a moment.¡± Whispers gradually filled the air among the guests. ¡°The invitation mentioned a birthday celebration for the adopted daughter of the Flynn family¡ªthat must be her.¡± . . . Chapter 204 ?Chapter 204: ¡°You mean she¡¯s Hadley?¡± Her name still carried weight in Srixby after all these years. It wasmon knowledge here about her once deep affection for Eric. ¡°Is she back in town? When?¡± ¡°Actually, she¡¯s been back for a while now. She was the reason for that gathering N threw some time ago.¡± ¡°Is that so? I didn¡¯t see her therest time.¡± ¡°Well, who can say?¡± At that moment, N cleared her throat subtly, grasped Hadley¡¯s hand, and turned to the guests. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I present my granddaughter, Hadley. She¡¯s been studying overseas for the past several years and has just recently returned to Srixby. Today is also her birthday, so I thought it the perfect moment to reintroduce her to everyone here, ensuring she¡­¡± ¡°Recognize all our valued family and friends in future encounters,¡± N said, her voice warm as she gestured to the room. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, what are you saying? Hadley¡¯s beauty makes her unforgettable to anyone who meets her,¡± a guest responded. N always had a way with words. While she seemed worried that Hadley might unintentionally offend someone, her real goal was to emphasize, ¡°This is my granddaughter, a true Flynn.¡± In Srixby, acknowledging the Flynn lineage meant that Hadley would now be afforded the appropriate respect. ¡°Hadley,¡± N whispered, touching the back of her hand gently. ¡°Later, I¡¯ll introduce you to some of the distinguished guests.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hadley replied quietly. Nearby, Denver was briefly lost in thought. Find thetest updates g????????????????.?????? Hadley¡­ was she really the Flynn family¡¯s adoptive daughter? His friends were engaged in lively conversation around him. ¡°Wasn¡¯t Hadley supposed to be Eric¡¯s wife? Howe she¡¯s now described as an adoptive daughter of the Flynn family?¡± ¡°Well, they took her in before she married Eric yearster, so it¡¯s not exactly wrong to call her their adoptive daughter,¡± someone responded. ¡°Yet consider this¡ªwhy specifically refer to her as an adoptive daughter and omit any mention of her ties to Eric? There must be an underlying reason.¡± One friend, aware that Denver¡¯s cousin Marshall knew Eric well, elbowed him. ¡°Denver, you¡¯re connected to Mr. Flynn, aren¡¯t you? Any idea about this situation?¡± Denver found the revtions hard to digest, striving to stayposed. ¡°What I do know is that she and Eric ended their marriage years ago. It¡¯s been a while since they split¡­ and Eric has moved on.¡± ¡°Divorced?¡± someone chimed in. ¡°Could the Flynn family be looking to match her with someone tonight?¡± His friends shared knowing looks. ¡°That¡¯s probably it. Did you notice the number of eligible bachelors here tonight?¡± They subtly motioned toward N¡¯s direction. . . . Chapter 205 ?Chapter 205: ¡°Look over there. Every family greeted by N includes an unmarried son.¡± One of them eximed in surprise, ¡°What does this mean for us? What¡¯s our move?¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Anotherughed heartily. ¡°Really? You think the Flynn¡¯s adoptive daughter is somehow beneath you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not her status as an adoptive member that matters; it¡¯s her history with Mr. Flynn that¡¯s the issue!¡± ¡°Stop being so old-fashioned. So what if she¡¯s been married before?¡± ¡°You¡¯re missing the point,¡± another replied. ¡°Hadley has a reputation. If shetches onto a man, it¡¯s overwhelming!¡± He faced the group. ¡°Let¡¯s be real¡ªif she were matched with any of you, would you actually be pleased?¡± ¡°Not a chance!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested, thanks!¡± Denver¡¯s expression grew troubled as he listened to the banter. Was Hadley still caught up in her feelings for Eric? ¡°Time to leave!¡± ¡°We don¡¯t belong in this chatter anyway.¡± The group then moved away, pulling Denver with them. Nearby, Eric stood with a stern look, his demeanor cold. Barrie and Marshall were at his sides. They caught each other¡¯s eyes¡ªthey knew Eric was upset. Yet, there was little they could do. Gossip was inevitable; silencing one might work, but quieting a crowd was impossible. And truthfully, what they said wasn¡¯t baseless. Eric finished his drink quickly, his throat working as he gulped it down. He handed the empty ss to Barrie. ¡°I need to talk to Grandma.¡± ???????? ???????????????? ?????? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Eric, wait!¡± Meanwhile, N was enjoying a moment of respite in the lounge, delicately sipping her tea. ¡°Grandma.¡± Eric approached swiftly and took a seat opposite her. ¡°Are you really so eager to set Hadley up with someone?¡± N eyed her grandson¡¯s troubled expression. ¡°What¡¯s got you so worked up? Someone¡¯s words got under your skin, and now I¡¯m the target?¡± ¡°Grandma!¡± He gestured with his hand, loosening his tie, feeling suffocated. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear what they were saying about her!¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± N remained calm, taking another sip of her tea, seemingly indifferent. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t hear them. But I can read the distress on your face.¡± ¡°Grandma!¡± Eric¡¯s tone carried a note of desperation. . . . Chapter 206 ?Chapter 206: ¡°You know those men aren¡¯t trustworthy. They y nice to her face but nder her in her absence. Do you really want to entrust Hadley to such men?¡± N regarded him thoughtfully. ¡°And why exactly is that bothering you so much?¡± ¡°Grandma!¡± How could Eric not be anxious? In their circles, marriages of convenience were the norm. Eric had spent his life witnessing countless marriages thatcked love, held together only for family alliances. He knew that N¡¯s favoritism toward Hadley could attract people who wanted to use her status in the Flynn family for their own gain, not because they genuinely cared for her. ¡°Enough.¡± With calm authority, N looked at Eric. ¡°Who is responsible for making Hadley the subject of tonight¡¯s gossip?¡± Eric was at a loss for words. N sighed softly. ¡°Regardless, rumors will circte, as they always do.¡± She continued, ¡°But I am convinced that Srixby must have at least one honorable man who truly values Hadley and epts her past.¡± Her optimism was unwavering. ¡°You never know,¡± she added with a smile. Eric knew that arguing with N was futile for the moment. Looking around, he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Hadley now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s out mingling,¡± N replied. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on her, but it¡¯s good for Hadley to meet people on her own. She might just meet the right one.¡± Despite N¡¯s hopeful ns, Hadley found them difficult to embrace. N had envisioned Hadley mixing freely with the guests, but after being away from Srixby for so long, Hadley felt out of ce at suchvish events. She grabbed some food and retreated to a secluded corner. That evening, Hadley was also supposed to give a performance at the party, but she was still processing everything around her. §Þ?§Ô? ¦Ô¦Ñ??§ä?? ?§ä g?l????l?.??? Gnt. Eric had informed Lennon that he would be taking Hadley away, and Lennon had readily consented. Hadley stared at her te, muttering, ¡°I can spend some extra time practicingter to burn off the calories. That¡¯s it. I should just eat and stop worrying about gaining weight.¡± Then, an unexpected chuckle caught her off guard. Raising her eyes, Hadley stopped mid-bite. ¡°Denver?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me.¡± Denver offered a smile, nodding toward Hadley¡¯s te. ¡°You¡¯re looking great, Hadley. Don¡¯t worry about gaining weight.¡± He then gestured toward the adjacent chair. ¡°Is it okay if I join you?¡± ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡± As Denver took his seat, he noticed the subtle scent of flowers emanating from Hadley. . . . Chapter 207 ?Chapter 207: ¡°You know¡­¡± He paused, his nerves making him hesitate as he mustered the courage to speak. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were rted to the Flynn family.¡± With a gentle smile, Hadley turned to him and said, ¡°Yes, after I lost my own family at fifteen, N weed me into hers.¡± She looked at him with curiosity. ¡°You weren¡¯t aware of that?¡± Back in the day, Hadley¡¯s reputation was notorious throughout Srixby. Even those who hadn¡¯t met her were familiar with the whispers about her. ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡± Denver shook his head, exining, ¡°I was abroad for my education during my teens and have only just returned.¡± That exnation seemed reasonable to Hadley. ¡°I see.¡± She nodded, then returned her attention to her meal. ¡°Ahem.¡± Denver cleared his throat, his difort apparent. He asked further, ¡°About you and Eric¡­ are things okay between you?¡± Hadley regarded him with a hint of bewilderment. What exactly was this question about? Hadley was taken aback. What was Denver trying to ask? Realizing his question might seem too intrusive, especially since they had just met, Denver regretted his bluntness. ¡°I apologize. I shouldn¡¯t have pried¡­ It¡¯s just¡­¡± What was he trying to say? Denver was simply curious if Hadley still had connections to Eric, or if any old feelings remained. Feeling his cheeks heat up, he struggled to articte his deeper questions. ¡°It¡¯s alright, really. Given your time away, it¡¯s natural to have questions,¡± Hadley reassured him with a smile. She continued, ¡°It¡¯s well-known around Srixby that he can¡¯t stand me. Honestly, he downright hates me.¡± This confirmed what Denver had suspected. He had pieced together her situation through snippets of conversation with Marshall. It dawned on Denver that the purpose of this birthday party was indeed to introduce Hadley to someone new. Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q?????? ¡°Speaking of which¡ª¡± Denver remembered something suddenly. ¡°N mentioned your recent return from studying abroad. Where was it?¡± ¡°the.¡± Denver¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°Really? I spent time in the as well! What school did you attend? Perhaps we were near each other.¡± Hadley let out a softugh. ¡°I was studying dance at the Chauncy Academy of Arts. I don¡¯t suppose you were studying arts, so we probably never crossed paths.¡± A touch of disappointment crossed Denver¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re right. I attended the University of the. Strange we never ran into each other, being in the same city and all.¡± ¡°University of the, huh? That¡¯s quite impressive!¡± Hadley responded with a smile. Denver encouraged her with a thumbs-up. ¡°You¡¯re definitely among the elite.¡± He responded with a humble shrug. ¡°The university is prestigious, but I wouldn¡¯t call myself an elite.¡± After a brief pause, Denver asked again, ¡°Hadley, if it¡¯s alright to ask, why do you perform at Gnt?¡± . . . Chapter 208 ?Chapter 208: He found it hard to believe that someone from the well-off Flynn family would work at a nightclub. Anxiety fluttered in Denver¡¯s chest. He hoped his question hadn¡¯t crossed a line. However, Hadley seemed calm and exined simply, ¡°I need to make a living, Denver. Let¡¯s be honest, Gnt offers the best paycheck in Srixby.¡± ¡°That makes sense,¡± Denver acknowledged with a subtle smile, realizing Hadley was no longer reliant on Eric for support. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite a few questions for me. Is it the rumors that have sparked your curiosity? Did their chatter catch your attention?¡± She nced over at the bustling crowd. Hadley saw many familiar faces from her past. ¡°What are they saying about me now?¡± Denver hesitated, caught off guard. Laughing softly, Hadley continued, ¡°Go on, tell me. They probably think I¡¯m arrogant, ruthless, maniptive¡­¡± With a resigned grin, she took a deep breath. ¡°And perhaps they aren¡¯t entirely mistaken.¡± ¡°You¡¯re nothing like that!¡± Denver cut her off before she could say more, his voiceced with urgency and conviction. ¡°What?¡± Hadley looked at him, a sh of surprise in her eyes. ¡°I mean it. You¡¯re not like that at all.¡± Looking earnestly into her eyes, Denver said, ¡°The Hadley I¡¯vee to know shines when she dances, greets strangers with a smile, and prefers to sit quietly in a corner, enjoying her little moment of sce during busy gatherings.¡± This was the real Hadley he saw. She was neither arrogant nor maniptive, and definitely not ruthless. Hadley hesitated, processing his words. As she looked at Denver, she felt tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes. Denver¡¯s recognition and respect were a rare gift¡ªone she had only received from Colleen in the past. At a distance, N and Eric watched the interaction closely. ¡°Who is thatd?¡± N leaned in closer. ¡°He seems familiar. Could it be Denver from the Moran family? Yes, it must be!¡± Keep reading on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s With a nod of approval, N murmured, ¡°He could be right for Hadley.¡± She gently pulled on Eric¡¯s arm. ¡°See how well they¡¯re getting along? Let¡¯s not disturb them. Give them some space. It could lead to something.¡± ¡°Fine¡­¡± Eric turned away, following N¡¯s advice, but a tight sensation gripped his chest, making it hard to breathe. At that moment, Denver¡¯s phone began to ring¡ªit was a call from one of his friends. ¡°You should probably take that,¡± Hadley said with a warm smile. ¡°Right, I guess I should.¡± As he stood, Denver paused briefly and took a deep breath. ¡°Hadley, could we swap numbers?¡± The request seemed perfectly natural. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hadley responded cheerily, reaching for her phone. They exchanged contact information. . . . Chapter 209 ?Chapter 209: ¡°Great,¡± Denver said, his face lighting up with a broad grin, his happiness evident. ¡°See you around.¡± ¡°Sure, see you around.¡± The birthday celebration buzzed with energy, heightened by N¡¯s skillful hosting, which ensured that all the attendees were satisfied. As the evening wound down and N began to feel exhausted, it was Eric, with Hadley by his side, who saw the guests off. From a distance, Denver caught Hadley¡¯s gaze as he departed with his family. He shed a smile and subtly raised his phone¡ªa quiet prompt to stay in touch. Hadley responded with a gentle smile and a nod of recognition. Unbeknownst to her, this brief interaction did not escape the attention of the man next to her¡­ With thest guests departed, the night began to wind down. Hadley exhaled a soft sigh of relief and massaged her neck, ready to head upstairs. The night had been long and tiring. She nned to have a brief dance practice, followed by a bath and bed. As she reached the second floor, a soft, mocking chuckle came from¡­ the man apanying her. Hadley raised her eyes, her expression one of surprise. Eric, looking down at her, scoffed coldly, ¡°Seems like you really enjoyed yourself.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± She blinked, puzzled. What prompted thatment? ¡°What¡¯s got you so happy?¡± She chose to remain silent, but Eric persisted. ¡°Come on, share with me.¡± His mocking tone made Hadley scowl. ¡°It¡¯s my birthday, isn¡¯t it? Shouldn¡¯t I be allowed a little happiness, or am I supposed to be miserable?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± In a sudden move, Eric¡¯s voice dropped to a growl as he grasped her waist and pushed her against the wall. He even hoisted her up a bit! Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? Hadley found herself lifted off the floor, her back pressed against the chill of the wall. Before she could react, his face was suddenly very close, and then¡ªhis lips met hers. With no hesitation or warning, the heat of his lips pressed firmly against hers, iming them, while his breath mingled with hers. Shock widened Hadley¡¯s eyes, her mind reeling. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling. What was he doing? ¡°Mm¡ª!¡± The shock turned to realization, and she stiffened, starting to push back against him. Eric¡¯s strength was overwhelming¡ªshe couldn¡¯t pull away. In desperation, she took the only action left to her¡ªshe bit him, hard. ¡°Ugh!¡± Eric¡¯s pained grunt filled the air as he let go. The taste of blood tinged his mouth¡ªshe had made him bleed. ¡°You bit me?¡± Hadley was still reeling from the shock. Her lips, once adorned with lipstick, were now slightly swollen and gleamed under the ambient lighting. ¡°Eric, are youpletely out of your mind? What the hell were you thinking?!¡± Had he actually just kissed her? . . . Chapter 210 ?Chapter 210: ¡°What did you just say?¡± Eric halted abruptly, his eyes narrowing. Hadley¡¯s words echoed in his mind, but instead of feeling regret, a sinister spark flickered in his eyes. Without a second thought, he reached for her again. ¡°Stay away from me!¡± Fear began to seep into Hadley as she trembled, hastily retreating. She turned and sprinted toward her bedroom. Reaching the door, she flung it open and mmed it shut once she was safely inside. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric followed closely behind but found the door shut in his face. His hand hovered in the air, tempted to knock, but he restrained himself, not wanting to disturb N. A chillingugh escaped him, sharp and cold. His eyes, half-lidded, shimmered with a menacing light. Did she really think she could escape him? As soon as Hadley entered her room, her legs gave out, and she copsed to the floor. She raised her hands to her lips, rubbing them desperately as she whispered to herself, ¡°No¡­ no way¡­¡± Her body shook violently, overwhelmed by a fear that zed through her like an uncontroble fire. This was pure fear, not just shock. Eric had kissed her. Why? What was his intention? Hadley struggled to make sense of it. The thought repulsed her, and she forced herself to her feet, staggering towards the bathroom. She grabbed her toothbrush and began to scrub her teeth. Over and over, she brushed. Once, twice, relentlessly. She was desperate to wash away his touch, to rid her mouth of any trace of him. Out of nowhere, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m A call from Colleen shed on the screen. Taking a deep breath, Hadleyposed herself and pressed the answer button. ¡°Hello?¡± To her surprise, it wasn¡¯t Colleen on the line, but a cheerful, little voice. ¡°Hi, Mommy!¡± ¡°Joy?!¡± Hadley gasped, emotion overwhelming her as tears began to well up. ¡°Oh, Joy, my sweet baby¡­¡± ¡°Mommy!¡± Her daughter¡¯s voice was warm and tender, filled with life. ¡°Is it night there? Are you getting ready for bed, Mommy?¡± In Srixby, it was nearing midnight, while in the, it was still morning, just after 10 a.m. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Hadley managed augh, though her voice trembled with tears. ¡°Joy, you¡¯re so clever. Are you just up? Did you sleep well?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Joy¡¯s voice bubbled with excitement. ¡°I¡¯ve been awake for a bit! Auntie Colleen visited, and I told her I wanted to talk to you!¡± ¡°Really?¡± Hadley¡¯s heart warmed at her daughter¡¯s initiative. ¡°Did you call because you miss Mommy?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Joy¡¯s tone softened further. ¡°It¡¯s your birthday today, Mommy. Happy birthday!¡± The emotion caught in Hadley¡¯s throat, a mixture of joy and sorrow swelling within her. Her precious daughter had called to wish her a happy birthday! . . . Chapter 211 ?Chapter 211: Hadley fought back tears, trying to maintain herposure. ¡°Thank you, Joy¡­ thank you, my sweetheart.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me, Mommy,¡± Joy exined with a seriousness beyond her years. ¡°If there was no Mommy, there would be no Joy!¡± At that moment, Hadley couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as emotion overwhelmed her. ¡°Oh, my little one¡­ my dear¡­¡± Joy could hear the distress in her voice. ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t cry! Joy loves Mommy so much!¡± Choking back tears, Hadley managed to say, ¡°Mommy loves you more, my baby.¡± ¡°Mommy¡­¡± Joy¡¯s intive whimper was heart-wrenching. ¡°I miss you so much. When are youing to pick me up?¡± Hadley paused, feeling a deep ache in her heart. She wasn¡¯t financially ready yet to bring her daughter home. ¡°Very soon,¡± she promised, her voice gentle but firm. ¡°Please be a good girl, listen to Dr. Williams and Auntie Colleen. Mommy is doing everything she can, and I¡¯ll be there to get you before you know it.¡± Joy sounded a bit downcast, but her innate good nature shone through. ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll be good. I promise! Now I¡¯m giving the phone to Auntie Colleen.¡± ¡°Thank you, sweetheart. I love you.¡± There was a slight rustling noise, and then a different voice came through. ¡°Hadley.¡± Colleen was now on the line. ¡°Colleen¡­ thank you so much,¡± Hadley said, her voiceden with gratitude. She knew without asking¡ªColleen had set up this call. Joy was still too young and frail, hardly old enough to remember her own birthday, let alone her mother¡¯s. She wouldn¡¯t have known about today without help. Feel the thrill at g aln ov el s . ¡°What are you thanking me for? There¡¯s no need for formalities. Aren¡¯t we friends?¡± Colleen responded lightly before shifting the conversation. ¡°Hey, regarding the funds for Joy¡¯s surgery, do you have everything covered?¡± Upon hearing that, Hadley fell silent. With a tone of displeasure, Colleen eximed, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d keep something this important from me! If I hadn¡¯t pushed Mathias, would you have ever told me?¡± Hadley stumbled over her words, feeling remorseful. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It wasn¡¯t my intention to keep it from you.¡± ¡°But you did!¡± Colleen understood Hadley all too well. Hadley definitely didn¡¯t have the money, yet she still refrained from asking for help. Frustrated, Colleen asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you see me as a friend?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the case,¡± Hadley responded hastily. ¡°It¡¯s exactly because you are my friend that I find it hard to ask for help.¡± Colleen had already been so generous. Hadley didn¡¯t want to take advantage of their friendship and keep burdening her. The thought of continually asking for more was simply unbearable. ¡°Colleen, I¡¯m already in your debt more than I can say.¡± . . . Chapter 212 ?Chapter 212: ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish¡­ It¡¯s for Joy. How could I not help?¡± Colleen sighed. ¡°The surgery will cost half a million. If not from me, where would you get that kind of money?¡± Tears welled up in Hadley¡¯s eyes as they rolled down her cheeks. ¡°Colleen¡­ how can I ever repay you?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no hurry,¡± Colleen replied with a lightugh, as carefree as ever. ¡°You¡¯ll have plenty of time to pay me back.¡± She added, ¡°I made this call to ease your mind about the surgery money. I¡¯ve taken care of it.¡± Ovee with emotion, Hadley could only whisper in a raspy voice, ¡°Colleen¡­ thank you.¡± Some debts were too deep to be repaid with mere words. Colleen¡¯s voice softened, and she too became emotional. ¡°Enough of this now. I¡¯ve said what I needed to say. It¡¯ste over there¡ªgo get some rest.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Just one more thing,¡± Colleen added tenderly. ¡°Hadley, happy birthday.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± When the conversation ended, tears continued to cascade down Hadley¡¯s cheeks. The festivity of her birthday party earlier seemed insignificantpared to the heartfelt wishes from her daughter and her closest friend. With everything now in ce, Hadley felt a mix of relief and guilt. Joy¡¯s surgery was funded, thanks to Colleen, and they would soon be reunited. The next day, Hadley woke upte. She looked around and saw no sign of Eric, which brought a sigh of relief. After the previous night¡¯s events, she was uncertain of his motives behind that kiss¡ªwhether they stemmed from genuine emotion or mere impulse. Either way, she preferred not to encounter him again. During breakfast, she inquired with the housekeeper, Kira. ¡°Kira, has N gone out today?¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live ¡°Mrs. Flynn left for a medical checkup just a little while ago.¡± A checkup? Hadley¡¯s expression clouded for a moment. She had been staying at the Flynn home for several days and felt it was time to leave. Yet, with N absent, departing without bidding farewell seemed improper. Her day was packed with activities: a filming session in the morning, dance practice at Gnt in the afternoon, followed by a performance in the evening. This meant she would need to spend another night at the Flynn estate. After her meal, Hadley cleaned up and left for her busy day. Her schedule was relentless. By the end of her performance at Gnt¡­ Fatigue had fully taken hold. Fortunately, Eric had not appeared all day. Once she had wiped off her makeup and changed clothes, Hadley exited the main doors of Gnt. ¡°Hadley!¡± Across the street, Denver stood beside a sleek silver Pagani, his suit crisp, his smile inviting as he waved. . . . Chapter 213 ?Chapter 213: What was he doing here? Denver quickly crossed the street toward her. ¡°Just got off work? Let me drive you home,¡± he said as he approached. Hadley hesitated. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯ll just grab a taxi.¡± Denver persisted. ¡°Do you often take a cab home?¡± Hadley nodded. ¡°Yes, I can handle it¡ª¡± ¡°Let me give you a ride,¡± Denver suggested, gesturing toward his car. ¡°It¡¯ste, and now that I¡¯ve seen you, I can¡¯t in good conscience let you travel alone.¡± Noticing Hadley hesitating, Denver yfully added, ¡°Miss Pearson, my family is well-regarded, and I¡¯m a gentleman myself. You¡¯re safe with me, I assure you.¡± Amused by his yful words, Hadley finally gave in. ¡°Okay, I ept your offer. Thanks for the lift.¡± ¡°It¡¯s absolutely no trouble¡ªhappy to do it.¡± Once they were in the car, Denver drove toward Flynn Mansion. During the ride, Hadley asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t catch it earlier during my performance¡ªwere you out tonight with friends?¡± ¡°Not exactly friends,¡± Denver replied, shaking his head. ¡°I was apanying some colleagues from work.¡± Eager to rify, he exined, ¡°It was just aworking event. Srixby has its quirks¡ªbusiness often unfolds in recreational settings. Being freshly back in town, I¡¯m still getting used to the pace here.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Hadley responded, smiling understandingly. Though she didn¡¯t know much about business, Hadley had a hunch. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s simply a matter of different cultural norms. the and Srixby each have their unique appeal.¡± This reference to the sparked a lively conversation, and they chattedfortably for the remainder of the journey. Upon arrival at Flynn Mansion, Denver exited the car first and held the passenger door open for Hadley. ¡°Here we are,¡± he said. g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley replied as she stepped out. Denver pointed towards the mansion, noting the time. ¡°It¡¯ste, so I¡¯ll stay out here. I don¡¯t want to wake Mrs. Flynn.¡± ¡°Alright then¡­¡± Hadley waved. ¡°I¡¯ll go in then. Thanks again for the ride.¡± ¡°Anytime,¡± Denver replied, smiling as he watched her enter the mansion before returning to his car. Hadley got back before 10 PM tonight, which wasn¡¯t particrlyte. At this hour, N was probably already in bed. Hadley tiptoed through the living room, trying to be as silent as possible. ¡°Hadley, is that you?¡± N¡¯s voice carried through the silence. Hadley stopped momentarily, then responded, ¡°Yes, N. I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Perfect timing! Come over here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± As Hadley drew near, she found N up, enjoying somete-night snacks. To her surprise, Eric was there too, sitting opposite N. ¡°Hadley, join us,¡± N said warmly. ¡°Have some soup to warm you up.¡± . . . Chapter 214 ?Chapter 214: Then, giving Eric a meaningful look, she instructed, ¡°What are you waiting for? Eric, go get Hadley some soup.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Eric rose without a word to Hadley and walked toward the kitchen. Hadley consciously avoided looking his way, keeping her focus straight ahead. She settled next to N, cing her hands politely on herp. ¡°It¡¯ste. I thought you¡¯d be asleep by now.¡± N chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. ¡°If I went to bed too early, I¡¯d miss all the excitement, wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Hadley, puzzled, murmured, ¡°What excitement?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± With a yful smile, N set aside her bowl and gently took Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Still keeping things from me?¡± she chided lightly. ¡°Tell me, who was the young man who dropped you off earlier?¡± After a brief pause, Hadley answered, ¡°Oh, that was Denver.¡± Knowing that the Flynn residence was equipped with security cameras, Hadley wasn¡¯t surprised that N knew. However, the fact that N was probing made her feel slightly ufortable. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him,¡± N said, smiling knowingly. ¡°What¡¯s your impression of him? Do you find him agreeable?¡± ¡°What are you implying?¡± Shock registered on Hadley¡¯s face at N¡¯s words. Could she be implying what Hadley suspected? ¡°No¡­ Surely, that¡¯s not possible, is it?¡± Hadley pondered. ¡°N?¡± With a nervous gulp, Hadley hesitated before asking, ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± N patted Hadley¡¯s hand, offering a warm smile. ¡°What do you think, my dear? I mean to ask if you like Denver.¡± Explore captivating tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s Noticing Hadley¡¯s continued confusion, N rified, ¡°Like the way you once felt for Eric.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Hadley interjected, her confusion deepening. ¡°What¡¯s this about all of a sudden?¡± Could it have been prompted by Denver offering her a ride home? Trying to rify, Hadley smiled and shook her head dismissively. ¡°There¡¯s absolutely nothing between us, N. We merely ran into each other, and he gave me a lift.¡± ¡°Really, that¡¯s it? At your birthday celebration the other day, though, I noticed you and he were interacting quitefortably.¡± An awkward chuckle escaped from Hadley. ¡°You might be reading too much into it. There¡¯s genuinely nothing going on.¡± Perceiving Hadley¡¯s modesty, N let out a soft smile. ¡°He seems like a good person, and possibly interested in you. Tell me honestly, do you find him appealing at all?¡± ¡°What?¡± Laughter eluded Hadley now. N remained serious, her expression reflecting deep contemtion. Confusion marred Hadley¡¯s face as she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand what you¡¯re getting at.¡± Exhaling deeply, N used a napkin to dab at her lips. . . . Chapter 215 ?Chapter 215: Her gaze lingered on Hadley, filled with tender concern. ¡°Hadley, my only concern is for your happiness. I believe Denver could be a suitable partner. Hees from a respectable background, but what truly matters is whether you feel any affection for him¡­¡± ¡°N!¡± Hadley¡¯s reaction was one of shock, herplexion draining of color. She vigorously shook her head. ¡°Please, don¡¯t make light of this. How could something like that ever happen?¡± Hadley and Denver together? The very idea seemed impossible to her¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be fair to him, a man with such promise! ¡°Why would you think I¡¯m making this up?¡± N¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°I take your future very seriously. Believe me, I¡¯m considering what¡¯s best for you.¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Words failed Hadley. The idea seemed utterly preposterous. ¡°I understand,¡± N said, gesturing dismissively. ¡°You feel you¡¯re not worthy of him, don¡¯t you, Hadley?¡± ¡°That was the truth,¡± Hadley thought, but kept the words to herself. Yet N seemed unfazed. ¡°Don¡¯t fret. Your own feelings are all that matter. Remember, you are a Flynn. Who could possibly dismiss that? Hadley¡­¡± Moisture gathered in N¡¯s eyes as her voice trembled. ¡°We¡¯ve failed you in some ways. I yearn to see you married well, so I might find some peace.¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Ovee, Hadley whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t need¡­¡± ¡°Why do you think you don¡¯t need it?¡± Cutting her off, N continued, ¡°Eric told me about yourst attempt to manage on your own, and it didn¡¯t end well. I me myself for not intervening. This time, I¡¯m going to make sure we find the right man for you.¡± Hadley found herself rooted to the spot. She was at a loss for words. M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm If N was determined to believe something would happen with Denver, then let her think so. Hadley, however, was convinced they could never be anything beyond mere acquaintances. ¡°It¡¯s decided then. I just wanted to ease your mind,¡± N said, standing up from her chair. ¡°The night has grownte. I¡¯m off to my room.¡± ¡°Allow me to assist you upstairs,¡± Hadley offered, rising and extending her arm to N. Just then, Eric entered with a tray in hand, holding a bowl of soup. ¡°What took you so long just to fetch a bowl of soup?¡± Hadley asked. N released Hadley¡¯s arm and shot Eric a sharp look. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ll manage on my own. You should stay and enjoy your soup.¡± ¡°Okay, then.¡± ¡°Good girl.¡± With a smile, N turned and began ascending the stairs. Eric ced the tray on the table, carefully avoiding eye contact with Hadley. ¡°Go ahead,¡± he said. ¡°Sure.¡± . . . Chapter 216 ?Chapter 216: Now alone with Eric, Hadley was consumed by thoughts of their kiss from the previous evening, reying it repeatedly in her mind. Feeling restless, she grabbed the soup bowl and took a hearty gulp, trying to distract herself. Suddenly, Hadley gasped. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eric reacted quickly, rising and rushing to her side. With her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes, Hadley¡¯s face turned a shade of red. ¡°Did the soup burn your tongue?¡± Eric asked, concern flooding his voice. Understanding the situation, Eric cradled Hadley¡¯s face in his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Spit it out!¡± However, Hadley had already swallowed it. The searing liquid scorched her throat and chest, causing her to wince in agony. ¡°What were you thinking?¡± Eric¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°Why would you drink something so blisteringly hot?¡± Hadley held her mouth, speechless. How could she have known it would be scalding? Moreover, she had been determined not to waste the soup, which had been enriched with an expensive herbal remedy. After years of hardship, Hadley had grown ustomed to conserving whatever little she had. Eric¡¯s heart softened as he noticed the tears forming in Hadley¡¯s eyes and her vulnerable stance. It felt as if a part of his heart had melted. ¡°Is it very painful?¡± he asked, his voice gentle. Hadley, still with tears brimming in her eyes, nodded in confirmation. Clearly, the soup had been left on a simmer for too long, making it unbearably hot. ¡°Follow me!¡± Eric said, his tone filled with urgency. He grasped Hadley¡¯s hand and guided her toward the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door, he motioned for her to look inside. ¡°Open up.¡± ???????? ????????: ??????????????????????????????? Confused, Hadley kept her hand mped over her mouth. What was he asking her to do? ¡°Quickly, now!¡± Seeing her hesitate, Eric cupped her face and gently guided her mouth open. Before she could resist, Eric popped a few ice cubes into her mouth. Her cheeks bulged with the cold. Trying not tough, Eric said, ¡°Wait here.¡± Eric released his hold and stepped away briefly. When he returned, he found Hadley standing quietly with the ice cubes filling her mouth. She remained silent andpliant. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you sat down yet?¡± Eric asked as he drew nearer. He fetched a chair and gently eased Hadley down by the shoulders. ¡°Do you need help sitting?¡± As he spoke, he began unpacking a box of medicinal supplies. Hadley nced at the box, her mouth still full of ice, unable to respond. ¡°This is a medicinal spray for burns,¡± he exined, noticing the puzzled look on her face. He opened the box and gestured towards her mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll apply this once the pain subsides.¡± Could he really be this kind? . . . Chapter 217 ?Chapter 217: Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief; the situation felt almost surreal. ¡°Feeling any better? Is there still pain?¡± Eric asked gently, nodding towards the trash bin nearby. ¡°If the pain has eased, you can spit out the ice. It¡¯s just a temporary measure. We still need to use the spray.¡± With a vacant nod, Hadley turned and spat out the ice cubes. ¡°Now, open up,¡± Eric instructed, holding up the spray bottle and motioning for her to lift her chin. Hadley finally spoke, her voice tight with difort. ¡°I¡¯d rather do it myself.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t be able to see well enough inside your mouth. Just trust me and open wide.¡± When it became clear that Eric wasn¡¯t going to relent, Hadley reluctantly tilted her head back and opened her mouth. Her delicate teeth and pink tongue were revealed. She looked utterly charming¡­ Eric¡¯s throat tightened slightly. Supporting her chin with one hand and holding the spray with the other, his tone softened as he reassured her, ¡°It might taste bitter, but try to endure it just for a bit, okay?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The moment the spray hit Hadley¡¯s tongue, an unbearable bitterness seized her senses, nearly knocking the breath out of her. The taste was so vile, it felt like poison itself. Hadley clenched her jaw, trying to endure the assault on her taste buds. Eric, almost as if anticipating her every move, reacted instantly. Just as she turned her head, he swiftly pressed a firm hand over her mouth, blocking any chance of escape. His eyes, sharp as a de, locked onto hers with an unyielding re. ¡°It helps with the burn, Hadley. You are not spitting it out,¡± Ericmanded, his voice brooking no argument. Hadley froze, confusion flickering across her face like a candle in the wind. The sheer awfulness of the taste sent a shudder through her, and she instinctively tried to pry his hand away, unable to withstand the lingering bitterness. Eric¡¯s voice turned cool, almost teasing, yet lined with steel. ¡°Disobeying me again, are you?¡± ???????? ???????? g?????????¦Í??????????????? Without warning, he stood and pulled his hand away. Hadley barely had a second to react before Eric grasped her cheeks, leaned down, and captured her lips in his own. She could only stare, stunned, as realization struck like a thunderp. Hadley was taken aback for a second, unsure of what to say. Was he kissing her again? As if bewitched by the moment, Eric seemed to savor the contact, his senses sharpening at every tiny detail. When Hadley¡¯s longshes brushed against his skin, the soft, fleeting touch sent a tremor through him. His breath, warm and steady, curled against her lips as he murmured, ¡°Still bitter?¡± Hadley¡¯s lips parted, her thoughts scattering like dry leaves in the wind. She stammered, ¡°N-no¡­ it¡­ it¡¯s not bitter anymore.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± A low chuckle rumbled from Eric¡¯s throat. ¡°One kiss, and it¡¯s gone, just like that?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley blinked, utterly baffled, wondering if she had misheard him. . . . Chapter 218 ?Chapter 218: ¡°Silly girl,¡± Eric muttered, his voice tinged with an odd fondness. Then, as if something primal overtook him, he seized her by the waist and pulled her flush against him. Hadley stood frozen, lips slightly parted, the ghost of the bitter medicine still clinging to her breath. ¡°Hadley.¡± The way he spoke her name was slow, deliberate, each syble curling over his tongue with an unsettling certainty. In a voice as calm as still waters yet as immovable as stone, Eric dered, ¡°You and Denver do not belong together. Tomorrow, you will tell Grandma that you are not interested in him. Understood?¡± The words mmed into Hadley. Her heart pounded, a wild rhythm drumming against her ribs. It was only then that Hadley realized she had been leaning into his chest. A startled jolt ran through her, and she pulled away as if burned. She stumbled back, putting as much distance as she could between them. Eric¡¯s expression darkened at the loss of contact. His voice dipped, rough with displeasure. ¡°Hadley.¡± ¡°Why should I listen to you?¡± Hadley could hardly process the fact that Eric, who had always acted like he despised her, was now kissing and embracing her. Her hands quivered slightly as she shook her head. ¡°I think Denver is just fine! My life is none of your business!¡± With that, she turned on her heel and dashed away. ¡°Hadley!¡± Behind her, Eric¡¯s voice rumbled with frustration, thick with anger. Hadley squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to look back. She was unnerved by Eric¡¯s unpredictable behavior and couldn¡¯t make sense of it. First appeared in g??lnov els.??o?? Why? What was driving him? That night, sleep eluded Hadley. Every time she closed her eyes, Eric¡¯s face and the memory of his kiss flooded her thoughts. No matter how hard she tried to push it away, the image lingered like a stubborn shadow. Before dawn broke the next day, Hadley slipped out of the Flynn Mansion quietly. She had intended to let N know she was leaving, but under the circumstances, facing her felt like climbing a mountain. The longer Hadley stayed in the mansion, the more fear crept into her heart. She resolved to apologize to Nter. Back at her cozy little ce on West Twelfth Alley, Hadley finally breathed a sigh of relief. She settled onto her bed and drifted into a much-needed sleep. That evening, Hadley arrived at Gnt. After changing into her costume and prepping for her makeup, she stopped to pick up her phone and dial N. ¡°N.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± On the other end, N inquired, ¡°Where did you go? I didn¡¯t see you the entire day.¡± ¡°N.¡± With a soft smile, Hadley exined, ¡°I left early today and wanted to call you. I¡¯ve been staying with the Flynn family for a few days, so I won¡¯t being over anymore starting now.¡± . . . Chapter 219 ?Chapter 219: ¡°What? But¡­¡± ¡°N, we agreed I¡¯d only stay with you for a few days, remember?¡± Indeed, Hadley was simply sticking to their original n. N let out a resigned sigh. ¡°Alright, but promise me you¡¯ll visit us often. We¡¯ll always be your family.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Hadley replied with a lightugh. Just as Hadley ended the call, Lennon strolled into the room. Following him were two delivery people, one bncing takeout and the other holding a bouquet of flowers. The dressing area was nearly overflowing with items. ¡°Hadley,¡± Lennon said, shing a yful grin. ¡°These are from Mr. Flynn.¡± But Hadley felt no joy at the gesture. A cold shiver ran through her, and an uneasy feeling settled in her chest, leaving her heart racing with dread. Once the performance wrapped up, Hadley received a call from Eric. She hesitated to answer, but knew she couldn¡¯t dodge him forever. Finally, she had no choice but to pick up. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°What time do you finish tonight?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was firm. ¡°I¡¯m on my way. Wait for me. I¡¯ll pick you up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not necessary¡­¡± As soon as Eric caught her protest, he cut her off. ¡°Not asking for your opinion, Hadley. I¡¯m telling you. Got it?¡± With that, he hung up. Holding her phone, Hadley anxiously bit her fingertip. She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around his sudden change in demeanor. She knew the ways of the world well enough. She recognized that Eric was behaving in a way that clearly hinted at a man¡¯s interest in a woman. But the thought of Eric actually liking her? That seemed far-fetched. She didn¡¯t care about his reasons. All she wanted was for him to leave her be. Then she recalled Eric¡¯s earlier words about being on his way. Panic surged through her as she hurriedly wiped off her makeup, grabbed her things, and dashed toward the nightclub¡¯s entrance. Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m ¡°Hadley!¡± Just as she reached the door, a hand grasped her arm. ¡°Huh?¡± It was Denver. Seeing the concern etched on Hadley¡¯s face, Denver frowned. ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s going on? Are you alright?¡± Hadley looked rattled, as if she had just encountered a ghost. She faltered, forcing a weak smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really. I¡¯m just tired and need to get home.¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± Denver pressed, his tone skeptical. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Naturally, she couldn¡¯t tell him the truth. ¡°Alright.¡± Checking his watch, Denver said, ¡°I was about to head out myself. Let me give you a ride.¡± . . . Chapter 220 ?Chapter 220: ¡°Oh, no,¡± Hadley protested, shaking her head. ¡°I can¡¯t keep imposing on you.¡± Denver raised an eyebrow, offering a faint smile. ¡°But aren¡¯t you tired and in a rush to get home?¡± Before Hadley could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand. Her heart sank as she read the message from Eric. ¡°I¡¯m at the entrance. Are you finished, or should Ie in to get you?¡± Her face drained of color. Noticing the sudden change in her expression, Denver asked, ¡°Hadley? Are you alright?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley forced a small smile, clutching her phone. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± What should she do? If she walked out now, Eric would surely catch her. On impulse, she turned to Denver. ¡°Could you drive me home?¡± Denver brightened at the request. ¡°Absolutely.¡± He gestured invitingly. ¡°This way.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Meanwhile, across the street, Eric sat in his car, phone in hand, waiting for Hadley¡¯s reply. Looking up, he spotted a man and a woman stepping out of the club together. Their strides were in sync, and their faces were illuminated by the easyughter shared between oldpanions. Hadley kept her eyes fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding a nce across the street as she slipped into Denver¡¯s car without hesitation. From a distance, Eric watched the vehicle pull away, his silence speaking volumes. His grip on his phone tightened, the stic casing groaning under the pressure. As they drove, Denver shot Hadley a quick nce before nodding toward the back seat. ¡°There¡¯s a bag behind you. Can you grab it for me?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Dive into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s Hadley hesitated for a moment before reaching back. The bag was heavier than she had expected, and its weight stirred her curiosity. Her fingers tightened around the strap. ¡°Want me to open it?¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Inside, she found an insted container, the kind used for takeout. She popped the lid, and the familiar scent of sweet pumpkin soup filled the car. She frowned slightly, ncing up at Denver. ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡± Denver chuckled. ¡°Pumpkin soup. Isn¡¯t it your favorite, Hadley?¡± ¡°It is.¡± Memories flickered¡ªDenver had brought her the same soup once before. That time, she never got to taste it. Eric had made sure of that. ¡°Go on and have some,¡± Denver urged. Noticing her hesitation, he nodded toward the container. ¡°I got it just for you.¡± Hadley felt a flicker of embarrassment, uncertain whether Denver had gone out of his way intentionally. She couldn¡¯t ignore it¡ªthe subtle pull of his interest, faint but unmistakable. . . . Chapter 221 ?Chapter 221: Someone like Denver, a regr at Gnt, reminded her too much of Duran. He had once looked at her the same way. But things were different now. She no longer had to make desperate choices. With Joy¡¯s medical expenses taken care of, Hadley had no reason to sell herself ever again. That part of her life was over. Denver watched her hesitate, his brows knitting slightly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t like it?¡± ¡°Not exactly.¡± Realizing she¡¯d drifted too far into her thoughts, Hadley quickly forced a small smile. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want your car smelling like soup.¡± ¡°What?¡± Denver arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°A little sweetness in the air never hurt anyone, Hadley.¡± Caught off guard by his easygoing response, she let out a softugh. ¡°Well, in that case, I won¡¯t hold back.¡± ¡°Be my guest.¡± As Hadley lifted the lid, a warm, creamy scent drifted up, wrapping around her like aforting embrace. She inhaled deeply, savoring it before taking a spoonful. Hadley let the warm, rich soup melt on her tongue, a satisfied murmur escaping her. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡± ¡°d to hear it.¡± Denver nced at her, catching the way her expression softened. His lips curved into a small smile, warmth settling quietly in his chest. When they reached Mayfield Road, Denver eased the car to a stop as Hadley asked. Hadley stepped out of the car, smoothing her skirt as she turned back. ¡°This is my stop. Thanks for the ride.¡± Denver raised a brow, clearly caught off guard. ¡°You live around here?¡± He had assumed she stayed at the Flynn Mansion. ???????? ???????????????? ???? ???????????????????????? ¡°I do,¡± Hadley admitted. ¡°I was just visiting N after her surgery. But I¡¯m not actually part of¡­¡± The Flynn family, so I can¡¯t stay there forever.¡± Something in Denver¡¯s chest eased at her words. So, she wasn¡¯t tied to Eric after all. His lips curved into an easy smile. ¡°That makes sense.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head in now.¡± Hadley lifted a hand in farewell. ¡°Drive safe. Goodnight.¡± ¡°Goodnight.¡± Without another nce, she turned and disappeared into the alley. The dim glow of her phone screen guided her up the worn-out stairs to the fifth floor. At her door, she slid the key into the lock, pushed it open, and flicked on the lights. As she stepped inside, she reached back to close the door. Bang! A hand mmed against the wood, stopping it cold. Startled, Hadley froze¡ª . . . Chapter 222 ?Chapter 222: Eric stood right in front of her. His lips were drawn into a tight line, eyes locked onto her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to wait for me? What made you think getting into someone else¡¯s car was a good idea?¡± Before she could respond, his hand shot forward, grasping her chin. ¡°What, were you too polite to say no? Acting like that only invites trouble.¡± Had he seen everything? What was he even talking about? Hadley blinked, confusion spilling from her before she could stop it. ¡°It wasn¡¯t about being polite, Eric. I got into his car because I wanted to.¡± Hadley opened her mouth to speak, but before she could finish, Eric¡¯s grip on her chin tightened. A sharp pressure forced a pained gasp from her. His gaze dropped, dark and unreadable. Then, in a low, mocking tone, he asked, ¡°You actually wanted to leave with him? Do you even hear yourself?¡± ¡°Yourself right now?¡± His eyes remained locked on hers, his voice a chilling blend of amusement and something far more menacing. Hadley swallowed hard, fighting to keep herposure. ¡°Why does it even matter to you, Eric? I can ride in his car if I want to.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s patience finally snapped, his voice sharp with frustration. ¡°I told you I wasing to get you!¡± ¡°I never asked you to,¡± Hadley snapped, lifting her chin in defiance. ¡°I don¡¯t need you. Don¡¯t ever pull something like that again.¡± For a moment, disbelief flickered across Eric¡¯s face. He stood frozen, speechless. Did she really just say she didn¡¯t need him? New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm A humorlessugh escaped Eric, his gaze sharpening. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you actually like Denver. Is that it?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Hadley¡¯s response was immediate, unwavering. She then repeated herself, her voice firm. ¡°That¡¯s right, Eric. I like Denver. What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Eric froze, a cold fire sparking in his eyes. ¡°Repeat what you said.¡± Hadley stood her ground, unfazed. She met his stare with equal intensity. ¡°I said I like Denver. He¡¯s a great guy,es from a good family, and he treats me well. Even N thinks we¡¯re a perfect match.¡± ¡°Stop! That¡¯s enough!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cracked with fury, his anger rising like a storm. Each word she said about Denver felt like a sharp jab. Fighting to keep hisposure, Eric stared at her, his face a mask of control. ¡°So now you suddenly like Denver? Is your affection really that easy toe by? Will youtch onto any man who shows you attention?¡± A few days ago, she¡¯d imed to have feelings for Duran. And now¡­ Denver? . . . Chapter 223 ?Chapter 223: The thought stoked a simmering rage inside Eric. ¡°Hadley, weren¡¯t you the one who said you had feelings for me?¡± His voice dropped, dark and edged, as he pulled her into his chest, holding her tightly. ¡°You¡¯ve been into me for years! Are you really saying what you feel for Denver is even close to what you once felt for me?¡± Eric gently cupped her face, a gesture that made her heart twist in recognition. As Eric leaned in to kiss her, Hadley quickly turned her head, narrowly avoiding him. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened, a mix of confusion and anger flickering across his face. She was avoiding him? Breathing unevenly, Hadley held his gaze, her face torn between fear and defiance. ¡°Yes, I used to like you, Eric. But wasn¡¯t it you who pushed me away? Weren¡¯t you the one who made it clear you couldn¡¯t stand me?¡± Eric froze, his shock evident. He couldn¡¯t deny it. Yes, he had hated her once. But now, things had changed, and the words were caught in his throat. Sensing his moment of weakness, Hadley shoved him with every ounce of strength she had, pushing him back out of the apartment. ¡°Leave,¡± she spat. ¡°And don¡¯te back!¡± The door mmed shut with a deafening thud, reverberating through the hallway. On the other side, Eric stood motionless, staring at the door, his body frozen in disbelief. It was a weekend day. Eric decided to visit Ernest. A while ago, a doctor had mentioned a promising new drug, and Eric had managed to get it from Aradimen. They had already started administering it to Ernest. ???????????????? ?????????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????©q????? ¡°How is it going?¡± Though Eric appearedposed, he was inwardly anxious. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± the doctor said, his expression cautiously optimistic. ¡°From what we¡¯ve seen so far, your brother is reacting well to the medication. There¡¯s been a noticeable improvement in his neural reflexes recently.¡± Eric¡¯s hope ignited at hearing this. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± the doctor continued, indicating a nearby monitor. ¡°Please, try speaking to him.¡± Uncertain but willing to try, Ericplied with the doctor¡¯s advice. He sat beside Ernest¡¯s bed, gazing at him, and whispered, ¡°Ernest, it¡¯s Eric. Can you hear me? Grandma underwent heart surgery. She¡¯s been waiting years for you to wake up. You¡¯ve rested enough¡­ It¡¯s time to wake up.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn, look,¡± the doctor said, pointing to the monitor. Eric turned his attention to the screen. Though not versed in medicine, the increase in Ernest¡¯s heart rate was unmistakable. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°You see, Mr. Flynn,¡± the doctor replied with a gentle smile, ¡°it means he can hear you, even though he hasn¡¯t opened his eyes yet.¡± Hearing is usually thest sense to fade and the first to return. Overwhelmed, Eric sat in silence, a slight ease visible on his face as he processed the hopeful sign. . . . Chapter 224 ?Chapter 224: ¡°Is there a real possibility that my brother might recover?¡± ¡°While I can¡¯t make any promises, the signs we¡¯re seeing suggest a strong potential for improvement.¡± Eric found sce in the doctor¡¯s cautious optimism, even if itcked certainty. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear,¡± Eric said with genuine gratitude. ¡°I appreciate everything you¡¯re doing.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me; I¡¯m simply doing my job.¡± After offering those words, the doctor departed from the room. Eric lingered for a moment longer by Ernest¡¯s side and then whispered gently, ¡°Ernest, if you¡¯re listening, I need to share something else. I want to be with Hadley. You would support that, right?¡± Naturally, there was no reply from Ernest. ¡°Your silence is as good as consent.¡± Leaving the hospital, Eric felt an unusual lightness in his step. Later that day, he was due to meet Linda at the airport as she returned to town. Her flightnded right on time, and soon after Eric¡¯s arrival, Linda emerged from the terminal. Leading her entourage, Linda¡¯s tall, slender frame was noticeable even behind sunsses and a mask, attracting nces in the bustling crowd. Linda had always been striking, a beauty that once drew the attention of both Flynn brothers. In the end, she had chosen Ernest¡­ Eric¡¯s thoughts drifted to those distant days as he squinted slightly. ¡°Tired?¡± He opened the car door for Linda and cautiously helped her in to avoid any bumps. ¡°Hop in.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Linda replied with a tired smile, slipping into the car. ???????? ???????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????? Eric got in after her. Once inside, Linda removed her sunsses and mask, exposing a bare, visibly weary face. Judging by Linda¡¯s tired look, Eric surmised she had been overworking during her shoot. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Eric inquired, his voice filled with concern. ¡°Maybe you should consider getting some rest after you get home.¡± ¡°I wish I could,¡± Linda responded, shaking her head. ¡°I have to attend an event tonight. Just drop me off on your way.¡± Eric frowned slightly. ¡°Why are you packing your schedule so tightly?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the way things are,¡± Linda exined with a resigned shrug and a wry smile. ¡°Everyone¡¯s striving to get ahead in this industry.¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have to overextend yourself,¡± Eric said. He then quickly added, ¡°You¡¯re already well-positionedpared to many.¡± His tone carried a note of protectiveness that didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Linda paused briefly, offering a faint smile in response. Eric paused, wondering if he¡¯d said too much. ¡°Just take care of yourself, okay?¡± Eric said. ¡°Ernest would hate to see you like this.¡± . . . Chapter 225 ?Chapter 225: Really? Linda sensed that Eric was only bringing up Ernest to tone down what he had said earlier. Choosing not to address this directly, she simply smiled. ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll try to slow down a bit.¡± The remainder of their journey passed quietly. As they arrived at the event venue, they saw it was packed, so Eric stayed in the car. ¡°I¡¯m heading in,¡± Linda said, slipping on her sunsses and mask as she prepared to leave. ¡°Linda¡­¡± Eric called out to her unexpectedly. Turning in surprise, Linda responded, ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Eric hesitated, initially wanting to bring up Ernest¡¯s improvement but opting to hold back until a more appropriate time. ¡°Just make sure you eat well and try to rest when you can.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Linda replied with a mischievous grin. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a bit young to be fussing like a concerned parent?¡± Despite her words, her response was warm and free of irritation. Once Linda was dropped off, Eric¡¯s phone rang with a call from Marshall. ¡°Where are you right now, Eric?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Are you headed to Gnt tonight? We haven¡¯t all been together in a while.¡± A small smile appeared on Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Who else ising?¡± With augh, Marshall responded, ¡°Go ahead, guess. It¡¯s just the usual suspects¡ªme, you, Bame, and Denver¡¯sing along too.¡± Eric¡¯s face momentarily stiffened. ¡°Okay.¡± He had already intended to go, but knowing Denver would be there made his attendance feel even more necessary. When Eric arrived at Gnt, he found Marshall and the others already immersed inughter. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Eric inquired as he settled into his chair, casting a nce toward Denver. ¡°Looks like I missed something good.¡± Denver coughed awkwardly under Eric¡¯s scrutiny. Since learning that Hadley was Eric¡¯s former wife, Denver had always felt a bit tense around him. ¡°Hello, Eric.¡± ¡°Mm-hm,¡± Eric responded, nodding slightly while maintaining a neutral expression. Denver seemed tense, and Eric decided to keep a careful watch on him for the evening. Backstage, Hadley received a delivery. ¡°What is it?¡± A colleague of Hadley¡¯s joked, ¡°Did Mr. Flynn drop off another surprise for you?¡± ¡°Exactly! He keeps sending these gifts, but he doesn¡¯t even know us. He really shouldn¡¯t spoil us like that!¡± Hadley offered a smile but chose not to respond. Her gut feeling told her that this gesture wasn¡¯t Eric¡¯s doing. Inside the takeout bag was a container filled with warm, creamy pumpkin soup. . . . Chapter 226 ?Chapter 226: At that moment, Hadley¡¯s phone buzzed. She nced at it and saw a new message from Denver. ¡°Hope you enjoyed the pumpkin soup.¡± It was from Denver after all. Hadley¡¯s expression shifted to a frown, sensing a hint of unease. Ignoring Denver¡¯s obvious advances and pretending they didn¡¯t exist wouldn¡¯t be fair to him. However, she wasn¡¯t interested in a new rtionship anytime soon. No matter his intentions, Hadley was certain nothing could develop between them. Moreover, if N found out they weremunicating, she might push for a match. That was a situation Hadley needed to avoid at all costs. Ignoring her divorced status, the fact remained that she was a single mother. Hadley wasn¡¯t ready to consider marriage soon, especially not with a decent young man with a promising future like Denver. At that moment, Denver sat at his own table, checking his phone every now and then. Finally, when Hadley responded, his phone screen lit up. ¡°Are you up for grabbing a biteter? My treat tonight.¡± The glow from the screen cast a soft light over Denver¡¯s face, making the sudden burst of joy impossible to miss. His throat bobbed with anticipation as he quickly typed out a reply. ¡°Absolutely! I¡¯ll wait for you when you¡¯re done.¡± Hadley¡¯s response came swiftly. ¡°Eleven o¡¯clock. Meet me outside the club.¡± Denver felt like he was floating. ¡°Okay.¡± Across the table, Eric tipped back his ss and downed the whiskey in one gulp. He reached for the bottle again, filling his ss to the brim without hesitation. ???????????? ???????????? ???? ??????????????????£®?????? Marshall arched an eyebrow. ¡°Why are you drinking like the world is ending? Slow down.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Eric muttered, his face unreadable. ¡°Where are we heading next? Let¡¯s keep the night rolling.¡± To everyone¡¯s surprise, his mood seemed unusually high tonight, and neither Marshall nor Barrie had a reason to argue. ¡°Fine by me,¡± Barrie said, already scrolling through his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll sort something out.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± Denver hesitated before speaking. ¡°You guys go ahead. I¡¯m sitting this one out.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Marshall gave his younger cousin a perplexed look. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I have something to do.¡± ¡°Something to do, huh?¡± Marshall narrowed his eyes. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you were free all night?¡± ¡°I, uh¡­¡± Denver scratched the back of his neck. ¡°I got ast-minute¡­ date.¡± Marshall, who knew Denver better than anyone, threw an arm around his shoulders with a grin. ¡°A date, huh? Judging by that look on your face, I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s a girl?¡± Denver hesitated for just a second before leaping to his feet. ¡°I gotta go. See you guyster!¡± . . . Chapter 227 ?Chapter 227: Before anyone could respond, he was already dashing for the door. Marshall pointed after him with augh. ¡°Would you look at that? The boy¡¯s finally growing up.¡± With a sharp bang, Eric mmed his ss onto the table, the sound slicing through the air like a p. Without a word, he pushed his chair back and strode toward the exit. ¡°Hey! Where are you going?¡± ¡°Home!¡± ¡°What?¡± Marshall and Barrie exchanged dumbfounded nces. What happened to keeping the night going? Eric stepped outside just in time to see Hadley slipping into Denver¡¯s car. The sight of Denver grinning like a fool was an eyesore. Eric looked away, his patience snapping like a brittle twig. ¡°Sebastian, drive.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Leaning back, Eric shut his eyes. Forget it. He had no right to interfere. If Hadley wanted to be with Denver, and with N¡¯s backing, what could he do? Still, his expression darkened, his mood soured. Maybe it was the alcohol twisting in his veins, but the air in the car felt suffocating. He yanked off his suit jacket and tossed it aside. Then, in one sharp motion, he tore off his tie and flung it onto the seat. It did nothing. The tightness in his chest refused to ease. Unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt, he tried to shake off the frustration curling in his stomach¡ªbut it was useless. He was beyond livid. Denver¡¯s car pulled up to a lively open-air night market, its stalls glowing under warm streetlights, the air thick with the scent of spices and sizzling oil. Hadley nced at Denver apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m guessing this is your first time in a ce like this? Sorry, but with my budget, this is about as fancy as it gets.¡± ¡°What? No way.¡± Denver shook his head with a chuckle. ¡°Sure, I went abroad for school when I was young and never got the chance to explore this part of town, bute on¡ªit¡¯s not like every ce outside Srixby is covered in white tablecloths. We have food trucks, you know.¡± Your source: g??ln??v??ls.?????? ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Hadley smirked. ¡°But food trucks don¡¯t really count. It¡¯s all just burgers, hot dogs, and overpriced fusion tacos.¡± Denver blinked before breaking intoughter. ¡°Hah! Okay, you got me there.¡± ¡°Rx.¡± His easygoing nature made Hadley let her guard down a bit. ¡°I promise you, the food here is better than anything you¡¯ll find at some hipster food truck. Come on.¡± She led him to a bustling noodle stall and ordered two bowls of steaming ramen. As she wiped down the table with a napkin, she said, ¡°This ce makes the best ramen in town. You¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± When the food arrived, Denver took his first bite and nearly groaned. ¡°Wow. This is good.¡± . . . Chapter 228 ?Chapter 228: ¡°Right?¡± Hadley grinned, her eyes crinkling at the corners. ¡°Thanks for the pumpkin soup the other day¡­¡± After finishing most of her ramen, she finally spoke, her voice soft, ¡°But please, don¡¯t buy it for me again.¡± Hearing this, Denver paused mid-bite, his expression shifting. He looked a bit flustered. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t like it?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t like it.¡± Denver was at a loss for words as he stared at her nkly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize.¡± Hadley exhaled, her voice quieter now. ¡°Fine. The pumpkin soup was delicious, and I liked it a lot. But I don¡¯t want you bringing it to me again.¡± Denver nodded slowly. ¡°I get it. It¡¯s not the soup¡ªit¡¯s me you don¡¯t like.¡± The words hit harder than he expected. He hadn¡¯t even gotten the chance to show her who he really was. ¡°Do I really annoy you that much?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Hadley¡¯s tone was steady but firm. ¡°You¡¯re a great guy, and I¡¯m sure you know that. But we¡¯re not right for each other. Even if all you¡¯re looking for is something casual¡ª¡± Something casual? Was that really how she saw him? ¡°No! That¡¯s not it!¡± Denver panicked, shaking his head. ¡°Just because I grew up in a culture where casual dating ismon doesn¡¯t mean I take rtionships andmitments lightly. I never saw you as just some passing distraction!¡± That only made it worse. Hadley sighed inwardly. ¡°That¡¯s why you should understand¡ªwe¡¯re not a good match.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ??????????? §ã???¦Ñ???????? ??????????????????©q????? For Denver, Hadley was the first woman to make his heart pound. From the moment he saw her on the Gnt stage, he couldn¡¯t get her out of his mind. How was he supposed to just walk away? ¡°Is it¡­ because of Eric?¡± Denver hesitated before asking. Hadley frowned slightly but didn¡¯t answer. ¡°You should find someone who fits into your world.¡± ¡°But feelings don¡¯t work that way!¡± Denver refused to ept it. ¡°It¡¯s the 21st century now! People don¡¯t turn away from someone just because they were married before!¡± Hadley opened her mouth but found no words. She hadn¡¯t expected someone like Denver to be this direct, this determined. Hadley¡¯s guard was down. And the truth was, she was moved. But that was exactly why she had to turn him down. ¡°I appreciate it, I really do. But this can¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Denver clenched his fists. ¡°Even N wants you to move on and be happy. Why reject that?¡± Hadley struggled to find the right words, knowing she couldn¡¯t exin without revealing too much. ¡°It¡¯s my choice. I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not looking to start something new. And you¡­ you¡¯re just caught up in the moment. Soon, you¡¯ll forget about me.¡± . . . Chapter 229 ?Chapter 229: She pushed her chair back and stood up. ¡°Consider dinner my way of repaying you for the soup. From now on¡­ let¡¯s leave it at this.¡± She grabbed her bag and turned away. ¡°Hadley! Hadley!¡± Denver jumped to his feet, ready to follow her, but the market was crowded. Without a second nce, Hadley walked quickly, maneuvering through the crowd. She was soon swallowed by the sea of people, leaving him behind. ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver stood still, frantically scanning the crowd, but she was already gone. Amidst the bustle of the street, he whispered to himself, his voiceced with frustration, ¡°What if I can¡¯t forget you?¡± As Hadley walked down Mayfield Road, she immediately noticed the distinct ck Bentley parked at the curb. Such a vehicle was a rare sight in this neighborhood, unmistakable in its elegance. Equally hard to overlook was Sebastian, casually leaning against the car, apparently waiting for her. He truly had been waiting. ¡°Miss Hadley!¡± he called out, waving as she approached. ¡°Sebastian,¡± Hadley replied, her brow furrowed in confusion as she walked toward him. ¡°What brings you here? Did N send you?¡± ¡°No, not at all.¡± Sebastian nced toward the car with a hint of difort, his expression almost regretful. Just then, the car window slid down, revealing a man with a sharp, distinctly cold demeanor. Eric fixed his gaze on her, his voice chilling. ¡°Get in.¡± L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.?????? Hadley, reacting quickly, grabbed Sebastian¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Sebastian, I believe he¡¯s speaking to you.¡± Sebastian chuckled, though it wasced with resignation. ¡°Believe me, that¡¯s surely not for me.¡± It was clear who Eric was waiting for in the dead of night. Silence fell over Hadley. It was unmistakable now¡ªEric meant her. With a mixture of reluctance and resolve, Hadley opened the car door and slid into the backseat. She sat upright, cing her hands carefully in herp, and took a deep breath. ¡°Where have you been?¡± Eric asked, ncing at his watch in an exaggerated fashion. ¡°You finished your performance at eleven. It¡¯s now after midnight. Where have you been?¡± It seemed he already knew where she had been and simply wanted to hear it from her. Facing him, Hadley responded calmly, ¡°You know the answer, don¡¯t you?¡± . . . Chapter 230 ?Chapter 230: ¡°I need to hear it from you,¡± he said, his tone sharp, slicing through the silence. Without warning, his hand reached out, gripping her chin to turn her face toward him. He closed the distance between them, his wless features just inches away. His voice softened to a whisper, asking, ¡°Where were you? Who were you with? What did you do?¡± Hadley remained motionless, not daring to move. The faint light inside the car highlighted the severe angles of Eric¡¯s face, making his striking appearance even more pronounced¡ªa man whose mere presence couldmand attention. There had been a time when Hadley had beenpletely captivated by him. Gathering herposure, Hadley inhaled sharply. ¡°I was out with Denver. We grabbed some ramen at the night market.¡± ¡°Ramen, huh?¡± Eric raised an eyebrow, his face unreadable. He caressed her jawline gently with his thumb. ¡°Was it good? Did you enjoy it?¡± What kind of question was that? Hadley blinked, taken aback, but then cautiously answered, ¡°Um¡­ yes, it was quite good.¡± The silence that followed hung heavy in the air. The tension hung in the air for what felt like an eternity, and feeling her difort intensify, Hadley tried to distance herself. ¡°If that¡¯s all, I should¡ª¡± Suddenly, her shoulder was firmly grasped, and she was forced back into her seat. Eric¡¯s eyes gleamed with a chilling intensity, and his lips twisted into a subtle, menacing smile. ¡°Hadley, the divorce papers have been nullified. The file has been withdrawn. You¡¯reing back to me.¡± The world seemed to spin around Hadley. She had withstood surprises before. She had faced hardships. But this? This was pure madness. Discover the rest on ??????o¦Í????????????? Her body trembled as her fingers clenched into fists, desperately trying to control the panic that surged within her. ¡°What¡­ did you just say?¡± Had she heard him wrong? With a tilt of his head and a deepening smirk, Eric replied, ¡°Missed what I said? Let me say it again. You¡¯re in need of a man, right? Someone to take care of you. So why not¡­¡± His eyes darkened. ¡°Come back to me?¡± He gently stroked her face, his voice soft and coaxing. ¡°It¡¯ste, but tomorrow, let¡¯s visit Grandma and tell her about our n¡­ She¡¯ll be thrilled. She¡¯s always hoped we¡¯d end up together, and now¡ª¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley interrupted sharply, her voice trembling as she stopped him. Her face drained of color. ¡°Enough! Just stop!¡± His behavior had be so bizarretely. First, he kissed her out of nowhere, and now he was asking her toe back to him? She couldn¡¯t understand what was wrong with him. Whether he had lost his mind, was ying some cruel game, or had some hidden agenda¡ªshe didn¡¯t want to know. . . . Chapter 231 ?Chapter 231: She wasn¡¯t going to be part of whatever he was plotting. With a slight, cold smile, Hadley said, ¡°I decline. I won¡¯t return to you.¡± That wasn¡¯t entirely true, though. More urately, she had never really been with him at all. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t catch that. Say it again.¡± She was certain he heard her loud and clear. ¡°Enough with the games.¡± Hadley tightened her fist, bracing herself. ¡°Look closely, Eric. I am Hadley. The same Hadley you despised. The same Hadley you sent overseas and left behind for years!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡± His eyes fixed on her intensely, burning with a heat so intense it felt as though they could scorch her very flesh. ¡°Come back to me. I want you now.¡± Disbelief washed over Hadley as she stared at him. His overwhelming presence pressed down on her, so heavy and intense that she almost felt the need to back away. Could he actually hear himself? Did he realize how disgusting his demands were? She was not an object to be tossed aside and then reimed at his whim. Yet, debating this seemed futile. There were unspoken matters from four years ago. Now, after such a long time, there was no point in bringing them up. ¡°No,¡± she said firmly, shaking her head. ¡°I do not wish to.¡± Was she still refusing him? Eric¡¯s patience had been enduring, but her persistent rejections were starting to erode it. His face grew stern, and his tone became low and forceful. ¡°I¡¯m asking nicely, Hadley. Don¡¯t test my patience.¡± A silent chuckle escaped Hadley. Even now, while begging her toe back, he still acted like he was in control. His audacity. His sense of entitlement. What made him think he had any right to demand anything from her? ¡°I¡¯m not testing anything.¡± Chills spread through her body, her blood seeming to turn to ice. ¡°Plus, this confuses me. Weren¡¯t you in love with Linda? Shouldn¡¯t these words be for her instead of me?¡± As soon as she spoke, his expression changed¡ªhis features sharpened, his jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. In Srixby, it was well known that Linda was the one conquest Eric had failed to secure. His greatest regret. It wasmon knowledge that mentioning her around him was a risk, now more than ever since Linda had be his sister-inw. Hadley¡¯s words had definitely hit a sore spot. Noticing his irritation, Hadley didn¡¯t back down. ¡°You love her so much¡ªwhy not pursue her? It¡¯s not unusual. Many men have married their brother¡¯s widows. If there¡¯s real love¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± His tone was a chilling whisper, tinged with a threat. ¡°Don¡¯t assume you can say anything just because I¡¯ve tolerated it.¡± Tolerated? Was he for real? The thought was almostughable. . . . Chapter 232 ?Chapter 232: She briefly shut her eyes, and then looked at him again, her gaze mocking yet calm. ¡°I truly wish that your long wait will be rewarded, and that you¡¯ll capture her heart.¡± What she implied was clear¡ª¡±I hope you and Linda end up together forever, sparing the rest of us any trouble.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± That was thest straw. Eric¡¯s temper red. He removed his hand from her face, his fist tightening. Anger consumed him, pushing him to the brink of violence. Hadley had always been his woman, his cherished one. Never, in his wildest dreams, would Eric have raised a hand to a woman¡ªleast of all, her. Yet the inferno burning within his chest spiraled beyond his control. With a ragged breath, he clenched his fist and hurled it downward with raw force. Hadley, gripped by dread, squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable sting. A thunderous thud filled the air, but the anticipated pain never came. Hesitantly, she opened her eyes just a fraction. Eric¡¯s fist had collided with the back of the seat, barely inches from her. What in the world¡­ was he doing? ¡°Get out,¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the tense silence, cold andmanding. ¡°Now!¡± ¡°Oh¡ªalright!¡± Hadley stammered, her trembling fingers fumbling for the door handle. She rushed out of the car in a frantic haste, nearly losing her bnce in her effort to escape. Eric remained seated, his gaze locked on her vanishing figure as it disappeared into the distance. A heavy silence lingered before he pinched the bridge of his nose, a hiss of frustration escaping through clenched teeth. Damn it! His leniency had allowed her to slip away once again. Did she really think she could keep avoiding him forever? By Sunday morning, Eric woketer than usual. As he descended the grand staircase, faint murmurs of conversation drifted from the living room. g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????????????????? He didn¡¯t head straight for the parlor. Instead, he turned toward Kira, the trusted housekeeper, curiosity threading his voice. ¡°Who hase to visit?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Moran,¡± Kira replied with a warm smile, cing Eric¡¯s breakfast on the table. ¡°Your breakfast, sir.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Eric murmured, lifting the coffee to his lips for a tentative sip before setting it down. Rising to his feet, his thoughts were already elsewhere. What business could have brought Denver here so early? ¡°Sir, won¡¯t you eat?¡± Kira called after him, concerncing her voice. ¡°In a minute,¡± Eric answered over his shoulder, already striding toward the living room. Within, Denver sat across from N, his demeanor all courtesy as he offered the tokens he had brought. ¡°These are fine herbal teas and wellness elixirs. I confess I¡¯m no expert myself, but my mother handpicked them just for you. She insisted they would do wonders for your health.¡± . . . Chapter 233 ?Chapter 233: N examined the ornate packages with an appreciative nod. ¡°Your mother has impable taste. My gratitude to you, Denver, and do extend my thanks to her as well.¡± ¡°Naturally.¡± Denver¡¯s smile lingered as he stole a nce at his watch. ¡°It being the weekend, are you alone here?¡± N arched a knowing brow. A seasoned matriarch, she caught the quiet intent behind Denver¡¯s inquiry like a hawk spotting its prey. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. ¡°There are others about,¡± she replied lightly. ¡°Though I suspect you¡¯ve got a particr soul in mind, haven¡¯t you?¡± Denver¡¯s cheeks flushed a soft crimson, caught off guard. ¡°Not at all. Just making conversation.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± N chuckled, her tone teasing. ¡°Well, Eric is the only one at home. But I bet he is not the one you¡¯re hoping to see.¡± At the mention of only Eric, a flicker of disappointment shadowed Denver¡¯s face. True, he hade bearing gifts as a pretense, but in his heart of hearts, he had hoped Hadley might grace the house on such a day. She had turned him away before, but surrender wasn¡¯t in his nature¡ªnot yet. ¡°Hmm,¡± N mused aloud, her gaze piercing as she studied Denver. ¡°Might you be seeking Hadley?¡± Denver froze, N¡¯s bluntness catching him unawares. He sputtered, choking on a breath, and erupted into a fit of coughs. N blinked, torn between amusement and concern. ¡°Good heavens,d, I merely spoke her name! No need for such a reaction.¡± She swiftly handed him a ss of water. ¡°Here, drink this before you turn blue.¡± After downing the water in hasty gulps, Denver finally steadied his breathing. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Flynn,¡± he rasped. ?????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????©q?????? ¡°You know¡­¡± N leaned in, her voice sly as a fox. ¡°Could it be you¡¯ve taken a shine to our Hadley?¡± Denver stiffened once more, his ears burning crimson. He nearly choked again, stammering, ¡°I¡ª¡± ¡°Well?¡± N pressed, her scrutiny unyielding. ¡°Is that a yes or a no?¡± At that precise moment, Eric walked into the room. ¡°Grandma,¡± he greeted, his voice a low rumble. The interruption couldn¡¯t have been more impably timed. N cast Eric a pointed nce, her lips curling faintly. ¡°You have a knack for showing up at just the right moment, don¡¯t you?¡± Eric remained unruffled, his expression cool as ever. His eyes flicked to Denver, and a sly, almost taunting smile yed across his features. ¡°Denver. Fancy seeing you here.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Denver replied, forcing a polite smile as he hurried to exin. ¡°I¡¯vee bearing gifts for Mrs. Flynn from my mother.¡± N flicked her wrist dismissively before fixing her gaze back on Denver, undeterred. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question. Are you sweet on our Hadley?¡± Denver faltered, caught in the spotlight of her scrutiny. . . . Chapter 234 ?Chapter 234: At first, a flush of embarrassment warmed his cheeks. But now, as his eyes met Eric¡¯s, a spark of resolve ignited within him. Perhaps this was his moment¡ªhis chance toy his cards on the table. Not just for N¡¯s ears, but for Hadley¡¯s former spouse to hear as well. Drawing a steadying breath, Denver squared his shoulders and met N¡¯s gaze with newfound conviction. ¡°Yes. I¡­ I¡¯m quite taken with Hadley.¡± At this, both N and Eric blinked in surprise, the room falling momentarily still. ¡°Denver!¡± N¡¯s face lit up like a beacon, her hands pping together in sheer delight. ¡°Do you truly mean it?¡± ¡°Yes, Mrs. Flynn,¡± Denver replied with quiet certainty, adjusting his sses in a gesture that underscored his polished sincerity. ¡°Splendid, absolutely splendid!¡± N beamed, her heart swelling with joy. She had always believed that Hadley, even after her divorce, deserved the finest suitors Srixby had to offer. ¡°Does Hadley know of your feelings?¡± ¡°Yes, she does.¡± Denver¡¯s brow creased slightly, a shadow of concern flickering across his face. ¡°Though¡­ she seems to harbor some hesitations.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± N¡¯s keen mind grasped the situation at once. She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. ¡°That girl¡­ always overthinking things! Fret not, Denver¡ªleave it to me.¡± A surge of hope coursed through Denver¡¯s chest, lifting his spirits. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Flynn.¡± N nodded approvingly, though her expression soon grew earnest, her tone carrying a weight of expectation. ¡°But you must give me your word on one thing¡ªyou¡¯re earnest about Hadley.¡± Her gaze flicked briefly to Eric, a subtle challenge in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not troubled by her past, and this isn¡¯t just some fleeting whim.¡± ¡°Mrs. Flynn¡­¡± Denver¡¯s voice held a note of affront, as though the very suggestion wounded his honor. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m earnest!¡± Verified and published at g ??ln ovels.?????? He stole a nce at Eric before reaffirming his stance with unwavering resolve. ¡°Her past holds no sway over me¡ªI care only for her present and her future.¡± ¡°Well said! Very well said!¡± N¡¯s approval radiated, her satisfaction evident in her bright smile. ¡°That¡¯s precisely the spirit I hoped to hear. I believe you, Denver.¡± N had conducted her due diligence following the birthday party she had thrown for Hadley. Denver¡¯s character, lineage, and aplishments had all withstood her meticulous inspection. He was amendable young gentleman¡ªsomeone she deemed worthy of entrusting with Hadley¡¯s future. ¡°Give her time, my dear,¡± N advised softly, her voice brimming with warmth. ¡°Seek to understand her. From her vantage point, she bears many worries, and rightly so. Especially with someone as exceptional as you chasing after her¡­¡± ¡°Mrs. Flynn,¡± Denver replied with a fervent nod, his sincerity unmistakable. ¡°I understandpletely. I know the steps I must take.¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric¡¯s voice finally cut through, a thread of exasperation woven into his tone. . . . Chapter 235 ?Chapter 235: ¡°You can hold your tongue,¡± N quipped, brushing him off with a flick of her wrist. ¡°Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m in the midst of a conversation with Denver?¡± Denver let out a soft chuckle, rising to his feet with an air of purpose. ¡°I ought to take my leave. There are matters awaiting my attention.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± N replied, seeing no need to detain him further. They had made remarkable strides today, after all. ¡°Do convey my gratitude to your mother, and take care on your journey home.¡± ¡°I shall.¡± Denver assured her, his step buoyant as he departed, a quiet tion evident in his demeanor. And N? Her heart glowed with equal delight. She turned her attention to Eric, who lingered in the room like a storm cloud. ¡°Go eat your breakfast. What are you loitering about for?¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric muttered, his appetite having vanished entirely. His brows knitted together so fiercely they might have fused. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t meddle in matchmaking. They¡¯re ill-matched, in and simple.¡± ¡°And pray tell, why not?¡± N halted, her gaze sharpening as it pinned Eric in ce. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare suggest Hadley isn¡¯t worthy of Denver. I¡¯ll not hear such nonsense.¡± Eric let out a biting, sardonicugh, the sound dripping with irony. ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s quite the opposite¡ªHadley deserves far better.¡± N paused abruptly. ¡°What exactly do you mean by ¡®far better¡¯?¡± She scrutinized her grandson, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Are you suggesting¡­ you¡¯ve found a more suitable match for Hadley? When did you be so involved in Hadley¡¯s affairs?¡± Seemingly reaching a resolution, N gave a decisive nod. ¡°Alright, if you believe there¡¯s someone more suitable than Denver, I¡¯m all ears. Convince me.¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± A slight twitch marked Eric¡¯s temple. It was rare for him to waver, yet he couldn¡¯t help feeling slightly embarrassed. However, the stakes were high, and retreating wasn¡¯t in his ns. Giving in now would mean letting Hadley go to someone else, something he wouldn¡¯t allow to happen. M??r? ??ont?nt ??????: g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð?? He straightened his shoulders and met N¡¯s gaze. ¡°What about me?¡± N fixed a long, searching look on him, her expression unreadable, as though she was seeing him for the first time. Time seemed to drag before she finally blinked and whispered, ¡°Oh dear¡­ I must be growing senile. Have I lost my senses?¡± How else could she make sense of hearing something so absurd? She turned to leave, calling out to the housekeeper, ¡°Kira! Where¡¯s my medicine? I think I¡¯m hearing things. I need my pills¡­¡± ¡°Grandma.¡± Ericughed softly and caught her arm. ¡°At least consider my proposal.¡± ¡°NO!¡± N turned around sharply, dismissing his idea outright. ¡°Why not?¡± Eric looked genuinely puzzled. ¡°Haven¡¯t you always hoped we¡¯d end up together?¡± Hadn¡¯t N been the one to first suggest Eric and Hadley would make a good match? ¡°Do you really need to ask me why?¡± N sighed, her disappointment evident as she shook her head. ¡°Eric, this isn¡¯t the time for games.¡± ¡°Games?¡± . . . Chapter 236 ?Chapter 236: A surge of frustration hit Eric. ¡°How am I ying games?¡± ¡°What would you call it, then?¡± N¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Have youpletely lost your mind? You¡¯ve never cared for Hadley. This seems like a desperate attempt just to keep her away from Denver.¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Eric attempted to speak. ¡°Listen, Eric.¡± N grasped his hand, her voice softening as she tried to reason with him. ¡°You need to let Hadley go. It¡¯s rare for her to find someone like Denver¡­¡± ¡°After everything, I can see he truly cares for her.¡± Her years of wisdom and keen observation of human nature told her that Denver¡¯s affections were genuine. ¡°Grandma¡­¡± A sinking feeling of defeat began to take hold of Eric. It was a ssic case of being caught in his own trap. ¡°Yes, I know¡­¡± Eric conceded, a reluctant eptance in his voice. ¡°I never liked her in the past. But things have changed.¡± At his words, N paused, giving him a piercing look. As clearly as she recognized Denver¡¯s honest intentions, she could see that Eric¡¯s deration was sincere. Yet, she needed confirmation. ¡°Are you truly serious about this?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric replied, holding N¡¯s gaze firmly. ¡°Absolutely, I am.¡± N gasped¡ªnot loudly, but enough to betray her shock. She was momentarily at a loss for words, but then she managed to ask, ¡°But why?¡± Was it really possible for someone to shift from pure dislike to this? Eric struggled to find an exnation. If he had figured out why he disliked Hadley so much before, maybe he would understand why he felt differently now. ga??????¦Í??????.k??n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ???? Yet, no rational exnation surfaced. All Eric could say was, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ve realized I want to be with Hadley. You¡¯ve always hoped we¡¯d reconcile. Can I count on your support?¡± N attempted to respond, but words failed her. How could she have anticipated that her grandson would change his heart so thoroughly in such a short time while she was recuperating from her surgery? Leaving the room, Eric didn¡¯t secure N¡¯s support right away, but he wasn¡¯t too concerned. After all, he was N¡¯s grandson¡ªsurely, she wouldn¡¯t prefer an outsider to him. However, his primary concern remained unresolved. The real issue? Hadley. She had actually refused him. Was Denver truly a better choice? Superior to him? That was a notion Eric refused to entertain. If Hadley didn¡¯t want to return to him willingly, then he¡¯d find a way to make her see they belonged together. By the time evening rolled around and Hadley stepped into Gnt, Lennon summoned her to his office immediately. . . . Chapter 237 ?Chapter 237: ¡°Mr. Lewis.¡± Hadley entered, still wearing her bag. ¡°What¡¯s going on? I need to prep soon. There¡¯s a new dance tonight¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Lennon¡¯s face bore a look of distress. ¡°You¡¯re not on the roster to perform tonight.¡± Hadley stopped in her tracks. ¡°What? Why? Is there a problem with my performance?¡± This confusion was justified. Since her start at Gnt, Hadley had adhered wlessly to all their protocols. Never had Lennon hinted at any issues with her performances. Lennon exhaled deeply, shaking his head. ¡°No, you¡¯ve done nothing wrong.¡± To say she had done nothing wrong was an understatement. Under Hadley¡¯s tenure, Gnt¡¯s poprity had surged, a fact clear to all observers. ¡°So, what¡¯s the issue?¡± Anxiety crept into Hadley¡¯s voice. ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Flynn.¡± At that name, Hadley felt a chill. Eric. ¡°What is he up to now?¡± Lennon offered a helplessugh. ¡°You know how Mr. Flynn is. He doesn¡¯t provide reasons. He just instructed that as of today, you¡¯re off the performance schedule.¡± As the reality set in, Hadley¡¯s posture deted, her face turning pale. Lennon observed her reaction with a mix of concern and curiosity. ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you?¡± ¡°No,¡± she replied tly, her head moving in a slow shake. Why would he? Cutting her off from her livelihood was hardly a topic for casual conversation. ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­¡± Lennon¡¯s voice dropped to a murmur. ¡°I always thought Mr. Flynn looked after you quite well¡­¡± Hisugh came out strained and uneasy. Clearly, he feared Eric. The loss of Hadley was detrimental to Gnt, yet challenging Eric Flynn was unthinkable. ¡°Look, Hadley, try not to read too much into this,¡± Lennon said, trying to reassure her. ¡°Mr. Flynn probably thinks he¡¯s protecting you. He believes you shouldn¡¯t be working so hard. Isn¡¯t it better to have someone looking out for you like that? A man of his means¡ªdon¡¯t you think he could easily support you? You deserve some leisure¡­¡± Hadley barely heard him. One fact dominated her thoughts¡ªshe could not afford to be without this job, not now. The costs for Joy¡¯s medical care were mounting. Although Colleen was handling the surgery bills at the moment, Hadley still needed to sustain her daily financial support for her daughter. ¡°Mr. Lewis, is there really no way I can continue to perform? I don¡¯t need someone else to support me.¡± Lennon exhaled heavily, his expression somber. ¡°Hadley, you must understand¡ªMr. Flynn¡¯smands are final here in Srixby. No one opposes him.¡± So that was it. It was clear there was no use debating with Lennon; he wasn¡¯t to me. She needed to deal with this directly. . . . Chapter 238 ?Chapter 238: ¡°I understand,¡± she said. ¡°Thanks for everything, Mr. Lewis.¡± ¡°Take care.¡± As she exited Gnt, she quickly retrieved her phone, found Eric¡¯s contact, and dialed. Eric answered the call almost as soon as it rang. His voice was deep, calm, and measured. ¡°Hello there.¡± Hadley held her phone a bit too tightly, her anxiety evident. ¡°It¡¯s Hadley,¡± she said. ¡°Do you think I wouldn¡¯t recognize your voice?¡± Eric¡¯s reply carried a hint of amusement. ¡°Is that all you called to say?¡± ¡°No, there¡¯s more,¡± Hadley responded. She furrowed her brows, taking a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m actually at Gnt right now¡­¡± ¡°Is it about that issue?¡± Eric interjected before she could continue. ¡°I¡¯m currently in the middle of something¡­¡± There was a brief pause, probably as he gave instructions to someone else. Returning to the conversation, he said, ¡°If it¡¯s important, you shoulde and see me.¡± Hadley tensed for a moment, but then epted with a nod. ¡°Okay.¡± She hadn¡¯t truly believed a phone call would be persuasive. ¡°Where should I go?¡± ¡°Where else would I be at this hour but at the office?¡± It wasn¡¯t even five o¡¯clock yet; naturally, Eric was still at his desk. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m on my way,¡± Hadley answered. She ended the call and hurried directly to the Flynn Group headquarters. When Hadley arrived, the front desk blocked her path. This wasn¡¯t her first time at the Flynn Group. ???? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ¡ª ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í???????????? However, it had been years since her regr visits to see Eric, and the front desk staff hadpletely changed. No one recognized her now. ¡°I¡¯m Hadley Pearson,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Mr. Flynn. He¡¯s expecting me.¡± Recognition and warmth spread across the receptionist¡¯s face as she replied, ¡°Oh, Miss Pearson, yes! Mr. Flynn has informed us about your visit. Please, follow me this way.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Hadley was swiftly escorted via the private elevator to the executive floor. A junior assistant guided her into the CEO¡¯s office. ¡°Mr. Flynn, Miss Pearson has arrived.¡± Eric, buried under a mountain of paperwork, didn¡¯t look up as he gestured dismissively. ¡°Thank you, that will be all.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± the assistant acknowledged. With that, the assistant exited, leaving Hadley and Eric alone. Hadley noticed how busy he was and hesitated, unsure if she should interrupt. Thest thing she wanted was to frustrate him and make things even worse. Quietly, she moved to the sofa and seated herself, opting to wait silently. Her day¡¯s agenda was already off track, so a bit more waiting seemed insignificant. Fortunately, Eric was quick to conclude his tasks. . . . Chapter 239 ?Chapter 239: Before long, he set aside his papers, looked up, and rose from his desk. He then made his way toward her. Instinctively, Hadley began to rise from her seat. ¡°Stay seated,¡± he instructed, motioning for her to remain where she was. ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand,¡± he added as he took a seat opposite her, casually resting an arm on the back of the sofa. Looking directly at her, he inquired, ¡°What brings you here? What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Shouldn¡¯t he have known? Her fingers nervously intertwined in herp, tightly clenched. ¡°I need to know why you¡¯ve barred me from dancing at Gnt.¡± Heughed softly just as she finished speaking. Hadley was stunned into stillness by his reaction. Eric¡¯s gaze intensified. ¡°Why? Because I was turned down, and frankly, I¡¯m not pleased about it.¡± She caught her breath sharply. It was as she suspected. He had canceled her performances because she hadn¡¯t yielded to his demands. Nothing had changed; he was as upromising as ever. And the hardest part was her own helplessness in the situation. Here was Eric, the man who held sway over all of Srixby. With great effort, Hadley suppressed her rising anger and disappointment, her lips pressed tightly together. ¡°I misunderstood the situation. It¡¯s my fault. I apologize¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for apologies,¡± Eric responded. He straightened up, leaning in closer, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. ¡°What I¡¯m really after is you.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????????? ?????????? His statement was clear and incisive, slicing through the tension. Hadley tensed, feeling a sharp twist in her heart. She stumbled over her words. ¡°Stop.¡± Before she could continue, he interrupted. He had to prevent her from finishing. Eric grasped her thoughts effortlessly. ¡°Are you sure you want to refuse me again?¡± Hadley¡¯s response halted in her throat. Of course, she couldn¡¯t afford to. Recalling how her previous refusal had cost her a job at Gnt, she feared what might follow another denial. Remaining silent was her only option for now. Herck of response didn¡¯t satisfy Eric, but it was preferable to her defiance. At least she retained a sense of caution. Eric checked his watch, a subtle smile appearing. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I could use something to eat.¡± He rose to his feet and faced Hadley. . . . Chapter 240 ?Chapter 240: ¡°Hadley,e have dinner with me.¡± Surprised, Hadley¡¯s head jerked up. Was he really shifting the topic to dinner now? Eric quirked an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re noting? Would you rather upset me more?¡± ¡°Certainly not!¡± Hadley responded quickly, her uncertainty apparent as she bit her lip. ¡°If I join you for dinner, will that mean I can return to dancing at Gnt?¡± Eric let out a sharp tsk, clearly annoyed. ¡°Are we bargaining over dinner now? Hadley, was there ever a time when you weren¡¯t so disagreeable?¡± Disagreeable? Hadley felt a jolt of shock. If she was so disagreeable, why did he im he wanted her around? It was obvious he had other motives! ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Eric said, striding forward before Hadley could protest further. ¡°Hurry up!¡± With no alternative, Hadley quickly followed Eric. As they settled into the car, Eric inquired, ¡°What are you in the mood to eat?¡± ¡°Anything¡¯s good,¡± Hadley replied nomittally. Eric showed a sh of annoyance. ¡°You need to choose something specific when asked.¡± Caught off guard, Hadley faltered, unsure of how to respond. From behind the wheel, Sebastian replied, ¡°Mr. Flynn, it¡¯s been quite some time since she wasst in Srixby. She might not be familiar with the current dining spots.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric gave a brief nod, epting the insight. ¡°Then I¡¯ll pick the ce. Cozy Room it is.¡± He turned to Hadley. ¡°I¡¯m in the mood for their menu tonight. Is that alright?¡± The rest on g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Yes, that works.¡± Hadley agreed swiftly, wondering if her opinion truly mattered. They arrived at Cozy Room shortly thereafter. Eric secured a private room and proceeded to order for them both. Reading out the dishes he chose to Hadley, he asked, ¡°Do these selections appeal to you?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she responded, maintaining her easygoing facade. ¡°Everything sounds great.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Eric concluded the order and passed the menu back to the waiter. ¡°And bring a bottle of your house wine, please.¡± Was he nning to drink tonight? Hadley quietly hoped that the meal might lift Eric¡¯s spirits. As the dishes were served, they faced each other across the table. Eric ate with effortless grace, switching between bites of steak and slow sips of wine. His appetite was clearly strong. In stark contrast, Hadley could barely taste her food, each mouthful feeling moreborious than thest. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Eric noted her full te. Caught off guard, Hadley murmured, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± He exhaled, rose from his chair, and approached her. Skillfully, he took her cutlery and began slicing her steak into smaller, more manageable pieces. Handing back the knife and fork, he instructed, ¡°There, try now.¡± He returned to his seat with a smirk. ¡°Were you nning to starve unless I assisted?¡± . . . Chapter 241 ?Chapter 241: Dumbfounded, Hadley couldn¡¯t respond. That was certainly not her n. What was going through his mind? Once they finished eating, Eric got up. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough. Let¡¯s go.¡± Hadley quickly ced her ss on the table and stood to follow. Eric, however, staggered unexpectedly, leaning heavily into her. ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley eximed, catching him by surprise. Seizing the moment, Eric wrapped his arms around her, smiling triumphantly as he leaned into her support. Hadley staggered as the man crashed into her, his weight throwing her off bnce. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± Not that she needed an answer. The sharp sting of alcohol clung to him, thick and undeniable. ¡°You¡¯re wasted, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­ not even close.¡± Drunk people always said that. Even as he swayed, barely upright, Eric refused to admit it. He¡¯d drained almost an entire bottle of wine by himself. Hadley hadn¡¯t even taken a sip. If he wasn¡¯t drunk, then what was this about? Hadley hitched his arm over her shoulder, bracing herself under his weight. ¡°Can you even walk?¡± ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡± Eric bobbed his head but made no effort to move. ¡°Just hold onto me, and I¡¯ve got it.¡± She exhaled sharply. Letting him go wasn¡¯t an option¡ªhe¡¯d probably topple like a sack of bricks. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll help. But take it slow.¡± Check exclusive content g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Alright.¡± His gaze drifted,nding on the delicate sweep of hershes. Long and curled, they cast soft shadows over her cheeks with every slow blink. Each flutter sent a strange sensation through him, like they weren¡¯t just brushing against her skin¡ªbut against something deep inside him, stirring it awake. ¡°Eric?¡± A familiar voice rang out as they stepped out of the private room. Hadley turned to find Linda standing a few steps away. ¡°Linda,¡± Eric greeted, still draped over Hadley like he had every right to be there. His arm hung loosely around her shoulders, and from an outsider¡¯s perspective, it probably looked more like an embrace than her struggling to keep him upright. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you two?¡± Linda¡¯s steps quickened as her gaze darted between them, her eyes widening. Had she seen that right? Why were Eric and Hadley even together in a restaurant? And why did they look so¡­ close? Hadley stiffened, hyper-aware of Linda¡¯s gaze drilling into her. Instinct kicked in¡ªshe tried to pull away, to put some space between herself and Eric. But his grip tightened. ¡°What are you doing?¡± His brow furrowed, annoyance shing across his face. ¡°Quit squirming. You¡¯ll make me fall.¡± . . . Chapter 242 ?Chapter 242: Hadley stilled, caught off guard. Was he really that far gone? Holding onto her like this, right in front of Linda, like it meant nothing? Did he not care how Linda would take it? ¡°Fine. Won¡¯t be my problem anyway,¡± Hadley thought. If this blew up in his faceter, he had no one to me but himself. Hadley turned her head, her expression locking into something unreadable. Eric, apparently satisfied, turned his attention back to Linda. His voice was smooth, effortless. ¡°Hadley and I just grabbed dinner. What about you?¡± Linda hesitated before gesturing toward one of the private rooms. ¡°Your film crew is having a get-together.¡± But her mind was elsewhere. Since when did Hadley and Eric casually go out to dinner? Still, she kept her expression pleasant. ¡°The director and producers are here too. Want to say hello?¡± ¡°No need for that.¡± Eric¡¯s smile was rxed but distant. ¡°It¡¯s your crew¡¯s event. I wouldn¡¯t want to intrude.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ alright.¡± Linda¡¯s smile wavered for just a second. ¡°Okay then¡­¡± Eric dipped his head in a slight nod. ¡°You should go back and join them.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Linda pressed her lips together, casting onest nce at Hadley before turning away. But she didn¡¯t leave. Not really. Instead, she stopped just around the corner, lingering in sight, watching. Hadley frowned. That was it? Eric actually let Linda walk away that easily? But from the hesitation in Linda¡¯s eyes, it was obvious¡ªshe hadn¡¯t wanted to go. Had they argued before this? Was that why he was giving her the cold shoulder? ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Eric¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts. Still draped over her, he mumbled sleepily, ¡°Go take care of the bill for me.¡± Hadley blinked. ¡°Uh¡­ okay.¡± ????????????????: g????????????????.?????? Hadley blinked, snapping back into focus, and nodded. ¡°Where¡¯s your wallet?¡± ¡°In my pocket,¡± Eric muttered, making no effort to move. Then he wentpletely ck, his weight pressing into her like he was seconds from passing out. She stared at him, dumbfounded. Was he seriously expecting her to dig through his pockets? Unbelievable! But if that was what it took to get this over with¡­ fine. Biting her lip, Hadley hesitated before turning slightly and slipping her hand into his suit pocket. Left side¡ªnothing. She shifted, slipping her hand into the right¡ªstill empty. ¡°It¡¯s not in your pockets.¡± She lifted her gaze to him, eyes clear and searching. A low, amused chuckle tickled her ear. Eric¡¯s voice came slow and teasing. ¡°Try the inner pockets.¡± The inner pockets? Hadley knew suits had them, but was he seriously expecting her to dig inside his jacket? That meant getting way too close¡ªher hands practically brushing against his chest. Her fingers hesitated midair, irritation flickering across her face. ¡°Come on,¡± Eric prodded, his tonezy. ¡°Unless you¡¯d rather let everyone think I skipped out on the bill?¡± . . . Chapter 243 ?Chapter 243: Backed into a corner, she sighed and moved¡ªboth hands at once. Eric¡¯s gaze flickered, his throat shifting as he silently observed. Momentster, instead of slipping her hand inside, Hadley took a different approach¡ªshe unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel open. No unnecessary contact required. Her fingers dipped into the inner pocket, pulling out the wallet with a small flourish. ¡°Found it.¡± Eric let out a low hum, amusement flickering in his eyes. Smart move¡ªwhen she actually put in the effort. Without missing a beat, Hadley took out some cash from his wallet, and the bill was settled. Just as smoothly, she slid the wallet back into his pocket. ¡°All done. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Eric made a quiet sound of approval and gave a slow nod. Not far away, shrouded in shadow, Linda had seen it all. Her expression remained unreadable, but the sharpness in her gaze spoke volumes. What was this? Since when had Eric and Hadley been this at ease with each other? When had things shifted? Hadley stepped outside and instantly froze. ¡°Sebastian¡¯s gone?¡± Her head snapped toward Eric, eyes narrowing. ¡°You¡¯re drunk. You can¡¯t drive.¡± So now what? Were they supposed to just walk home? Eric,pletely unbothered, lifted a brow, clearly amused by her frustration. ¡°Calm down. You didn¡¯t drink, right? You¡¯ll drive us.¡± He still remembered¡ªbefore she left the country, she had earned her license in Srixby. She had clung to him under the excuse of ¡°practice,¡± using every opportunity she could find to make him teach her. Without hesitation, he tossed her the keys. Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Not a chance! I¡¯m not driving!¡± She caught them on reflex, but her protest was ignored¡ªEric had already slid into the passenger seat, making himselffortable. Annoyance bubbled in her chest, but there was no way around it. Fine. She¡¯d drive. Gripping the wheel with both hands, Hadley swallowed hard. Sure, she had a driver¡¯s license¡ªbut she hadn¡¯t been behind the wheel in years. ¡°Chill.¡± Eric chuckled, leaning over to click her seatbelt into ce. ¡°Take it slow. No need to rush.¡± Hadley let out a slow breath, gripping the wheel a little tighter. She shot him a sideways nce. ¡°If I drive you home, will you let me go back to Gnt?¡± Even now, she hadn¡¯t forgotten why she came to find him tonight. Eric leaned back, his expression giving nothing away. ¡°Just drive first,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°I don¡¯t like having conversations in the car.¡± Her jaw tightened. Of course. . . . Chapter 244 ?Chapter 244: Because with Eric Flynn, everything always had to be on his terms. ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked. ¡°The family estate.¡± ¡°On it.¡± Hadley leaned forward, pulling up the GPS. She traced the route in her mind before ncing at him. ¡°Keep an eye on the road. If I miss a turn, let me know.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. Just drive.¡± The car eased forward, gliding into the night. Eric¡¯s lips curled slightly. Perfect. Now that she was heading home with him, there was no way he was letting her slip away again. It had been years since Hadleyst sat behind the wheel, and her shoulders carried the weight of every second she spent gripping it. The car crawled down the road, its pace mirroring her hesitation, as if even the engine shared her nerves. Eric, however, showed no sign of impatience. He simply reclined in his seat, eyelids drifting shut, the very image of someone without a single care in the world. Despite the sluggish journey, they eventually reached Flynn Mansion, safe and sound. Hadley pulled the car to a stop in front of the house, her knuckles still white from clutching the steering wheel. Her entire body felt wound tight, strung up like a bowstring pulled too far. She turned toward the man beside her, hesitating before speaking in a voice just above a whisper. ¡°Eric¡­ we are here. Wake up.¡± A low hum rumbled from his throat as his eyelids parted slightly, his gazending on her stiff expression. His lips twitched, and a chuckle escaped. ¡°You are seriously this nervous? It¡¯s just driving.¡± Hadley had been swallowing down her frustration for the entire ride, but now it surged like a wave breaking against a dam. ¡°I told you I did not want to drive! You made me do it! So what if I was nervous? If you think I am so terrible at it, why didn¡¯t you drive yourself?!¡± Eric blinked, caught off guard. L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m Right now, she was like a small cat, back arched, fur bristling, finally baring her ws. And then, heughed¡ªdeep, hearty, and unrestrained. His shoulders shook, amusement lighting up his eyes. Hadley puffed out her cheeks, her re sharp enough to cut ss. How could she have been so blind before? What exactly had she seen in this man? ¡°Are you mad?¡± Eric tried to suppress hisughter, knowing that if he kept going, this little kitten might just sink her fangs into him. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not ignore the impulse wing at his chest. ¡°Hadley, I want to kiss you!¡± he suddenly dered. Hadley¡¯s mind went nk. Before she could react, he had already leaned in, his hands cradling her face as he captured her lips. His breath was warm,ced with the lingering taste of wine. The kiss was not gentle. It was bold, consuming, an unrelenting tide that pulled her under. . . . Chapter 245 ?Chapter 245: Her eyes widened, shock shing through her veins like lightning. Anger surged to the surface, and she pounded against his chest, struggling. ¡°Mmph¡ª!¡± But the instant she parted her lips to protest, he seized the opportunity, deepening the kiss without hesitation. She was no match for his strength. Not even close. He was insane. Completely, utterly insane! What did he take her for? Some possession to grab and kiss whenever he pleased? Back then, she had chased after him, foolishly clinging to a love that had never belonged to her. And that one was on her. But now? Now, she avoided him at every turn, yet he still did whatever he wanted! Rage burned through her, scorching her from the inside out. If she could not push him away, should she just¡ªjust bite him?! Just as she was about to sink her teeth into him, Eric suddenly pulled back. Then¡ªhis head lolled forward, resting against the crook of her neck. And he¡­ did not move. What on earth was going on? Hadley froze, breath caught in her throat. ¡°Eric?¡± No response. ¡°Hey. What is wrong with you?¡± Still nothing. Hadley swallowed hard. Did he just¡­ fall asleep? Hesitantly, she lifted a hand, attempting to nudge him off her, but he was too heavy. ¡°Miss Hadley!¡± Thankfully, a voice cut through the silence at that moment. Sebastian emerged from the mansion, his expression one of mild concern. ¡°Thank goodness, you finally returned. I was just about to go looking for you.¡± ???????????? ????????: ???????????????¦Í??????????©q????????? ¡°Sebastian!¡± Relief flooded Hadley¡¯s voice as she gestured frantically. ¡°Come help! I think he got drunk and fell asleep!¡± Sebastian approached the car and peered inside. ¡°He is definitely asleep. We should get him inside. Allow me.¡± ¡°Sorry to trouble you, Sebastian.¡± Sebastian waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It is my job.¡± With practiced ease, he hoisted Eric up, half-carrying, half-dragging him toward the house. Hadley followed closely, hovering at Eric¡¯s side just in case he stumbled. Thest thing she needed was someone ming her for it. Fortunately, they made it inside without incident. Just as she was about to turn and leave, a familiar figure stepped out of a nearby room. ¡°Hadley!¡± N¡¯s face brightened the moment she saw her. ¡°N,¡± Hadley exined quickly, ¡°I was just dropping Eric off. He had too much to drink.¡± . . . Chapter 246 ?Chapter 246: N¡¯s sharp eyes flickered with something unreadable. So her grandson had not been lying after all¡ªhe truly had started making his move. Well, well. N took Hadley¡¯s hand, squeezing it gently. ¡°It iste. Why don¡¯t you stay and get back in the morning? We can have breakfast together. How¡¯s that?¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Hadley hesitated. ¡°Be good,¡± N coaxed, her voiceced with affection. ¡°Do not tell me you do not listen to me anymore?¡± ¡°That is not it.¡± Hadley mulled it over before finally giving in. Eric still had not agreed to letting her get her job back at Gnt, and they needed to talk when he was sober. ¡°Alright then.¡± The next morning, Hadley woke early. N, already awake, was tending to the flowers on the terrace, the soft morning light casting a golden glow over the petals. ¡°Hadley, you are up.¡± She waved her over. ¡°Breakfast is not ready yet. Come keep mepany for a while.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley strolled over and lowered herself onto the small chair beside N. ¡°Hadley.¡± N set the pruning shears aside, settling down next to the younger woman with a thoughtful gaze. Her eyes traced over Hadley carefully, as if seeing her anew. ¡°You have blossomed into such a remarkable young woman. No wonder the young men are drawn to you. Even I find myself rather fond of you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened, her voiceced with confusion. ¡°What are you even saying?¡± What young men? Where had that ideae from? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Oh, ying coy now?¡± N chuckled, and then cut straight to the heart of the matter. ¡°Tell me, isn¡¯t Denver a young man?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not¡­¡± Hadley let out a soft, exasperatedugh. Was she still clinging to that notion? ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s set Denver aside for a moment.¡± N¡¯s warm expression dimmed just a little, reced by something more contemtive. ¡°There¡¯s actually someone else I wanted to discuss with you today.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley frowned slightly, puzzled. Someone else? N exhaled, steadying herself. For her grandson¡¯s sake, she would cast aside all pride. ¡°Aside from Denver, I have another candidate in mind. And truthfully, I believe he is the better choice. You and he are far more suited for each other.¡± Hadley felt a twinge of apprehension. Another matchmaking attempt? But who could it be? Someone allegedly better than Denver? If she was already an ill fit for Denver, then someone of an even higher standing was entirely out of the question. ¡°N, I really¡ª¡± . . . Chapter 247 ?Chapter 247: ¡°Just hear me out first.¡± N patted Hadley¡¯s hand, already bracing for the rejection that was sure toe. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Eric.¡± Hadley stood frozen, her lips parted in stunned silence. Of all the things she had braced herself for, N speaking on Eric¡¯s behalf was nowhere on that list. ¡°s¡­¡± N let out another weary sigh, the sound carrying the weight of unspoken years. ¡°I know, Hadley. Bringing this up now¡ªit¡¯s utterly shameless of me. Back then, he was the one who cast you aside. And now, he¡¯s the one reaching out, trying to reim what he once threw away.¡± Lines of exasperation deepened on her face as she rubbed her temples. That grandson of hers¡ªalways stirring up trouble, always making things difficult for her. ¡°But Hadley, he came to me himself. He said he wanted you back, that this time, he intended to do things right. And tell me, as his grandmother, how could I turn him away?¡± She watched Hadley¡¯s expression with careful precision, measuring every flicker of emotion. ¡°I can tell he¡¯s not ying games this time¡­ And Hadley, let¡¯s not pretend¡ªhaven¡¯t you carried a torch for him longer than you care to admit? If you were to take him back, wouldn¡¯t that mean you finally grasped the very thing you¡¯ve been reaching for all this time?¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s face was nk, devoid of any emotion. She slowly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m done with Eric.¡± N froze, a chill running through her. She¡¯d heard those words before. Thest time, Hadley hade to the sanatorium, saying the same thing¡ªpleading for N to support her decision to divorce. ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???? g????????¦Í????????????? Back then, N had thought Hadley was holding back, burdened by things she couldn¡¯t voice. ¡°Are you scared, Hadley?¡± N asked softly. ¡°Scared he¡¯ll slip back into his old habits? That he¡¯ll push you away again?¡± She exhaled a soft, steady breath before adding, ¡°It won¡¯t happen. This time¡¯s different. It¡¯s not me asking for it¡ªEric¡¯s the one making the choice. You know how he is. Once he¡¯s set on something, nothing can sway him. If he promises something, you can count on him to follow through.¡± Hadley believed that with every part of her. When his brother had the ident, Eric had been there, unwavering by his hospital bed, swearing that from then on, Linda would be his responsibility. And he had kept that vow, without fail. But even so, Hadley couldn¡¯t bring herself to agree. ¡°That¡¯s not my concern.¡± ¡°Then what is?¡± Hadley managed a small, bitter smile. She¡¯d already said this before, so all she could do was repeat herself again. ¡°I just¡­ I don¡¯t love him anymore.¡± N was speechless, caught off guard for a moment. If Hadley had only said it once or twice, N might have written it off as pride or the fear of being hurt again. . . . Chapter 248 ?Chapter 248: But this time, there was no denying it. Eric had made his position clear¡ªhe was retracting the divorce. If Hadley still cared for him, she¡¯d have jumped at the chance to fix things, not shut him outpletely. ¡°You¡­¡± N hesitated, her words hanging in the air. ¡°Hadley, are you really sure?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Hadley said, nodding firmly. ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± ¡°How can you say that?¡± N¡¯s voice trembled with confusion. ¡°You¡¯ve loved him since you were fifteen.¡± Back then, all she ever talked about was Eric. The whole Flynn family knew how much she adored him. ¡°I did,¡± Hadley replied, a wistful smile crossing her face as she shook her head. ¡°But N, even the most intense love¡­ it fades during those four years, eventually.¡± N¡¯s chest tightened, caught off guard. Hadley¡¯s voice was steady, almost detached. ¡°Looking back, I¡¯m not even sure I ever loved him, not the way I thought I did.¡± ¡°What?¡± N¡¯s words stumbled out, her disbelief clear. ¡°I was too young to understand what love really meant,¡± Hadley whispered, her gaze distant. ¡°You always talked about how you wanted me to be your granddaughter-inw. I convinced myself that was enough to make me love him.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± N¡¯s face drained of color. Hadley wasn¡¯t just rejecting Eric¡ªshe was erasing every trace of love she¡¯d ever felt for him. ¡°So, N.¡± Hadley exhaled deeply, pressing her lips together as if searching for the right words. ¡°Divorce is the only option for me. It¡¯s the only choice that makes sense.¡± In that moment, N realized there was really no more room for argument. She sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation. ¡°I understand.¡± With a tender motion, she reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of Hadley¡¯s hair behind her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I may have spoken for him today, but that¡¯s where I draw the line.¡± Hadley blinked, caught off guard, her gaze fixed on N in stunned silence. L?t?st ?h??¦Ñt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??0?? ¡°What¡¯s with that expression?¡± Nughed softly, yfully pinching Hadley¡¯s cheek. ¡°I meant it. I want you to have a good life¡ªa happy, fulfilling one.¡± Hadley felt a lump in her throat, her nose tingling with emotion. ¡°Thank you, N.¡± ¡°Ah, you silly girl. What¡¯s there to thank me for?¡± N let go of her hand, exhaling quietly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you head to the kitchen? See if breakfast is ready.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley stood and walked toward the kitchen. The moment Hadley was out of earshot, N¡¯s smile vanished. Her face shifted, hardening with resolve, and her voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°You can step out now.¡± The terrace curtain was pulled back, and Eric stepped into the room. He had been hiding there for a while now. This had been the n¡ªN would speak to Hadley. But she¡¯d only agreed to speak on his behalf once. After that, the rest was on him. . . . Chapter 249 ?Chapter 249: Good or bad, the oue was his to face. N nced at her grandson. ¡°Did you hear everything?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Eric¡¯s face remained unreadable, betraying no hint of emotion. N exhaled, a deep, heavy sigh. ¡°Then it¡¯s time to move on.¡± ¡°Grandma.¡± Eric¡¯s hands clenched into fists, his gaze sharp and unyielding. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°What?¡± N¡¯s voice shook with disbelief as she turned sharply toward her grandson. ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t? We agreed on this! You heard Hadley¡ªshe doesn¡¯t want any part of it! You of all people should know that forced love never works!¡± He had married Hadley against his own wishes once before. And look how that turned out. Was it ever truly happy? The mention of the past darkened Eric¡¯s expression, the mood shifting with a coldness that lingered. ¡°Eric,¡± N said, grabbing his hand with a pleading grip. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do this. It¡¯s not right.¡± Seeing his grandmother so upset, Eric chuckled, though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Grandma, why are you so worried? I won¡¯t hurt her.¡± How could he bear to hurt the woman he desired? ¡°Good to hear. I can never bear to see her get hurt,¡± N said with a relieved breath. ¡°Hadley¡¯s a fine woman. The more I get to know her, the more I like her.¡± Eric¡¯s lips twitched into the smallest of smiles. ¡°She is.¡± Breakfast was served, but while Eric came to the table, N stayed behind. ¡°Have you seen N?¡± Hadley asked, pushing a te toward him. Eric pulled out a chair and settled in, taking a slow sip of his coffee. ¡°She wasn¡¯t feeling well, so she went back upstairs. Kira¡¯s bringing her breakfastter.¡± Hadley nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes. ???????? ???????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????????? N had seemed fine just moments ago. Perhaps she was still feeling the effects of her recovery, or maybe she was simply exhausted from attending to her flowers. Hadley sat across from Eric, unsure of how to begin. ¡°Um¡­¡± Before she could speak, Eric reached across the table and held something up to her. ¡°What?¡± Hadley blinked, herrge eyes filled with confusion, unsure of what he meant. A soft chuckle escaped Eric. ¡°What, you don¡¯t recognize it? Isn¡¯t this how you like it? Say ¡®ah.''¡± Hadley looked down, her gaze drifting to the piece of baguette he held, dipped in creamy mushroom soup. Her heart jolted in her chest. Yes, she remembered how much she liked it this way¡ªback when she still lived with the Flynns. For a moment, she was lost in thought. He¡­ actually remembered? ¡°Quick. Open your mouth,¡± Eric said, his impatience clear. ¡°My arm¡¯s getting tired.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Hadley felt a flush of awkwardness. She quickly waved her hand. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I can manage on my own¡ª¡± . . . Chapter 250 ?Chapter 250: ¡°I said, open your mouth!¡± Eric interrupted, his tone suddenly firm, his face darkening. In the kitchen, Kira nced over at them, sighing quietly. Eric really had no clue when it came to courting a woman. So forceful! What woman would appreciate that? With no other choice, Hadley hesitated before reluctantly parting her lips. The piece of bread was sorge, it nearly filled her entire mouth. ¡°Too much?¡± Eric studied her carefully, noticing the slight difort. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll cut it smaller next time.¡± His gaze dropped to her lips, his voice softening to a near murmur. ¡°Such a tiny mouth! Your lips are so¡­ delicate.¡± So, this was probably what people meant by ¡°rosebud lips.¡± The phrase had to have been invented for her. Hadley fought to chew and swallow, finally managing to speak. ¡°Eric, about me going back to Gnt¡ª¡± ¡°One more.¡± Another piece of bread hovered near her lips. Eric¡¯s gaze never left her face, waiting. ¡°This one¡¯s smaller.¡± Reluctantly, Hadley parted her lips again. As she chewed, Eric¡¯s voice dropped unexpectedly. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ll take care of you from now on. I promise.¡± What just happened? Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the bread got stuck in her throat. It was too dry to swallow and too lodged to cough out. Her coughs erupted uncontrobly. ¡°Hadley?¡± Startled by themotion, Eric rose swiftly and moved to her side from across the table. ¡°Are you alright? Show me!¡± He reached for her chin, trying to examine her mouth. Latest chapters g@ln¦Òv??ls?c©–m Despite her persistent coughing, Hadley vigorously shook her head, refusing his help. Her mouth was filled with half-chewed food¡ªhardly a pretty sight. Moreover, why should she allow it? ¡°Don¡¯t be so stubborn!¡± Eric¡¯s frown deepened, his impatience apparent. It seemed he might pry her mouth open by force if necessary. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Kira, who had been quietly watching, intervened with a ss of water in hand. ¡°It seems she¡¯s choking. Let her drink this.¡± Gratefully, Hadley nodded, unable to voice her thanks. ¡°Hurry, hand it over!¡± When Eric took the ss from the housekeeper, Hadley tried to grasp it, but he held on. Instead, he guided the ss to her lips. ¡°Drink this.¡± Left with no alternative, Hadley sipped from his hand. After a fewrge gulps, the bread dislodged. Relieved, Hadley pushed the ss away. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re all right now?¡± Eric looked concerned. . . . Chapter 251 ?Chapter 251: ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied, finally able to speak. ¡°I¡¯m okay now. Thank you.¡± ¡°Alright then.¡± Eric let out a sigh of relief and ced the ss on the table. He yfully flicked her nose. ¡°Really, Hadley? Choking on bread? Are you trying to win a prize for clumsiness?¡± As she turned her head away, Hadley¡¯s frown deepened. She didn¡¯t like him touching her¡ªnot one bit. As soon as she moved away, Eric¡¯s face stiffened momentarily. Nheless, he chose to stay silent instead of reacting. Deep down, Eric wasn¡¯t just upset about this incident. His real frustration stemmed from overhearing her earlier on the terrace, iming she no longer loved him. He returned to his seat, continuing to slice the bread. Observing him, Hadley grew more anxious. ¡°Please, I don¡¯t want any more. Stop cutting it.¡± Eric stopped cutting for a moment, then looked up at her with intense eyes. ¡°Hadley,¡± he said calmly, though his intense gaze added pressure. ¡°No one declines what I offer. You¡¯re aware of that, right?¡± In other words, she had no choice. A shiver ran down Hadley¡¯s spine. This was typical of Eric. Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, ¡°Then what is it that you really want from me?¡± Now they were finally getting to the main point. As he leaned forward, Eric¡¯s tone was firm. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you. Forget about the divorce ande back to me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not my question.¡± Hadley shook her head, her gaze locked on his, searching for his real motives. ¡°What I want to know is¡ªwhy are you doing all of this?¡± What? Her question visibly stunned Eric. Feel inspired by g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, Wasn¡¯t it clear? He wanted her back, so he took action. It was that simple! Hadleyughed softly, her tone tinged with mockery. ¡°You want me back¡­ but what¡¯s the real reason? Surely, it¡¯s not because you¡¯ve fallen in love with me overnight?¡± Love? A frown creased Eric¡¯s forehead. He hadn¡¯t actually thought about love in their equation. His momentary hesitation confirmed Hadley¡¯s suspicions¡ªhis motives were anything but romantic. She gave a knowing smile. ¡°Of course, that¡¯s not it. A man like you wouldn¡¯tmit to something so dramatic over love. That¡¯s just absurd. What¡¯s the real reason?¡± ¡°Hold on a second.¡± The look in Eric¡¯s eyes grew colder. His voice remained steady, yet there was a sharp undertone. ¡°Do you really find the notion of my love¡­ absurd?¡± ¡°Is it not?¡± Hadley replied firmly, her confidence unshaken. ¡°Who am I, after all? The notorious ¡®wicked woman¡¯ of Srixby, the one you threw overseas, the cunning, shameful¡ª¡± ¡°Stop talking!¡± Eric interrupted sharply, his annoyance evident. ¡°Your words are better left unsaid.¡± He then picked up a slice of baguette, dipped it in the creamy mushroom soup, and brought it to her lips. Hismand was clear and upromising. ¡°Open up.¡± . . . Chapter 252 ?Chapter 252: What? Hadley was taken aback. What was he thinking? How could he listen to her usations and still offer her food? ¡°I won¡¯t eat that.¡± She turned her head away, setting her terms. ¡°Not unless you allow me to return to Gnt and continue my dance career.¡± Eric¡¯s hand stilled. So this was what it was all about in the end. He put the bread down and got straight to the point. ¡°You¡¯re not going back to Gnt. It¡¯s out of the question.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Hadley tensed up. ¡°Dancing is my job!¡± ¡°What sort of pathetic career do you call that?¡± Eric couldn¡¯t care less. He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. ¡°You don¡¯t need that job. Or are you suggesting that I can¡¯t provide for you?¡± Providing for her? It seemed he was not ready to give her what she truly wanted. With her jaw set firmly, Hadley managed to say, ¡°I¡¯m aware of your influence, yet I¡¯ll never consent to this arrangement.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Eric challenged her, holding her gaze with an intense look. A tense silence fell between them, both standing their ground. ¡°Alright.¡± Eric nodded slowly. ¡°I see your point.¡± He had overheard her conversation with N on the terrace, and he knew winning her back wouldn¡¯t be easy. And it was right that it shouldn¡¯t be easy. After neglecting her and being distant for so long, he knew it wouldn¡¯t be simple words that would mend their rift. Ready for the long haul, he was determined to win her over, no matter the effort required. Switching his approach, he urged, ¡°Come on, have some more. Two bites aren¡¯t enough.¡± He handed her another piece of bread. Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o?? This time, Hadley chose to ignore his gesture. She bowed her head and reached for her ss of milk, drinking it inrge, determined gulps. Eric froze. Then, lifting an eyebrow, he couldn¡¯t help butugh. Following their meal, they left together. Sebastian was at the wheel, driving Hadley to her apartment on West 12th Street first. Eric was reluctant to let her go back to that sorry excuse of an apartment. Bringing her to live with him immediately, however, especially right after severing her ties with Gnt, might be too much for her to handle right now. He decided to let the matter rest for now. The mere fact that she would no longer be performing onstage, away from the gazes of other men, wasforting enough to improve Eric¡¯s mood significantly. Upon reaching the alleyway, Eric got out of the car and escorted her to her doorstep. With him outside and her inside, he bowed his head slightly, keeping his eyes on her. ¡°I¡¯m taking off now.¡± Hadley remained silent, refusing even to meet his gaze. Even though she was clearly angry, Eric remained calm. ¡°Preventing you from dancing is actually for the best. It¡¯s for your own good. You can¡¯t stay in that kind of ce forever.¡± . . . Chapter 253 ?Chapter 253: At that, Hadley looked up sharply, her eyes shing with anger. ¡°Okay, fine, I¡¯ll drop it,¡± Eric said, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. ¡°I¡¯m heading out.¡± He stepped back twice, giving her a quick smile, and then turned and walked down the steps. As Eric¡¯s footsteps receded, Hadley¡¯s expression grew more troubled. What was his motive? Why didn¡¯t he let her go? That same night, Eric gathered with his friends at Gnt. Denver was present as well. Earlier, when Eric had called Marshall, he had made it a point to include Denver. From the moment Denver arrived, he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the stage. Growing restless from not spotting Hadley, he abruptly stood. ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡± Shortly after he left, Eric rose as well. Barrie and Marshall exchanged confused looks before Barrie teased, ¡°What¡¯s the deal with those two tonight? Off to the bathroom before we¡¯ve even had a drink?¡± ¡°I know, right?¡± Marshall echoed, his voice tinged with amusement. Barrie¡¯sughter filled the air. Instead of the bathroom, Denver was discreetly heading backstage, eager for a moment with Hadley. ¡°Denver.¡± Suddenly, a familiar voice halted him. ¡°Eric?¡± Turning, Denver felt an unexpected surge of nervousness. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re lost?¡± Eric gave a knowing smile and draped an arm around Denver¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You¡¯ve been here so many times, yet you still can¡¯t find the bathroom?¡± With a gentle tug, he steered Denver in a new direction. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll show you the way.¡± ????????????¡¯?? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Sure.¡± Without other options, Denver allowed himself to be led, and they both entered the bathroom together. They stood next to each other, attending to their own needs in silence. ¡°Denver.¡± Eric broke the silence unexpectedly. ¡°Hmm?¡± Startled, Denver turned to him. ¡°Yes, Eric? What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°I know you were trying to find Hadley backstage,¡± Eric said without turning, his eyes straight ahead. ¡°She¡¯s not here tonight, though.¡± Hearing this, Denver felt a shock pulse through him, his heart momentarily racing. Eric continued to face forward, knowing well the impact of his words on Denver¡¯s expression. ¡°You¡­¡± Denver swallowed hard. ¡°How do you know that?¡± Eric didn¡¯t reply. Turning to face Denver directly, he said with firm intent, ¡°Denver, hear me out¡ªstop chasing Hadley. You two are not a good match. Just let her go.¡± . . . Chapter 254 ?Chapter 254: Denver¡¯s body tensed. ¡°Why should I?¡± ¡°Because¡­¡± The look in Eric¡¯s eyes grew intense¡ªa signal only another man could truly understand. It was the clear look of a predator, issuing a territorial warning to a rival stepping into his domain. With deliberate rity, Eric said, ¡°She belongs with me.¡± Denver stood frozen, disbelief etching his face. ¡°But you¡¯re divorced from her.¡± That fact was irrefutable. Denver knew the specifics from being around his friends¡ªEric had been orchestrating this divorce for four years. The n had always been that once Hadley returned, the paperwork would be finalized. Unperturbed, Eric quirked an eyebrow. ¡°That was the past. We¡¯ve moved past that. We¡¯re together again.¡± Together again? That didn¡¯t make sense. Looking puzzled, Denver replied, ¡°But N told me to go after her just a few days ago.¡± Eric¡¯sughter cut sharply through the air. ¡°That was before. We made up just recently.¡± That decision was his, at least. As far as he was concerned, Hadley would eventually see things his way. Opening his mouth to respond, Denver found himself speechless. ¡°Got more questions?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was casual, almost like an elder brother offering life advice, but the hostility in his eyes was unmistakable. ¡°Go on, ask. I have time,¡± Eric added. Denver fell silent. ?????????? ???? ?????? ????????????: g???????¦Í???????????? What more was there to say? ¡°Oh, right.¡± Eric seemed to recall something suddenly. ¡°You asked earlier how I knew she wouldn¡¯t be here tonight, didn¡¯t you?¡± A slow, amused smile spread across his lips. ¡°It¡¯s not only for tonight¡ªshe¡¯s noting back ever again.¡± With those words, Eric turned around and left. Stunned, Denver remained where he stood. It all made sense now. Hadley no longer needed to struggle so hard. She was with Eric again. The most bitter part for Denver? He could have offered her the same ease. Yet, he was just a moment toote. Back at the table, Eric maintained hisposure, while Denver sank into silence. He was always quiet, so Marshall and Barrie didn¡¯t notice the change. After some time, Eric nced at his watch. ¡°I need to handle something. I¡¯m going to leave now.¡± ¡°So early?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m expected elsewhere.¡± Standing, Eric prepared to leave. Marshall chuckled. ¡°Are we talking about Linda?¡± . . . Chapter 255 ?Chapter 255: ¡°Marshall.¡± Eric¡¯s expression hardened in an instant. He looked over at Barrie, who seemed also amused by the exchange, and his voice took on a stern edge. ¡°I¡¯m going to say this onest time¡ªLinda is my sister-inw, nothing more. I don¡¯t want to hear another joke about her.¡± There was a distinct change in his tone. What was this all about? They had often joked about this, yet Eric had never shown such irritation before. Marshall and Barrie realized Eric was entirely serious. Pushing him further would surely make him snap. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Alright, noted.¡± With a nod of approval, Eric¡¯s features softened. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡± ¡°Hold on, who¡¯s the mystery person? Have you found someone special?¡± ¡°Why not introduce her to us?¡± ¡°Come on, share the details!¡± As he departed, Eric dismissed them with a wave. ¡°Perhaps some other time.¡± ¡°He¡¯s definitely seeing someone, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°It makes sense now why he didn¡¯t want us joking about Linda¡ªhe has someone important in his life.¡± In a dim corner, Denver held his beer tightly and took a deep, reflective drink. Hadley was browsing job listings on her phone when she heard a knock. Having been let go from Gnt, she was urgently in need of new employment. ¡°Who is it?¡± She set her phone down and moved to answer the door. I?t€$? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ?¦Å?? ?§Ú g??l??ov?l??.??om Barely having time to react, she saw a long leg cross her threshold. Eric walked in confidently, one hand carrying a bag and the other flinging his suit jacket in her direction. Hadley caught the jacket reflexively. Why had hee back? Eric moved through her apartment as if it were his own, setting the bag on the multipurpose table where she dined, read, and even applied makeup. ¡°Come over here.¡± He began to unpack the bag. ¡°Didn¡¯t you go out today? What have you been up to all by yourself?¡± Hadley was clearly irritated but restrained herself fromshing out. She merely gave him a sharp look. ¡°Nothing. Just watching some TV shows.¡± An outdated TV, left behind by thendlord, buzzed quietly in the background, more for noise than for viewing. ¡°What shows?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes shifted towards the screen. On disy was a reality show featuring a row of men in swim trunks, shirtless. His expression turned sour immediately. Was she actually interested in this show? ¡°Do you like watching this?¡± His tone lowered, eyes narrowing slightly. Hadley, not catching the edge in his voice, nodded without much thought. ¡°Yes.¡± . . . Chapter 256 ?Chapter 256: Just then, the camera closed in on a contestant, his muscles well-defined. She remarked casually, ¡°Nice physique.¡± Eric¡¯s jaw clenched. She was admiring other men? And openly praising their bodies? Normally, he might have destroyed the television right there. But he restrained himself. Acting out would only frighten Hadley. Instead, he swiftly turned to her, took her face in his hands, and made her look at him. ¡°Stop watching this.¡± Blinking in bewilderment, Hadley shifted her head away, breaking free from his hold. Eric released her gently and then motioned toward the table. ¡°Come, eat.¡± ¡°What?¡± Confused, she looked down. ¡°Vani panna cotta.¡± A small, almost fawning smile yed on his lips. Unbeknownst to even himself, Eric Flynn, the usually unapproachable heir, appeared unusually keen to make her happy. Hadley almostughed at this. ¡°I got this for you. Have some,¡± he added. Even after Eric had gone, Hadley remained bewildered. He had traveled all this distance¡­ just to deliver a treat to her? With the break of dawn the next day, Hadley set out. In thest two days, she had reached out to several clubs, hoping to secure an audition for a new gig. Despite her skilled background, each meeting inexplicably concluded without an offer. This morning, she was on her way to another venue. Though she had already sent a video of her dancing, the club insisted on seeing her perform live¡ªvideos, after all, could be altered. ¡°Hadley Pearson, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. ?????????????? ??????????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? Unexpectedly, the manager looked over her resume and said tly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you don¡¯t seem to meet our requirements.¡± He handed back her resume, dismissing her before she even had a chance to dance. Not again! Hadley¡¯s brow creased with confusion. ¡°Can you exin what I¡¯m missing?¡± She was confident in her qualifications, both in her appearance and professional skills. The manager responded with a nomittal smile, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that will be all for now.¡± With no further exnation forting, Hadley reluctantly left the room. Back at the Flynn Group CEO¡¯s office, Eric¡¯s phone began to ring. Engaged in a meeting, Eric left his phone behind, so Linda, after a moment¡¯s pause, decided to answer for him. ¡°Hello?¡± On the other end was the club manager who had just dismissed Hadley. Assuming it was Eric who picked up the call, the manager said obediently, ¡°Mr. Flynn, I wanted to let you know that Hadley stopped by. I followed your instructions and denied her application. Just wanted to confirm directly with you.¡± Linda¡¯s eyebrow arched in surprise. ¡°What instructions from Eric are you referring to? Why reject Hadley?¡± . . . Chapter 257 ?Chapter 257: Caught off guard by a woman¡¯s voice and realizing his mistake, the manager stammered, ¡°Uh¡­¡± ¡°This is Linda Harris,¡± she said in a tone that was casual yet assertive. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on, and save me the trouble of bringing this up with Ericter.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll exin.¡± The manager paused only momentarily before choosing to be forthright. It wasmon knowledge in Srixby that Linda held a special ce within the Flynn family, particrly favored by the Flynn brothers. ¡°The situation is this¡ªMr. Flynn explicitly instructed that no dance clubs in Srixby should employ Hadley.¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± Linda¡¯s voice carried a hint of amusement. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s everything.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± With a slight smile, Linda disconnected the call. She shook her head in disbelief, murmuring, ¡°Unbelievable.¡± She pondered why Eric would sabotage Hadley¡¯s employment opportunities. Whatever his motives, she was skeptical of their integrity. What could Hadley be up to at this moment? Without any job opportunities, was she somewhere shedding tears? Linda let out a softugh. She recalled spotting them dining together recently and spected if their dynamic had evolved. Yet, everything appeared unchanged. Her concerns were unfounded. In the conference room, the meeting had just ended. Barrie recalled something as he turned to Eric and said, ¡°Regarding your request a few days ago, I spoke with my mother. She arranged a meeting. Ms. Nicolson is avable tomorrow evening. She¡¯ll be waiting in her dance studio.¡± Eric¡¯s mouth turned up in a pleased grin. He nodded in gratitude to Barrie. ¡°Thanks.¡± g?????0¦Í??????.??????¡ä ?????????? ???????? ???????? ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks.¡± Barrie dismissed it with a casual hand wave. ¡°Just helping a friend.¡± nche Nicolson stood as a prominent figure in modern dance and directed Srixby¡¯s most celebrated dance studio, renowned for its international tours that sold out well in advance. Barrie¡¯s mother and nche had grown up together, sharing a bond close to sisterhood. This deep connection enabled Eric to secure an appointment with Nicolson, a figure known for her exacting standards¡ªa significant achievement. ¡°However,¡± Barrie continued, ¡°Ms. Nicolson was explicit in saying she will only consider them if they¡¯re sufficiently skilled. Ackluster performance won¡¯t cut it, regardless of personal connections.¡± Eric dismissed the concern with a chuckle. ¡°That won¡¯t be an issue.¡± His mind reyed Hadley¡¯s performances at Gnt¡ªeach one more captivating than thest. ¡°She¡¯s in a ss of her own when ites to dance.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Surprise flickered across Barrie¡¯s face as he noticed a hint of admiration in Eric¡¯s expression. . . . Chapter 258 ?Chapter 258: ¡°And who might this exceptional dancer be?¡± Eric gave him a warning look. ¡°None of your business, man.¡± The timing wasn¡¯t right to divulge more. ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Suspicion dawned on Barrie. ¡°Is it that girl from Gnt?¡± Reflecting on the past, Eric had hardly shown genuine interest in anyone except for that woman recently. Eric¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°I said, none of your business!¡± Barrie grinned, realizing the truth. ¡°Ah, so it is her!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Come on, what¡¯s the harm in admitting it? Her dancing is indeed magical.¡± Eric¡¯s look turned cold. ¡°Seems you¡¯ve been paying her quite a bit of attention.¡± Could that be a hint of jealousy? Indeed¡ªEric was not one to appreciate others admiring his interests. Barrie quickly replied, ¡°No, of course not!¡± He swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s great she¡¯ll be training with Ms. Nicolson. That¡¯s a real opportunity.¡± Eric was well aware of the benefits. He wondered if Hadley truly understood that she couldn¡¯t dance at Gnt indefinitely. To have a real future in dance, she needed to seize this opportunity. She was young and inexperienced, unaware of theplexities thaty ahead. But Eric knew better, and it was his responsibility to ensure that better ns were made for her future. After their discussion, Eric walked back into his office and was momentarily surprised to find Linda there. ¡°Linda? What brings you here?¡± ¡°Is my presence unwee?¡± Linda asked with a smile as she stood up from her chair. ¡°I wrapped up early today and thought I¡¯d swing by to pick you up. How about dinner at home with N? I¡¯ve been so caught up with work that I¡¯ve hardly seen her. She must be missing ourpany.¡± ¡°Indeed, how could she not?¡± Eric approached his desk, ced a folder down, powered off hisputer, and organized some documents. Then he turned to Linda again. ¡°I¡¯m all set. Let¡¯s head out.¡± g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????? ???????? ???????? ¡°Great.¡± Linda moved closer, linking her arm with his in a rxed manner. Eric tensed for a moment, looking down at their joined arms. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Linda asked, touching her face. ¡°Is my makeup off?¡± Eric diverted his eyes from her arm and shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s get going.¡± After a discouraging job hunt the previous day, Hadley was back at it again. Today¡¯s prospect was a dance studio. Options were limited, so she waspelled to explore every avable opportunity. As she was on her way, her phone began to ring. It was Eric. ¡°Hello?¡± Hadley answered cautiously. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Eric quickly noticed. ¡°You sound exhausted. Are you unwell?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t feel like getting into the details. ¡°Is there something you needed?¡± . . . Chapter 259 ?Chapter 259: ¡°Do I need a reason to call?¡± Yet, he did have a purpose. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at six. Stay at home until then.¡± Hadley scowled. ¡°Why should I?¡± Why should she wait for him at all? Before she could finish her sentence, Eric cut in. ¡°It¡¯s decided. I have things to handle. We¡¯ll talkter.¡± With that, he ended the call. ¡°Hey!¡± Hadley let out a shortugh, clearly beyond frustrated. ¡°So be it! Eric can do whatever he wants. I¡¯ve got my own path to follow,¡± she muttered to herself. Reaching her destination, Hadley stepped off the bus and made her way into the office tower, where the dance studio awaited on the fifth floor. Upon entering the elevator, she was immediately greeted by a familiar voice. ¡°Hadley?¡± Looking ahead, Hadley saw Linda beaming at her. ¡°Fancy meeting you here. It¡¯s been ages.¡± Hadley gave her only a fleeting nce and remained silent. Linda¡¯s smile quickly faded, reced by a scornful tone. ¡°Really, not even a ¡®hi¡¯? I said hello¡ªcan¡¯t you at least acknowledge that?¡± Facing Linda squarely, Hadley replied, ¡°Save your courtesies. There¡¯s no need for pretenses. Eric isn¡¯t here, and neither is N¡­ Who are you trying to impress?¡± ¡°You¡ª¡± Interrupting, Hadley cocked her head. ¡°Or is it that you¡¯ve been pretending for so long you¡¯ve convinced yourself you¡¯re genuinely decent? That must be exhausting.¡± ¡°You¡ª¡± Linda¡¯s face went pale, then turned red with anger. With a dismissive scoff, she retorted sharply, ¡°You¡¯re here for an interview, right?¡± A smug grin spread across Linda¡¯s face. ¡°Well, I¡¯d suggest you stop wasting your time. Because in Srixby¡­ you won¡¯t find a job.¡± ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Hadley stopped in her tracks. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°What do I mean?¡± Linda folded her arms, smirking as she enjoyed the moment. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Do you not see how dire your situation is?¡± She looked Hadley up and down with clear disdain. ¡°While I won¡¯t critique your talents¡ªsince you did graduate from an esteemed arts college in the¡ªIs it possible you¡¯re so inept that no one will employ you?¡± Frustration furrowed Hadley¡¯s brow. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Her patience was wearing thin. It was clear Linda was toying with her. ¡°Just get to the point, or drop it.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll exin,¡± Linda said, her smirk widening. ¡°It¡¯s Eric¡¯s doing¡ªevery dance venue in Srixby has been instructed not to hire you.¡± Hadley gasped, disbelief washing over her. This couldn¡¯t be happening¡­ Then it all clicked. The continuous rejections over thest few days weren¡¯t due to herck of ability. It wasn¡¯t her fault. It was Eric. He had systematically cut off all her potential opportunities. What was his motive? To drive her into desperation? A chill ran through her as she clenched her fists, herplexion turning pale. . . . Chapter 260 ?Chapter 260: Seeing Hadley¡¯s dismay, Linda chuckled lightly. She said, ¡°Honestly, I wasn¡¯t nning on telling you, but watching you scramble aimlessly, fighting so fiercely¡­ I just couldn¡¯t hold back.¡± She then fetched a pair of sunsses from her purse and slipped them on. As the elevator doors opened, Linda exited first. Left alone, Hadley remained motionless, her face ashen. What was the point of this interview now? It seemed utterly pointless since she wouldn¡¯t get the job anyway. Rage and frustration surged within her,pelling her to confront Eric directly. As she exited the building, Hadley dialed his number. The phone just kept ringing¡ªno answer. It wasn¡¯t that Eric was deliberately avoiding her; he was simply tied up. With a frustrated sigh, Hadley put her phone away. He expected her to be avableter tonight? If that was his game, she would y along. Tonight would be the night. At six o¡¯clock, Eric¡¯s call finally came through. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°I¡¯m on my way up,¡± Eric said curtly. ¡°Get ready, and we¡¯ll set off.¡± Hadley let out a quiet scoff. ¡°Fine.¡± Upon arriving at her apartment, Eric found the door unlocked. He nudged it open without effort. ¡°You should lock your door. It¡¯s not safe.¡± He stopped mid-sentence as he caught sight of Hadley, rigid and cold on the sofa, her gaze fixed on him. He hesitated for a moment, but then approached slowly. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He sat down opposite her. ¡°Bad day? You seem upset.¡± Narrowing her eyes, Hadley had had enough of his act. Her anger was mounting, and she struggled to keep it under control. She inhaled deeply, striving to keep her tone steady. ¡°Eric, please, just let me go.¡± . is your storytelling hub Eric¡¯s eyebrow arched, intrigued by her plea. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Hadley¡¯s hands were clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her skin. ¡°You were behind this,¡± she managed to say. ¡°You were the one who told all the dance venues in Srixby not to hire me, weren¡¯t you?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°How did you find out? Who told you?¡± Hadley exhaled sharply. Did it really matter? ¡°It¡¯s not important who told me, Eric.¡± She dismissed the how of her discovery. The real issue was his interference in her career. ¡°I need to work. I need this job and I need to be left alone. Please, just stop meddling.¡± ¡°Your job?¡± Eric looked puzzled, almost offended. ¡°You refer to those gigs as your job? Hadley, you¡¯re ruining your career¡ªand yourself¡ªdancing in those clubs!¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather take that risk!¡± Hadley countered, her voice trembling with fury. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Did he think she was ignorant? She was painfully aware that ces like Gnt weren¡¯t exactly noble¡ªif anything, they were notorious¡ªbut circumstances had forced her hand. . . . Chapter 261 ?Chapter 261: Choking back emotion, she pleaded, ¡°Please, just stop this! You¡¯re trying to manipte me back into your life, right? Well, it won¡¯t work. Even if you corner me, strip me of all my choices, I will not return to you!¡± Eric clenched his teeth. Silence lingered for a beat before he let out a slow breath, his intense eyes still fixed on her. ¡°We can discuss this another time,¡± he said evenly, betraying nothing. ¡°For now, get ready. We need to leave.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Hadley turned away sharply. If he couldn¡¯t grant her wishes, why should sheply with his demands? ¡°No?¡± Eric¡¯s chuckle was dry,pletely devoid of amusement. He paused to observe her, his gaze scanning her attire. She wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, with just a hint of makeup¡ªlikely, she had been out before this confrontation. She always managed to look presentable, no matter what she wore. Eric gave a brief nod, then abruptly stood and moved toward her. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Hadley¡¯s instincts screamed danger. ¡°I¡¯m offering you one final opportunity¡ªstand up and follow me.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡ªahh!¡± She was cut off mid-sentence as Eric scooped her up effortlessly, as if she were a child. ¡°Eric! Let me go!¡± Hadley¡¯s cheeks flushed with both anger and embarrassment. A faint smile yed on Eric¡¯s lips. ¡°Stop struggling. If you¡¯re serious about continuing to dance, you¡¯ll need toe with me.¡± Hadley froze. What did he mean by that? Her confusion gave him just enough time to carry her straight out the door. Neighbors turned their heads; some muttered under their breath, others pointed, and a few stared openly. Updates always live at gal¦Ç¦Òv??ls Hadley¡¯s face burned with humiliation. ¡°Where are you taking me? Let me down¡ªI can walk on my own!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t trust you to stay,¡± Eric responded, shaking his head. ¡°If I let you go, you might run. I¡¯m not in the mood to chase after you.¡± Without pausing, he walked her to his car, opened the passenger door, and gently set her inside, securing her seatbelt. Hadley bit her lip. ¡°Where are we headed?¡± With a knowing smirk, Eric replied, ¡°To a ce you¡¯ll appreciate. Trust me, you¡¯ll enjoy it.¡± The destination took Hadley by surprise. Though it was her first visit, she was well aware of the studio¡¯s reputation. Lightning Dance Studio was renowned as the premier modern dance troupe in Srixby, celebrated not only locally but also globally. They had even graced the stage in the once. Regrettably, their performances were notoriously expensive, and tickets sold out almost instantly, leaving Hadley with no chance to attend a show. ¡°This ce¡­¡± . . . Chapter 262 ?Chapter 262: Stepping out of the car, Hadley lingered at the entrance, casting a puzzled nce at Eric. What was his reason for bringing her here? With a casual tilt of his head toward the building, Eric led the way. ¡°Come, follow me.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± She hesitated for a moment, then decided to follow him. Although she had no idea what Eric¡¯s intentions were, the mere mention of Lightning Dance Studio sparked a blend of anticipation and curiosity inside her. Before returning to Srixby, Hadley had researched the troupe and even considered auditioning. However, the daunting details she uncovered had dampened her spirits. The troupe¡¯s leader did not hold open auditions. Rumors even circted that they operated a specialized training program for young talent, rarely hiring externally. Disheartened, Hadley had abandoned the thought. Now, as she followed Eric, she realized he was guiding her toward the backstage area. No show was scheduled for the night, yet the rehearsal space was buzzing with activity; some dancers were perfecting their routines, while others were honing their solo performances. As she watched them, Hadley felt a surge of excitement. Suddenly, Eric sped her hand. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Eric pulled her closer. ¡°Watch your step and keep your eyes ahead.¡± Right after his warning, they stopped in front of a door. Releasing her hand, he adjusted her shirt. ¡°Stay calm and don¡¯t freak out when you meet Ms. Nicolson. Just answer her questions clearly.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Sorry, who?¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson,¡± Eric replied, his smile widening. ¡°nche Nicolson. You¡¯re a fan of modern dance, so you must know of her.¡± M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.??? ¡°Yes, absolutely.¡± Hadley nodded eagerly. To say she knew of nche was an understatement. nche Nicolson was an icon in the dance world! ¡°Cool.¡± With that, Eric knocked lightly on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± From beyond the door, a voice beckoned, warm and inviting. Eric nudged the door open and looked back at Hadley. ¡°Stay cool. This is your first time meeting her. Make a good impression.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Though her nerves were alive with excitement, Hadley managed a nod. They stepped into a quaint, inviting suite. Seated on the couch was a woman who seemed to blend sophistication with casual grace, perhaps in herte thirties or early forties. Fine lines marked the corners of her eyes, yet her skin was wless, and she carried herself with a toned, confident presence. Hadley¡¯s heart raced¡ªthis was the legendary nche in the flesh! She had only ever seen nche through pictures on the Inte. The thrill for any dancer meeting such a renowned figure was indescribable. . . . Chapter 263 ?Chapter 263: ¡°Ms. Nicolson.¡± Eric advanced, offering a polite nod. ¡°Hope we haven¡¯t kept you waiting?¡± nche checked her watch. They had arrived five minutes ahead of schedule. Punctuality mattered greatly to her. Despite the meeting being arranged by a close friend and involving someone as influential as Eric, nche maintained her standards against tardiness. ¡°Please, Mr. Flynn, take a seat.¡± She motioned toward the couch across from her. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Nicolson,¡± Eric responded. However, he remained standing, gesturing for Hadley to approach. ¡°Hadley,e introduce yourself.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Nervously pressing her lips together, Hadley stepped forward and paused before nche. ¡°Hello, Ms. Nicolson. I¡¯m Hadley.¡± At that moment, nche finally raised her eyes, giving Hadley a thorough, scrutinizing look from head to toe. Hadley stood there, maintaining herposure. A slight smile touched nche¡¯s lips, and her gaze remained intently fixed on Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°Do you have makeup on?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied with a nod. She had been job hunting earlier, which exined the makeup. ¡°Go wash it off,¡± nche instructed, pointing to the restroom nearby. ¡°You¡¯ll find makeup remover there. I want your facepletely clean.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Meanwhile, Eric settled on the sofa, keeping his distance from the conversation. After all, dance was not his area of expertise. Read the rest on g??l????¦Í????s?.?o?? Shortly after, Hadley returned, her skin clean and slightly damp. ¡°I¡¯ve removed everything, Ms. Nicolson,¡± Hadley said. ¡°Come here,¡± nche said gently, beckoning her closer. ¡°Sit with me.¡± She tapped the couch beside her as an invitation. Obediently, Hadley moved forward and seated herself as instructed. nche then raised her hand, asking, ¡°May I touch your face?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hadley replied instantly. ¡°Excellent.¡± With a delicate touch, nche examined Hadley¡¯s features meticulously, her fingers tracing the contours of her face. This was more than just a casual touch. From his spot, Eric looked on, puzzled. What was happening? Why was nche examining her face so closely? This no longer seemed like an interview, and honestly, Eric had never been this up close and personal with Hadley¡¯s face himself. After a moment, nche withdrew her hand, a content smile appearing on her face. ¡°Very good. No stic surgery.¡± . . . Chapter 264 ?Chapter 264: ¡°No,¡± Hadley said, smiling back with a slight shake of her head. ¡°I got my looks from my mom.¡± ¡°Make sure it stays that way,¡± nche remarked firmly. ¡°If you want to dance with us, your look must remain natural. No enhancements, ever.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Hadley nodded in agreement, but then paused, struck by a sudden realization. ¡°Wait, Ms. Nicolson, could you repeat that?¡± Had she misheard? Was nche suggesting she might join her dance troupe? Hadley wondered if that was the implication. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m getting ahead of myself,¡± nche said as she stood. ¡°Let¡¯s go out there. I want to see you dance.¡± ¡°Okay, Ms. Nicolson,¡± Hadley responded, her voice steady as she inhaled deeply. Lacking proper dance attire, Hadley opted to perform in what she was wearing, selecting the renowned piece Frontier by Martha Graham. Despite her casual attire, her performance was wless. Observing with folded arms, nche found her admiration growing with each movement Hadley made. On top of it all, Hadley seemed vaguely familiar, like they had met before. As the dance concluded, Hadley paused and faced nche respectfully. ¡°I would appreciate any feedback you might have, Ms. Nicolson.¡± nche didn¡¯t respond immediately. After a brief pause, she asked, ¡°Did you once dance with Red in the?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Yes¡­ How did you know?¡± ¡°It is you, then.¡± nche¡¯s face lit up with a smile. ¡°I met some of Red¡¯s people when I was touring the. I remembered you. You were outperforming many of their lead dancers. However, the locals weren¡¯t too weing to neers, which limited your opportunities.¡± nche recalled seeing Hadley perform back then. She had effortlessly outshined some of Red¡¯s best dancers, but being a foreigner in the had made her journey tougher. Being exceptional often meant facing undue hurdles. Reflecting on those days, Hadley acknowledged her past frustrations. ¡°I¡¯ve put that chapter behind me. I¡¯m here to move forward.¡± ¡°That¡¯s excellent,¡± nche replied, nodding in approval. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re back. Stay with me, and you¡¯ll definitely find your ce to shine. Reach for the stars, Hadley.¡± Freshly uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s Hadley sped her hand over her mouth, shock widening her eyes at what she had just heard. ¡°What now?¡± nche gave a lightugh. ¡°You can¡¯t even muster a thank you?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Hadley quickly recovered from her shock, her face turning a bright shade of red. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Nicolson! Thank you so much!¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± nche observed her for another moment, then offered a smile. ¡°You have a wonderful figure, however¡­¡± She gestured toward Hadley¡¯s waist. ¡°This area is flexible, but it could be firmer. Be mindful of your diet and avoid excess.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Hadley responded with enthusiasm, her eyes glistening with emotion, yet she managed a smile. ¡°Understood.¡± nche then shifted her focus to Eric. Initially, nche had been reluctant when her friend asked her for this favor, which even caused some reservations about Eric. But after meeting Hadley, she was d they set up the audition and found Eric unexpectedly agreeable. . . . Chapter 265 ?Chapter 265: ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯ll mentor her.¡± ¡°Thank you, Ms. Nicolson.¡± Eric¡¯s expression transformed into a warm smile, a sight seldom seen. ¡°Hadley is now under your guidance, and for that, I am deeply appreciative. Should she step out of line, I hope you¡¯ll be lenient with her.¡± nche lifted an eyebrow in intrigue. The dynamics between Hadley and Eric were clearly not typical. It made sense now how Hadley had managed to engage someone of Eric¡¯s stature. nche then pondered why Hadley had previously struggled so much in the, especially with such influential backing. Yet, she chose to keep her musings to herself, responding with a nod and a pleasant smile. ¡°Great.¡± Exiting the dance studio, Hadley remained quiet the entire journey. Eric nced over at her. At this moment, she seemed surprisingly docile, like a turtle retreating into its shell. She disyed no resistance, only subdued agreement. ¡°Why the silence?¡± Eric teased yfully. ¡°You were quite upset earlier on our way here.¡± Hadley continued to keep her gaze down, offering no response. ¡°Is something bothering you?¡± Eric sensed her distress and extended his hand toward her. ¡°Please don¡¯t¡­¡± Hadley averted her face, clearly ufortable with his approach. Respecting her space, Eric held back, noticing the tremor in her voice that hinted at tears. He hesitated and then asked softly, ¡°Is everything alright? Are you crying?¡± Without a word, Hadley turned away from him, her slight frame visibly shaking. ¡°Are tears actually falling?¡± Eric asked, concern growing. He moved closer and gently ced his hands on her shoulders, trying to turn her to face him. ¡°Let me look at you¡­¡± ¡°What for?¡± Hadley whipped around, her eyes red and teary as she met his gaze. ¡°Why do you have to see? Do you find this interesting? Isn¡¯t itmon to see someone cry?¡± Her defiance was evident as she lifted her chin. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re so fascinated, go ahead and stare!¡± Eric recoiled from her sharp reaction and quickly withdrew his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that,¡± he murmured, his words tumbling out hastily. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to offend. I was just concerned about you¡­¡± ¡°Concerned?¡± Hadley¡¯s expression was a mix of tearfulness and a wry smile. ¡°You¡¯re odd! Why would you arrange this for me?¡± ¡°What?¡± Taken aback, Eric hesitated. ¡°Isn¡¯t it what you wanted? You don¡¯t want to work with Ms. Nicolson?¡± Hadley looked at him, tears continuing to trace her cheeks, yet she said nothing. Eric¡¯s confidence wavered. ¡°You truly don¡¯t like it?¡± Her tears seemed to answer loudly. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it upset you so deeply¡­¡± Hastily, he added, ¡°I¡¯ll speak with Ms. Nicolson immediately. You don¡¯t have to go through with this¡­¡± With that, he turned to leave. . . . Chapter 266 ?Chapter 266: ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice halted him, sharp and clear. ¡°Yes?¡± He looked back at her, his face a mask of confusion. What was she trying to say? What did she need from him? Hadley¡¯s mouth quivered as she wrestled with her feelings. She fully recognized that training under nche could set her on a path to a bright future. For any dancer, the honor of gracing a prestigious stage far surpassed the fleeting lights of nightclub performances. Hadley had no influential contacts; without Eric¡¯s assistance, a position in nche¡¯s troupe would have remained out of reach. This was an important opportunity for her career, one too valuable to ignore. Yet, it was Eric who had presented her with this chance. Why now? The very man who had seemed to ignore her for so long was now handing her a lifeline. She knew she should feel thankful. But then, there were the past four years to consider. What should she do now? With a deep breath, Hadley clenched her hands. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Eric said, his smile slight. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± After days of effort, he had finally received a kind remark from her. ¡°But,¡± Hadley quickly added, ¡°appreciating your help doesn¡¯t mean I agree to everything. I stand by what I said. We¡¯re finished.¡± Eric felt the impact of her words as if doused with cold water. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Do you truly not understand?¡± Hadley¡¯s gaze fell, illuminated softly by the glow of a nearby streetlight. Suddenly, Eric felt a tightness in his chest. ¡°Are you still upset about the past four years?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Hadley retorted sharply. New chapters avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls ¡°Four years ago¡­¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened as he began, his forehead creasing. ¡°Ernest was in aa, and the doctors almost guaranteed he wouldn¡¯t wake up. And Linda, she was expecting his child!¡± For Eric, Ernest was more than family; he had been a mentor and a major influence in his life. Without Ernest, Eric¡¯s current sesses would have been unimaginable. Eric felt that the world could challenge him as much as it pleased, but Ernest should have remained unscathed. Secretly, he would have preferred to be the one suffering in Ernest¡¯s stead all those years¡­ Hadley understood his sentiment, yet she was baffled by hisck of trust in her. She blurted out, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you just¡ªI¡­¡± Why couldn¡¯t he just hear her out? Why had he so easily epted Linda¡¯s version of the story without question? However, she swallowed her words before they could escape. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you what?¡± Eric asked. ¡°What were you going to say?¡± Hadley shook her head, feeling defeated. What was the point? He hadn¡¯t believed her four years ago. There was no reason to think he would believe her now. Moreover, the circumstances back then had done her no favors. Linda had been found bleeding at the bottom of the stairs while Hadley stood at the top. Anyone with eyes would assume that she had pushed Linda. . . . Chapter 267 ?Chapter 267: So, she took a step back. ¡°Do you remember asking me how I found out about your involvement in me getting rejected at every job interview?¡± she asked instead. Eric raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who told you? One of the club managers?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley replied, her lips tightening. ¡°It was Linda,¡± she said. ¡°She was the one who told me.¡± Eric paused, stunned. Linda knew? But how? ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Hadley said finally. She had said her piece. Now, it was up to Eric to respond. She was no longer the rash, fiery young woman she once was. Life had taught her a valuable lesson: even when justified, making a scene often cast her in a negative light. After the audition, Eric drove Hadley to her apartment. Alone in his car afterward, he mulled over their conversation from earlier. He reviewed his call log on his phone, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Switching to a different app, he essed his archived and deleted call history. His face grew stern as he browsed through the new records. With a clenched jaw, Eric found Linda¡¯s number and hit the call button. Linda picked up on the other end. ¡°Eric?¡± Her voice was light and yful. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure of this call during your busy schedule, Mr. Flynn? How can I assist you today?¡± ¡°Linda.¡± Eric hesitated, his mind briefly wandering to his brother, who was still in aa at the hospital. He furrowed his brow, difort creeping in, then continued, ¡°Going forward, please refrain from using my phone without permission.¡± ¡°What?¡± Linda¡¯s tone shifted abruptly, her earlier smile freezing. ¡°What are you implying? I¡¯m not sure I follow.¡± ¡°Linda.¡± Latest stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s Eric carefully chose his next words. ¡°I have an app that retrieves deleted call logs.¡± Linda paused, taken aback by the revtion. The truth dawned on her. Eric was aware that she had intercepted a call from the nightclub manager and then erased the trace. There was no denying it anymore. With resignation, Linda replied, ¡°Alright, yes, I took a call for you. Is this really worth a confrontation?¡± Eric sidestepped her question. ¡°I¡¯m simply asking for my privacy to be respected. Let¡¯s ensure this doesn¡¯t happen again.¡± After saying his piece, Eric hung up. It was unusual¡ªEric hadn¡¯t confronted Linda like this in years. He shut his eyes and reclined in his seat. Warmth spread from his back into the chair, merging with a slight pain as a whirlwind of memories assaulted him. Beads of cold sweat soon formed on his forehead and temples. On the other end, Linda was fuming. Sheughed bitterly after a prolonged silence, her grip tight on the phone. ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± How had Eric uncovered that? He had even retrieved the deleted call logs? . . . Chapter 268 ?Chapter 268: Was this issue truly so significant that Eric felt the need to confront Linda directly? Linda murmured softly, her voiceced with derision, ¡°Why?¡± Wasn¡¯t it Eric who had initially wanted Hadley cklisted? And now, he was holding Linda ountable simply for taking a phone call for him? It was absurd. Had Ericpletely erased their shared history from his mind? Had life been too easy for him, making him believe he was untouchable now? Or was it possible that Eric only valued his brother in the hospital, selectively forgetting how much he owed to Linda as well? ¡°No, no¡­¡± Linda gently shook her head. Eric couldn¡¯t possibly forget, nor should he. These memories were supposed to be etched into his very essence, a permanent part of who he was. At West Twelfth Alley, Hadley was on a video call with Joy, thanks to Mathias, who had let Joy use his phone. ¡°Mommy!¡± Joy¡¯s cheerful voice burst through the screen, her enthusiasm infectious. ¡°Joy.¡± Seeing her daughter on the screen made Hadley¡¯s heart softenpletely. She often reflected on how blessed she was to have Joy in her life. Without her, the years of hardship and suffering might have made Hadley grow cold and distant. But Joy had transformed all that. A single nce at her daughter washed away any lingering bitterness or irritation. Truly, children were miracles¡ªlittle blessings in their purest form. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯ve been really good. I¡¯ve listened to Uncle Mathias, and I¡¯ve been brave with my shots and medicine, just like I should.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Hadley responded, her face breaking into a gentle smile. ¡°That makes my baby girl truly remarkable.¡± Handling years of medical treatments was challenging for anyone, especially a child. Luckily, Joy¡¯s surgery was approaching. Once it was done, she would be healthy¡ªno more daily medications, no more frequent injections. She would be just like her peers. Thinking about Joy¡¯s bravery, Hadley said, ¡°You¡¯ve been so brave, you deserve something special. Mommy will buy you a gift. What would you like?¡± She added yfully, ¡°It can even be something fancy.¡± In the past, juggling work, school, and parenting Joy meant there wasn¡¯t much room in the budget for expensive toys, though every child naturally yearns for them. The date for Joy¡¯s surgery was rapidly approaching, marking a significant milestone for a child of only three. Hadley had made a resolution some time ago to treat Joy to something special. For months, she had saved every possible penny, even limiting her diet to the simplest meals of bread and water. Being young and healthy, Hadley could manage the sacrifice. Yet, Joy deserved a treat. ¡°Mommy,¡± Joy said, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and hesitation. ¡°Can I really choose?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hadley responded, feeling a blend of pain and joy as she maintained a reassuring smile. ¡°What is it that you¡¯d like, sweetheart?¡± ¡°Mommy,¡± Joy¡¯s voice brightened. ¡°I want Minnie!¡± . . . Chapter 269 ?Chapter 269: Hadley immediately understood the reference. The toy in question was a limited-edition Minnie Mouse doll, one that Joy had fallen in love with back when Hadley was still living in the. At that time, affording it had been beyond Hadley¡¯s reach. The memory of Joy¡¯s longing face had stayed with her. Even after relocating to Srixby, Hadley continued to save up for the doll, though it was always out of stock online. By chance, she had recently found a local store in Srixby that would have some in stock. Her n was to purchase the doll and bring it with her to the during her uing visit, just before Joy¡¯s surgery. Returning to the was essential, especially now that she had saved enough money from her shifts at Gnt to afford a ne ticket. Being absent for Joy¡¯s surgery was unthinkable; her presence was crucial to calm Joy¡¯s inevitable anxiety. A few dayster¡­ After a long day of dance rehearsals with nche and shooting a dance scene for a film, Hadley returned to her apartmentte in the evening. She checked the time, calcting that she still had a moment to unwind before her task for the night. Close to eleven, Hadley made her way to Evergrand Mall. This was thergest mall in Srixby, and it stayed open until eleven. By the time Hadley arrived, the security guards were already escorting thest customers out. However, Hadley¡¯s purpose wasn¡¯t shopping; she was there to secure a spot in line. Tomorrow morning, the shop would release the limited-edition Minnie Mouse doll that Joy coveted. It was a firste, first-served deal, with no option for pre-ordering. Therefore, lining up overnight was essential to ensure she could purchase the toy for Joy. Hadley had scouted out the situation beforehand and knew exactly which entrance would open first. Feeling justified in her early arrival, she was pleased to find only six people in front of her. With twenty dolls avable and her being seventh in line, her chances looked good. Prepared like the others, Hadley took out a camping chair from her bag, set it up, and took a seat. She had packed snacks, water, and a nket to keepfortable. Settling down, she prepared for a long wait. As it approached midnight, the temperature dropped, adding a chill to the air. Hadley tightened her grip on her nket, yet she could still feel the cold biting at her. Read the newest chapters g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m The silence was suddenly interrupted. ¡°Hadley?¡± Lifting her head, her mood immediately soured. Of all the people she could encounter, it had to be him. Srixby felt smaller by the second. Ever since theirst unpleasant encounter, she had made sure to block his number. Hadley deliberately averted her eyes, choosing to ignore his presence. ¡°Hadley.¡± The man scrutinized her, his expression shifting to one of concern. ¡°What are you doing out here sote? Shouldn¡¯t you be at home?¡± The memory of her desperate request for financial help shed through his mind, and he began to piece things together. ¡°You¡¯re not in financial trouble again, are you? The money I failed to give youst time? I have the card with me all this time¡­¡± As he spoke, he began to pull out his wallet. The man pulled a bank card from his wallet, extending it toward Hadley insistently. ¡°Take it¡­ Just take it.¡± . . . Chapter 270 ?Chapter 270: By now, the people in line had turned their attention to the scene, their curiosity piqued as if they were watching a dramatic spectacle unfold before them. Hadley¡¯s patience was running thin. ¡°I already told you¡ªI don¡¯t want it. Get lost and stop bothering me.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His hand stiffened midair, realizing she wasn¡¯t just irritated¡ªshe was genuinely angry. Yet, he still wouldn¡¯t back down. Reaching for her hand, he attempted to press the card into her palm, his determination unwavering. ¡°Just take it.¡± ¡°I said I don¡¯t want it!¡± Hadley tried to yank her arm away, but his grip was firm, refusing to let her go. Her frustration reached its breaking point. ¡°Let go of me, or I swear I¡¯ll scream for help!¡± Before he could fully process her words, she had already thrown her head back and yelled, ¡°Help! Someone help me!¡± But the bystanders had been watching closely. They saw no struggle, no aggression¡ªjust a man persistently offering money to a woman who clearly wanted nothing to do with it. Hadley¡¯s anger red. ¡°You are so damn irritating! I don¡¯t want your money, so just leave me alone!¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Meanwhile, Eric was seated in his Bentley, on his way back to Silver Vis after wrapping up a social gathering. As the car drove past Evergrand Mall¡¯s entrance, his gaze swept over the bustling sidewalk¡ªuntil itnded on Hadley. Even from inside the vehicle, he could see that something was wrong. A man was bothering her, yet not a single person nearby made any effort to intervene. ¡°Sebastian, pull over!¡± ¡°What?¡± Sebastian seemed confused butplied with themand. Eric immediately flung the door open and leaped out. Complet3 c0nt3nt at g??lnovels.?????? ¡°Mr. Flynn, where are you¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley¡¯s in trouble!¡± Eric shouted over his shoulder, his voice urgent. He then weaved through the crowd with relentless speed. Sebastian finally caught sight of what had prompted Eric¡¯s sudden reaction. Amusement flickered across his face as he leaned back in his seat. ¡°Huh¡­ Looks like he doesn¡¯t have any trouble spotting her first anymore.¡± Not long ago, Eric would grumble that Sebastian always managed to pick Hadley out of a crowd before he did. Now, it was apletely different story. ¡°Get your hands off her!¡± Eric¡¯s voice rang out sharply. His approach was swift and decisive. Before the man could even process what was happening, Eric had already grabbed his arm and shoved him away from Hadley without the slightest effort. As the man stumbled back, Eric¡¯s gaze darkened. Now that he had a clear look at him, something clicked in his mind. It took a brief moment before recognition dawned on Eric¡ªthis wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen this man harassing Hadley. And thest time? He had been the one to put a stop to it then, too. . . . Chapter 271 ?Chapter 271: A slow, dangerous tension settled over Eric, his hostility spiking in an instant. His entire presence became menacing, his sharp gaze locking onto the man like a predator that had just found its prey. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the air like a de. The sheer iciness in his tone sent an involuntary shudder down the man¡¯s spine. For the briefest second, he was sure he saw something terrifying flicker in Eric¡¯s eyes¡ªsomething that made his blood run cold. If eyes could kill, he had no doubt he¡¯d already be dead. The man swallowed hard, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing as panic seized him. He quickly turned his pleading gaze to Hadley. Hadley let out an exasperated sigh. What was he looking at her for? Did he really expect her to save him? ¡°Are you stupid? If you know what¡¯s good for you, run!¡± ¡°Oh! O-okay!¡± It finally clicked in his head. The man didn¡¯t need to be told twice¡ªwithout a second thought, he spun around and took off. ¡°Do you really believe you can just take off and get away?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened even further, and without waiting for an answer, he was already moving, his long strides closing the distance between him and his fleeing target. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± On pure instinct, Hadley shot out her hand and grasped his wrist, bringing him to an abrupt stop. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration spiked, his voiceced with simmering anger. ¡°Are you seriously trying to protect him?¡± Her grip on his wrist tightened, unwilling to let go. She already knew if she so much as loosened her hold, he¡¯d be off again in a sh. For a second, Hadley just stared at Eric, dumbfounded. Then, irritation red in her chest, and she snapped, ¡°How the hell did you get that idea? Which part of this looks like I¡¯m protecting him?¡± Eric froze. Now that he thought about it¡­ she had a point. She had been fighting him off, not siding with him in any way. ???????????????? ???? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????©q????? Hadley shot a sharp look at Eric, unimpressed with his agitation. ¡°Are you seriously about to throw your life away for someone like him?¡± Neither of them mattered to her¡ªEric was terrible enough, but the middle-aged man who had just fled? He was the very source of her pain, the person she despised most in this world. And yet, despite how much she hated that man, she wasn¡¯t about to let Eric get himself into trouble over him. Eric went still. Then, something flickered in his eyes. Was she¡­ worried about him? A strange warmth spread through his chest, and just like that, his sour mood shiftedpletely. His gaze dropped,nding on her hand, which was still firmly wrapped around his wrist. Slowly, the corners of his lips curled into a smirk. He cleared his throat deliberately. The moment Hadley noticed it, a jolt of surprise shot through her, and she instantly pulled her hand back as if she had been burned. Eric¡¯s smirk stretched wider, satisfaction flickering in his gaze. ¡°That settles that, then,¡± he remarked, his toneced with amusement. ¡°No point wasting another second thinking about him. But while we¡¯re on the subject, who exactly was he?¡± . . . Chapter 272 ?Chapter 272: Hadley¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unreadable as she kept quiet. Eric let out a dry chuckle, crossing his arms. ¡°Forget it. No need to answer¡ªI believe I already know.¡± There was only one type of man who would pester her like that. One of those leeches from Gnt who had fixated on her while she worked there. Fortunately, that part of her life was behind her. In fact, moving her to nche¡¯s dance studio was proving to be an even smarter decision than he initially thought. But right now¡­ Eric¡¯s sharp eyes swept over her. ¡°And you? What exactly are you doing out here at this hour instead of being at home?¡± Hadley¡¯s patience frayed at the edges. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern. You can go now.¡± Her dismissive tone didn¡¯t faze Eric in the slightest. If anything, he had grown used to it. So she wasn¡¯t going to tell him? Fine. He would find out himself. Eric¡¯s gaze shifted to the line of people standing nearby, taking in their eager expressions. Whatever they were waiting for must have been important. Pulling out his wallet, Eric flipped through a neat stack of crisp bills before his attentionnded on a man standing in the queue. With effortless confidence, he gestured toward him. ¡°You. What¡¯s everyone lining up for? I¡¯ll pay you for an answer. Five grand¡ªsound good?¡± The man¡¯s face lit up instantly. ¡°Hell yeah!¡± ¡°Eric, have youpletely lost your mind?!¡± Hadley whipped around, her expression frozen in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re seriously throwing around five grand just to ask a question?¡± The man, unbothered by her reaction, eagerly exined the details of the limited purchase event. As soon as he finished, he extended his hand expectantly. Without hesitation, Eric passed him the money he had promised,pletely unfazed. Five grand? That was pocket change. Hardly worth getting worked up over. With that taken care of, he smoothly slid his wallet back into his pocket before reaching out, his fingers closing around Hadley¡¯s arm. Hadley let out a sharp breath, barely holding back her frustration. If he hadn¡¯t juste to her rescue a moment ago, she would¡¯ve already sent her foot straight into his leg. ¡°And now what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± ???????? ???????? ???? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°You¡¯reing with me.¡± Eric tapped her temple with the flick of a finger, his expression making it clear that he was just as exasperated. ¡°Are you seriously this clueless?¡± She was willing to camp out here all night over some toy? She was already too thin for her own good¡ªwas she trying to make herself copse? ¡°Enough. You¡¯re going home to get some sleep.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± Hadley knew she had no chance of overpowering him, so she tried a different approach. ¡°I have something important to do. Is it really that hard for you to respect my choices?¡± No matter what, she had to get this for Joy. ¡°You¡¯re seriously refusing to leave?¡± Eric studied her carefully, his expression unreadable. ¡°No,¡± she answered, unwavering. ¡°Alright then.¡± Before she could even process what was happening, Eric crouched, slid an arm beneath her legs, and swept her straight off the ground in one smooth motion. ¡°Whoa!¡± . . . Chapter 273 ?Chapter 273: The crowd erupted into delighted gasps, murmurs, and whispers. A scene like this in the middle of the night? It was like something out of a drama. Hadley, however, felt the blood drain from her face. ¡°Eric! Put me down this second!¡± ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen.¡± He didn¡¯t even nce at her. ¡°You never listen to me¡ªwhy the hell should I listen to you?¡± ¡°You¡ª!¡± Her entire body tensed with rage. It was beyond frustrating¡ªhow was it possible for someone to be this impossible? She struggled against his grip, thrashing in his arms. ¡°Let me go! Put me down right now!¡± ¡°Quit squirming.¡± Eric let out a heavy sigh, realizing she¡¯d only end up hurting herself if she kept struggling. Begrudgingly, he set her back down. The second her feet hit the pavement, she shoved him aside and sprinted back toward the line¡ªbut the opportunity was already lost. Many others stood nearby, hovering at the edges, their eyes fixed on the scene as they waited for their chance to make a move. The moment Eric whisked her away, the line shifted forward without hesitation. Her ce was gone. If she wanted to queue up again, she¡¯d have to start from the very back. And with only twenty units up for grabs¡­ she didn¡¯t stand a chance anymore. Hadley was furious. Eric was the root of all her troubles. Whirling around, Hadley lunged at him, clutching his shirt. Her eyes, red and furious, bore into him. ¡°Why are you doing this to me? Can¡¯t you just leave me be?¡± Her daughter was on the verge of undergoing surgery. Though unspoken, the fears were real; Mathias had warned her¡ªsurgery was always a gamble. No surgeon could promise a wless oue. m??r?? ??¦Ñda??es ???? ??a??novels.c??m And if, heaven forbid, something went wrong with Joy¡ª Hadley needed to ensure that Joy received her Minnie doll before the operation. ¡°You caused this mess!¡± Tears streamed down Hadley¡¯s cheeks as she shook uncontrobly. ¡°Everything¡¯s ruined! I don¡¯t want to see you ever again! Just get out of here!¡± In a fit of rage, she pummeled him with her fists and kicked furiously. Eric made no move to retaliate¡ªnot because he would never strike a woman, especially not his woman, but because he was utterly taken aback. He hadn¡¯t foreseen Hadley breaking down over a toy. It was merely a toy, yet her tears flowed as though she had lost someone dear. ¡°Hadley, please, calm down,¡± he said, trying to console her. ¡°Get out of my sight! I don¡¯t want you here! Please, just let me be!¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Realizing she was beyond constion, Eric decided to act. He scooped her up in his arms, cradling her like a child. Hadley was dumbfounded. . . . Chapter 274 ?Chapter 274: What was he thinking? Would he ever stop? ¡°Eric, let me down!¡± She writhed against his grasp. ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen.¡± She was determined? So was he. If words failed, actions would have to suffice. Silently, he continued to carry her forward. Hadley¡¯s rage boiled over. She ducked her head and sank her teeth into his neck with all her might. ¡°Ouch!¡± Eric winced in pain, his brows knitting together. Was she trying to bite his neck off? This was the first time he truly saw the ferocity in her. She was like a wild, untamed creature¡ªa feral little thing. With no other options, he rxed his hold and released her. As soon as she was free, Hadley dashed away. ¡°Stay right there!¡± He anticipated her escape and quickly grabbed her wrist, making her stumble. ¡°Try to escape, and you¡¯ll lose any chance at that collector¡¯s edition Minnie.¡± And with that, he released her. He dismissively gestured for her to go. ¡°Go ahead¡ªtry running again.¡± Hadley was reeling. What was he implying? Eric allowed himself a slight grin but offered no further rification. Hadley had ceased her resistance just as he expected. Heughed softly, feeling where she had bitten him; his touch revealed a smear of blood. Did she really make him bleed? ¡°Are you some kind of mantis?¡± What? Full ztory avabl3 at g??lnovels.?????? Confused, Hadley blinked. What was he trying to say? With a teasing tone, Eric pointed at his neck. ¡°Look how hard you¡¯ve just bitten me. Female mantises never bite until after their business, you know.¡± Hadley was bewildered by the situation. What mantis? What was he trying to say? ¡°Just wait here,¡± Eric instructed without borating. ¡°You¡¯ll get that toy if you stay put and avoid trouble. No need to camp overnight.¡± He then proceeded to make a call on his phone. Within moments, the call was connected. ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Eric said into the phone. On the other line was his assistant, Phillips. ¡°Who¡¯s managing Evergrand Mall tonight? Get them to meet me at the side entrance,¡± he instructed casually, as if it were a trivial matter. ¡°And I¡¯ll send you a picture of¡­¡± Turning to Hadley, he asked, ¡°Got a photo of that Minnie toy?¡± . . . Chapter 275 ?Chapter 275: After a brief pause, Hadley vigorously nodded. ¡°Yes, I do!¡± She quickly retrieved her phone, found the image, and showed it to him. Eric nced at the photo briefly. ¡°Good, now send it over to me.¡± As Hadley stood frozen, somewhat shocked by his actions, she slowly came to grasp his intent. ¡°What¡¯s the dy?¡± Eric¡¯s expression grew stern, his tone a stark warning. ¡°Send it now.¡± ¡°Right, okay.¡± This opportunity was for Joy, and missing it wasn¡¯t an option. Despite everything, this was Eric¡¯s mess to fix. They were merely settling the score. With a determined clench of her jaw, Hadley sent him the photo. Eric quickly forwarded it to Phillips and added, ¡°Make sure they open up. I need to pick up one of those.¡± ¡°Got it, sir.¡± Soon after the call ended, activity stirred behind the mall¡¯s side entrance. As the roll-up door began to rise, light spilled out from within, stopping when it was just high enough for a man to pass under. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± the man greeted enthusiastically as he emerged. He was a young man, perhaps in his early thirties, dressed in the standard uniform of Evergrand Mall employees. His name badge identified him as the manager whose presence Eric had just demanded. With a sycophantic grin, he weed Eric. ¡°So d you could make it, Mr. Flynn. Please, right this way.¡± Eric, maintaining his typical poise, entered with a slight nod. ¡°Come on.¡± I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c?? He signaled to Hadley with a brief gesture. The manager then turned to her, his smile broadening. ¡°This way, Miss.¡± Recognizing the importance of anyone in Eric Flynn¡¯spany at such ate hour¡ªespecially for a mere doll¡ªthe manager was meticulously courteous. Hadley paused before moving forward. Inside, the boutique was brightly lit and already bustling with activity. The manager was coordinating with his team. ¡°Just a moment, Mr. Flynn. We¡¯re fetching it now.¡± Eric acknowledged with a brief nod, his demeanor unruffled. Hadley felt a mix of emotions as she looked around. The wealth of the Flynn family was no secret. Observing how easily Ericmanded the scene suggested significant Flynn investments in Evergrand Mall. This wasn¡¯t just influence¡ªit was financial power in action. Money indeed made the world go round, a timeless truth. The preparations were swift. The manager had warned the staff, ensuring their prompt cooperation. . . . Chapter 276 ?Chapter 276: Shortly, a staff member wheeled a cart stocked with arge box toward them. ¡°Here it is, sir.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see it, then,¡± instructed the manager. ¡°Right away, sir.¡± The staff member quickly opened the box, revealing a second, more elegant case inside¡ªa clear acrylic box. Within it, a Minnie Mouse doll stood about 20 inches tall, adorned with a vibrant red bow and matching dress. Eric nced at Hadley, his expression inquiring. ¡°Is this the one you were after?¡± Hadley¡¯s face brightened immediately. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the one!¡± It was the very Minnie Mouse doll that Joy had set her heart on. ¡°Very well.¡± A hint of a smile yed on Eric¡¯s lips as he witnessed her enthusiasm. He instructed the manager, ¡°Pack it up.¡± ¡°Certainly, Mr. Flynn.¡± The manager signaled his staff to start wrapping the item. Eric then mentioned casually, ¡°Charge it to my ount.¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Hold on a moment!¡± ?????????? ?????????????? ???????? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????.?????? Hadley quickly intervened, shing her wallet. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it myself.¡± The manager looked taken aback and reflexively nced at Eric for direction. Confusion clearly marked his features. Eric simplyughed, his demeanor exuding arrogance and ease, which was almost exasperating to witness. ¡°You¡¯re going to pay?¡± He sounded amused. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be silly.¡± Could she truly believe he would allow her to handle the expense? After all, he was well aware that she hadn¡¯t epted any support, and the modest ie she made at Gnt surely wouldn¡¯t cover it. ¡°Save your earnings,¡± Eric said, waving off her attempt. ¡°This one¡¯s on me.¡± ¡°I insist on paying for it myself!¡± Hadley interrupted forcefully, her hands balled into fists as sheid down her terms. ¡°If you won¡¯t let me, then I don¡¯t want the doll at all!¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± Eric regarded her intently. She had been eyeing that doll with such intensity since she first spotted it. This wasn¡¯t just about money; it was about asserting her independence from him. Alright. He decided to let her win this round. He had indeed messed up earlier, and buying her this toy was his way of apologizing, not a gesture to indebt her. If she preferred to pay for it herself, he wouldn¡¯t argue with her. . . . Chapter 277 ?Chapter 277: ¡°Fine, fine.¡± Eric sounded patient, almost like soothing an upset child. ¡°If it makes you happy, go ahead and pay.¡± Hadley was too intent on settling the bill to catch the tenderness in his voice. She quickly turned to the manager. ¡°How do I pay?¡± ¡°Right this way, please,¡± the manager said, still processing the peculiar dynamics at y. The wealthy certainly had their unique quirks; nheless, he was just there to make things happen. ¡°Will that be cash, credit card, or other mobile payments?¡± ¡°Do you take PayPal?¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± the manager responded, and then informed her of the pricing details. ¡°The list price is $39,000. However, there¡¯s an internal discount which brings it down to $21,000. But for you, Mr. Flynn¡¯s associate, the price is just $16,000. Please scan here.¡± ¡°W-What?! $16,000?¡± That meant a discount exceeding fifty percent! Hadley¡¯s eyes brimmed with gratitude. ¡°Really? Thank you so much!¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± the manager responded with augh. ¡°Though it¡¯s really Mr. Flynn you should be thanking.¡± Hadley was aware of that fact. While shepleted the payment, Eric peered over to see the details on the screen at the check-out counter, raising his eyebrows in surprise. $39,000 for a toy? To him, the amount was trivial, yet for most, it was far from affordable. Shaking his head, Eric reflected on his financial independence. He had built his own wealth, distinct from the vast Flynn family¡¯s fortune. Even the alimony he had proposed in their divorce hade from his personal earnings, a detail he had kept to himself. He was resolved to ensure Hadley¡¯s future needs were met, to avoid any further outbursts or difficulties on her part. Suddenly, Eric winced and touched his neck¡ªthe area where Hadley had bitten him was still sore. Hadley shot a guilty look at Eric, wondering if she¡¯d really bitten him that hard. ???€?? ¡é?¦Át?¦Å§ñs 1n ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.??? She paused, and then in a tentative voice, she asked, ¡°Is it very painful?¡± Eric quirked an eyebrow, his smirk yful. ¡°Would it matter to you if it was?¡± That question made Hadley freeze. Why did she even ask? With a theatrical sigh, Eric yed up his plight. ¡°You¡¯ve marked me, yet you withhold your pity?¡± He then moved his hand away to show the bite mark. It was small but evidently deep, still bleeding. The manager, catching sight of this, started piecing together a dramatic scenario in his head. This wasn¡¯t just any bite; it looked like the kind of mark one might find in an intense lover¡¯s quarrel. So, thete-night trip for this exclusive doll was their way of making up? The extravagance of the wealthy really knew no bounds. Meanwhile, Hadley, missing the manager¡¯s silent conjectures, asked with genuine concern, ¡°Is there a first aid kit avable?¡± . . . Chapter 278 ?Chapter 278: Seeing the actual blood made her think she should at least help clean Eric¡¯s wound. The manager nced at Eric, catching his stern look. Eric¡¯s expression was forbidding, and he subtly shook his head. Promptly, the manager responded with an air of finality, ¡°We don¡¯t stock first-aid supplies here. This is a retail shop, not a medical facility.¡± Hadley, unaware of the silent exchange, looked regretfully at Eric. ¡°Should we look for a pharmacy nearby, then?¡± She was sure there would be one open all night somewhere close. ¡°Alright,¡± Eric said, somewhat pleased that Hadley was showing concern. Just then, store employees approached with the Minnie Mouse doll, packaged and ready. They looked uncertainly at who they should hand it over to. Without thinking, Hadley reached out. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through, sharp andmanding. ¡°Why assume it¡¯s yours to carry?¡± He extended his hands. ¡°Hand it over here.¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn,¡± one employee quickly said, passing the plush toy to Eric. It was an unusual sight, indeed¡ªEric Flynn, a prominent businessman, carrying arge stuffed animal through a store. Hadley couldn¡¯t suppress augh at the unusual sight. Eric caught the sound and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Are you finding this funny?¡± Trying topose herself, Hadley quickly denied it with a shake of her head. ¡°Not at all.¡± He seemed skeptical but chose to overlook it. Her smile was too charming to ignore. ¡°Laugh all you want,¡± Eric suggested casually. ¡°It suits you better. Crying? Not so much. It makes you look terrible. So, let¡¯s keep the tears away, agreed?¡± Don¡¯t miss fresh updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m Hadley felt a sting at his words¡ªreally? She turned her head, her thoughts drifting. She just knew that in his eyes, Linda was always the epitome of beauty. Fortunately, a 24-hour pharmacy was located just a short distance from the mall. ¡°Sebastian can handle the purchase,¡± Hadley suggested, already edging toward departure. ¡°I think I¡¯ll head home.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Eric said darkly, tapping his neck where the bite mark still showed. ¡°Imagine Sebastian finding out about this. How am I supposed to maintain any dignity?¡± ¡°Shh!¡± Hadley urgently motioned with her hands, her voice a whisper. ¡°You¡¯re too loud!¡± Thete hour made their voices carry further, risking unwanted attention. With resignation heavy in her voice, Hadley replied, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Eric scoffed, ¡°That¡¯s right, you will.¡± While at the pharmacy, Eric found afortable spot on a bench and made himself at home as Hadley gathered the needed medical supplies. Returning, she motioned towards his shirt. ¡°You might want to open your cor so it doesn¡¯t get stained.¡± . . . Chapter 279 ?Chapter 279: His response was casual, his arms stretching along the bench. ¡°You take care of it,¡± he said, disying the nonchnce of someone used to being pampered. Alright. For that huge discount and the money he had helped her save, she could put up with a bit more. Hadley tightened her jaw, drew in a breath, and reached to unbutton the top two buttons of his shirt. Her fingers identally brushed against his Adam¡¯s apple as it moved subtly. She paused momentarily. Surely, that was unintentional? Eric¡¯s expression tightened, and his voice roughened suspiciously. ¡°You¡¯re doing that on purpose, aren¡¯t you?¡± Did she not realize the sensitivity of a man¡¯s throat? ¡°Nope. You¡¯re imagining things.¡± Hadley kept her tone level, opening the disinfectant swab and leaning closer. ¡°Stay still. This might hurt a bit.¡± He grunted softly in acknowledgment. When the medicine brushed his skin, Hadley gently blew on the area to soothe the sting. Eric felt a strange warmth spreading within him. He squinted slightly. How had she picked up such a technique? This wasn¡¯t the same Hadley he used to deal with. Hadley used to be loud and outspoken, constantly inserting herself into his affairs. Now, she was almost silent¡­ yet somehow, every small action of hers was driving him crazy. Eric, puzzled by the pleasant scent, wondered what fragrance Hadley was wearing that smelled so wonderful. ¡°Hadley,¡± he said gently, trying to soothe the stirring within himself. ¡°What¡¯s the perfume you¡¯re wearing?¡± Latest chapters ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s Caught off guard, Hadley hesitated for a moment. ¡°Perfume?¡± she echoed, her lips twitching ever so slightly. How could she possibly afford luxury fragrances? ¡°It¡¯s just my shampoo, actually,¡± she exined. She then efficiently applied a Band-Aid to Eric¡¯s wound. ¡°There, all set.¡± She started to clean up, gathering the used medical supplies to dispose of them. ¡°Okay,¡± Eric murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. By the time they exited the pharmacy, midnight had fallen. Sebastian drove them back towards Mayfield Road. When they arrived, Eric stepped out of the car and apanied Hadley to her apartment entrance. ¡°Get some rest,¡± Eric suggested, pausing at the entrance without stepping inside. ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley nodded, pointing to the box on the floor. ¡°Thanks for this.¡± She still might have ended up getting that doll by waiting in line all night, but the discount was indeed thanks to his favor. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to invite me in? I had some wine earlier and could use some water now,¡± Eric said, his voice casual but with a hint of expectation. Hadley hesitated, conflicted. epting his help already felt like a lot; would it be rude to deny him such a simple request? . . . Chapter 280 ?Chapter 280: Unexpectedly, Eric didn¡¯t just assume he could enter¡ªhe was actually waiting for her invitation. ¡°Well¡­¡± Hadley moved aside slightly. ¡°You cane in for some water.¡± Hadley then went to get water for Eric. She picked up the cup, turning to fill it at the sink. Suddenly, the tap handle came off in her hand, unleashing a torrent of water that drenched herpletely. ¡°Ah!¡± Startled, Hadley couldn¡¯t help but scream. ¡°What happened?¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, sharp with concern. Noticing Hadley soaked to the bone, he hurried over to assist¡ªonly to end up getting drenched by the spray himself. Wiping the water off his face, Eric couldn¡¯t help but notice Hadley remained where she stood. Without hesitation, he grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there¡ªmove!¡± hemanded. He pulled her to safety behind him, protecting her from the water as it continued to pour down on him. Standing behind Eric, Hadley felt a wave of guilt. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± she stammered. ¡°Why are you even living in a ce like this?¡± Eric blurted out, frustration coloring his tone. As he opened his mouth to continue, a jet of water surged directly into it, cutting him off. ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe you should stop talking,¡± Hadley whispered, barely audible over the sound of the spraying water. Eric¡¯s head snapped toward her, his eyes sharp with irritation. He quickly moved to pull her away from the sink. Breaking free from his hold, Hadley said, ¡°I need to fix that.¡± The urgency was clear; the relentless spray threatened more than just her apartment. A flood was imminent, and the potential damage could extend to her neighbors below. ???€$? ¡é????€?$ ?? g??l??ov?l????o?? Frowning, Eric questioned her n. How did she n to fix that anyway? ¡°I need to get to the shutoff valve downstairs,¡± she exined, already moving toward the door. ¡°And I have to buy a recement faucet.¡± But as she made to leave, Eric¡¯s voice halted her. ¡°Stop right there!¡± Once more, he grasped her arm. His face was a mix of frustration and concern. ¡°Why are you rushing to do this alone? I¡¯m here and can help.¡± Hadley paused, caught off guard by his insistence. Eric, puzzled by her willingness to handle this alone, made a decisive call. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± As Eric spoke, he guided Hadley to a chair and then moved briskly toward the door. ¡°Hey!¡± Hadley called out, her opposition evident. ¡°I can take care of it myself!¡± ¡°Stay there!¡± Ericmanded, not bothering to turn around as he exited. Left behind, Hadley found herself reluctantly sitting down again, her mind racing with doubts. Could he really handle this? Was he familiar with the location of the shutoff valve, or even know where to purchase a faucet? . . . Chapter 281 ?Chapter 281: Contrary to Hadley¡¯s assumptions, Eric was more capable than she credited him for. Despite his affluent upbringing, he was capable of learning quickly and asking for help when needed. Momentster, the relentless sound of water ceased. Leaping from her seat, Hadley hurried to verify. A grin spread across her face upon discovering the halted flow¡ªEric had sessfully located and turned off the shutoff valve. This minor victory made her reconsider. If he could handle that, surely purchasing a faucet wouldn¡¯t be too challenging for him. Indeed, he could manage that as well. Right after Hadley changed into dry clothes, Eric came back. The vibrant and ever-active West Twelfth Alley had a convenient perk¡ªeverything was within walking distance. Eric had spotted a hardware store right at the corner during his first visit. ¡°Did you manage to get it?¡± Hadley asked as she walked over. ¡°Great. Now give it to me.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Eric responded, holding the faucet just out of her reach. ¡°Why would I hand it over to you?¡± he quipped, giving her a sidelong look. Hadley was puzzled. ¡°So I can install it.¡± Eric narrowed his eyes, his disbelief evident. Did she really think he couldn¡¯t install a faucet? ¡°Why do you need to do this while I¡¯m right here? I¡¯ve got this. Besides, are you sure you know how to do this?¡± Hadley¡¯s lips tightened. Yes, she knew exactly how to do it. Eric might have thought the old Hadley didn¡¯t have the skills, but the Hadley who had spent four years in the certainly did. She wasn¡¯t just good at recing faucets; she could change light bulbs too. L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm Due to the highbor costs in Aradimen, Hadley had learned to manage on her own rather than spend her limited funds. Over the years, she had be quite adept at various home repairs. Eric, unaware of this, was insistent. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± This was his chance to prove that he was dependable. ¡°Bring me the toolbox,¡± hemanded, and headed towards the sink. ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley agreed, though she harbored doubts about his abilities given his pampered upbringing. To her astonishment, Eric managed the task with ease. Using his strength, he swiftly reced the faucet. Hadley watched, amazed at his capability, something she hadn¡¯t anticipated. Eric caught her look of surprise and couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit proud. ¡°There,¡± he said, lifting an eyebrow. ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley responded, getting up. ¡°Just wait here a moment.¡± Eric waited without questioning. Soon, Hadley returned with a straightforward request. ¡°Take off your shirt.¡± Taken aback, Eric defensively raised his arms, shaking his head. ¡°No way!¡± . . . Chapter 282 ?Chapter 282: ¡°Huh?¡± Hadley was baffled by his reaction. Why did he look so rmed, as if she had some ulterior motive? ¡°You¡¯re not actually worried I¡¯ll try something, are you?¡± Hadley asked, half-amused, half-annoyed. ¡°No, of course not¡­¡± She sighed in frustration and turned away from him. ¡°Just take off that wet shirt and hand it to me,¡± she instructed, hoping to rify the situation. Eric, finally catching on, realized she was only concerned about his wet clothing. Yet he hesitated. His back bore a secret¡ªa maze of scars that narrated a tale of past anguish. Only a select few knew of the mark: Eric himself, his brother Ernest, and Linda. Whenever intimate moments urred in the past, Eric made sure the lights were off, safeguarding his scars from Hadley¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of exposing them, not to anyone, even his wife. Memories linked to those scars still haunted him, causing him pain even at the mere thought. At that moment, Eric clenched his eyes shut, hisplexion turning ashen. He shivered, the trauma momentarily overwhelming him as his body trembled. ¡°Are you done?¡± Hadley¡¯s voice pulled Eric from his thoughts. She hadn¡¯t turned around yet, clearly waiting for him. ¡°Have you taken your shirt off?¡± A shadow crossed Eric¡¯s face, his emotions briefly showing before he regained hisposure. She was just being considerate. Moreover, she couldn¡¯t see him from her angle. After a deep breath, he raised his hands and removed his wet shirt. ¡°Done.¡± Fresh chapters just uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m Without looking at him, Hadley threw a dry shirt his way. ¡°Wear this for now.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Catching the shirt, Eric immediately recognized it¡ªit was clearly a man¡¯s dress shirt. His keen sense for men¡¯s clothing quickly gave him the answer. Where did she find a man¡¯s dress shirt? Oblivious to his growing unease, Hadley replied nonchntly, ¡°It¡¯s just a men¡¯s shirt. It should fit you.¡± She had intentionally chosen one that was toorge. Picking up his soaked shirt, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a dryer, so I¡¯ll wash this and hang it to dry. I can return it to youter, is that okay?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Eric muttered, his attention elsewhere. He couldn¡¯t stop wondering¡ªwhy did she have men¡¯s clothing in the first ce? Hadley moved towards the balcony. ¡°Hold on.¡± . . . Chapter 283 ?Chapter 283: Without a shirt, Eric impulsively followed her out to the small balcony. She was standing by the washing machine, tossing his shirt in and removing some previously washedundry. A single look was enough for Eric¡¯s mood to darken. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Yes?¡± She turned, puzzled by the urgency in his voice. Noticing her furrowed brow, he wondered what she was thinking. Looking down, she realized¡ªhe hadn¡¯t yet put on the shirt. Was he intending to remain shirtless? Before she couldment, Eric snatched a piece ofundry from the line and thrust it towards her. ¡°What on earth are these?¡± Hadley¡¯s response was slow, tinged with confusion. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± she replied, sounding unsure. ¡°A pair of boxers, of course.¡± Eric¡¯s chucklecked any real amusement. Yes, it was obvious, and that was the problem. The presence of men¡¯s clothing here¡ªshirts, underwear¡ªit was too much! ¡°Who do these belong to?¡± His tone was chillingly calm, his gaze piercing as he stared at her intently. ¡°Tell me, whose clothes are these?¡± As his annoyance grew, he aggressively crumpled the shirt she had given him earlier and tossed it to the ground. ¡°Are you actually trying to get me to wear another man¡¯s clothes?¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Hadley¡¯s frown deepened as she stooped to retrieve the shirt. Eric¡¯s anger rose further. ¡°Hadley, leave it.¡± She met his gaze with defiance. ¡°I¡¯m picking it up!¡± Her fists tightened. ¡°I bought this myself. It¡¯s mine because I paid for it, washed it, and kept it tidy. What¡¯s the issue? Is it beneath you?¡± She carefully brushed off the shirt, straightening it out. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s delivers what you seek Eric still looked skeptical. ¡°You¡¯re the one who bought this?¡± He grabbed her wrist in an instant. ¡°What kind of bastard has you buying him clothes?¡± Their argument escted, loud enough to catch the attention of nearby residents. ¡°Hey! Cut out the noise!¡± ¡°People are trying to sleep here!¡± Hadley exhaled sharply, raising her voice. ¡°Sorry! We didn¡¯t mean to disturb you!¡± She then retreated back into her apartment. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Hadley turned sharply, her temper wearing thin. ¡°You want the police here? There¡¯s no ¡®man,¡¯ Eric. I live here by myself. Ever think I might need to have something on hand for safety?¡± The practice of single women hanging men¡¯s clothing visibly was not umon, intended to suggest the presence of a man in the home for safety reasons. Many of them used this strategy as a precaution. Could this be the truth? Eric¡¯s features softened, his usual sharpness reced by a touch of confusion. It was a rare moment where he seemedpletely at a loss. . . . Chapter 284 ?Chapter 284: So, that was the exnation. He had been wrong about her. What was he thinking? Eric should have realized the truth sooner, rather than directly leaping to usatory conclusions andshing out. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Disinterested in his realizations, Hadley pivoted sharply and exited the room. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric grabbed the shirt, which suddenly seemed far less offensive than before. He quickly donned the shirt. To his surprise, it was a perfect fit. Hadley, paying him no attention, made it clear she was done for the night. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯m going to bed.¡± Eric gave a nod, but didn¡¯t look her way. As he finished buttoning the shirt, he finally moved closer to her, his voice carrying a hint of hope. ¡°Hadley, look¡ªit fits perfectly. What a coincidence, right? My exact size.¡± Hadley remained uninterested. ¡°Are you leaving or not?¡± Observing her face, Eric could tell she was genuinely upset this time. He thought he should give her space and just leave. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± He finally agreed. Hadley led him to the door. Yet, at the doorway, Eric hesitated, not quite ready to leave. ¡°Hadley,¡± he said gently. ¡°From now on¡­ I¡¯ll be good to you.¡± For a moment, Hadley paused. She had noticed a change in his behavior recently; he was indeed different from before. Yet, so what if he was being nice now? Did his recent kindness mean she was supposed to forgive his past mistakes and just ept him? If that were the criteria, there were many others she should have weed back into her life long before Eric. Hadley shook her head. ¡°I appreciate what you did tonight, but like I¡¯ve said before¡ª¡± ¡°Listen, Hadley,¡± Eric interjected with a rare seriousness, his tone touched by self-deprecation. ¡°I admit I¡¯ve not been great to you, or to myself, to be honest.¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m fuels your imagination He had never really lived for himself. His life had been dictated by familial obligations, always putting his brother, the Flynn family, and their collective interests first. Yet, he couldn¡¯ty all this bare to Hadley. With a light chuckle, as if to shake off the weight of his confessions, he added, ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll show you.¡± Before she could argue, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Head inside. Goodnight.¡± He hesitated, then seemed to recall something trivial yet personal. ¡°One more thing¡ªyour shampoo, what¡¯s the scent?¡± Caught off guard by such an unexpected question, Hadley responded almost reflexively, ¡°White tea.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Eric said with a slight, knowing smile. ¡°Now close the door. I¡¯m heading out.¡± He vanished into the shadowy stairwell. Hadley lingered in the doorway, pondering Eric¡¯s parting words. That phrase lingered in her mind. He just said he hadn¡¯t really been good to himself either. What could he possibly mean by that? Her grandmother and N had been acquaintances for many years, yet Hadley hadn¡¯t really known Eric until she was fifteen, after she came to live with them. . . . Chapter 285 ?Chapter 285: Her early memories of him were straightforward¡ªhe constantly shadowed Ernest, adhering to his every directive. If Ernest said east, Eric wouldn¡¯t think of going west. If Ernest wished for the stars, Eric would strive to fetch him the moon as well. N had always seemed pleased with the strong bond between her grandsons. But was there actually something off with that? Hadley remained puzzled. Then something else hit her¡ªEric¡¯sment earlier about mantises. Was that a riddle? What could he possibly mean? Without missing a beat, she grabbed her phone and typed in the keyword¡ªmantis. Hadley browsed through the information but didn¡¯t see anything specific rting to what she was looking for. After a pause, she keyed in the words ¡°praying mantis,¡± ¡°bite,¡± and ¡°partner.¡± Then she saw her answer. ¡°Female praying mantises are known for their cannibalistic mating behavior, where they bite off the head or legs of their partners after mating.¡± Speechless, Hadley put her phone away. Several dayster, within the opulent walls of the Flynn Mansion, while N mended from her recent operation, Eric had taken up residence at the family mansion to keep herpany. In the stillness of the witching hour, Eric slumbered deeply, only to be roused by the shrill chime of his phone. A flicker of annoyance crossed his mind, but it vanished like mist when he glimpsed the caller ID. It was the physician overseeing Ernest¡¯s care that was calling. Sleepiness fled in an instant. ¡°Yes, hello?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn! Your brother has stirred from his long slumber!¡± g?a?l?n?o?v?e?l?s?.?c?o?m? = ????? Eric went rigid, a shiver racing through him, raising every hair in its wake. It felt like a dream woven from threads of disbelief. ¡°Repeat that, please!¡± ¡°Your elder brother is awake! His eyes have fluttered open!¡± Astonishing¡ªbeyond belief! A tidal wave of emotion crashed over Eric, shattering his usualposure. Before he could rein it in, a warm blur clouded his vision, spilling over as tears of unrestrained joy. After all these years¡­ Ernest had returned to them! No longer would his brothernguish on that sterile hospital bed, ensnared by a web of tubes and the hum of machines, trapped in an endless twilight. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± The doctor¡¯s voice echoed from the other end. ¡°When might you grace us with your presence?¡± Eric¡¯s senses snapped into focus, his voice raw and quivering with barely contained tion. ¡°This very instant! I¡¯m on my way!¡± His brother had awakened¡ªhow could he dy even a heartbeat? ¡°Very well! We¡¯ll be expecting you.¡± Tossing the phone aside, Eric dashed to dress, but as he crossed into his sprawling wardrobe, he pivoted sharply on his heel. . . . Chapter 286 ?Chapter 286: ¡°Grandma! Of course, I must tell Grandma!¡± Such a monumental asion¡ªhow could he not share it with N? Despite thete hour, the news simply couldn¡¯t wait for dawn¡¯s light. It wasn¡¯t merely a matter of her potential displeasure at being left in the dark¡ªhe simply couldn¡¯t hoard this jubtion alone! Thus, under the cloak of night, Eric and N departed the Flynn Mansion, bound for the private hospital where Ernest was. In the car, N¡¯s tears flowed unchecked, a river of pent-up relief. ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric murmured, his own eyes rimmed with red as he offered her a tissue. ¡°You mustn¡¯t weep so. I know your heart¡¯s brimming with joy, but your health demands care too.¡± ¡°Lecturing me now, are you?¡± N shot him a watery re. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m shedding these tears by choice? They¡¯ve a mind of their own! Oh¡­ my dear Ernest, awake atst! At longst!¡± N pressed a hand to her heart, her sobs rolling like thunder. ¡°I once feared he would linger in that limbo forever¡­ that I would meet my maker before he ever gazed upon the world again.¡± Eric¡¯s chest tightened, a dull pang twisting within. ¡°No, Grandma. Ernest would never abandon us so¡ªhe has proven it tonight, hasn¡¯t he?¡± That night, Linda was absent, immersed in the filming of a nocturnal scene far from the Flynn Mansion¡¯s embrace. N sighed, a heavy breathced with longing, ¡°And of all nights for Linda to be away¡­ how can she not be at Ernest¡¯s side when he opens his eyes?¡± ¡°There is no need to fret.¡± Eric soothed. ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken to her agent. The moment Linda¡¯s scene wraps, she¡¯ll hasten to the hospital.¡± ¡°That will have to suffice, I suppose.¡± Within the hushed confines of the hospital room, tranquility reigned supreme. Thete hour had dimmed the primary lights, leaving only the gentle radiance of wall sconces to bathe the space in a soft glow. Eric guided N to the bedside with tender care, their movements as delicate as a whisper. Reclining on the hospital bed, Ernest bore the same serene visage he had worn throughout his longa¡ªeyes shut, breaths even and unhurried. g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ?????????? ???????? ¡°Why¡­¡± N¡¯s voice trembled, her weathered eyes brimming with a storm of emotions as she turned to the doctor, bewilderment etched across her face. The doctor, sensing her unease, offered swift reassurance. ¡°Fear not, Mrs. Flynn. He awoke earlier¡ªnow he is merely sleeping. Try taking his hand and speaking to him.¡± ¡°Very well¡­¡± With a quivering hand, N reached out, her fingers curling gently around Ernest¡¯s. The instant her lips parted to speak, tears carved glistening trails down her timeworn cheeks. She dared not lift her voice above a murmur, her wordsced with quiet sobs. ¡°Ernest¡­ Ernest, it¡¯s Grandma. I¡¯vee to see you, my sweet boy.¡± At that, the room seemed to hold its breath. Silence reigned, stillness prevailed¡ªevery gaze locked onto Ernest, as if fearful of missing the flicker of his awakening. Atst, Ernest¡¯s eyelids trembled, and with agonizing slowness, they lifted. His eyes found N first, and then drifted to Eric standing nearby. ¡°Brother,¡± Eric said, stepping closer to ensure he filled Ernest¡¯s view. ¡°It¡¯s me, Eric. Grandma and I are here with you.¡± . . . Chapter 287 ?Chapter 287: Tears sprang to Ernest¡¯s eyes in an instant, shimmering on hisshes before spilling free from the corners. N¡¯sposure crumbled entirely. She clutched her eldest grandson¡¯s hand with fervent strength, her voice fracturing as sobs overtook her. ¡°Ernest, my darling!¡± Eric, ever mindful of his grandmother¡¯s fragile state, steadied her with a gentle touch. ¡°Grandma, you mustn¡¯t weep so. It¡¯ll only weigh on Ernest¡¯s heart even more!¡± At his words, N wrestled her sobs into submission, though the ache within her chest gnawed relentlessly. Yet something felt amiss. Ernest¡¯s response¡­ it wasn¡¯t what she had envisioned. She turned to the doctor, her eyes alight with unspoken queries. Hadn¡¯t he really awakened? If he was truly conscious, shouldn¡¯t words have tumbled from his lips by now? Since their arrival, Ernest had uttered not a sound. Reading her distress, the doctor offered a soothing exnation. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, there¡¯s no cause for rm. This is quite typical for someone emerging from such a prolonged slumber¡­¡± It was only natural for someone rousing from years in aa to need time to mend. Ernest¡¯s mind was awake, but his voice, his movement, even the simplest acts of self-reliance¡ªthey would require patient rehabilitation. He was starting anew, like a child learning the world afresh. ¡°Rest assured, though,¡± the doctor added with calm certainty, ¡°with time and therapy, he¡¯ll make strides forward.¡± N released a tremulous breath and then gave Ernest¡¯s hand a tender pat. ¡°Did you hear that, love? All will be well in time. No need to hurry, alright?¡± Though Ernest¡¯s lips remained sealed, the steady stream of tears spoke volumes¡ªhe understood her every word. N¡¯s heart twisted anew. ¡°You must be weary, poor thing. I¡¯m sorry we roused you sote. Rest now, dear one. Grandma will stay right by your side.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric chimed in, his tone warm and steadfast. ¡°I¡¯ll be here too.¡± Ernest, still voiceless, let his eyes drift shut once more, surrendering to slumber¡¯s gentle pull. Once he was peacefully asleep, Eric guided N to the outer lounge, where the doctor awaited to shed further light on Ernest¡¯s condition. Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn ¡°Speak inly,¡± N demanded, her tone resolute and imbued with a quiet power. Though she had long relinquished the helm of the Flynn dynasty, her presence stillmanded reverence. ¡°Will Ernest ever reim the life he once knew?¡± The doctor faltered for a fleeting moment before answering with measured candor. ¡°I cannot vow aplete restoration. Medicine is an art of uncertainties, and each soul dances to its own rhythm of healing¡­¡± Seeing N¡¯s face shadow with dismay, he hastened to bolster her spirits. ¡°Yet I swear to you, we¡¯ll leave no stone unturned in his care. Mrs. Flynn, we must hold fast to hope.¡± His eyes darted to Eric, a silent plea for reinforcement. A weight settled in Eric¡¯s chest, heavy as stone, yet he had no luxury to falter. With Ernest still frail, the mantle of the Flynn family¡¯s future rested squarely upon him, demanding that he stand tall. Eric took a steady breath, pushing his emotions aside before speaking. ¡°Grandma, please have some faith in Ernest. Have you forgotten how strong he is? He survived aa¡ªdo you really think a bit of rehab will slow him down?¡± His words resonated with N, stirring something deep within her. A slow nod apanied her sigh. ¡°You¡¯re right. Ernest has always been the responsible one. From the time he was little until now, he never gave me a reason to worry. He excelled at everything he did¡­¡± But as her eyes shifted toward her younger grandson, her expression darkened. ¡°Unlike you! You do nothing but give me headaches!¡± A flicker of something unreadable crossed Eric¡¯s face, disappearing just as quickly as it came. . . . Chapter 288 ?Chapter 288: ¡°Well, naturally,¡± he said, shing his usual careless grin. ¡°He¡¯s the older brother. I¡¯m the reckless younger one.¡± ¡°Pfft¡ª¡± A surprisedugh escaped N despite the tears still clinging to hershes. With a yful flick to his forehead, she chuckled. ¡°You little troublemaker. Now that your brother¡¯s awake, you¡¯re acting like a little brat again!¡± With a longing sigh, she expressed her hope for Ernest¡¯s swift recovery. ¡°It¡¯ll be easier for you too, once he¡¯s better, right?¡± Eric nodded. ¡°Yes, Grandma.¡± Throughout the night, they kept vigil in Ernest¡¯s hospital room. The next morning, N, with Eric¡¯s assistance, helped Ernest get ready for the day. Ernest¡¯s cheeks reddened from embarrassment, though he couldn¡¯t utter a word yet. N instantly understood the situation. Having raised the boys herself, she knew them well. ¡°You¡¯re shy with your grandma?¡± She chuckled. ¡°Both you boys, I¡¯ve been cleaning up after you since you were little¡ª¡± ¡°Grandma!¡± Eric interjected, his hands upied with a basin. ¡°Not me! Why drag me into this? I was the perfect child!¡± N chuckled dismissively at Eric¡¯s im. ¡°Perfect? Really now, you weren¡¯t even this tall at birth!¡± Eric responded with mock arrogance, ¡°Clearly, I was meant to be six foot two right from the start.¡± Laughing, N said without missing a beat, ¡°Please, your brother¡¯s the tall one at six-two. You¡¯re actually a little shorter.¡± Eric frowned, half-yful, half-serious. ¡°Grandma,e on!¡± Ernest observed the yful argument from his bed, a slight smile appearing on his face. N then turned her attention back to Ernest, sitting beside his bed to help him drink some water. With Ernest having just regained consciousness, his doctors had advised starting with basics like sipping water, as he still had a feeding tube. ¡°Take it slow,¡± N encouraged gently, spooning water and bringing it to his lips. Ernest attempted to swallow carefully, though a trickle of water still escaped the corner of his mouth. Eric quickly grabbed a towel and gently wiped Ernest¡¯s lips. ¡°Take it easy, brother. You¡¯re making excellent progress.¡± Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Uncover your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s Without waiting for a reply, Linda burst in, her breaths quick and shallow. ¡°Ernest.¡± She paused by his bed, catching her breath. Noticing her need for closeness, Eric discreetly moved aside to give her space. Linda arrived directly from a film set, visibly fatigued and still wearing her makeup from the previous night¡¯s shoot. Her face bore the marks of a grueling schedule. Softly, she approached Ernest¡¯s bedside and murmured his name, taking his hand gently and resting her forehead against his. Her voice shook with emotion. A rough sound emerged from Ernest as he tried to speak, but his words were muffled and unclear. Holding his hand more firmly, Linda whispered reassuringly, ¡°There¡¯s no need to hurry. Take your time. I¡¯ll be here, waiting to hear all you want to share, whenever you¡¯re ready.¡± N and Eric shared a look at the tender scene unfolding before them. Their silent exchange conveyed a mutual decision; they quietly exited to allow Linda and Ernest some privacy. . . . Chapter 289 ?Chapter 289: Eventually, Linda emerged from Ernest¡¯s room, her eyes visibly swollen from crying. Her voice,den with concern, broke the silence. ¡°What have the doctors said? Will Ernest be alright?¡± N responded gently, gripping Linda¡¯s hand in aforting gesture. ¡°The doctors urge patience, my dear. We should consider it a miracle that he¡¯s even conscious. His recovery will require time.¡± Linda¡¯s acknowledgment was heavy with emotion. Tears filled her eyes as shemitted aloud, saying, ¡°No matter how long it takes, I¡¯ll be by his side.¡± She then faced Eric, her resolve firm. ¡°I need to reduce my workload to devote more time to caring for Ernest.¡± Before Eric had a chance to reply, N was already nodding in agreement. Her heart warmed. ¡°That¡¯s very considerate of you. Don¡¯t worry, Eric will take care of everything.¡± She gave Linda¡¯s hand a gentle pat, offering reassurance. ¡°Ernest will pull through. You¡¯ve endured so much these past few years, but finally, the hard times are behind you, aren¡¯t they?¡± Tears still glistened in Linda¡¯s eyes, but her smile held warmth. ¡°Yes, Grandma.¡± That evening, Eric spent the night at the family mansion. A warm ss of milk in hand, he made his way to N¡¯s room. ¡°Thank you, dear,¡± she said as he handed it to her. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± The mood between them was unusually light that day. As N took a slow sip of her milk, a thought suddenly surfaced. ¡°Oh, by the way, have you told Hadley that Ernest is awake?¡± Eric gave a slight shake of his head. ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°You¡ª¡± A sharp re cut through the air before N abruptly set her ss down and reached for her phone. ¡°If you won¡¯t tell her, I will. Ernest adored Hadley. And when he fell into thata, she cared for him without rest. She has every right to know.¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric said with an amused chuckle, gently stopping her. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to tell her. It¡¯s just¡­ Hadley isn¡¯t in Srixby right now.¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling N¡¯s brows lifted in surprise. ¡°She¡¯s not in Srixby? Then where is she? And how do you even know? Wait¡ªdon¡¯t tell me¡­ you¡¯re still hanging onto her?¡± Eric let out a small cough, straightening his posture. ¡°Hanging on? Grandma, this is called pursuing¡ªa proper, legitimate pursuit, okay?¡± Right outside, Linda happened to be passing by. The door was slightly open, and Eric¡¯s words carried clearly through the gap. Her steps halted. Holding her breath, she leaned in slightly, listening intently¡­ Inside the room¡ª N shot Eric a tired look, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re just making trouble for yourself! When I was setting things up for you and Hadley back then, you wanted nothing to do with her! But now that she¡¯s moved on, you¡¯re the one chasing after her?¡± A sigh slipped past her lips as a thought struck her. ¡°Is this really about love, or do you just crave what you can¡¯t have? Do you enjoy the thrill of the chase?¡± ¡°Grandma!¡± Eric nearly choked, his frustration bubbling over. ¡°Why are you talking like the gossiping outsiders? How many times do I have to say it before you finally believe me? Linda is my brother¡¯s wife! Now that he¡¯s awake, you really need to stop saying such things!¡± . . . Chapter 290 ?Chapter 290: At the mention of her eldest grandson, N¡¯s expression flickered, a trace of hesitation passing through her eyes. A small nod acknowledged his words. ¡°Alright, alright. That was my mistake.¡± Yet, her attention swiftly shifted back to Hadley. ¡°Fine, then tell me¡ªif Hadley¡¯s not in Srixby, where exactly did she go?¡± Eric leaned back slightly, an unmistakable hint of satisfaction in his expression. ¡°She went to Tidebourne.¡± Confusion flickered across N¡¯s face. ¡°Tidebourne? What on earth is she doing there? She has no one outside the Flynn family. Could someone have lured her into something¡­?¡± A quiet chuckle escaped Eric. ¡°Grandma, calm down. She went with Ms. Nicolson.¡± Without waiting for more spection, he filled her in on Hadley¡¯s involvement with the Lightning Dance Studio. N listened, eyes widening as realization sank in. ¡°You actually¡­ went to this much trouble for Hadley?¡± ¡°What else was I supposed to do?¡± Eric replied, his toneced with a gentle helplessness, though the warmth simmering beneath it hinted at his quiet devotion. ¡°Dancing is her passion. If she can¡¯t twirl and sway, she is a bird with clipped wings. And if she must dance, doesn¡¯t she deserve the cream of the crop¡ªthe finest stage to shine on?¡± It was hard to argue with that logic. N let out a soft sigh, her eyes sparkling with admiration. ¡°You¡¯ve really thought this through, haven¡¯t you?¡± She squinted at Eric, a yful suspicion flickering in her gaze. ¡°So, you¡¯re truly head over heels for Hadley this time, huh?¡± ¡°Grandma,¡± Eric said, his brow furrowing in genuine bewilderment. ¡°Did you honestly think I was just ying a game?¡± N exhaled a slow, measured breath and gave a small nod. ¡°Fair enough. As long as you don¡¯t break Hadley¡¯s heart, I¡¯ll keep my nose out of it. How you sweep her off her feet is your dance to choreograph.¡± ¡°Thank you, Grandma.¡± A faint smile tugged at Eric¡¯s lips, softening his features. ¡°I¡¯m nning to wait until Hadley¡¯s back, and then whisk her off to meet my brother.¡± His eyes shadowed with a fleeting gloom before he pressed on. ¡°When Linda isn¡¯t around.¡± Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s It was no secret that those two women mixed like oil and water. ¡°Smart move,¡± N murmured, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. ¡°No matter how things unfold with Hadley, mind you keep your manners with Linda. She has weathered storms aplenty.¡± N sighed again, a wistful note threading through her words. ¡°That child she lost¡­ It has always been a pebble in Linda¡¯s shoe. The rest of them might overlook Hadley¡¯s missteps, but Linda¡ªbeing the one who had borne the brunt¡ªcouldn¡¯t quite let bygones be bygones. She swore she had moved on, but Eric could see the truth lurking in her eyes; resentment still smoldered beneath the surface.¡± ¡°I get it, Grandma,¡± Eric replied, his face shadowing briefly. His voice held steady, firm as an oak. ¡°Rest easy¡ªI¡¯ll handle it with care. Now, please, sip your milk before it turns to ice.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Beyond the door, Linda froze, her breath catching in her throat as she tiptoed away. Her face drained of color, her thoughts swirling like leaves in a tempest. . . . Chapter 291 ?Chapter 291: So that was Eric¡¯s grand scheme¡ªblocking Hadley¡¯s job prospects not out of spite, but to nudge her toward nche¡¯s dance troupe? And now he was plotting to woo her? Hadn¡¯t he once vowed to despise her forever? Wasn¡¯t it he who¡¯d sworn, with fire in his veins, that forgiveness would never cross her threshold? When had the tides turned? Where had everything gone off the rails? Two dayster, Hadley set out for home. Still a neer to the troupe, she hadn¡¯t yet been handed a spotlight role. nche had brought her along mostly to get her feet wet¡ªlearning the ropes, meeting the crew, and soaking in the rhythm of the operation. Every detail, down to the train tickets, had been neatly arranged by nche¡¯s assistant. No sooner had Hadley plopped into her seat than her phone buzzed to life. Eric¡¯s name shed across the screen. ¡°Hello?¡± she answered, her voice a curious lilt. ¡°You¡¯re on your way back?¡± Eric¡¯s tone danced with an easy familiarity, warm and teasing, like a friend who knew her better than she could admit. ¡°When do you roll in? I¡¯ll send Sebastian to pick you up and bring you to the office.¡± The office?! Hadley¡¯s brow crinkled. ¡°Why? What¡¯s brewing?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see when you get here,¡± Eric said, dangling the mystery like a carrot. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, though. It¡¯s good news, not a storm cloud.¡± ¡°I can swing by,¡± Hadley replied, her words polite, perhaps softened by gratitude for the dance gig Eric had paved the way for. ¡°But no need to trouble Sebastian¡ªI¡¯ll make my own way over.¡± Eric¡¯s tone carried a faint edge of displeasure. ¡°Why turn down a perfectly good ride?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get angry,¡± Hadley interjected swiftly, catching the storm brewing in his voice. ¡°I¡¯m with my colleagues, and your car¡ªwell, it¡¯s a bit too much of a peacock¡¯s plume. I only got in thanks to a few strings pulled. I¡¯d rather not wave a red g and draw more eyes than I already have.¡± ?????????? ???????? ???? ????????: ?????????¦Í???????????? That made sense. ¡°Alright,¡± Eric conceded, softening for her sake. ¡°If you¡¯re set on flying under the radar, I¡¯ll let you call the shots this time.¡± A low chuckle rumbled from him before he tossed out, ¡°Hadley, do I get a ¡®good boy¡¯ when I actually bend an ear to you?¡± What kind of absurd question was that? Caught off guard, Hadley¡¯s finger hit the end call button swiftly. Her seatmate¡ªa lithe fellow dancer¡ªtilted her head, curiosity glinting in her eyes. ¡°Hadley, you alright? You¡¯re pale as a winter moon.¡± ¡°Pale?¡± Hadley¡¯s hand drifted to her cheek, puzzled. ¡°Yeah,¡± the girl said, gesturing vaguely. ¡°Like a ghost just whispered in your ear.¡± Hadley¡¯s lips quirked into a faint, wry smile. Hearing those absurd words from Eric¡ªdidn¡¯t it feel eerily close to the same thing? . . . Chapter 292 ?Chapter 292: Eric let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as he stared at the silent phone. ¡°She actually hung up on me!¡± Well, fair enough. He wasn¡¯t even miffed¡ªwouldn¡¯t dream of it. Tossing the phone aside, he dove back into the sea of work awaiting him. He had to tie up every loose end before dusk¡ªhe was due to swing by his older brother¡¯s ce and carve out some time with Hadley. As he breezed past the secretarial officeter, he caught the faint hum of chatter and the sight of the staff nibbling on their afternoon delights. He strode on, only to pivot abruptly and double back, pausing at one of the cluttered desks. ¡°M-Mr. Flynn!¡± The young secretary jolted upright, swiping at her mouth in a fluster before shooting to her feet like a soldier caught cking. Eric dipped his head in a nod, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Instantly, the room turned into a gallery of wide-eyed spectators. The CEO¡ªsmiling at her? Tongues were surely itching to wag. What was afoot? Had the elusive Mr. Flynn taken a shine to this unassuming secretary? Even the secretary herself couldn¡¯t help but indulge a fleeting, fanciful thought. Her pulse quickened. Eric Flynn¡ªyoung, wealthy, and the unspoken heartthrob of half thepany. Could fortune really favor her so boldly? But then Eric spoke, and her daydream shattered like ss under a hammer. Eric gestured toward the crinkled brown bag on her desk. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°This?¡± The secretary fumbled to retrieve a small, glossy, sugar-coated treat. ¡°Oh¡ªthese are candied hawthorns, sir.¡± ¡°Are they any good?¡± ¡°Oh, absolutely! They¡¯re divine¡ªperfect bnce between sour and sweet. Great to go with both coffee and tea.¡± The secretary bobbed her head with enthusiasm. ¡°Would you like a taste?¡± Eric waved off the offer with a casual flick of his hand. ¡°No, thanks. Just tell me where you got them. Could you get a pack for me¡ªno, make it two?¡± The secretary blinked, dumbfounded. ¡°Huh?¡± Check full story at g??????¦Ï¦Í??????. ????? Was he serious? Had he swooped in just to send her on an errand? Eric arched a brow. ¡°Is that a problem?¡± ¡°N-no, not at all!¡± the secretary sputtered, snapping to attention. ¡°I¡¯ll order them right this second!¡± Sure, her romantic bubble had burst, but there was something oddly charming about the mighty CEO of Flynn Group craving such treats. ¡°Um, I¡¯m not sure they¡¯ve still got any, though¡­ Can I have your number so I can update you when I get there?¡± the secretary ventured eagerly. ¡°Right.¡± Eric nodded, casting a nce over his shoulder at his assistant. ¡°Phillips, deal with it.¡± With that, he sauntered off. Phillips barely flicked the secretary a look as he trailed his boss. ¡°Come to me with the receipt after the meeting.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Brown,¡± the secretary mumbled, deting slightly. No windfall for her today. The moment they were gone, the office erupted into a chorus of teasing. . . . Chapter 293 ?Chapter 293: ¡°Caught you daydreaming, huh? Mr. Flynn¡¯s not the type to y Romeo!¡± ¡°Get over it already¡ªyou¡¯re still his candied hawthorns errand girl!¡± ¡°Two packs, don¡¯t forget!¡± Laughter bounced off the walls, filling the air with mirth. Once the meeting wrapped up, Eric strolled back to his office, only to find Linda already perched within. ¡°Linda? To what do I owe the pleasure?¡± She¡¯d swept in mere minutes earlier, barely settled in. Eric¡¯s query was light, a breezy bit of chitchat meant to fill the air. Yet, ever since Linda had caught wind of his hushed exchange with N, a nagging thorn of doubt had taken root. Now, she couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that his wee mat wasn¡¯t exactly rolled out for her. ¡°What¡¯s this? Have I worn out my wee already?¡± Eric raised his eyebrows, startled. ¡°What¡¯s thating from?¡± Quickly concealing her annoyance with a grin, Linda responded, ¡°Just a little humor. Why are you taking it so seriously?¡± She then exined her presence. ¡°I stopped by for a meeting with East Entertainment.¡± East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, shared the building with Eric¡¯s office. Linda had scheduled today to discuss with her agent how to lighten her future workload, canceling or postponing non-urgent appointments, though she still had somemitments to honor. Getting to her feet, she said, ¡°I¡¯ve managed my schedule and just thought I¡¯d check in with you before leaving. I¡¯ve got workter.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric nodded briefly. ¡°I¡¯ll let you get on with your evening.¡± ¡°Anyway,¡± Linda interjected before he could finish. Her eyesnded on the two brown paper bags on the coffee table. She gestured toward them. ¡°Just curious¡ªwhat are those?¡± ¡°Oh, those?¡± Eric nced at the bags, recognition dawning. ¡°Those are candied hawthorns.¡± ?@?¨¦$? ???t?¦Å§ñ? ¨ª¦Ð ?al¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c?? His answer came out in and simple. Linda, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. ¡°When did you start liking this kind of snack?¡± Eric hesitated, careful not to mention they were meant for Hadley. ¡°It¡¯s just something I felt like nibbling on.¡± ¡°Really? Are they good?¡± Linda inquired as she bent over, opened a bag, and tried a piece. ¡°Not too bad,¡± shemented after tasting it. ¡°See?¡± Eric replied, a subtle twitch in his brow. Swiftly, he handed her the opened bag. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take this one with you?¡± Linda chuckled and replied, ¡°Really? Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes, they¡¯re just some treats,¡± Eric responded casually. ¡°I¡¯ve got more here.¡± After all, the bag was already open¡ªgiving it to Hadley was no longer an option. Lindaughed as she took the bag. ¡°Thanks, then. I¡¯m off.¡± . . . Chapter 294 ?Chapter 294: But her smile faded the moment she turned around. Eric buying candied hawthorns for himself? She wasn¡¯t buying it¡ªhe never even liked hawthorns. Those had to be for Hadley. Confirmation came sooner than expected. Reaching the lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator. A twinge of annoyance tightened her chest. Such a courtesy from the receptionist surely came on orders from higher up. ¡°Hadley!¡± As she was about to step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning around, her expression clouded with annoyance. There she was. Feeling her patience wane, Hadley spoke sharply. ¡°Yes, Linda? What do you need?¡± Linda greeted her with a smile. ¡°Just wanted to say hi.¡± Hadley was eager to leave. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m off then.¡± ¡°Hold on. How about some snacks?¡± Linda interjected before Hadley could excuse herself. She lifted a bag toward Hadley. ¡°Candied hawthorns, they¡¯re actually quite tasty. Care for one?¡± Hadley regarded Linda with suspicion. It was unusual for Linda to offer her anything nice. Could there be something wrong with it? Regardless of the potential risks, Hadley decided against epting anything. ¡°No, thank you.¡± With a sigh, Linda withdrew the bag. ¡°Pity, they¡¯re really quite good.¡± Hadley was puzzled by the gesture. As she tried to make sense of Linda¡¯s actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking in a hushed tone. ¡°Hadley, can we talk alone for a moment?¡± Linda¡¯s voice carried a hint of urgency. Hadley was puzzled by her secretive demeanor. ¡°Alright.¡± With a subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away to afford them some privacy. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m listening.¡± ?????? ???????????????? ????????: ga l no v els .co m Linda maintained herposure, her smile polite yet insincere. ¡°You¡¯re unaware, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hadley¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°Unaware of what?¡± Linda¡¯s vague hints were getting on her nerves. ¡°Can you just spit it out? Or do you have trouble speaking your mind?¡± ¡°You¡ª!¡± Linda¡¯s facade cracked slightly, her tone sharpening. ¡°You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at nche¡¯s dance studio, right? You think he¡¯s really changed his attitude toward you?¡± Hadley remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke. ¡°What are you getting at?¡± Linda¡¯s expression twisted into a smirk. ¡°Consider this¡ªEric couldn¡¯t stand you before. Now, why would he be so kind all of a sudden?¡± Stunned by the implication, Hadley didn¡¯t utter another word. This question had been troubling her deeply. Could Linda possibly have the answer that she was desperately seeking? ¡°Yes, I¡¯m aware,¡± Linda said, her voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. ¡°Pay attention¡ªthis is happening because¡­ Ernest has regained consciousness.¡± . . . Chapter 295 ?Chapter 295: What? Stunned, Hadley tensed up, grappling with the reality of Linda¡¯s words. ¡°Ernest is really awake?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Linda¡¯s voice shook a bit, her eyes glistening with tears. ¡°He¡¯s awake.¡± That was incredible news! Overwhelmed, Hadley balled her fists, emotions flooding through her. Tears welled up in her eyes; Ernest had always looked out for her, much like an elder brother would¡­ ¡°Still haven¡¯t pieced it together?¡± Linda regained herposure, her eyes narrowing. ¡°Consider this¡ªEric has ignored you for so long. Why the sudden change? Why is he now so intent on securing your future? What do you think his motives are?¡± Yes¡­ why? The realization then hit Hadley like a tidal wave, stopping her breath. Her eyes locked onto Linda¡¯s, the truth finally sinking in. Linda¡¯s smirk widened, as if she¡¯d read Hadley¡¯s mind. ¡°Consider the past¡ªwhy did N insist on that marriage? And why did heply? It¡¯s happening again. He has his reasons for suddenly being so nice.¡± The past provided the clues. Hadley now saw the whole picture. N had orchestrated the marriage to prevent Eric from being a rival to Ernest for Linda¡¯s affection. Eric had eventuallyplied to cut ties with his own emotions and marry Hadley. And now, with Ernest awake, was history repeating itself? Was he using her once more? ¡°Do you understand now?¡± Linda¡¯s eyes sparkled with smug satisfaction. ¡°I actually feel sorry for you¡­ which is why I¡¯m telling you this.¡± Did Linda really just say she felt sorry for Hadley? Hadley¡¯s response was a quiet chuckle, her voiceced with disbelief. Did Linda really think Hadley couldn¡¯t see through her little scheme? It was a clear attempt to stir trouble between her and Eric. Too bad for Linda¡ªHadley¡¯d have to actually care about Eric for it to work. Discover new books g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°I may not care for you, but I appreciate the information,¡± Hadley said, gesturing toward the elevator. ¡°Are we done here? Can I leave now?¡± Turning her back, she signaled the receptionist who had been waiting at a distance. ¡°Please, take me up now.¡± ¡°Right away!¡± the receptionist responded eagerly. Linda was taken aback. How could Hadley remain soposed? Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be upset? She observed as Hadley and the receptionist entered the elevator. As the doors closed, Linda was left in disbelief. ¡°No way¡­¡± She shook her head, muttering under her breath, ¡°How is she not upset?¡± There was no way¡ªit had to be an act! The elevator ascended to the top floor, where the receptionist escorted Hadley out before promptly departing. Hadley continued on alone towards the CEO¡¯s office. Upon entering, she found Eric engrossed in his work. ¡°There you are.¡± Eric nced up briefly. ¡°Just a moment. I¡¯m nearly done. Please, take a seat.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± . . . Chapter 296 ?Chapter 296: Settling onto the sofa, Hadley¡¯s eyes inadvertently fell on a brown paper bag resting on the coffee table. It looked strikingly simr to one she¡¯d seen earlier with Linda. Could this be the same? ¡°Do you recognize the scent?¡± Eric, havingpleted his tasks, approached and gestured toward the bag. ¡°Feel free to open it.¡± With a slight frown, Hadley hesitated, making no move toward the bag. Eric anticipated her reaction. ¡°Worried I might be trying something? Don¡¯t be. It¡¯s a treat you¡¯ll enjoy.¡± When he opened the paper bag for her, the sweet, tangy scent of candied hawthorns wafted through the room. Sure enough, it was the same treat Linda had shown earlier. ¡°Don¡¯t just look,¡± Eric said, offering her the bag. ¡°Have one. They used to be a favorite of yours.¡± Hadley¡¯s expression shifted as she tried to recall. Had she really enjoyed candied hawthorns in his presence before? Reading her hesitation, Eric continued, ¡°You¡¯ve always had a thing for sweet and sour treats, right? These are just the right mix. I thought of you when I saw them, so I got them just for you.¡± For her? Really? Silence fell over Hadley as she processed his words. Deep inside, she suspected these weren¡¯t really for her. She had seen Linda with the very same treats just earlier. Without that encounter, maybe she would have believed Eric¡¯s words that these were for her. After all, she knew Eric himself had never cared for sweet-and-sour snacks. So, those were for Linda. He really went out of his way for her, didn¡¯t he? Even with something as small as a snack, he made sure she had it. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Eric asked after a while, noticing she hadn¡¯t taken any. ¡°I¡¯ll try themter,¡± Hadley replied, taking the bag from him and cing it on the table. She felt a slight tremor in her fingers. ¡°You seemed urgent on the phone¡ªwhat¡¯s up?¡± ?????????? ?????????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°Oh, right,¡± Eric said, smacking his forehead as if just recalling the reason. ¡°That¡¯s why I brought you here.¡± He stood and motioned for her to follow. ¡°Let¡¯s go; I have something to show you.¡± He picked up his suit jacket and grabbed his car keys. ¡°I¡¯ll exin on the way. Also¡ª¡± With a nod toward the bag on the table, he added, ¡°Take those with you. You can eat them in the car.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Descending in the private elevator to the underground parking, they made their way to Eric¡¯s car. He ignited the engine and navigated onto the street. ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric said, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror with a measured look. ¡°We¡¯re headed to the hospital. My brother¡ªhe¡¯s woken up. I want you to see him.¡± Hadley¡¯s expression shifted to one of surprise¡ªa partial performance, as the shock wasn¡¯t entirely feigned. Despite already knowing, the reality hit hard, and tears welled up in her eyes again. ¡°Ernest is awake?¡± she asked, voice trembling. ¡°Yes,¡± Eric confirmed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. ¡°He woke up a few days ago. I didn¡¯t inform you immediately since you were out of town,¡± he exined. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Hadley murmured, her hands clenched in herp, moisture forming on her palms. . . . Chapter 297 ?Chapter 297: A genuine smile crossed her face. Ernest had always been like an actual brother to her, his presenceforting and constant. Now, after such a lengthya, he was awake again. At longst, it seemed fate was granting them a reprieve. ¡°That¡¯s truly incredible.¡± Her fingers quivered subtly. Eric caught the motion and his tone became gentler. ¡°There¡¯s no need for nerves¡­ Ernest isn¡¯t aware of the baby yet. We¡¯ve decided not to tell him for now.¡± The family had concerns that the news might overwhelm Ernest too soon after his recovery. Besides, Ernest was unaware of Linda¡¯s pregnancy when he had the ident and went into aa. For now, they chose to keep everything from him. When he grew stronger¡ªwhen the moment felt right¡ªthey would finally tell him the truth. Hadley understood the rationale behind the secrecy all too well. Yet, Eric seemed concerned. Was he worried she¡¯d fear Ernest finding out? Absolutely not. Hadley had long suspected that the circumstances surrounding Linda¡¯s ident years ago were shrouded in unspoken realities. She also believed Ernest was central to uncovering those truths. Now that he was conscious again, would the full story finally emerge? The prospect intensified the shaking of Hadley¡¯s hands. Ernest stood apart from Eric in disposition, possessing a levelheadedness and fairness unmatched within the Flynn family. He was undoubtedly the one most capable of unraveling the truth. Unaware of the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind, Eric noticed her shaking. His expression grew concerned. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. Even if Ernest learns the truth, the hardships you¡¯ve faced have alreadypensated for much.¡± G3t th3 r34l st0r£¤ @ g4ln0v3ls.c0m He was referring to her forced time away abroad. A bitter chuckle escaped Hadley silently; her eyes held a steely resolve. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not scared.¡± Fear was no longer a part of her. Those four years had transformed her from a helpless girl into someone forged with resilience. Still, without concrete evidence, she remained unjustlybeled. Finally, fate seemed to correct its course¡ªErnest had awakened! This was her chance to reverse the wrongs she had been dealt. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± As the car halted outside the hospital, Eric got out and moved to open her door. . . . Chapter 298 ?Chapter 298: However, Hadley didn¡¯t wait for him and stepped out by herself. She moved swiftly, her eyes locking on Eric. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± Eric responded after a slight hesitation, perplexed by her apparent eagerness, which contrasted sharply with herck of fear. In the hospital room, they stood together beside the bed. ¡°Ernest, look who¡¯s here,¡± Eric said, stepping aside to give Hadley space. Approaching the bed, Hadley found her emotions overwhelming her before she could even speak. Tears streamed down her face. ¡°Ernest¡­¡± Her voice broke,den with emotion. Ernest¡¯s response was nonverbal¡ªa faint smile that acknowledged her presence, his lips curving ever so slightly. His fingers twitched at his side, a subtle hint of his attempt to move. ¡°Ernest?¡± Eric asked, puzzled. ¡°Do you need something?¡± Hadley quickly interjected, her voice choked with tears. ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t¡­¡± She took a deep, shaky breath, and then suddenly knelt beside the bed. ¡°Ernest, I know you can¡¯t move much now, so let me help.¡± Ernest blinked slowly, his eyes seeming to affirm her gesture. Carefully, Hadley lifted his hand, cing it gently on her head. ¡°Like this, right?¡± she murmured softly. Ernest blinked again, tears now glossing his eyes. Back then, to Ernest, Hadley had always seemed like the little sister he never had. Every time she approached him with that sweet smile of hers, Ernest would gently pat her head with a warm smile of his own, saying, ¡°Be a good girl and focus on your studies, and remember, you can alwayse to me if you need anything.¡± Now, overwhelmed by these memories, Hadley couldn¡¯t hold back her tears and sobbed deeply. Remaining beside his bed, she whispered, ¡°You¡¯ll get better, Ernest¡­ You have to recover.¡± L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m She believed firmly that he would return to being his kind and gentle old self, the bright and dignified eldest son of the Flynn family. Eric stood there, a wave of mncholy sweeping over him as he watched Hadley with his brother. He realized only now how deep their bond was. He could faintly recall Ernest¡¯s consistent kindness toward Hadley; his brother was a good man, kind-hearted by nature, which exined Hadley¡¯s profound respect for him. Reflecting on it now, the loss they had endured¡ªHadley must have been heartbroken, despite her known differences with Linda. Back then, Eric was too wrapped up in his own guilt toward his brother for not being able to protect his child to see the situation from Hadley¡¯s viewpoint. What was done was done. Dwelling on those days served no purpose now. Leaving the hospital room, Eric noticed Hadley¡¯s tear-stained face. ¡°Stay here for a second,¡± he instructed gently. ¡°I¡¯m going to grab an ice pack for those eyes.¡± Her eyes, red and swollen, looked painfully irritated, almost as if she would struggle to keep them open without some relief. . . . Chapter 299 ?Chapter 299: ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley gave a distracted nod. However, as soon as Eric turned his back, Hadley¡¯s resolve hardened. She couldn¡¯t stay here a moment longer. Without a second thought, she dashed toward the hospital exit, driven by an urgent need to escape. She knew now¡ªLinda had spoken the truth. Ernest was conscious again. Eric, who had always held his brother in high esteem, was likely torn by his loyalty. With Ernest awake, Eric could no longer remain by Linda¡¯s side without raising suspicions. He probably saw Hadley as a convenient buffer against any potential misinterpretations by his brother. This realization exined Eric¡¯s sudden kindness toward her. A cold shudder passed through Hadley as she grasped this reality. All of Eric¡¯s recent attentions, his pursuit of her¡ªit was all a facade, not truly meant for her. The weight of those long, loveless days in their marriage pressed down on her once more, suffocating her like a relentless wave. She vowed never to return to such depths. At that moment, Eric came back, ice pack in hand, only to discover her absence. He stopped a nurse and asked, ¡°Did you see the girl I came with?¡± A nurse responded, ¡°The youngdy that was with you? She just rushed out.¡± Eric didn¡¯t even wait for her to finish; he dashed off, his long legs carrying him swiftly. ¡°Hadley!¡± Hearing her name called out, Hadley felt her heart skip a beat. She turned around and saw Eric approaching fast, his expression one of concern. A surge of panic washed over her. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric eximed as he gripped her wrist and pulled, causing her to stagger and nearly fall into him. Hadley¡¯s reaction was one of sheer panic; her body trembled violently, and a cry of rm escaped her lips. Eric, taken aback by her intense response, momentarily froze, wondering if this was a sign of another distressing ¡°episode¡± she was experiencing. ??????? ???????? ??h??¦Ñt?rs ???? g??l??ov?ls.??0?? It had been some time since Hadley had shown such a severe reaction. What was causing this now? ¡°Release me now!¡± Hadley demanded, her voiceced with panic. ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Eric quickly let go of her hand, showing his palms in a gesture of peace. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve let go. There¡¯s no need to be frightened.¡± Breathing heavily, Hadley fixed him with a wary stare. ¡°Move away from me!¡± ¡°Understood, I¡¯m moving back.¡± Ericplied, his voice calm, retreating slowly to give her space. Hadley remained tense, clearly on guard. Eric, recognizing her difort, continued to back away, ensuring not to provoke further distress. The elevator dinged just in time. Hadley whirled around, darted into it, and furiously tapped the button to close the doors. ¡°Please, please,¡± she muttered urgently to herself. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice echoed in the hall. He was just a few steps toote as the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he hit the elevator doors with the palm of his hand, eximing, ¡°Damn it!¡± . . . Chapter 300 ?Chapter 300: When the elevator reached the ground floor, Hadley burst out, still shaking. She raced forward, driven by the need to escape, not daring to pause for even a moment, fearing Eric might be right behind her. In her rush, she wasn¡¯t looking where she was going. Then, she collided with someone. Before she could steady herself, she murmured frantically, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I¡¯m so sorry¡ª¡± Looking up, she recognized the person she had run into. His expression was one of surprise and concern. ¡°Hadley?¡± His voice instantly brought a rush of different emotions. Hadley¡¯s eyes widened as she finally registered the familiar face before her. ¡°Denver, is that you?¡± Denver nodded, his brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. What¡¯s going on? You look terrified.¡± He could see her shaking, the color drained from her face, her lips pale. The fear was evident in her eyes¡ªshe was more than just scared. ¡°Are you being chased?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, her body swaying as she fought to maintain herposure. Her efforts to remainposed were futile; anxiety clutched her chest tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. Denver¡¯s expression softened significantly, his tone gentle. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to safety. You can trust me, can¡¯t you?¡± Hadley hesitated before nodding, her body trembling. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move,¡± Denver said, guiding her away with a reassuring touch. They had just reached safety when¡ª L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o?? ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice echoed from the elevator bank, filled with concern as he looked around desperately. ¡°Hadley? Where are you? Can you hear me?¡± Hidden in the nearby storage room, Hadley cowered against the wall, her body trembling at the sound of Eric¡¯s voice. Her face grew even paler, and her breaths came in short, sharp gasps. Denver observed her reaction, his mind racing with questions he dared not ask, worried it might worsen her state. After a moment, Eric failed to spot her and dashed out of the lobby. Denver held back, watching over Hadley patiently. As her panic slowly eased, though she remained deeply shaken, Denver finally said softly, ¡°I¡¯m going to check outside. Just stay here, okay?¡± Hadley managed a weak nod. ¡°Okay¡­ Thank you.¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t need to thank me,¡± Denver said with a soft smile before exiting the storage area quietly. Just outside, he watched as Eric¡¯s car drove away from the hospital. He breathed a sigh of relief as it disappeared into the distance. . . . Chapter 301 ?Chapter 301: He then returned to where he had left Hadley. Finding her still in the same rigid stance, Denver said with gentle assurance, ¡°He¡¯s gone now. You can rx; there¡¯s no need to be afraid anymore.¡± After a moment¡¯s pause, Hadley stepped out from her frozen spot, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, trying to calm her nerves. With a slight, embarrassed smile, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for all the trouble.¡± ¡°Oh, it was no trouble at all,¡± Denver replied, waving off her apology. ¡°Helping out is what friends are for, right? How are you feeling now? Can I drive you home?¡± Given the difficulty of hailing a taxi in the area and considering her unsettled state, he felt uneasy about leaving her alone. Denver caught Hadley¡¯s hesitation and frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about saying no. Friends help each other¡ªthat¡¯s just how it works, right?¡± ¡°Sure thing,¡± Hadley acknowledged, offering a thankful nod. ¡°Off we go,¡± replied Denver warmly, gesturing towards the car. Settled inside, Denver inquired about their destination. ¡°Need directions?¡± ¡°Head to West Twelfth Alley,¡± she instructed. ¡°Right,¡± replied Denver, his interest piqued further by their destination but respectfully restrained. Reclining, Hadley closed her eyes, gradually soothing her nerves and restoring her peace. The car came to a gentle halt on Mayfield Road. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve arrived. Cars can¡¯t go through up ahead.¡± Opening her eyes, Hadley seemed revitalized, her usualposure restored. ¡°I appreciate it,¡± she said quietly, stretching to retrieve her bag from the backseat. ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± ??????????? ??????????????? ?????????¦Í????????????? Hadley paused at the sound of Denver¡¯s voice. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hadley frowned in confusion. ¡°Did something happen?¡± Denver hesitated, his gaze fixed on her. After a brief pause, he finally spoke up. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to pry, but why are you so afraid of Eric?¡± His throat tightened as he forced out his next words. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two back together?¡± ¡°Back¡­ together?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Why would you think that?¡± Denver stayed silent for a moment before answering honestly. ¡°That¡¯s what Eric told me.¡± Before she could respond, he let out an uneasy chuckle. ¡°Did you two have a fight? Arguments between couples are¡­¡± She cut him off abruptly, pressing her lips into a thin line. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. ¡°It¡¯s not a fight. We aren¡¯t back together because we were never together in the first ce!¡± Denver was caught off guard. What was going on? ¡°You¡¯re not back together?¡± His brows furrowed. ¡°Then¡­ why would Eric say that?¡± . . . Chapter 302 ?Chapter 302: It was clear that Eric¡¯s hostility toward him wasn¡¯t an act. He genuinely saw Denver as a threat. As Denver watched Hadley¡¯s reaction, things started falling into ce. ¡°Does this mean Eric¡¯s making decisions on his own, and you don¡¯t feel the same way?¡± Hadley wasn¡¯t expecting Denver to be this perceptive. She stayed quiet, but the look on her face told him everything. ¡°I was right, wasn¡¯t I?¡± Frustration surged through him. He mmed his hand against the steering wheel. ¡°Eric has crossed the line!¡± Feelings should go both ways. No one had the right to force another person. ¡°But¡­¡± Denver struggled to understand. ¡°Why are you running away? Can¡¯t you just talk to him?¡± ¡°Talk to him?¡± Hadley let out a hollowugh, the weight of her past pressing against her chest. ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Denver froze. ¡°Wait. Are you saying that you and Eric were¡­¡± Hadley shut her eyes and gave a slow nod. Her marriage to Eric had been nothing more than a carefully crafted scheme by the Flynn family. At twenty, she had been too naive to see it. Now, four yearster, the truth felt like an old wound that never healed. Did she resent them? How could she not? The forced vows. The humiliation in front of everyone. And yet, despite it all, the Flynns had been kinder to her than her own blood. Hadley was a woman abandoned by her own father. After losing her grandmother, Hadley had pleaded with him to take her in. Cont3nt hozt3d at g??l??ovels.??o?? She had only been fifteen. All she wanted was someone to call family. But he had turned his back on her without a second thought. In the end, N had reached out to Hadley and brought her into the Flynn household. She gave her food, a ce to stay, and sent her to school. Most importantly, she supported Hadley in continuing her dance. Without the Flynn family, how would a fifteen-year-old orphan have survived? Hadley would always be grateful for their kindness. That was why, even when they hurt her, she had no choice but to endure it. Thinking back on everything, she let out a soft, hollowugh. Tears shimmered in her eyes. ¡°Ernest is awake. I¡­ I¡­¡± The words caught in her throat. ¡°I understand.¡± Denver¡¯s voice was gentle. ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin. I already know.¡± There was nothing left to question. Earlier that day, he had gone to the hospital to see Ernest, who had just regained consciousness. That was when he found Hadley, running away in distress. The Flynn family¡­ Even someone as patient as Denver couldn¡¯t stay calm. ¡°They¡¯re using past kindness as a way to demand something from you, without even considering what you want?¡± . . . Chapter 303 ?Chapter 303: Hurting her once hadn¡¯t been enough. They now had to do it again? No wonder Eric, who had been so determined to divorce Hadley for years, suddenly changed his mind. Hadley stiffened. She stared at Denver, her expression dazed. Hadley realized that, except for Colleen, Denver had been the only person who seemed to care what she wanted. A soft haze blurred her vision, and she pressed her lips together. ¡°Thank you.¡± She and Denver had only crossed paths a few times, but the fact that he was willing to stand up for her meant more than she could express. Denver gave a small shake of his head. ¡°Why are you thanking me?¡± He let out a quiet breath. ¡°I haven¡¯t really done anything for you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t downy it.¡± Hadley offered him a faint smile. ¡°I don¡¯t have any friends in Srixby. Just having someone to listen and stand up for me means more than you think.¡± She grabbed her bag, stepped out of the car, and said, ¡°Thanks for the ride. I¡¯ll head in now.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Denver got out as well, watching as she walked away. Then, without thinking, he took off after her. ¡°Hadley!¡± Hearing her name, she stopped and turned to face him. ¡°What is it? Do you need something?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± His voice carried a sense of urgency. ¡°Do you have a n to deal with Eric? From what I know, he¡¯s not the type to back down easily.¡± That much was true. Hadley¡¯s expression darkened. N had once told her that once Eric set his sights on something, nothing could stand in his way. Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s But what could she do? She let out a quiet breath and shook her head. ¡°As long as I keep refusing, there¡¯s nothing he can do.¡± Denver swallowed and met her gaze. His voice dropped slightly. ¡°I might have an idea.¡± Hadley blinked in surprise. ¡°What kind of idea?¡± Curiosity flickered in her clear eyes. The way she looked at him made his pulse quicken. He took a steadying breath before speaking. ¡°Let¡¯s be together.¡± Hadley froze, staring at him in shock. How could that possibly solve anything? She couldn¡¯t drag Denver into this mess just to escape Eric. ¡°You¡­¡± Before Hadley could argue, Denver quickly cut in. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t get upset. You¡¯re misunderstanding me. I¡¯m not trying to take advantage of you. It would just be for show. If Eric thinks you¡¯re already in a rtionship, he might finally leave you alone. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t respond right away. It sounded like a logical n. . . . Chapter 304 ?Chapter 304: She recalled what N had once told her: if Hadley herself wasn¡¯t ready, no one would force her. N truly wanted her to find someone she cared about. If she and Denver pretended to be together, and N backed them up, Eric wouldn¡¯t have a way to interfere. The thought passed through her mind for only a second before she pushed it away. ¡°No, I can¡¯t.¡± Hadley shook her head, her voice firm. What was she thinking? She knew Denver had feelings for her. How could she even consider using him like that? Using him to get rid of Eric was no different from ying with Denver¡¯s genuine feelings, and that was something she couldn¡¯t do. ¡°Why not?¡± Denver¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You won¡¯t even consider it? Not even if it¡¯s just an act?¡± ¡°Denver¡­¡± Hadley hesitated, searching for the right words. ¡°We haven¡¯t known each other long, but I already think of you as a friend.¡± It was the same feeling she had when she first met Colleen in the. She knew Denver was a good person. And for that very reason, she couldn¡¯t take advantage of him. ¡°You¡¯re someone with a kind heart¡­¡± ¡°So that¡¯s it? The ¡®good guy¡¯ speech?¡± Denver let out a wry smile. Hadley shook her head, her gaze steady. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. You¡¯re genuinely a good person. If the situation permits, I¡¯d be overjoyed to have you as my best friend¡ªbut nothing more. Look, I¡¯m just an ordinary person, and your life is only just unfolding. One day, you¡¯ll meet someone incredible, the kind of woman who¡¯s meant to be in your story.¡± Hadley looked dead serious. Denver forced a wry smile. It was obvious that Hadley had already figured him out. She had no ns of giving him any hope. ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????©o????? Still, he tried to reason with her. ¡°Don¡¯t take it so seriously. I already told you. It¡¯s all pretend. Nothing real.¡± Since he was so adamant about that charade, Hadley decided not to argue. She simply shook her head and said firmly, ¡°I don¡¯t want to drag you into my mess. My problems with Eric have nothing to do with you. I can handle them on my own.¡± Hadley gave him a small wave. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should go. I¡¯m heading back in.¡± Without another word, she turned and jogged into the alley. Denver let out a heavy sigh. Under his breath, he muttered, ¡°But do you even know you¡¯re already the most incredible woman in the world to me?¡± Half an hourter, Hadley stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying her hair. Her phone buzzed nonstop on the table. She rushed over and picked it up. Denver¡¯s name shed on the screen. Hadley furrowed her brows as she swiped to answer. ¡°Hello? What¡¯s going on?¡± . . . Chapter 305 ?Chapter 305: ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver¡¯s urgent voice immediately came through the phone. ¡°I¡¯m at the entrance to the alley. I have no idea which building is yours, so get down here now!¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Stop asking questions and just hurry!¡± The call ended before she could respond. Hadley stared at her phone, frowning. Hadn¡¯t Denver already left? Why was he suddenly calling her back? And why did he need her toe outside? Was there something he couldn¡¯t say over the phone? She yanked the towel from her head, quickly ran it through her damp hair, got dressed, and then grabbed her phone and keys. After locking the door behind her, she rushed downstairs. As soon as she reached the alley, she scanned the area. But Denver was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Where did he go?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± someone called out to her. The voice made her freeze. She turned sharply, only to see Eric standing there. Her stomach dropped. He had followed her here! Without thinking, she spun on her heel and bolted. But this time, she had no chance to escape. Eric¡¯s long stride cut her off, blocking her way. Remembering how startled she had been at the hospital, Eric stood in front of her but kept his hands to himself. To ease her nerves, he raised them slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not touching you. Why are you running?¡± He was genuinely confused. When they had visited Ernest earlier, she had seemedpletely fine. ¡°Can you at least tell me why?¡± Hadley¡¯s throat felt dry. She ran her tongue over her lips before saying, ¡°No real reason. I¡¯m just exhausted and wanted to get home to rest.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Eric frowned. ¡°If that was all, why not just say so earlier?¡± He wasn¡¯t exactly bending over backward for her, but he had been making an efforttely. ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.??? ¡°That¡¯s it¡­¡± Hadley nodded, though she looked like she might faint. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened. He reached toward her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well? You look really pale.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was sharp as she took two quick steps back. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened, confusion flickering in his eyes. ¡°What exactly¡­¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver¡¯s voice cut through the tension, filling her with relief. ¡°Denver!¡± Without hesitation, she waved in his direction. ¡°I¡¯m over here!¡± ¡°I know.¡± . . . Chapter 306 ?Chapter 306: With a grin, Denver strode toward her and came to stand by her side. As if he had only just noticed Eric, he nced over and said casually, ¡°Oh, Eric, I didn¡¯t realize that was you from your back.¡± Eric let out a quiet snort. Internally, Eric scoffed at Denver¡¯s little act, wondering what kind of game he was trying to y now. Eric lifted a hand slightly, motioning for Denver to move. ¡°Step aside. I need to talk to Hadley.¡± Immediately, Denver felt Hadley stiffen next to him. ¡°Eric.¡± His tone was firm as he met Eric¡¯s gaze. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that. Whatever you need to say to Hadley, you can say it right here.¡± Denver turned to Hadley. ¡°Hadley is my girlfriend. There¡¯s nothing she has to hide from me.¡± Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. Her first instinct was to correct him. But before she could speak, Denver gave a subtle shake of his head. That was all it took for her to understand. If she denied it, Eric wouldn¡¯t back down. Even so, the thought of going along with Denver¡¯s words felt wrong. It wasn¡¯t fair to him. She clenched her fists, torn between choices. Eric let out a quiet chuckle. His gaze flickered between Hadley and Denver, a trace of mockery in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re calling her your girlfriend? Funny. Too bad Hadley doesn¡¯t seem to agree.¡± Irritated by how close they stood, he reached for Hadley, determined to pull her away. Keep reading at .c¡ðm ¡°Hadley,e here.¡± ¡°I am!¡± The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them. She took a step back, lifting her chin defiantly. ¡°I¡¯m Denver¡¯s girlfriend!¡± Silence settled over them. The air felt heavier, colder. Eric¡¯s lips curved slightly, but his eyes remained icy. ¡°What did you just say?¡± His voice was calm, but there was something unsettling about it. ¡°Don¡¯t say things you don¡¯t mean.¡± Hadley held his stare without looking away. ¡°I¡¯m not making things up. It¡¯s the truth.¡± Denver caught her eye and gave her a reassuring look. There was no going back now. Hadley took a steady breath and intertwined her fingers tightly with Denver¡¯s. But that didn¡¯t feel like enough. Lifting their joined hands, she made sure Eric saw them. Her gaze stayed firm, unwavering. ¡°Do you see now?¡± . . . Chapter 307 ?Chapter 307: Denver yed along without hesitation, tightening his grip. ¡°Eric, Hadley and I are in love. We just want you to ept that and move on.¡± Eric stood frozen. The sight of their sped hands sent a sharp pain straight through his chest. She had pushed him away, yet she held onto Denver like it was the most natural thing in the world. He shut his eyes for a brief moment. The ache inside him was unbearable. How was this happening? Why did it hurt so much? When he looked at her again, his expression was unreadable. His stare carried a strange mix of emotions, making it impossible to tell whether he was angry or not. How had she done this? Eric struggled to believe that while he had been chasing her, she had somehow ended up with Denver. ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric swallowed his rage, but his voice shook with barely restrained fury. ¡°Come here to me, and I¡¯ll pretend none of this ever happened.¡± He stretched out a hand, waiting for her to take it. Hadley¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°Eric!¡± Before she could react, Denver stepped in, cutting off Eric¡¯s path. He ced himself between them, standing firm against the storm brewing in Eric¡¯s eyes. ¡°Leave Hadley alone.¡± ¡°Move!¡± Eric finally snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t think that being Marshall¡¯s cousin means I won¡¯t put you in your ce!¡± His hands shot forward, grabbing Denver by the cor. But Denver held his ground, meeting Eric¡¯s re without a trace of fear. ¡°Eric, I respect you, but that doesn¡¯t give you the right to push my girlfriend around.¡± Find your favorite stories at They stood face-to-face, the tension between them crackling like the calm before a storm. The atmosphere crackled with tension, thick and vtile. Hadley¡¯s nerves were on edge, sensing an imminent explosion. ¡°Looking for trouble, are you?¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the air. Without hesitation, he delivered a fierce punch that sent Denver tumbling to the ground. ¡°Denver!¡± Hadley¡¯s shout was a mix of anger and concern. Focused entirely on their confrontation, Eric and Denver paid no heed to her cries. Denver quickly recovered, retaliating with a strong punch aimed at Eric. The impact made a resounding thud. In the chaos, Hadley couldn¡¯t tell where Denver¡¯s punch hadnded, nor did she care, to be honest. The fight escted quickly, with both men exchanging a flurry of punches and kicks. Hadley¡¯s eyes stayed locked on Denver, fear gripping her at the thought of him getting seriously hurt. She didn¡¯t know the first thing about fighting, but it was clear he was starting to struggle. . . . Chapter 308 ?Chapter 308: After a fierce struggle, a low grunt escaped Denver as he was forcefully pinned to the ground by Eric. ¡°Trying to steal her from me?¡± A wild, almost untamed glint flickered in Eric¡¯s eyes¡ªsomething Hadley had never seen in him before. ¡°You¡¯re begging for trouble!¡± To Hadley, Eric was unrecognizable, transformed into someone horrible. As Eric drew back his fist once more, fear gripped Hadley; she was terrified he might kill Denver. ¡°Stop!¡± Driven by fear, Hadley sprang forward, shielding Denver with her own body. Eric¡¯s fist froze, quivering as he battled the impulse to strike. ¡°Move away from him!¡± His voice was harsh, teeth clenched in anger. ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Hadley pivoted to confront Eric, her eyes aze with defiance. ¡°You want to hit someone? Then hit me! I¡¯m the one rejecting you! I¡¯m the one who loves Denver! Go ahead, kill me if that¡¯s what you want!¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Did she really love Denver enough to put her life on the line for him? Eric¡¯s heart squeezed painfully. Never had Hadley shown such fervor, not even during the days she seemed inseparable from him. ¡°And me? What about me?¡± Eric couldn¡¯t ept her words. ¡°After all we¡¯ve been through¡­ you¡¯ve never thought of me?¡± Hadley¡¯s resolve was firm. ¡°Not once.¡± Eric stood there, dumbfounded. ?????????? ???? ??????????????: ????????????????????????? Turning her attention away from Eric, Hadley knelt beside Denver. ¡°Are you alright, Denver?¡± ¡°I¡¯m alright, just a bit sore¡­¡± Denver tried to shrug it off but grimaced from the pain. ¡°You call this alright?¡± Hadley noticed the blood trickling from Denver¡¯s split lip and the swelling on his jaw, her concern deepening for the injuries hidden from view. ¡°Let¡¯s get you on your feet.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± With Hadley¡¯s assistance, Denver managed to rise to his feet, albeit shakily. Suddenly, he gripped his abdomen. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Concern washed over Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°Did he hit you in the stomach?¡± Denver dismissed it with a shake of his head, recalling the blow but not believing it to be critical. ¡°It¡¯s not too bad¡­¡± ¡°How can you be sure?¡± Tears were close to spilling from Hadley¡¯s eyes as she felt responsible for Denver¡¯s pain. She whispered, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± . . . Chapter 309 ?Chapter 309: ¡°Hadley¡­¡± She firmed her grip on Denver¡¯s arm. ¡°We need to get you checked out.¡± Denver tried to reassure her. ¡°I¡¯ll be alright.¡± But Hadley wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°No, you won¡¯t be.¡± They attempted to move past, but Eric was in their way, his presence daunting. ¡°Move,¡± Hadley demanded, avoiding Eric¡¯s gaze. Eric seemed to falter from her words, as if dealt a physical blow, and remained rooted to the spot, shocked. ¡°You refuse to step aside?¡± Hadley scoffed coldly. ¡°Eric, do you really think your family¡¯s influence grants you such liberties?¡± She raised her head defiantly, locking eyes with Eric. ¡°Very well. If this is the path you choose, you¡¯ll have to go through me as well. As long as Denver and I draw breath, we will stand together.¡± She shut her eyes briefly and intertwined her arm with Denver¡¯s. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Despite his difort, Denver positioned himself staunchly by her side. ¡°Eric, listen to Hadley. We¡¯re not backing down. Our love is deep, and nothing short of death will part us.¡± These derations seemed to dete Eric. His resolve seemed to dissolve as he observed Hadley and Denver, united and resolute, appearing as if they were destined to be together. Eric questioned his ce in this unfolding drama. As his anger surged, Hadley and Denver¡¯s unity seemed only to solidify. His efforts for Hadley now seemed futile, utterly disregarded. A rueful chuckle escaped him, feeling as though he were the butt of some cruel joke. Finally, Eric yielded, stepping aside with a gesture that allowed them to leave. Conceding defeat, he recognized that releasing them was his only option. L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão?? Hadley¡¯s eyes briefly sparked with determination as she tightened her grip on Denver¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Denver agreed. Together, they quickly moved away, leaving a solitary Eric behind. As he watched her departing back, a flicker of anger ignited within him. Ovee by emotion, Eric¡¯s voice rang out once more. ¡°Hadley!¡± Hearing him, Hadley stopped in her tracks without turning back. ¡°Onest question¡­¡± Eric¡¯s expression remained unreadable as he focused on Hadley¡¯s figure. ¡°Was everything you¡¯ve said tonight the truth? Do you truly love Denver?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied instantly, her response resolute. Hadley knew that even a flicker of hesitation could ruin the entire act for the night. ¡°I love Denver.¡± After a fleeting nce at Denver, Hadley grasped his arm, and they departed without a backward nce. . . . Chapter 310 ?Chapter 310: Eric released a dry chuckle, a slight twitch in his jaw betraying the turmoil of emotions¡ªanger intertwined with sadness¡ªthat clouded his mind. He was caught in a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. ¡°What does this even mean?¡± In a moment of frustration, Eric tugged at his tie, identally grazing the bruise on his jaw and grimacing from the sharp pain. That pang of difort deepened his sense of defeat. Indeed, Eric had inflicted pain on Denver, but it was clear that Denver had returned the favor, wounding him just as deeply. To Hadley, Denver now appeared to be her entire world. It was as though Eric was invisible to her. Had her connection with Denver been established so quickly? Was her affection that deep already? Did she truly understand who Denver was or if he could be trusted? How had she fallen for him so readily? ¡°Hadley! You better note back to me with regrets!¡± As Eric slid back into his car, his eyes caught a package resting on the passenger seat. It was the bag of candied hawthorns he¡¯d purchased for Hadley. She hadn¡¯t bothered to take them with her. With a bitterugh, Eric scoffed emptily. Why would she value his gifts if she had no regard for him? Eric resolved to dispose of the treats he¡¯d purchased for her, seeing as she showed no interest. With a swift movement, he grabbed the package and tossed it into the nearest trash bin. To Eric, it seemed his affections for Hadley were as worthless as trash to her. He pressed the elerator hard and drove off into the darkness of the night. As he drove past Mayfield Road, Eric glimpsed Hadley climbing into Denver¡¯s car. Since Denver stubbornly refused to go to the hospital, Hadley had no choice but to stop by the pharmacy, pick up some medicine, and tend to his injuries herself. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± she asked, still uneasy. ¡°If you hurt something internally, it could be serious.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Denver said with a grin¡ªthough with the bandage on the corner of his mouth, the expression looked more ridiculous than reassuring. He hesitated for a beat before adding, ¡°I couldn¡¯t beat Eric in a fight¡­ Does that make me useless?¡± Hadley blinked, momentarily thrown off. Then¡ªsheughed. Hard. ¡°What kind of ridiculous logic is that?¡± she teased, shaking her head. ¡°Since when is fighting the measure of a great man?¡± So¡­ that wasn¡¯t it? Denver pressed his lips together, barely suppressing a chuckle. ¡°Rx, I was just messing with you. No need to get philosophical.¡± Hadley let out a soft sigh, but the weight in her chest remained. ¡°I think I said too much back there without thinking. Denver, I¡­¡± ¡°I know,¡± Denver cut in before she could finish. ¡°I know you don¡¯t actually like me. And that¡¯s okay¡ªI never let myself believe otherwise.¡± He met her gaze with quiet understanding, as if he had already made peace with the truth long before this moment. ¡°But I do owe you an apology,¡± he continued. ¡°I acted without your permission. That wasn¡¯t my call to make. I hope you¡¯re not upset.¡± Upset? How could she be? . . . Chapter 311 ?Chapter 311: Hadley wasn¡¯t the kind of person who epted someone¡¯s help only to turn around and me them for it. That wasn¡¯t who she was. She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I¡¯m not mad. I just¡­¡± How was she supposed to exin something she barely understood herself? ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Denver caught the hesitation in her voice but didn¡¯t push. Instead, he added softly and with rare honesty, ¡°I won¡¯t pretend I did it just for you. I had my own reasons, too.¡± Hadley blinked, momentarily thrown by his candor. ¡°Denver¡­¡± Her voice softened, almost hesitant. ¡°I told you before¡­ we¡¯re not right for each other.¡± ¡°I remember you said that.¡± He spoke with a small smile, but there was curiosity in his eyes. ¡°What I don¡¯t understand is¡ªwhy, exactly, are we not right for each other?¡± Wasn¡¯t it obvious? Hadley knew the answer all too well. Her tangled past. The weight of her mistakes. A failed marriage that still cast shadows. No powerfulst name to protect her¡­ She looked away, but Denver had already read the thoughts flickering across her face. ¡°Hadley, have you ever heard of Marcus Jordan?¡± The name snapped her back to reality. Marcus Jordan. Of course, she had. The son of basketball legend Michael Jordan¡ªhis name alone carried weight. And in an instant, she understood exactly why Denver had brought him up. Because Marcus had fallen for Larsa Pippen. His father¡¯s friend¡¯s ex-wife. A woman sixteen years older, divorced, and a mother of four. Their rtionship had been a media wildfire when it surfaced¡ªtabloids, spection, endless chatter. Even now, people still whispered about them, as if love needed permission. Denver¡¯s smile was easy, unshaken. ¡°Look at Marcus and Larsa. They didn¡¯t let the idea of being a ¡®perfect match¡¯ dictate their choices. So why should we?¡± Hadley opened her mouth, but the words tangled before they could form. M0re detailz at g??l??ovels.?????? ¡°Hadley,¡± Denver continued, his voice steady yet warm. ¡°Whether two people ¡®fit¡¯ isn¡¯t what determines if they should be together. What really matters is whether they love each other.¡± She barely had time to process that before he pressed on. ¡°I know this is one-sided right now. You don¡¯t feel the same way, and that¡¯s fine.¡± His tone was calm, free of expectation or demand. ¡°But just so you know¡ªI helped you tonight because I wanted to. Not because I expect anything in return. I¡¯d never twist it into some kind of bargaining chip.¡± Because if he did¡­ wouldn¡¯t that make him no different from Eric? Denver let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn¡¯t usually one for long speeches, but this one? He meant every word. ¡°You need my help, Hadley, and I¡¯m happy to help you. Don¡¯t push it away just because of my feelings for you.¡± Hadley hesitated. He was so frustratingly clear-headed, so reckless in his sincerity. But she had to make him understand. ¡°I know this makes me sound cruel, but I¡¯m not Larsa. And this?¡± Her voice was quieter now, more measured. ¡°This isn¡¯t some grand, romantic story. Any effort you put into me will go nowhere.¡± . . . Chapter 312 ?Chapter 312: ¡°Then at least I¡¯ll know I tried.¡± His gaze was unwavering, steady with conviction. ¡°If I don¡¯t even have the courage to fight for the girl I like, then I have no right to say I like her at all.¡± Then, with a slow, knowing smirk, he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Besides¡­ who¡¯s to say how this story ends?¡± The next day, during her lunch break, Hadley made her way to the hospital¡ªthe same one where she¡¯d picked up her medication before. The doctor had been rmended by Colleen, which meant he was already somewhat familiar with her condition. He¡¯d always been patient, understanding. As soon as he saw her, he asked, ¡°Are you out of medicine?¡± In truth, since things had ended with Duran rather unexpectedly, she had barely touched the pills. The doctor studied her for a moment before motioning toward the chair. ¡°Then what brings you here today?¡± Hadley exhaled and sank into the seat, her fingers curling in herp. The thoughts that had been circling in her mind for weeks finally slipped out. ¡°I haven¡¯t taken much of the medicationtely¡­ but I feel like my symptoms have eased. As long as I¡¯m not faced with aggression, my reactions aren¡¯t as severe. But sometimes¡­ it still feels like I don¡¯t have control.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The doctor listened carefully before nodding. ¡°From what you¡¯re describing, it sounds like you¡¯re making progress. Your body is learning when an environment is safe.¡± Then, after a brief pause, he added, ¡°Have you considered therapy? It could help. Maybe even lead to a full recovery.¡± Therapy? Hadley¡¯s chest tightened. Psychological treatment¡ªan expense she couldn¡¯t even begin to afford. New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m She forced an easy smile. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, but I appreciate it, doctor.¡± The doctor met her gaze, unconvinced but not pushy. ¡°If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.¡± ¡°Thank you very much, doctor. I appreciate it.¡± As she stepped outside, the midday sun bore down on her, and she lifted a hand to shield her eyes. The truth was, money wasn¡¯t the only thing stopping her. Therapy meant peeling backyers of the past¡ªdigging up wounds she had spent years trying to bury. And that? That was a door she refused to open. Not now. Not ever. By five in the afternoon, Hadley was free to leave. Since she had only recently joined the studio, she hadn¡¯t been given any performance slots yet. For now, that meant finishing on time, slipping out of her practice clothes, and heading toward the subway station without a second thought. ¡°Hadley!¡± She turned at the sound of her name, spotting Denver jogging toward her, his signature bright smile in ce. ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± she asked, surprised. ¡°What for?¡± . . . Chapter 313 ?Chapter 313: ¡°Thought I¡¯de pick you up from work,¡± he said casually¡ªthen, with a sudden shift, his voice dropped. ¡°Don¡¯t look around. Just focus on me.¡± Hadley blinked. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Eric¡¯s car is up ahead,¡± he murmured. Her breath hitched. Eric? Again? A flicker of unease passed through her. Had he really not let this go? Before she could react, Denver stepped in closer, angling himself just enough that, from a distance, they looked like a couple lost in quiet conversation. His voice was barely a whisper near her ear. ¡°I think he¡¯s starting to doubt that we¡¯re actually together.¡± Which, of course, was entirely true. ¡°Good thing I saw thising.¡± Denver¡¯s grin turned yful, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°Figured he¡¯d be watching, so I thought I¡¯d make an appearance. If we¡¯re going to put on a show, we might as well give it everything we¡¯ve got.¡± Then, leaning in slightly, he murmured, ¡°So,e on, Hadley. Smile for him.¡± What? She hadn¡¯t nned on smiling¡ªnot even a little. But his words, so over-the-top and theatrical,pletely caught her off guard. Before she could stop herself,ughter bubbled up. And just like that, she wasn¡¯t faking it. She looked genuinely amused. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Denver gazed at her, softly uttering her name. ¡°What?¡± A smile still yed on Hadley¡¯s lips. ¡°You have something in your hair¡­¡± Carefully, Denver reached out to extract it. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s He passed the small item to her. Inspecting it, Hadley recognized a shiny sequin. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s from my costume.¡± From a Bentley parked nearby, Eric observed them, his expression turning cold with each passing second. Finally, he averted his gaze. ¡°Sebastian, drive,¡± hemanded tersely. ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn.¡± Sebastian cautiously started the vehicle, well aware of the tension surrounding a man grappling with his unspoken emotions. As they drove off, Eric reclined, shutting his eyes to block out the painful scene. He confessed to himself that there was this growing affection for Hadley¡­ He decided it was merely an attraction. But nothing more, not something he couldn¡¯t exist without. After all, who truly couldn¡¯t survive without someone else? He dismissed the notion of evesting love as mere fantasy. At the same time, Denver retracted his hand, saying quietly, ¡°Eric¡¯s gone.¡± ¡°Really?¡± . . . Chapter 314 ?Chapter 314: A deep breath escaped Hadley, her tension easing atst. She hadn¡¯t felt brave enough to look around until now. ¡°Can we go now?¡± She said ¡°we¡±? A wave of happiness washed over Denver. His smile broadened as he replied, ¡°Yes, we can¡­¡± Feeling unexpectedly bashful, he asked, ¡°Hadley, are you free this evening? I¡¯d love to take you to dinner, if you¡¯d like?¡± The proposal Denver made seemed subtly suggestive. Hadley was caught in a dilemma; epting might imply she was open to further advances, and declining coulde off as discourteous. Just then, a vehicle halted next to them, and her name echoed from within. ¡°Hadley?¡± They both nced over as the window descended, unveiling N. N had been visiting Ernest in the hospital and was on her way back to the Flynn residence when she noticed someone familiar. Upon a closer look, indeed, it was Hadley. But Hadley wasn¡¯t by herself. Her attention then shifted to Denver. ¡°Denver?¡± she inquired. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± responded Denver, stepping forward and courteously bowing his head. ¡°How are you, Mrs. Flynn?¡± ¡°Quite well, thank you,¡± N responded, her smile polite yet her feelings ambivalent. ¡°Are you two perhaps on a date?¡± she asked cautiously. Hadley was caught off guard, her lips parting in surprise. ¡°Yes,¡± Denver responded on Hadley¡¯s behalf, giving her a reassuring nce. ¡°We appreciate your support. We¡¯re exploring how things might develop between us.¡± ¡°I see,¡± N responded, her eyes seeking confirmation from Hadley. Observing Hadley¡¯s flushed cheeks, N realized there was no objection from her. It appeared to be the truth. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± N said, her voice expressing genuine relief. ¡°Indeed, very good,¡± she added, her tone warm. G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love N felt genuinely pleased for Hadley as she embarked on this new journey. Still, knowing Eric¡¯s feelings for Hadley made her heart heavy with sympathy for her grandson. However, N quicklyposed herself, smiling invitingly at Hadley. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve run into each other, why don¡¯t you join me for dinner at hometer? It¡¯s been too long since yourst visit.¡± Hadley paused, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. She shared a look with Denver. With a yful smile, N asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Hadley? Worried about leaving Denver by himself? Why don¡¯t you bothe then? Denver, having dinner at my ce wouldn¡¯t bother you, right?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Denver replied, his cheeks coloring slightly. ¡°Since you¡¯re Hadley¡¯s family, that makes you mine as well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s just what I wanted to hear!¡± Nughed heartily and motioned to her driver. ¡°Please open the door for Hadley.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got it, Mrs. Flynn,¡± Denver interjected, swiftly moving to open the car door himself. He gently held the roof as he stood by. ¡°No rush, Hadley.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Hadley gave Denver a warm smile before gracefully sliding into the car. . . . Chapter 315 ?Chapter 315: After she was seated, Denver addressed N, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll drive separately. You head on, and I¡¯ll follow.¡± N¡¯s expression softened with a tinge of regret. ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­ Do you want Hadley to ride with you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Denver assured her with a wave, adding cheerfully, ¡°See you shortly!¡± ¡°See you in a bit.¡± The warm farewell shared by Denver and Hadley caught N¡¯s attentive gaze. She mused quietly about Hadley finding someone who genuinely seemed to care for her. That evening, Hadley and Denver arrived at the Flynn Mansion to join N for dinner. N would have been dining alone otherwise, as Eric was often absent due to workmitments, and Linda was still at the hospital with Ernest. After dinner, they gathered in the living room, enjoying coffee and fresh fruit. With a gentle tone, N initiated a conversation with Denver. ¡°Denver.¡± Denver straightened in his seat, anticipating a serious discussion beyond casual dinner talk. ¡°Yes, Mrs. Flynn?¡± ¡°Just rx,¡± N responded with a light chuckle, noticing his stiffness. ¡°There¡¯s no need for formality here. I¡¯d like to have a little chat.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Denver replied, still visibly tense. N¡¯s expression turned more earnest. ¡°Now that you and Hadley are seeing each other, there are a few things we need to discuss.¡± N took Hadley¡¯s hand with a gentle grasp. ¡°Hadley has always been dear to me, almost like my own granddaughter, yet she¡¯s faced many challenges over the years.¡± Silence did not mean ignorance. N was deeply aware of Hadley¡¯s struggles. While N cared deeply for Hadley, her priorities had often leaned toward her own family. ¡°N.¡± The surprise was evident in Hadley¡¯s expression as she heard N¡¯s words. Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m N¡¯s tone conveyed deep emotion. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry for the hardships you¡¯ve faced. Now, with Denver by your side¡­¡± N then shifted her focus to Denver. ¡°It¡¯s essential that you treat Hadley well and ensure she is never harmed.¡± Denver sat up straight, his expression serious. ¡°Absolutely, Mrs. Flynn. You have my word.¡± N exhaled softly, a mix of resolve and concern in her voice. ¡°There might be some challenges with your rtionship,¡± she cautioned, hinting at possible disapproval from Denver¡¯s family about Hadley¡¯s past. ¡°However, don¡¯t fret.¡± N reassured them. ¡°I¡¯m here for you. Denver, reach out if you need support, and I¡¯ll assist however I can.¡± ¡°Mrs. Flynn¡­¡± Denver paused, since he couldn¡¯t just admit their rtionship wasn¡¯t real. But even if it was, he was confident he could handle his family¡¯s disapproval. Despite this, he appreciated N¡¯s support. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Flynn.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities,¡± N replied warmly. ¡°It is the right thing to do, and I just want Hadley to be happy.¡± Their conversation was interrupted by a noise at the entrance. N looked towards the door, puzzled. ¡°Who could it be at this time?¡± . . . Chapter 316 ?Chapter 316: Before anyone could respond, a recognizable voice rang out. ¡°Grandma.¡± Quickly, Eric entered, his strides long and purposeful. A hint of red colored his cheeks, suggesting he had indulged in a drink or two. As soon as Eric noticed Hadley and Denver, a slight smirk formed on his lips. ¡°Who do we have here?¡± Eric¡¯s voice carried a note of feigned unfamiliarity as he looked at Denver and Hadley. ¡°Eric,¡± N called out, her tone sharp. She caught the subtle signs of Eric¡¯s intoxication and rose from her seat swiftly. Eric¡¯s seemingly gentle smile didn¡¯t fool N for a second; she knew too well that it masked his discontent. ¡°Eric!¡± N¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, and she gave him a subtle shake of her head, a clear warning not to make a scene. Eric frowned, frustration simmering. Instead of snapping, he let out a shortugh. Was N seriously worried about what he might do? The tension in the room thickened evidently. Hadley and Denver sensed the atmosphere shift and rose from their seats. ¡°Mrs. Flynn,¡± Denver said with a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you for the dinner. It¡¯s gettingte, and we should be going.¡± ¡°You¡¯re leaving already?¡± N responded, turning back to block Eric¡¯s approach with a forced smile. ¡°I thought you¡¯d keep mepany for a little longer.¡± ¡°It¡¯ste,¡± Hadley added, standing beside Denver. ¡°I¡¯lle by another time.¡± With the evening wearing on and the air charged with tension, N chose not to hold them back. She nodded. ¡°Alright then, Denver¡­ just make sure Hadley gets home without any trouble.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Denver replied assuredly. ¡°Goodbye, N,¡± Hadley chimed in, turning to leave. Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls Denver offered his hand to her. Noticing this, Hadley paused, aware that Eric¡¯s eyes were fixed on them. After a slight hesitation, she epted his hand with a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Together, they exited hand in hand. Eric, left behind, scoffed sharply, ¡°Grandma, they¡¯ve left. Can you release me now?¡± Reluctantly, N loosened her grip, her expression filled with concern. ¡°Eric, are you really okay?¡± Eric dismissed her concern with a shrug. ¡°What could be wrong?¡± His tone belied his words, revealing his true feelings. ¡°You¡­¡± N sighed, gently touching his forehead. ¡°I see your pain, Eric. You¡¯ve tried so hard for Hadleytely.¡± A bitter chuckle escaped Eric. ¡°You noticed, huh?¡± ¡°Eric,¡± N¡¯s voice softened, a sadness in her tone. ¡°Let it go. Hadley has moved on with Denver, and they seem happy.¡± . . . Chapter 317 ?Chapter 317: Even N was advocating for Hadley and Denver? Eric suppressed his frustration, responding lightly, ¡°I¡¯m not nning anything against them. Why all this fuss?¡± ¡°Is that the truth?¡± N eyed him doubtfully. ¡°It is,¡± Eric confirmed with a slight chuckle. ¡°What else can I do? Should I waste my days longing for her? She¡¯s not worth that much.¡± N acknowledged his point with a nod. ¡°Alright, Eric. It seems you never had deep feelings for Hadley. Perhaps you¡¯re simply bothered that she now prefers someone else.¡± Startled by her suggestion, Eric reflected. ¡°Is that so? Grandma, are you suggesting that my feelings for Hadley are just because¡­ she chose someone else over me?¡± N gave a serious nod. ¡°Yes, I believe that¡¯s the case. If not, why haven¡¯t you shown any interest in her over these years?¡± Eric stood speechless, taken aback. ¡°Time will heal this, and you¡¯ll be fine. Unlike you, Denver has a genuine affection for Hadley.¡± Continuing her thoughts with a sigh, N added, ¡°I do hope they stay together. It would mean that all the care I¡¯ve put into raising Hadley wasn¡¯t for nothing, and I¡¯d fulfill the promise I made to her grandmother.¡± Later that night, the warm streams of the shower washed over Eric¡¯s scarred back as he stood there, eyes shut. The echo of N¡¯s words lingered in his head. ¡°You¡¯ve never truly loved Hadley.¡± ¡°You¡¯re simply bothered that she now prefers someone else.¡± ¡°If not, why haven¡¯t you shown any interest in her over these years?¡± Reflecting on her words, he muttered internally, ¡°Could that be true?¡± ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.???? m ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it exactly. There¡¯s no other exnation.¡± It was the weekend, and Eric wasn¡¯t expecting anypany. Descending the stairs, he halted in surprise at the sight of Hadley conversing with N. ¡°Eric?¡± N gestured for him toe closer as he approached. ¡°Good timing. We need to talk about something important.¡± ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Eric, settling into the couch, began to peel a tangerine from the nearby fruit tter. N wasted no time. ¡°It¡¯s time you and Hadley arranged a date to officially finalize your divorce.¡± Eric¡¯s actions paused mid-peel. His eyes shot up, connecting with Hadley¡¯s. Could this be the reason for her early morning visit? Hadley, catching his gaze, nodded gently. In a soft voice, she said, ¡°Yes, as I¡¯ve agreed with N. I¡¯m moving forward with my life with Denver, so we need to finalize our divorce, Eric.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± N was quick to stress the urgency. ¡°We must handle this swiftly. If the Moran family learns the divorce hasn¡¯t been finalized, it could lead toplications!¡± She fixed a stern gaze on Eric. ¡°Decide on a date today, Eric. I won¡¯t forgive you if you jeopardize Hadley¡¯s future!¡± . . . Chapter 318 ?Chapter 318: Initially, N had been against an immediate divorce because she wanted to ensure Eric would continue to look after Hadley until she found someone new, but now, that was unnecessary. ¡°Understood,¡± Eric responded, pulling out his phone. N continued, ¡°The sooner, the better.¡± Feeling the pressure, irritation began to show on Eric¡¯s face as he answered somewhat dismissively, ¡°Monday morning then.¡± ¡°Monday morning? Isn¡¯t that going to conflict with your work?¡± N asked, slightly worried. ¡°It will be fine,¡± Eric assured her, shaking his head. ¡°Arriving a bitte won¡¯t cause any problems.¡± ¡°Good,¡± N responded, sounding satisfied. She turned to Hadley, patting her hand gently. ¡°All set then. Does that ease your mind?¡± ¡°Thank you, N.¡± Hadley offered a grateful smile, her mind not fully at ease until the divorce was official. ¡°N, I should get going,¡± she said, rising from her seat. She added with a hint of bashfulness, ¡°Denver and I have ns.¡± With a knowing smile, N responded yfully, ¡°Well then, I shouldn¡¯t hold you up. Go on, don¡¯t make Denver wait.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± N then walked Hadley to the door and waved her goodbye. Eric, still sitting, had just eaten a piece of the tangerine he had peeled. He grimaced as he chewed, saying, ¡°What¡¯s with this tangerine? It¡¯s sour like vinegar!¡± On Monday morning, Denver had taken a personal day to drive Hadley from West Twelfth Alley to the courthouse, honoring her request. The memory of her uneasy walk back from Kingsbridge lingered, heightening Hadley¡¯s anxiety about potentialplications. Moreover, Hadley was concerned that Eric might have a change of mind again at thest moment. Denver¡¯s presence would be reassuring. They pulled up to the courthouse, and Denver reached over to help Hadley with her seatbelt, softly inquiring, ¡°Should Ie in with you?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve got this.¡± Hadley gave a small wave of dismissal. ¡°Okay,¡± Denver said gently, before adding softly, ¡°But don¡¯t forget¡ªI¡¯m just one call away. I¡¯ll stay right here.¡± Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, ¡°Thanks.¡± Hadley steadied herself with a breath before stepping outside the car into the cool air. Across from her, Eric was climbing out of his vehicle as well. It was a familiar scene, echoing their shared path from four years earlier. Back then, they had walked together toward a new beginning. Now, each step took them closer to goodbye. Eric arrived at the courthouse reception area with hiswyer, Cristian, by his side. ¡°Pay attention,¡± Cristian instructed softly. He nced at Eric, who leaned indifferently on a nearby chair. Cristian opened a folder, revealing a stack of papers, and ced them before Hadley. ¡°These documents were prepared specifically by Mr. Flynn. You never signed off on them before, so let¡¯s take care of it now. Just sign wherever indicated¡ªI¡¯ll manage everything else.¡± Was this about her alimony? . . . Chapter 319 ?Chapter 319: Hadley immediately shook her head in refusal. ¡°I can¡¯t ept any money.¡± Her rejection wasn¡¯t a disy of stubborn pride. When she had been desperate years ago, the Flynn family had generously opened their doors. They had genuinely cared for her without expecting anything in return. Marriage to Eric had always felt like her way of repaying their kindness. epting money now felt like betraying that principle. Frustration red in Eric¡¯s voice as he shouted, ¡°Just take it if I¡¯m offering!¡± Anticipating another rejection, he quickly exined, his voice coldly detached, ¡°Consider this purely from me to my ex-wife. It has nothing to do with my family or my grandmother.¡± Caught off guard, Hadley hesitated, unsure how to counter such insistence. ¡°Get her to sign, already,¡± Eric muttered irritably. He reached for his cigarettes but remembered smoking was prohibited inside the courthouse. ¡°I¡¯m stepping out to smoke,¡± he said abruptly, walking away to find the designated area. ¡°Hadley,¡± Cristian gently said, offering her a pen. ¡°Please, just sign these. Without your signature, you might not finalize the divorce today.¡± He had a point. ¡°Okay.¡± She agreed reluctantly, taking the pen and diligently signing each document presented. ¡°Here,¡± Cristian said, handing over an ink pad. ¡°You¡¯ll need to stamp your fingerprint as well.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadleyplied carefully, finishing quickly and reaching for a tissue to clean her fingertips as Eric re-entered the room. Cristian reviewed the documents carefully. ¡°All appears to be in order. Let¡¯s proceed.¡± The divorce process for Hadley and Eric, devoid of battles over property or custody, concluded swiftly due to their amicable agreement. I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m The clerk handed out the divorce certificates. ¡°These are for you both,¡± he said. ¡°Thank you,¡± they both responded. Hadley¡¯s hand shook subtly, betraying her emotions. Eric found himself questioning if she was truly that happy to leave him. Watching her, a tangle of emotions stirred inside him. He had waited years for this divorce, yet Hadley seemed to be the one who felt genuinely free. ¡°Well then¡­¡± Hadley slid her certificate into her bag, her lips curling into a faint smile. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric called after her, stopping her in her tracks. ¡°Yes?¡± Hadley, no longer intimidated, met his gaze with a bright, open expression. ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hadley paused, visibly taken aback. Was Eric genuinely apologizing now? Eric¡¯s brow furrowed, betraying his difort, yet he managed a self-deprecating smile. ¡°Why that look? I¡¯m aware I wasn¡¯t the best husband.¡± Hadley remained silent. Forgiveness wasn¡¯t owed for every apology. . . . Chapter 320 ?Chapter 320: With a mild smile, Hadley responded, ¡°It¡¯s irrelevant now. We¡¯ve moved past all that.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all history now¡­¡± Eric reflected silently. He sighed deeply, offering a wry chuckle. ¡°You might find this hard to believe¡­¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Hadley inquired, her expression one of confusion. ¡°Back when we just married,¡± Eric said, his gaze lingering on Hadley¡¯s calm face, his tone rough with emotion. ¡°I genuinely tried to make our marriage work¡­¡± Eric had been intimate with Hadley, despite his reservations, because he was trying. He believed then that a sense of duty could sustain their marriage. If only the tragedy with Linda¡¯s miscarriage hadn¡¯t urred¡­ ¡°Really?¡± Hadley¡¯s smile was tinged with skepticism. Those words might have held weight once, but now they felt hollow. She gestured toward the exit. ¡°May I go now?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric agreed with a slight nod. ¡°You¡¯re free to leave.¡± ¡°Farewell.¡± Hadley waved once, turned, and began to walk away, her stride bing brisker until she started running. As she sprinted, her breaths came sharply. At the doorway, Denver noticed her elerated pace and hurried out of his car. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Denver!¡± Hadley¡¯s face lit up as she dashed towards him. At that instant, she craved thepany of someone who could share in her newfound happiness. Denver extended his arms, concerned she might stumble. ¡°Be careful.¡± ¡°I¡¯mpletely okay!¡± A broad grin spread across Hadley¡¯s face, showcasing her bright teeth. ¡°I¡¯m just so, so happy!¡± ¡°Yes, I see that.¡± Denver gazed down at her, his smile wide in response. ¡°It¡¯s clear as day.¡± ?????????????? ??????????????: g??????¦Í???????????? Even amid her smiles, tears started to shimmer in her eyes. ¡°Is this the joy that brings tears?¡± Hadley pondered aloud. Overwhelmed, Hadley suddenly burst into tears, covering her face with her hands as her shoulders shook gently. ¡°Hadley?¡± Taken aback, Denver stood frozen, uncertain how tofort her. At this moment, Denver felt at a loss. Fumbling through his pockets, he realized he was unprepared. ¡°Just a second,¡± he said as he dashed to the car. After retrieving a box of tissues, he offered them to Hadley. ¡°Here, take these.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need them!¡± Hadley protested, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I just need to cry this out.¡± Respecting her wishes, Denver refrained from insisting. Empathy filled him, though he hadn¡¯t experienced what Hadley was going through. She was closing a chapter on a marriage devoid of love. Denver surmised that her tears were a mix of relief and liberation. . . . Chapter 321 ?Chapter 321: ¡°Just let it out.¡± He encouraged gently. ¡°I¡¯m here for you.¡± Meanwhile, Eric observed from a distance, sitting alone in his car. The scene seemed futile to him. With a detached look, he directed his driver. ¡°Sebastian, it¡¯s time to leave.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± As they drove off, Eric caught a glimpse of Denver tenderly wiping away Hadley¡¯s tears, treating her with delicate care. Dayster at Lightning Dance Studio, after several dance rehearsals, nche finally outlined her ns for Hadley. ¡°Alright, prepare and start practicing. You¡¯ll be taking charge of Group D for the new performance, ¡®The Passage.''¡± nche delivered her instructions with a cool demeanor, but to Hadley, it felt as if lightning had struck, electrifying her thoughts. For a brief moment, Hadley was speechless, caught off-guard by the unexpected news. ¡°Do you have an issue with this?¡± nche¡¯s brow furrowed, misinterpreting the silence. ¡°No, absolutely not!¡± Hadley quickly replied, her voice firm. She was indeed eager for the chance. ¡°Ms. Nicolson.¡± Hadley expressed her concern openly. ¡°I¡¯ve only recently joined the troupe. Isn¡¯t there a chance others might view this as unfair?¡± nche responded with augh, brushing off the concern. ¡°That¡¯s your challenge to address. Impress them so no one can question your role.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°But what?¡± nche inquired, her eyebrow arching in challenge. ¡°Hadley, I don¡¯t appreciate hesitation at all. Are you just nning to stick to menial tasks indefinitely? I don¡¯t need more assistants, you know.¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± Hadley jumped to her feet, her nerves obvious. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant at all¡ª¡± ¡°Enough.¡± nche waved dismissively. ¡°I understand perfectly. But if you want respect from others, prove yourself on the stage! Are you waiting until everyone apuds you before you even step up? Eric sent you here for a purpose. When are you going to shine if you just hide in the shadows?¡± ?????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? nche released a weary breath, her gaze steady on Hadley. ¡°You certainly know how to follow instructions. When I asked you to trim your waistline, you didn¡¯t disappoint.¡± nche had an uncanny talent for urately gauging any dancer¡¯s physique at just a nce. ¡°Channel that determination into your dancing. Answer me honestly, Hadley. Is performing your true desire?¡± Being trusted like this felt incredibly rare and precious. Hadley responded decisively, ¡°Absolutely!¡± nche nodded resolutely. ¡°Then stop hesitating! im your spotlight!¡± ¡°Yes, Ms. Nicolson!¡± Excitement bubbled through Hadley as she nodded eagerly. ¡°You know¡­¡± nche¡¯s stern demeanor softened slightly, pointing at Hadley with a half-smile. ¡°Life¡¯s full ofplicated rtionships. Do you seriously think you can please everyone? Just concentrate on dancing your best and stop worrying.¡± . . . Chapter 322 ?Chapter 322: ¡°Understood, Ms. Nicolson.¡± ¡°Good.¡± With a teasing tone, nche added, ¡°Dance your heart out. Remember, Lightning Studio¡¯s tickets sell out quickly. If you stumble up there, losing fame is nothingpared to embarrassing us all!¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson.¡± Hadley promised earnestly. ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you¡ª I¡¯ll give it everything I¡¯ve got!¡± Later that evening, Denver arrived to pick up Hadley. In recent days, Denver had be a regr part of Hadley¡¯s routine. ording to him, their arrangement still needed to continue. After all, there was always the chance Eric might suddenly take interest again if they stopped pretending. Denver was always respectful, never pushing Hadley too far. Usually, he dropped her off at West Twelfth Alley. asionally, they shared casual meals, always splitting expenses evenly. Tonight, Denver stopped the car just at the corner of Mayfield Road. ¡°Sorry I can¡¯t walk you home today. I need to rush to the airport shortly,¡± Denver said casually. ¡°A business trip?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Denver confirmed with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m heading to Prineville. I¡¯ll be away about a week.¡± ¡°Have a safe trip¡ªand remember to rest well, especially with the time difference.¡± Hadley grabbed her backpack, preparing to leave. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you then.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Hearing his hesitant tone, Hadley turned with a warm smile. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? Just say it.¡± She genuinely considered Denver one of her closest friends now. ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Denver rubbed his neck, seeming slightly shy. ¡°When I get back, my birthday¡¯s just around the corner, and I¡¯d really like it if you came to the party.¡± His birthday party? Hadley recalled the extravagant event N once arranged for her own birthday. Would this party be simr? Imagining Denver¡¯s family gathered together made her nervous. ¡°It won¡¯t be anything extravagant,¡± Denver quickly assured her, smiling. ¡°N had her own reasons for hosting something shy and crowded for you. Mine will just be a casual get-together with a few close friends.¡± If that was the case, it was a relief. Hadley exhaled softly, reminding herself that she truly was considered one of his friends now. ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver asked gently. ¡°Will youe?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Hadley agreed readily. ¡°Just let me know the exact date so I can keep it free.¡± Denver¡¯s face brightened noticeably. ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Checking his watch, he sighed. ¡°I really have to hurry now. I¡¯ll see you when I get back!¡± ¡°Take care!¡± Hadley waved, watching his car disappear. . . . Chapter 323 ?Chapter 323: As she walked toward her apartment, Hadley murmured softly, ¡°A birthday means I¡¯ll need a gift. But what could I get him?¡± For the first time in a long while, money wasn¡¯t a pressing issue. Cristian had efficiently handled her divorce settlement, leaving Hadley with a considerable sum from Eric. Still, no matter how much she had, she wouldn¡¯t waste it carelessly. For one, years of habit had taught her to be mindful of spending. More importantly, Joy would need financial security in the future¡ªthis money was meant for her. It was true that epting help made it harder to hold onto resentment. Thanks to the alimony, Hadley¡¯s bitterness toward Eric had softened considerably. Returning to the present, Hadley pondered Denver¡¯s gift again. Considering Denver¡¯s privileged upbringing, he likely received either luxurious gifts or deeply personal gestures. Anythingvish was clearly beyond Hadley¡¯s budget. Thus, something lovely and handmade would be the perfect alternative. While heading home, Hadley settled on precisely what she wanted to give. Rather than returning straight home, she veered toward the lively open-air market nearby. The ce buzzed nightly, full of stalls offering everything from street food to handmade trinkets. Given the early hour, few vendors had fully opened their stands, and the street was quieter than usual. Fortunately, Hadley swiftly located her intended item, along with fresh groceries. Back at her apartment, she arranged everything neatly before boiling some corn on the cob. With an uing performance, she needed to watch her diet closely. Changing swiftly into her dance attire, Hadley meticulouslypleted her usual routine practice, showered briefly, and had her dinner. After finishing, she diligently cleared and cleaned her singlerge table, ensuring it was spotless. She carefully untied the stic bag she¡¯d brought from the market. Inside was a smooth, pure white piece of cotton fabric. She had chosen it specifically to create a handmade shirt as Denver¡¯s birthday present. g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ???? Hadley took pride in her sewing abilities. Her grandmother, re Pearson, had spent her entire life sewing, using this talent to lovingly raise Hadley and fund her dancing dreams. Dance lessons were costly, but re neverined, always providing support wholeheartedly. Hadley had always been deeply grateful, frequently helping re in her spare moments, picking up sewing skills along the way. Although shecked re¡¯s mastery, Hadley confidently handled simpler tasks like making shirts and dresses. She gently unfolded the fabric, visualizing Denver¡¯s physique in detail. Hadley envisioned the design, grabbed a piece of chalk, and carefully traced an outline onto the fabric. There was a bit more than a week remaining, more than enough time for careful craftsmanship. Hadley understood the importance of taking her time, ensuring every detail was just right. . . . Chapter 324 ?Chapter 324: It was a birthday gift, after all, and Denver had done so much for her ¡ª far more than she had ever properly thanked him for. As Hadley began cutting the fabric, bittersweet memories surfaced. She had once crafted a simr shirt for Eric, yet his lukewarm reaction had deeply hurt her. Hadley had no clue where Eric had ended up keeping that shirt because she had never seen him wearing it. It might be gathering dust in some forgotten storage box, or perhaps he had thrown it out long ago. Denver returned from Prineville a weekter. His birthday celebration was scheduled for the following weekend. Initially, Denver had nned to pick up Hadley from West Twelfth Alley, but she was elsewhere, busy with additional shoots alongside Elvin. After finishing her scenes, Hadley made her way to the party using the address Denver had given her. Her journey was dyed by traffic, causing her to arrive a bitter than nned. Upon her arrival, a server greeted her and ushered her into the lively venue. The party was in full swing, with a crowd of guests filling the space. Hadley spotted Denver amidst the attendees, but he was engrossed in conversation. Not wanting to interrupt, she decided to find a seat on her own. To her relief, the crowd consisted mostly of people her age; none of Denver¡¯s older rtives were present. Just then, a voice called out, ¡°Well, who do we have here?¡± Turning around, Hadley saw Danica leading a group toward her, arms crossed and a smug smirk on her face. Hadley¡¯s expression turned into a frown as she considered moving to another spot. The history between her and Danica had always been fraught with tension, and she¡¯d prefer to avoid any confrontation at the party. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Danica stepped in front of Hadley before she could leave. ¡°Hey, Hadley, it¡¯s been a while. Why don¡¯t you stay so we can talk?¡± Danica¡¯s tone made it clear that she was looking for trouble. ???????????? ?????????????? @ ?????????¦Í????????????? Hadley held back her annoyance. ¡°I have no interest in talking to you. Please step aside.¡± ¡°Really? Nothing to talk about?¡± Danica scoffed. ¡°Tell us, why are you here? Sure, N might coddle you, but know your ce. This isn¡¯t just any party; it¡¯s private, and you¡¯re not even a real Flynn. What gives you the right to be here?¡± One of Danica¡¯s friends whispered, ¡°Isn¡¯t Mr. Flynn around somewhere?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Danica raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did you cling to Eric just to snag an invite here? That¡¯s not just bold¡ªthat¡¯s downright shameless.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± her friends chimed in, exchanging smug smiles. ¡°Why even show up here? Did Eric reject you, and now you¡¯re hunting for another wealthy man?¡± one of them sneered. ¡°Quite the ambitious n,¡± another added. ¡°Trying to go from nothing to everything, huh?¡± one of them said, clearly enjoying the scene. Hadley simply closed her eyes, tuning out their taunts as if they were nothing more than background noise. She said calmly, ¡°Are you quite finished?¡± . . . Chapter 325 ?Chapter 325: ¡°Stop it!¡± The interruption came from amanding male voice. The whole group looked around, startled. Denver, Eric, Marshall, and Linda were approaching. Danica¡¯s gaze quickly shifted to Eric, and she murmured under her breath, ¡°Eric¡­¡± It was uncertain if Eric heard her; his face remained stoic, his chin lifted, his eyes lowered. Denver walked straight up to Hadley, taking her wrist firmly. Hadley stiffened momentarily, her difort evident, but she made no move to withdraw. ¡°You all¡­¡± Denver¡¯s eyes were stern as he faced Danica and her group, his anger barely contained. ¡°I want an apology to Hadley, now!¡± Danica and herpanions were stunned. ¡°Apologize to her? Why should we?¡± Denver¡¯sughter was sharp and dismissive. ¡°You need to apologize because your words were offensive.¡± ¡°Offensive?¡± Danica was doubtful, her eyebrow arching skeptically. ¡°I said nothing wrong. She¡¯s merely an orphan with no clear reason to be here.¡± A subtle pull at her sleeve drew Danica¡¯s attention to her friend, who was pointing at Hadley. To Danica¡¯s astonishment, Denver was sping Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°Wait! You guys are¡­ together?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Denver moved to stand protectively in front of Hadley. ¡°Hadley is my girlfriend, and she has every right to be here tonight, more so than anyone else.¡± His gaze swept over Danica and her group. ¡°I suggest you leave now. I will not stand for anyone insulting my girlfriend.¡± His words struck them like a thunderp. The revtion that Hadley was Denver¡¯s girlfriend shocked all but Eric, who showed no reaction. ¡°Are you all still here?¡± Denver was unmoved by their shock. ¡°Leave now, or I¡¯ll be forced to call security!¡± After all, this was his party. It wouldn¡¯t be pretty to cause a disturbance here. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll go!¡± Danica shouted abruptly, ring at Hadley as she led her friends away. Her friends shared her resentment. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales ¡°Can you believe her? After everything with Eric, she now moves on to Denver.¡± ¡°N must really favor her for some reason.¡± ¡°Poor guy, Denver doesn¡¯t see it¡­¡± Fed up with the gossip, Danica cut her friends off. ¡°Enough, let¡¯s just go. Seriously¡­¡± She stormed off, oblivious to her surroundings until someone gasped in pain. As she looked down, Danica realized with horror that she had trodden on Linda¡¯s foot. ¡°Linda?¡± Herplexion nched as she stammered her apologies. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m so sorry! Are you hurt?¡± Linda hesitated, and just then¡ª ¡°What do you think? Of course she¡¯s hurt!¡± Eric, who stood by Linda like a watcher, fixed a seething look on Danica. Danica recoiled in shock. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda whispered, giving his sleeve a small tug. ¡°I¡¯m really okay. It didn¡¯t hurt that much.¡± . . . Chapter 326 ?Chapter 326: With a significant look towards Danica, Linda dismissed her curtly. ¡°Now, please leave.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Danica¡¯s voice cracked, her nerves frayed. ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Eric¡¯smand halted her. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere yet.¡± Marshall intervened with a light tap on Eric¡¯s shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s fine, Eric. Let¡¯s not escte this.¡± Eric snorted dismissively, unwilling to drop the matter so easily; his anger remained unexpressed. Linda caught Eric¡¯s nce and shot a cold look towards Hadley, understanding that Eric¡¯s outrage was less about her and more an outlet for his frustrations. Eric nced at Hadley before addressing Danica sharply. ¡°Denver asked you to apologize to Hadley. Were you not listening?¡± Danica stood there, stunned, her mouth hanging open. ¡°Now!¡± Eric¡¯s anger seemed to peak at that moment. ¡°I will apologize,¡± Danica muttered reluctantly. She faced Hadley, her demeanor softened. ¡°Hadley, I apologize. I spoke without thinking earlier. Please forgive me.¡± Hadley¡¯s difort was evident. This was the first asion she witnessed Danica submitting so openly. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hadley replied, trying to ease the tension. Seizing her opportunity, Danica appealed to Eric. ¡°Mr. Flynn, may I go now?¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Eric dismissed her with a flick of his hand, his expression tense. Danica hastened away, her spirits crushed. Watching the scene, Hadley reasoned that Eric¡¯s sour mood stemmed from Linda¡¯s idental injury. She recognized that, despite his effort, she didn¡¯t need him to stand up for her. 1@?€?? ¡é??t?¨º§ñ$ ¨ª§Ú gal??ovels.??om ¡°Guys¡­¡± Barrie, silent until this point, looked at his friends with a puzzled expression. ¡°How did Hadley end up as Denver¡¯s girlfriend?¡± He pondered further. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Eric want to try to win her back?¡± Helping Hadley get into nche¡¯s troupe had led Barrie to learn that the dancer they all admired from Gnt was none other than Hadley herself. Eric had exerted considerable effort to make this happen, possibly aiming to revive past affections. Yet, here was Hadley, introduced as Denver¡¯s girlfriend. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Eric¡¯s response carried a sarcastic edge as he faced Barrie. ¡°Even Marshall was in the dark. How could I, her former husband, possibly know?¡± ¡°Hey,¡± Marshall chimed in, genuinely unaware. ¡°I was clueless. It¡¯s intriguing to think about how Denver¡¯s parents might react to this news.¡± At that moment, Denver released Hadley¡¯s hand and motioned for everyone to gather around. ¡°What are you waiting for? Come over here.¡± As they gathered, Denver, appearing somewhat nervous, looked at Hadley. ¡°I¡¯d like everyone to meet my girlfriend, Hadley.¡± . . . Chapter 327 ?Chapter 327: ¡°Hi, everyone.¡± Hadley greeted them with a shy smile, her eyes twinkling. Eric couldn¡¯t suppress a mocking chuckle as he turned away, his thoughts darkening. A woman in love, indeed. Denver continued, his tone light, ¡°Since everyone¡¯s familiar with Hadley, we¡¯ll skip the formalities, okay?¡± Hadley, still smiling, nodded in agreement. Denver then noticed the bag Hadley was holding. ¡°That bag looks heavy. Why not put it down?¡± ¡°Not heavy at all. It¡¯s actually for you,¡± Hadley responded with a slight shake of her head. ¡°I brought a gift for your birthday.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Denver¡¯s expression brightened instantly. ¡°You¡¯ve brought a gift for my birthday?¡± Hadley was torn betweenughter and tears. ¡°Could I really show up to your birthday without a gift?¡± She nibbled on her lip, feeling a tad embarrassed. ¡°It¡¯s not anything fancy. If it¡¯s not to your liking, maybe just quietly get rid of it.¡± Reminiscent of how Eric had discarded the shirt¡­ Denver reassured her warmly, ¡°I¡¯m certain I¡¯ll appreciate whatever you¡¯ve chosen.¡± His curiosity piqued, Denver asked, ¡°What have you brought? May I open it now?¡± Many gifts hade his way, but Hadley¡¯s piqued Denver¡¯s interest the most. ¡°Now? Like I said, it¡¯s nothing fancy¡­¡± Hadley murmured. ¡°Just a little something handcrafted by me.¡± ¡°Handcrafted by you?¡± Denver¡¯s interest deepened. ¡°Can you at least hint at what it is?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a shirt,¡± she said. Handing him the bag, she suggested, ¡°Why not take it home, open it there, and see how it fits? Don¡¯t worry if it¡¯s not right or if you don¡¯t care for it. But if you do like it but it needs some tweaks, I can alter it.¡± ???????????????? ????????????: g????????¦Í???????????? ¡°I love it!¡± Denver¡¯s enthusiasm was unmistakable as he grasped the bag. ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll love it. Anything you made¡­¡± His excitement was evident, feeling a thrill at the novelty. ¡°You crafted this yourself, you said?¡± Denver was genuinely astonished. ¡°I had no idea you had such skills.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded, chuckling at his amazement. Denver¡¯s joy upon receiving the gift was evident, filling Hadley with even greater pleasure. ¡°You¡¯re incredible!¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Hadley humbly dismissed thepliment. ¡°I picked up a bit from my grandmother; she was a wonderful seamstress.¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite admirable!¡± Denver praised. He felt a strong urge to unwrap the gift immediately, yet he refrained, not wanting to diminish the specialness of the moment. This gift from Hadley was truly special. He resolved to open itter when alone. . . . Chapter 328 ?Chapter 328: ¡°Thank you, Hadley. I truly appreciate it. Actually, I love it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not jump ahead,¡± Hadley yfully teased, with a knowing smile. ¡°You haven¡¯t even looked at it yet.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to,¡± Denver responded with a broad smile. ¡°I¡¯d treasure it even if it were just a stone, simply because it came from you.¡± For Denver, anything made by Hadley held deep significance. Amid the quiet murmurs, a cough broke the silence, drawing awkward nces from the crowd. The scene had taken an unexpected turn. It was meant to be a birthday celebration, yet here they were, bystanders to an intimate moment. Eric looked away, his thoughts wandering. A handmade shirt? He dimly recalled that Hadley had once sewn clothing. Had she given him a shirt as well? Was he remembering correctly? Later that evening, Eric found himself at the Flynn Mansion, delving deep into his wardrobe. After a lengthy search, he found nothing resembling a handmade shirt. Had he been mistaken about receiving one from Hadley? That seemed unlikely. Determined, Eric continued his search, unwilling to admit he might be wrong. Eric finally found a cardboard box tucked away in the corner of his closet. Inside, a shirt was neatly wrapped, unmistakably handmade, not something from the high-end tailors the Flynn family usually patronized. This must be the shirt Hadley made for him. He closed his eyes, straining to recall the exact moment she had given it to him. Was it a birthday or perhaps his graduation? Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ; Time had eroded the details; he had scarcely acknowledged the gift then. How could he possibly recall it urately now? Sitting on the floor, Eric clutched the shirt, overwhelmed by regret. At one point, he truly possessed Hadley¡¯s heartfelt affection¡­ He had always been aware of it¡­ Yet, acknowledging such feelings and confronting their tangible proof were entirely different experiences. Now, he faced the remains of that vibrant love she once had just for him, alongside the painful reality that she had moved on and was pouring her heart out for another man. The following morning, Eric walked into his office. After wrapping up the initial meeting, he reviewed several reports before calling Phillips into his office. ¡°Mr. Flynn, do you need something?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric responded affirmatively, handing over a stack of documents. ¡°Remove the Clifford family from our prospective partner list. We won¡¯t be needing their coboration any longer.¡± Phillips hesitated, a look of confusion crossing his face. Had the Cliffords somehow crossed Eric? ¡°Understood,¡± he replied, choosing not to probe further. It was clear Eric held some deep-seated resentment. . . . Chapter 329 ?Chapter 329: This directive allowed Eric to alleviate some of the frustration that had been building since the previous evening. In Eric¡¯s view, the Clifford family had earned this oue by raising a daughter who had shown disrespect towards Hadley. A mere apology from Danica to Hadley didn¡¯t suffice for Eric; he sought to inflict a tangible consequence. The Clifford family received the news of their severed business ties with bewilderment. ¡°What happened? Was it Mr. Flynn¡¯s direct decision? Did we do something to offend him?¡± Their dealings with Eric had previously been smooth. The Cliffords were left in confusion. Meanwhile, Danica was especially anxious. She knew she had recently upset Eric by stepping on Linda¡¯s foot. Yet, Linda had downyed the incident, iming it was minor. Was Eric really leveraging this to justify his corrective stance against the entire Clifford family? Danica was in a bind and knew better than to share the full extent with her family. If she did, she¡¯d only end up in deeper trouble. She needed to resolve the situation on her own. Understanding that Eric¡¯s anger stemmed from an incident involving Linda, Danica realized that Linda herself might be the key to smoothing things over. Recently, Linda had been scaling down her professionalmitments. She only attended to essential duties, dedicating most of her time to Ernest¡¯s care at the hospital. Thus, Danica made her way to the hospital to find Linda. ¡°Are you here to see Ernest?¡± Linda, seeing Danica, naturally assumed the visit was for Ernest and offered a friendly smile. ¡°Ernest is currently resting. You can look in from the door if you¡¯d like.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not why I came¡­¡± Danica hesitated, searching for the right words. ¡°I came to ask for your help. Could you possibly speak to Mr. Flynn on my behalf?¡± Linda noticed that Danica looked like she was about to cry and was taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Calm down and talk to me.¡± ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°Remember the other day when I identally stepped on your foot, Linda?¡± Danica began with uncertainty, then delved into the troubles her family was encountering in their business. ¡°Could you possibly speak with Mr. Flynn? He¡¯s targeting our family to protect you,¡± Danica pleaded desperately. Linda was surprised to hear that Eric was causing trouble for the Clifford family. Danica seemed to believe Linda was the cause, but Linda herself suspected there was more to the story. Remaining calm, Linda responded, ¡°I believe you might be misinterpreting the situation. Eric doesn¡¯t let personal feelings influence his business decisions. It¡¯s unlikely this involves you directly. Your father and brothers should look into the matter.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Danica looked skeptical, her brow furrowed in doubt. ¡°Absolutely.¡± Linda reassured her. ¡°I understand Eric quite well.¡± Danica¡¯s expression still showed concern. ¡°So, you¡¯re certain it¡¯s not because of me?¡± ¡°Definitely not.¡± Linda offeredfort. ¡°And it¡¯s not solely on you to fix this. It¡¯s beyond your control.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Danica replied softly, seeming to grasp the situation better. . . . Chapter 330 ?Chapter 330: After escorting Danica out, Linda¡¯s face took on a more serious expression. She paused to think before reaching for her phone to dial Eric. ¡°Hello, Linda?¡± Eric¡¯s voice came through, sounding preupied. ¡°I¡¯m short on time. What do you need?¡± ¡°Okay, straight to the point,¡± Linda said firmly. ¡°What¡¯s happening with the Clifford family? What actions are you taking?¡± Eric was taken aback. ¡°Where did you hear about that?¡± ¡°Danica approached me,¡± Linda replied, letting out a weary sigh. ¡°She¡¯s just a clueless young girl, Eric. Is it necessary to bear a grudge? Why not just drop it?¡± Eric hesitated before responding with conviction, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Linda. I can¡¯t do that.¡± Linda, shocked and increasingly agitated, asked, ¡°Why not? Is this about Hadley?¡± There was silence from Eric. With a bitterugh, Linda questioned, ¡°What were you thinking, Eric? Just because Danica insulted Hadley, you¡¯re going after her entire family in retaliation?¡± Eric¡¯s voice came sharply, ¡°Yes!¡± His abrupt confession took Linda off guard. ¡°You¡­¡± she said, disbelief coloring her tone. ¡°Linda,¡± Eric interjected, his voice heavy with resignation. ¡°Danica¡¯s harsh remarks toward Hadley were my fault to begin with. Shouldn¡¯t I defend her?¡± Linda stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief, ¡°You, you¡­¡± She struggled to articte her thoughts further. ¡°I have to go; we shouldn¡¯t discuss this now.¡± Eric ended the call abruptly. Holding her phone, Linda felt a sharp ache pulsing through her head. She scoffed, disbelief in her tone, ¡°Having second thoughts, are you?¡± It was surprising to see Eric show any remorse. He seemed regretful about his past actions toward Hadley. But what good did his regret do? Linda reflected bitterly that regret was termed so because it was incapable of altering past mistakes or correcting the wrongs alreadymitted. Regret, by its nature, was impotent to mend anything. Denver swung the car door open and extended his hand to assist Hadley. ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, epting his help. ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Denver replied, ensuring she was steady. Due to Hadley¡¯s urgent situation, Denver had missed hisst visit to Ernest, but today they made it a point toe together. Upon reaching Ernest¡¯s hospital room, they found him just waking from a nap, with Linda assisting him with some water. Struggling to swallow, Ernest let some water dribble down his chin, dampening his shirt. His expression showed difort as he looked rather pale. Linda acted swiftly, standing to dab at the spill with a towel. ¡°Need more water?¡± Ernest declined with a shake of his head. ¡°Just a moment,¡± Linda said. She fetched a fresh shirt from the closet, elevated the head of the bed, and started to change his soaked shirt. ¡°It¡¯s ufortable in wet clothes. Let¡¯s get you into something dry.¡± Opting not to call for a nurse, Linda carefully removed his wet shirt and dressed him in the new one herself. . . . Chapter 331 ?Chapter 331: Gently, she maneuvered one of his arms into the sleeve. Leveraging her strength, she assisted him to a sitting position to tidy the shirt from behind, and then gently lowered him back, guiding his other arm into the sleeve. ¡°There, all set.¡± Linda, slightly flushed from the effort, finished helping Ernest. As she secured his shirt, she reassured him, saying, ¡°I know you¡¯d rather not have the nurses see you like this. You¡¯re okay with me helping, aren¡¯t you? Look, I can manage on my own.¡± Ernest¡¯s eyes fell to Linda, observing her in silence. Hadley, peering through the doorway, took in the entire scene. She felt certain that Linda¡¯s actions were driven by genuine affection for Ernest and that her feelings were sincere. Yet, Hadley found Linda¡¯s past actions puzzling. Why had Linda done everything she did? The child had been Ernest¡¯s blood, potentially the only piece of him Linda might have kept if he had never awakened. Could Linda truly have considered jeopardizing their child just to spite Hadley? The thought seemed illogical. Observing them quietly, Denver said, ¡°They look like they¡¯re managing fine.¡± He then lifted his hand to knock on the door. ¡°Please,e in.¡± ¡°Hadley, we should head inside.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Entering the room, they noticed Linda by the bed, carefully clipping Ernest¡¯s nails. Looking up, Linda said, ¡°Here to visit Ernest? He¡¯s just woken up.¡± ¡°Please, have a seat.¡± She indicated the avable chairs. ¡°Thank you.¡± Denver nodded. Hadley watched Ernest closely. Step into fiction with g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s Visibly, he appeared much improvedpared to before. His hair was neatly trimmed, his face clean-shaven, and his nails well-maintained. Linda finished with the nail clippers, picked up some lotion, and began massaging it into Ernest¡¯s hands, their fingers weaving together. She offered a gentle smile. ¡°Now your hands won¡¯t feel so dry. Better, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ernest blinked, seeming to agree. Hadley¡¯s expression turned contemtive, her suspicion deepening. Such detailed care couldn¡¯t stem from anything but deep affection. Despite having professional caregivers avable to care for Ernest, Linda chose to do these tasks herself. Ernest uttered a soft sound, his gaze shifting towards Hadley. ¡°Rest easy,¡± Linda soothed him. ¡°Hadley¡¯s right here, and she¡¯ll keeping to visit. When you¡¯re feeling up to it, you¡¯ll have a lot to chat about.¡± She then turned to Hadley. ¡°Won¡¯t you agree, Hadley?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± While she often found herself at odds with Linda, Hadley agreed to her words this time and smiled warmly. ¡°Ernest, I promise to visit as often as I can, if that¡¯s alright with you.¡± ¡°Ernest.¡± Turning towards Ernest, Denver added his introduction as he moved closer to the bed. ¡°And I¡¯m here as well. You might not recognize me. My name is Denver Moran, cousin to Marshall Myers.¡± Ernest seemed puzzled by the introduction. . . . Chapter 332 ?Chapter 332: With a yful gesture, Linda chimed in, ¡°Just mention you¡¯re Hadley¡¯s boyfriend. He¡¯ll catch on quickly then.¡± Ernest¡¯s expression flickered between surprise and concern. He let out a quiet, indistinct sound and furrowed his brow at Denver, as if he eagerly wanted to say something. Denver felt a little out of ce. ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Linda gave Ernest¡¯s hand a reassuring pat. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. N already gave Denver her approval, so there¡¯s nothing to be concerned about.¡± She turned to Denver with a warm smile. ¡°Ernest sees Hadley as a younger sister. Now that she has a boyfriend, it¡¯s only natural for him to be protective. He doesn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± said Denver with a nod. ¡°I understand.¡± He met Ernest¡¯s gaze. ¡°You can rest easy. My feelings for Hadley are genuine, and I¡¯ll make sure she¡¯s happy.¡± Ernest seemed to rx a little, though a slight crease remained between his brows. Once they stepped out of the hospital room, Linda walked them to the elevator. ¡°I need to stay with Ernest, so I won¡¯t be able to further see you off. Thanks for stopping by.¡± ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± said Denver. ¡°Go back inside. Hadley and I can manage.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Linda walked back to Ernest¡¯s room, and Hadley remained quiet. ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver waved a hand in front of her. ¡°You look lost in thought. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Snapping back to reality, Hadley gave a small shake of her head. Something about Linda¡¯s behavior felt off. Maybe there was more between her and Ernest than she let on. But there was no point in overthinking it. Ernest was now awake, and that was what mattered the most. And the truth about the past would have to wait until he had fully recovered. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your fiction sanctuary ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Denver took the wheel and drove Hadley back to West Twelfth Alley. They ran into a bit of traffic near a shopping district. As the car idled at a red light, Hadley leaned against the window and took a deep breath. ¡°Something smells incredible.¡± Denver nced at her, amused by the way her expression softened. ¡°Yeah? What is it?¡± The windows were shut, so he couldn¡¯t smell anything himself. ¡°There.¡± Hadley pointed to a corner down the street. ¡°Smells like honey-roasted nuts. You can¡¯t mistake that smell.¡± ¡°Let me check it out,¡± Denver said with a lightugh. ¡°Hang on.¡± As soon as the light turned green, he drove on a bit before pulling over near the stand. Hadley frowned as he unbuckled his seatbelt. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Denver shot her a look. ¡°Getting you those nuts.¡± Without another word, he stepped out of the car. ¡°Hey!¡± Hadley hesitated for a moment before hurrying after him. As expected, a decent line had formed at the stand. Denver took his ce at the back and motioned for Hadley to join him. ¡°Just wait a little. We¡¯ll have some soon!¡± . . . Chapter 333 ?Chapter 333: ¡°Denver¡­¡± Hadley chuckled. She had only made a passing remark about them. She nced past the crowd and spotted him easily. Counting on her fingers, she kept track. ¡°Six people ahead¡­ Now five¡­¡± Her thoughts drifted to Joy, who loved these treats just as much. Hadley missed her daughter terribly. Even though they video-called every few days, it wasn¡¯t enough. She just hoped the surgery would be scheduled soon so they could finally be together again. Lost in thought, she didn¡¯t realize Denver had already reached the front of the line. ¡°I¡¯ll take the honey-roasted ones,¡± he said. The vendor grinned. ¡°You¡¯re in luck. This is thest batch.¡± ¡°The veryst?¡± A woman peeked over Denver¡¯s shoulder. The vendor gave her a nod and repeated, ¡°Yes, this is thest batch. He just bought it.¡± ¡°Hey, handsome!¡± Noticing it was a man, she sped her hands together in a pleading gesture. ¡°I¡¯ve been craving these honey-roasted nuts all day. Could you let me have them instead?¡± If the treat had been for himself, he might have considered it. But this time, it wasn¡¯t just about him. He shook his head with a polite smile. ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°What?¡± The woman blinked, clearly not expecting a refusal. ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t be so stingy.¡± Denver didn¡¯t argue. He simply smiled. ¡°Sorry.¡± She huffed and crossed her arms. ¡°Alright then!¡± Forcing a grin, she tried again. ¡°I¡¯ll give you five bucks extra. That should change your mind, right?¡± ¡°Still no,¡± Denver said, unfazed. ¡°It¡¯s not about the money.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ?????????? ?????????? ???? He nced at Hadley, who stood a few steps away. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. Maybe you¡¯ll have better luck next time.¡± ¡°Sir, here you go,¡± the vendor said, handing over a paper bag. Denver took it without hesitation and gave the frustrated woman a polite nod. ¡°Truly sorry,¡± he added before turning away. He walked straight to Hadley and held out the bag like a trophy. ¡°There you go! The vendor said they¡¯re the most popr, and this was thest batch, so go ahead and try some!¡± He opened the bag and took a whiff. ¡°Smells really divine!¡± He then picked up a peanut and held it up to Hadley¡¯s lips. ¡°Here, give it a try.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley leaned in and took a bite. ¡°Well? How is it?¡± Denver asked eagerly. Hadley gave a thumbs-up. ¡°It¡¯s really good.¡± ¡°d to hear it.¡± Denver grinned and grabbed another. ¡°Here, have another.¡± She hesitated. Just moments ago, she had seen that woman practically begging him, yet he refused to give them up. . . . Chapter 334 ?Chapter 334: Pressing her lips together, she looked at him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just let that woman have it? Weren¡¯t you worried people would think you were rude?¡± Denver paused before letting out a chuckle. ¡°I did feel bad for her, but more importantly, I want you to have them. Why should I put a stranger ahead of you?¡± Hadley¡¯s breath caught, and her eyes turned misty. For the first time, someone had put her first. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Denver¡¯s eyes flicked to Hadley¡¯s as tears welled up in her eyes and shimmered at the corners. ¡°You¡¯re not choking, are you?¡± A thought struck him. Nuts could easily get stuck in someone¡¯s throat if not chewed properly. ¡°Do you need water?¡± He fumbled for a solution. ¡°I have a water bottle in the car. I¡¯ll go grab it!¡± He started to take a step but then hesitated. ¡°Come with me. It¡¯ll be faster if we go together!¡± Hadley let out a softugh, wiping at her eyes. ¡°Rx. I¡¯m not choking.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Denver studied her face, his gaze lingering on the redness around her eyes. ¡°Then what is it?¡± She picked up a cashew and popped it into her mouth. ¡°They¡¯re just¡­ really good.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Denver blinked, momentarily thrown off. But as he caught the bright smile on her face, his own expression softened. He had a feeling he knew the real reason behind those tears. ¡°Hadley, no matter what, there will always be someone who cares about you. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m the first, but I know I won¡¯t be thest.¡± A tightness formed in her chest, and for a moment, she struggled to hold back tears. She drew in a deep breath and then broke into a wide smile, nodding with conviction. ¡°Yes, I believe that too.¡± Maybe there would be more peopleing along and treating her kindly in the future, or maybe not. Either way, she would never forget this moment when she was indeed, genuinely cherished. A few dayster, something unexpected happened. Hadley spent the entire day practicing in the dance studio. In just two days, she would have to prove her progress to nche. If she passed, the troupe would officially begin rehearsals. g???????¦Í??????.??0?? ¨C Next part By the time the clock hit a quarter past six, she changed into her own clothes, grabbed her bag, and hurried out. ¡°Hadley, want to grab dinner with us tonight?¡± A few colleagues in the dressing room called out. ¡°Wish I could, but I have to be somewhere.¡± She shot a quick nce at the time. There was a scene she had to film that evening, and beingte wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Have fun, everyone. See you all tomorrow!¡± With that, she dashed out of the room. ¡°Oh, Hadley¡­ What¡¯s she always so busy with? She never shows up to any of our gatherings.¡± One of the girls, Alita Reed, scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡°She just showed up out of nowhere. Ms. Nicolson handpicked her because of her so-called talent. Why would she waste time with us?¡± The moment Hadley¡¯s special recruitment came up, the room buzzed with conversation. ¡°I heard she used to dance with Red. People say she¡¯s actually really good.¡± ¡°Yeah, I watched her during practice. She¡¯s got serious talent.¡± . . . Chapter 335 ?Chapter 335: Alita let out a sharp scoff. ¡°Talent? You talk like the rest of us don¡¯t know how to dance.¡± If they weren¡¯t skilled, they wouldn¡¯t be here at all. Yet, despite their hard work, they were still stuck in minor roles. Meanwhile, Hadley had barely set foot in the troupe and was already leading a performance. Not everyone was happy about it. And no one resented the situation more than Alita. She had been dancing under nche¡¯s instruction since childhood, personally chosen to train with Lightning. Before Hadley arrived, Alita had been the most promising young dancer in the troupe. Tickets to their shows were highly sought after, so nche had opened an additional cast group. Most people assumed Alita would get the lead role. Then Hadley showed up out of nowhere. To Alita, it felt like Hadley had stolen the lead role right out from under her. ¡°What makes her so special?¡± Alita muttered under her breath, her wordsced with bitterness. ¡°She probably just has someone powerful backing her up.¡± Rumors had already begun to swirl. People whispered that Hadley hadn¡¯t earned her spot through talent alone. Many saw her arrive with a man the day she was recruited. Everyone knew the man behind her was someone influential. ¡°She¡¯s probably just using connections.¡± ¡°Shut it!¡± A coworker quickly mped a hand over Alita¡¯s mouth. ¡°You can¡¯t say things like that. Ms. Nicolson doesn¡¯t tolerate in-house drama.¡± ¡°Get off me!¡± Alita shoved her colleague away, but she knew better than to push her luck. If nche caught wind of her spreading rumors, she¡¯d be thrown out without a second thought. Still, Alita wasn¡¯t about to let Hadley keep overshadowing her. Alita kept a close watch. So, when Hadley rushed off one evening, Alita quietly trailed behind, following her through multiple bus rides and train transfers. ???????????? §ã?????????????? g?????????????????????? ¡°Isn¡¯t she supposed to have some rich guy backing her? Why is she traveling like this?¡± Alita muttered. But the moment they stepped off the subway, herints faded. Excitement surged through her veins. Hadley had arrived at a movie studio. What was she doing here? Pulling a mask over her face and tugging her cap lower, Alita kept her distance and continued following. Then, right before her eyes, Hadley entered a filming set. Alita waited patiently. Minutester, Hadley stepped back out, now dressed in full costume. Without hesitation, Alita pulled out her phone, turned on the camera, and snapped several photos. A slow smirk formed on her lips. ¡°Hadley, this is the end of the line for you.¡± Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Alita turned and walked away. At the filming set, Hadley spotted Elvin and approached him. ¡°Mr. Webster, I need to talk to you about something.¡± He gave her a nod. ¡°Go ahead. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± . . . Chapter 336 ?Chapter 336: She took a breath. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing.¡± She exined how she had joined a professional dance studio. ¡°I¡¯m struggling to bnce everything. Filming might get difficult for me moving forward.¡± Elvin¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Hadley, when you joined the crew, I went out of my way to vouch for you with the director.¡± ¡°I know,¡± she said, guilt creeping into her voice. ¡°And I really appreciate everything you¡¯ve done.¡± Thest thing she wanted was to seem ungrateful, but Lightning Studio had strict rules. Dancers weren¡¯t allowed to take on outside work. And in her case, she was the lead. The lead dancer wasn¡¯t just another performer. She was the face of the troupe, the equivalent of a headlining star in the entertainment industry. Hadley had thought about walking away from the film crew entirely. But she had signed a contract. Leaving now would mean paying a penalty. Besides, after everything Elvin had done for her, she couldn¡¯t just disappear without a second thought. Instead, she suggested cutting down her screen time, which was possible since she was merely a stand-in. ¡°Mr. Webster, this is on me. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡± Elvin studied her for a moment before letting out a sigh. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see what I can do. But you¡¯ll still have to be in a few crucial scenes.¡± That part wasn¡¯t up for debate. ¡°You¡¯ve already been paid well for this, and Adonis is serious about maintaining quality. In this industry, it¡¯s always smart to leave doors open. Who knows what opportunities mighte up in the future? If we get the chance to work together again, it¡¯s best to keep things smooth. No need to burn any bridges.¡± ¡°I get it.¡± Hadley nodded, grateful for his understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll do as you suggest.¡± She was genuinely grateful that Elvin wasn¡¯t upset with her. Instead of making things difficult, he was willing topromise. Maybe her luck wasn¡¯t as bad as she thought. ¡°Thanks, Mr. Webster.¡± ???????? ????????????????: g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Elvin gave a casual wave. ¡°Now go get ready.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± That night, Hadley didn¡¯t step off the set until nearly midnight. By the time she made it back to her apartment, exhaustion weighed her down. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was out. The next morning, Hadley stepped into the dance studio, ready to begin the day. She had just changed into her practice clothes and was about to step into the rehearsal room when someone called her name. ¡°Hadley!¡± A colleague stood by the door. ¡°Ms. Nicolson wants to see you in her office.¡± ¡°Got it! Thanks!¡± She quickly locked her locker and hurried off. When she reached nche¡¯s office, she knocked lightly before stepping inside. ¡°Ms. Nicolson, you asked for me?¡± nche sat on the sofa, her expression unreadable. A cold wave of unease washed over Hadley. nche was always strict, but there was something different this time. There was a sharp glint in her eyes¡ªanger, restrained but unmistakable. ¡°Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± Hadley swallowed, her voice hesitant. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± . . . Chapter 337 ?Chapter 337: nche arched an eyebrow. A cold sneer crossed her lips as she set her phone down on the coffee table. ¡°Take a look. See for yourself. Is this you?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley hesitated before reaching for the phone. The screen disyed a photo of her in costume fromst night¡¯s film shoot. Her stomach twisted. ¡°Ms. Nicolson, I¡­¡± ¡°Is this you?¡± nche¡¯s eyes locked onto her, cold and unyielding. Hadley¡¯s pulse thundered in her ears. A cold numbness spread through her limbs. There was no escaping it. The proof was right in front of them. She clenched her jaw and nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s me.¡± ¡°Wow.¡± nche let out a short, scornfulugh. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Her voice dripped with disappointment. ¡°Hadley, you broke the rule!¡± nche¡¯s smile disappeared in an instant, reced by a sharp, simmering anger. ¡°Ever since I took charge of this studio, no one has dared to break our rules. Yet here you are, the first to take on outside work without permission!¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s face lost all color, but she had to exin herself. ¡°I did take an outside job, but it was before I became part of the troupe. I already had a contract with that production team and¡­¡± ¡°And what of it?¡± nche snapped. Hadley¡¯s words carried no weight. nche had a reputation for being strict. She never made exceptions once the rules were broken. ¡°You were still working on that outside project while you were here with us, weren¡¯t you?¡± Hadley parted her lips, but nothing came out. It was the truth, and there was no way to refute it. ¡°How reckless!¡± nche shut her eyes. Frustration and disappointment flickered across her face. Rules were rules. No matter how much regret weighed on her, she couldn¡¯t allow Hadley to stay. Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m nche lifted a hand, her voice sharp and unwavering. ¡°Change out of your practice clothes and leave. Now.¡± Hadley¡¯s head snapped up, her eyes already glistening with tears. ¡°Ms. Nicolson, I¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to say.¡± nche lifted a hand, silencing her. ¡°I brought you in, but once you chose to break the rules yourself, I had no way to protect you. If I did, how could I expect to lead this troupe?¡± She let out a slow sigh and gave Hadley a hard look. ¡°What a waste! You¡¯re the one throwing away your own future.¡± After a pause, something unreadable flickered across her face. ¡°But maybe this isn¡¯t the worst oue. With your talent, you might be better off in entertainment. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do well there.¡± ¡°No, Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± Hadley shook her head, her voice steady. Acting had never been her dream. ¡°Hadley, just leave.¡± nche¡¯s tone was final. ¡°With Eric backing you, you¡¯ll have no trouble finding sess in the industry. Leaving this ce isn¡¯t the end of the world.¡± . . . Chapter 338 ?Chapter 338: She motioned toward the door. ¡°Go now. Don¡¯t make this harder than it needs to be.¡± There was no turning back. Hadley had no defense. She could only me herself for handling everything so poorly. Even if she could rewind time, she wasn¡¯t sure she would have done anything differently. ¡°Ms. Nicolson.¡± Shame pressed down on her as Hadley lowered her head. ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡± ¡°Just go.¡± nche turned away, refusing to look at her. Hadley stepped outside and stood frozen. It felt as if the entire world had caved in around her. How had things unraveled so quickly? In just a few days, she was supposed to take center stage as the lead dancer. She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to enjoy the moment. Now, it was over. Everything was gone. When she made her way back to the locker room, she felt the weight of their stares. Clusters of dancers huddled together, eyes darting between their phones and Hadley. They weren¡¯t even trying to hide it. Then her phone vibrated. Her breath caught as she looked at the screen. In the studio¡¯s group chat, nche had made an announcement. ¡°Hadley Pearson, our prospective lead dancer, was caught working as a stand-in for a production crew without authorization. This has been confirmed. Effective immediately, she is dismissed from her position in this troupe.¡± Hadley¡¯s vision blurred as tears stung her eyes. Her grip tightened around her phone, her jaw locking. A voice cut through the tension. L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.?????? Alita stood nearby, arms crossed, her expression sharp. ¡°Wow. Looks like our star recruit just got kicked out.¡± ¡°Enough,¡± someone muttered. ¡°Why should I?¡± Alita smirked, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°Working behind Lightning¡¯s back? That takes nerve! Oh, and Hadley, aren¡¯t you supposed to be talented? Didn¡¯t someone pull strings to get you in? Maybe he can do it again and save you.¡± Did she mean Eric? The thought hadn¡¯t even crossed Hadley¡¯s mind. Not that it mattered. She had no leverage anymore. If she ever had any worth in Eric¡¯s eyes, she had lost it now. Alita let out a lightheartedugh, casually tossing her hair over her shoulder. ¡°Give it up! Ms. Nicolson follows the rules to the letter. She might¡¯ve bent them for you once, but do you really think she¡¯ll do it again? Are you that special?¡± She shed a smirk before turning on her heel. ¡°Come on,dies! Practice isn¡¯t going to wait!¡± As Alita sauntered off, Hadley couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling creeping over her. Something wasn¡¯t right. How had nche found out about her side job with the film production crew? Who had tipped her off? . . . Chapter 339 ?Chapter 339: A dull ache settled in her head. Not that it mattered now. Even if she uncovered the truth, what difference would it make? This time, she had no one to me but herself. Hadley barely left her apartment that day, sinking into the quiet weight of her thoughts. By evening, her phone rang. Denver¡¯s voice came through, casual as ever. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m outside the studio. When are you getting out?¡± She shifted in bed, her tone t with exhaustion. ¡°I¡¯m not there.¡± ¡°What?¡± Denver sounded caught off guard. ¡°You already left? Did rehearsals wrap up early today?¡± He knew how hard she had been working. In just a few days, she was supposed to take center stage. ¡°Yeah,¡± she muttered. Her voicecked its usual spark. ¡°Listen, if that¡¯s all, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± Without waiting for a reply, she ended the call. Denver stared at his phone, frowning. Something was off. Hadley sounded distant, almost defeated. That wasn¡¯t like her. A nagging feeling crept in, and before he could think twice, he turned the car toward West Twelfth Alley. Hadley remained in bed, sinking deeper into her thoughts. The more she dwelled on her dismissal, the worse she felt. A sudden knock at the door pulled her from her haze. She hesitated. ¡°Who is it?¡± Dragging herself up, she shuffled to the door. When she opened it, she froze in surprise. ¡°Denver?¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± It was his first time at her ce. He had even gotten lost trying to find the right floor, and the sweat glistening on his forehead made that clear. But the second he saw her face, his suspicions were confirmed. ¡°You sounded off on the phone. What happened?¡± M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.??? Hadley hadn¡¯t expected him to show up just because of a call. ¡°Denver¡­¡± A flicker of warmth stirred in her chest, but it quickly faded as reality sank in. She let out a slow breath and admitted, ¡°I messed up. Ms. Nicolson kicked me out of the troupe.¡± Denver¡¯s mind stalled for a second. ¡°What?¡± The shock hit him hard. This wasn¡¯t just bad news; it was devastating. Lightning Dance Studio was one of the most prestigious tforms for contemporary dancers. Hadley had been right on the verge of making her mark. But now she was kicked out? ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Denver.¡± Her voice was quiet, as if she didn¡¯t want pity¡ªjust acknowledgment. Sharing the truth was hard enough. Nothing could lift the weight pressing down on her. ¡°I don¡¯t have the strength for anything right now. I just want to be alone. But¡­ thanks for checking in. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Denver shook his head and waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I get it.¡± Hadley hesitated for a second but didn¡¯t step aside to let him in. ¡°Well¡­ Guess I¡¯ll see you around then.¡± . . . Chapter 340 ?Chapter 340: ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Denver said, watching as she quietly shut the door. He exhaled, running a hand over his face. It wasn¡¯t frustration he felt. It was something heavier¡ªhelplessness, maybe. How was he supposed to help her fix this? ¡°Barrie!¡± The thought struck Denver suddenly. Without hesitation, he turned and headed downstairs, pulling out his phone as he went. ¡°Marshall, hey. It¡¯s me. Are you with Barrie right now?¡± When Denver arrived, he found only Marshall and Barrie waiting. Marshall gestured for him to take a seat. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked. Barrie put his ss down and turned to Denver. ¡°Marshall told me you needed me for something. What¡¯s up? If there¡¯s anything I can do, just say the word.¡± ¡°I appreciate it, man.¡± With time pressing and Hadley¡¯s disappointed face fresh in his mind, Denver wasted no time. ¡°I¡¯ll cut straight to it. Here¡¯s what¡¯s happening¡­¡± Barrie listened closely, his expression growing tense as he took it all in. ¡°So that¡¯s how it went down?¡± He recalled how hard Eric had pushed to get Hadley out of Gnt and into nche¡¯s troupe. But before she even had a real chance to prove herself, she was cast aside. ¡°Barrie,¡± Denver¡¯s voice was urgent. ¡°Your mom and Ms. Nicolson are pretty tight, right? Do you think you could talk to her?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Barrie hesitated to reveal that Eric had already cashed in that favor. Even so, refusing outright wasn¡¯t easy. After a pause, he finally gave a nod. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll bring it up with my mom and see if there¡¯s anything she can do.¡± ¡°Seriously, thank you!¡± ¡°Hey¡­¡± Barrie shot him a look. ¡°Hold off on that. No promises this will work.¡± Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Barrie had heard from his mother that nche was known for her strictness. The only reason she had made an exception for Hadley was because of her undeniable talent and skill. But this time, it wasn¡¯t about talent¡ªit was about nche¡¯s rules. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy. Denver felt the weight of the situation pressing on him, but he held on to whatever hope he could. ¡°No matter what happens, I appreciate you trying.¡± ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Barrie said as he got to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll call her right now.¡± ¡°Really appreciate it.¡± It wouldn¡¯t take long to make the call. True enough, Barrie was back in no time, still holding his phone. ¡°Alright, talked to my mom. Now we just have to wait and see what she says.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Denver gave a slight nod, though a faint frown remained. Then, turning to Marshall, he said, ¡°Well, I should get going¡­¡± ¡°Whoa, hold on!¡± Marshall stopped him before he could leave. ¡°You¡¯re already here¡ªmight as well stay for dinner.¡± . . . Chapter 341 ?Chapter 341: ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll pass.¡± Denver smiled, though there was an apologetic edge to it. ¡°Hadley¡¯s pretty down about all this. I doubt she¡¯s eaten.¡± She needed someone to check on her, make sure she got something in her stomach, and let her know things might still work out. Denver nced at Barrie and gave him a nod. ¡°Seriously, thanks again. I¡¯m heading out.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Marshall watched him go, and then let out a sigh. ¡°Man, he¡¯s got it bad for Hadley.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t me him,¡± Barrie said with a knowing look. ¡°Don¡¯t you think Hadley¡¯s changed a lot?¡± Barrie had a point. Marshall nodded. ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s really grown up.¡± The loud, reckless girl from before was gone. Now, Hadley carried herself with a calm confidence, her striking appearance only adding to the sense that she¡¯d transformed into someone entirely new. No wonder Eric had taken an interest. Whether that would end up being good for her, though, was still up in the air. Just then, the private lounge door swung open, and Eric walked in. Traffic had held him up, making him arrive a littleter than nned. Marshall and Barrie exchanged an unspoken look, their smiles carrying the same hint of amusement. Eric eyed them suspiciously as he leaned back against the couch. ¡°What¡¯s with you two? You look weird. Are you sick or something? Need a doctor?¡± Barrie was the first to speak. ¡°Yeah, sick over Hadley.¡± Marshall added, ¡°ssic case of jealousy syndrome.¡± They exchanged nces, their amusement only half-hidden. ¡°Eric, what kind of medicine do you rmend?¡± Eric furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m being serious,¡± Barrie said, though he barely held back a chuckle. ¡°Denver came by earlier looking for me.¡± Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s As a friend, Barrie felt Eric had a right to know what Hadley was going through. Afterying out the situation, Barrie turned to him. ¡°So, what are you nning to do about this?¡± Eric hesitated for a moment before letting out a short, dismissiveugh. ¡°What does this have to do with me? Denver¡¯s already handling it.¡± He was the ex-husband now. That meant keeping his distance. Barrie let out a sigh. ¡°Even if my mom steps in, I wouldn¡¯t hold my breath.¡± Denver made his way back to West Twelfth Alley. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± As the door swung open, Hadley couldn¡¯t hide her surprise. What was Denver doing back here again? ¡°Don¡¯t let this get you down.¡± Standing under the soft hallway light, his sharp features were softened by a quiet concern. ¡°I¡¯m trying to find a way to fix this for you.¡± He brought up Barrie¡¯s mother for a moment, touching on her connection to nche. ¡°So perhaps there¡¯s still a possibility.¡± Hadley stood there, momentarily taken aback. Denver had only been gone a short while, yet he had already done this much for her. Even if things didn¡¯t work out in the end, there was no way she could turn him away again. . . . Chapter 342 ?Chapter 342: A small smile appeared on her lips. ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Denver looked startled before shaking his head. ¡°Actually, I was just about to ask you the same thing¡­¡± ¡°Then let me treat you to dinner. Just wait here for a second¡­¡± Hadley stepped back inside to grab her purse. Once she returned, she locked the door behind her. ¡°But don¡¯t expect anything fancy. Even if it¡¯s cheaper than what you used to, you¡¯re not allowed toin.¡± ¡°Would I ever? Do you really think I¡¯m that kind of person?¡± She already knew the answer¡ªof course, he wouldn¡¯t mind. If he did, she wouldn¡¯t have even suggested it. The neighborhood had an old-town charm, carrying an easygoing atmosphere. It wasn¡¯t trendy, but it had everything a person could need. Hadley led Denver to a small, cozy restaurant. It was the nicest ce she had been to since returning. Given Denver¡¯s background, suggesting anything cheaper would have felt a little awkward. They were led to a nice table and ced their orders. ¡°I heard their pasta is incredible,¡± Hadley cupped a hand around her mouth and spoke in a hushed tone. ¡°I¡¯m nning to have the entire te tonight, actually.¡± She lifted her index finger to emphasize her point. Then, with a yful sigh, she grumbled, ¡°Normally, I have to be careful about my carb intake just to keep my shape¡­¡± To keep in top form for her performances, she had been on a strict diettely. ¡°Tonight, I¡¯m indulging.¡± There was a lighthearted childishness in the way she said it. Denver chuckled. ¡°Now I¡¯m starving.¡± g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????? He shrugged off his zer and draped it over the back of his chair, leaving only his shirt beneath. Hadley paused for a moment, and then smiled. Denver was actually wearing the one she had made for him. She tilted her head, eyeing the shirt. ¡°Huh? The shirt, huh?¡± Her eyes flicked over it before she asked, ¡°How¡¯s the fit?¡± Denver lifted his arm slightly, flexing it as if to prove a point. ¡°Fits like a glove.¡± He nced at her with a small smirk. ¡°You never even took my measurements, but somehow, you got it exactly right.¡± Hadley gave a modest shrug. ¡°A skill passed down from my grandmother.¡± She smiled again, her expression proud but yful. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m perfect at it, but I can usually make a pretty good guess.¡± Then, with a touch of hesitation, she admitted, ¡°Though, to be fair, it¡¯s just in cotton instead of anything fancy.¡± The fabric was cotton, a stark contrast to the luxurious fabrics Denver was used to¡ªfine wool, silk blends, tailored perfection. But Denver immediately shook his head. ¡°What do you mean, just cotton?¡± He ran his fingers over the sleeve as if proving his point. ¡°This is actually great! It¡¯s soft, breathable¡ªreallyfortable.¡± . . . Chapter 343 ?Chapter 343: Every stitch held meaning. No high-end material couldpare to something made with that kind of care. ¡°I¡¯m so d you like it.¡± Hadley¡¯s smile widened, warmth filling her eyes. Seeing him appreciate her gift, not just wear it out of politeness, lifted her mood more than she could have ever expected. ¡°Here¡¯s your pasta!¡± the server announced, cing the dishes down with a flourish. Hadley snatched her fork, too eager to wait another moment. ¡°Hold your horses!¡± Denver halted her just as she was about to dive in. He shed a grin and lifted his phone. ¡°Let me snap a quick pic first.¡± He opened his camera app, captured a few shots, and then said, ¡°Alright, dig in!¡± Meanwhile, Marshall scrolled through his phone, chuckling softly. ¡°This guy¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s tickling your funny bone?¡± Eric asked. Marshall waved him off dismissively. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. You¡¯re better off not knowing.¡± Rolling his eyes, Eric stood up and made his way to the bathroom. Once inside, he pulled out his phone, opened his Instagram, and scrolled through his feed. His gazended on Denver¡¯stest post. ¡°Dinner.¡± Just a single word, apanied by a photo of the meal. In the corner, two faint silhouettes were evident. The taller one was unmistakably Denver, while the petite figure next to him had to be Hadley. And sure enough, among the likes, Hadley¡¯s name topped the list. Suddenly, Eric nced away, switched off his phone, and shoved it back into his pocket. Marshall had already warned him. Why was he still torturing himself like this? And why did it gnaw at him so deeply? Perhaps, in time, it wouldn¡¯t. Check new chapters at Enlisting Barrie¡¯s mother to speak on Hadley¡¯s behalf to nche went about as well as a lead balloon. Barrie conveyed the news to Denver. ¡°Sorry. It didn¡¯t pan out. My mom gave it her all, but Ms. Nicolson just wouldn¡¯t budge.¡± She had already made an exception once for Barrie¡¯s mother, but Hadley had stumbled. ¡°I understand, thanks anyway,¡± Denver said. The weight of disappointment settled in like a heavy fog. If he felt let down, how must Hadley be faring? In truth, Hadley was managing better than he had anticipated. She¡¯d been sad initially, of course. But moping wouldn¡¯t change a thing. Over her four years in the, she had weathered many storms. Wallowing in sorrow wasn¡¯t her style anymore. Even if she regretted it, life had to move forward. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hadley,¡± Denver said, chastising himself for not being able to help. ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Hadley replied with a calm smile. ¡°It was my misstep. Why should you apologize to me? I take responsibility for my own actions.¡± She couldn¡¯ty the me on anyone else. Denver hesitated. ¡°What are your ns now?¡± . . . Chapter 344 ?Chapter 344: ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m still working with the production crew,¡± Hadley said. ¡°If something betteres along, I¡¯ll see where it leads.¡± Elvin already knew she had been let go from the troupe. Though he wasn¡¯t exactly smug, he extended an olive branch. Elvin approached Hadley. ¡°Since you¡¯re no longer with Lightning and don¡¯t have anything lined up, have you thought about pursuing a deeper path in the entertainment industry?¡± ¡°Mr. Webster¡­¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t provide an immediate answer. Honestly, she had never considered it before. Taking on film work was merely a means to earn more money. But now, with the alimony from Eric, she no longer needed to pursue it for financial reasons. Elvin encouraged her. ¡°You should ponder a different trajectory. With your looks and skills, isn¡¯t it a waste to remain just a dance double? Even Adonis said you could do really well if you wanted to.¡± Some could coast by on looks alone, and fate had dealt Hadley a winning hand. She possessed a striking beauty to begin with. ¡°Let me think it over,¡± she said, her voice thoughtful. ¡°Alright,¡± Elvin agreed, not pushing her. ¡°But think carefully. The dance-double scenes for this current project are nearly wrapped up. When that¡¯s done, what¡¯s your game n?¡± Elvin mentioned that Adonis was gearing up for a new film and was on the lookout for fresh faces. Since Adonis had already been impressed by Hadley, this was a golden opportunity. And opportunities waited for no one. After some contemtion, Hadley resolved to give it a shot. She understood the entertainment industry wasn¡¯t a walk in the park, but the decisions she made would shape her journey. Besides, she was merely fighting for that chance. Nothing was set in stone yet. Once Hadley gave Elvin her firm answer, he beamed with joy. ¡°Fantastic. I¡¯m d you made the right call.¡± He gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Trust me, you won¡¯t regret it, Hadley. You¡¯re on the path to stardom.¡± Of course, Elvin¡¯s words weren¡¯t the final verdict. He was Adonis¡¯ assistant director, so the decision ultimatelyy with Adonis. Adonis would choose whom to hire. Still, Elvin could at least provide Hadley with a solid rmendation. After filming wrapped one day, Elvin took Hadley to meet Adonis in person. ¡°Mr. Faulkner, Hadley¡¯s here.¡± Adonis looked up, gesturing for Hadley to approach. ¡°Hadley?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Faulkner.¡± Hadley stood poised and quiet. ¡°Have you given it some thought?¡± Adonis was indeed pleased with her. In the entertainment business, looks carried significant weight. ¡°Ready to take the plunge?¡± ¡°I would appreciate your guidance.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Adonis noticed the tension in her demeanor and sought to ease her worries. ¡°Take a deep breath. I already have a glimpse of who you are. No need to feel intimidated. Every star has to start somewhere.¡± He cast a nce at Elvin. ¡°Hand Hadley the first few episodes of the script.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Elvin replied. . . . Chapter 345 ?Chapter 345: Adonis then gestured toward Hadley. ¡°While your looks certainly caught my attention, relying solely on beauty would reduce you to just a pretty face, which I won¡¯t allow to happen. Take this script home and immerse yourself in it. I want to see your interpretation of the character. Dig deep, alright?¡± ¡°Understood, sir.¡± In no time, Elvin returned with the script and passed it to Hadley, leaning in to whisper, ¡°Make sure you read it thoroughly and don¡¯t screw it up.¡± ¡°Also,¡± Adonis added, ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure which role will fit you best just yet. From the lead to the third female lead, I want you to analyze them all, if possible.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± With the script in her hands, Hadley felt a wave of apprehension wash over her. Was acting really this intricate? She still found herself drawn to dancing. At the hospital. ¡°Ernest?¡± Linda called softly as she stepped into the room. She spotted Ernest¡¯s assistant, Quentin Miles, standing by the bed and reporting something to Ernest. As soon as she entered, Quentin ceased speaking. He offered her a courteous smile. ¡°Hello, Miss Harris.¡± ¡°Hi,¡± Linda replied, her curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. What could they have been discussing? A nagging thought lingered in her mind¡ªwere they keeping something from her? ¡°Sir,¡± Quentin said with a respectful nod toward Ernest, ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Ernest acknowledged him with a nod. ¡°Goodbye, Miss Harris.¡± ¡°Take care.¡± When Quentin was gone, Linda pulled up a chair beside the bed, took Ernest¡¯s hand, and pressed it gently to her cheek. Linda chose not to delve into the recent events that had unfolded. Instead, she kept the conversation light, as was her custom. ¡°Sorry I arrived a bitter than usual today. The chill in the air has settled in. Just stepping out of the car made my cheeks feel the bite of the cold. Here, feel it. Isn¡¯t it brisk?¡± She gently pressed her cheek against Ernest¡¯s palm as she spoke. Ernest¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and a tremor ran through his fingers as he lowered his hand, attempting to pull away. Linda¡¯s heart raced. Was he intentionally distancing himself from her? Maintaining herposure, she replied with warmth, ¡°Is your arm weary? I apologize for making you hold it up.¡± Ernest opened his mouth, but only a raspy, muffled sound came forth. Linda instantly grasped his need. After caring for him for so long, she recognized his signals like an old friend. ¡°You need to use the restroom, right? Just a moment¡­¡± She started toward the bathroom to get his bedpan. But Ernest tugged at her shirt, shaking his head slowly, his brow knitted in concern. She understood his gesture, yet confusion washed over her. ¡°Ernest, I¡¯m your fianc¨¦e. We might as well be married, wedding or not. Let me assist you, please.¡± . . . Chapter 346 ?Chapter 346: Still, he shook his head, his forehead creased in refusal. With a hand pressed to her temple, she felt a wave of resignation. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call the caregiver.¡± Ernest had a duo of caregivers, one male and one female. As Linda stood up, a pang of unease fluttered in her chest. She really didn¡¯t get it. What was happening with Ernest? Ever since he regained consciousness, he had been keeping her at arm¡¯s length. He permitted her to wipe his face and help him sip water, but when it came to using the bathroom or a full-body cleaning, he insisted on the presence of a caregiver. Why? They had shared so much intimacy. Perhaps he simply didn¡¯t want her to witness him at his most vulnerable. Linda clung to that thought forfort. Since Ernest still couldn¡¯t articte his needs, she felt powerless to argue with him. A weekter, Hadley meticulouslybed through the script, recording her interpretations of the female roles with care. She handed the hefty stack of notes to Adonis. ¡°Mr. Faulkner, here you are.¡± Adonis epted it, visibly taken aback. ¡°This is quite a pile.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Hadley felt a twinge of self-consciousness. ¡°I¡¯ve never tackled anything like this before, so I jotted down every thought that crossed my mind.¡± ¡°No problem at all.¡± Adonis admired her approach. ¡°This kind of attitude is the first step toward sess. I¡¯ll review it and get back to you.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The oue was that Adonis walked away quite pleased. However, casting for a show was not solely his decision. As the director, he still had to answer to the producer and the investor. The former held overall authority, while thetter provided the funds. Together, they wielded real power. Plus, bringing a new face into the fold came with its own set of challenges. One evening after filming, Elvin sought out Hadley. ¡°Hadley, Mr. Faulkner wants you to join us for dinner tomorrow night.¡± Before she could ask for specifics, Elvin winked conspiratorially. ¡°As of now, you¡¯re the only woman on our radar for this new project. Don¡¯t sweat it when you meet the producer and the investors. Mr. Faulkner and I will have your back.¡± So it was a dinner with the bigwigs. Hadley felt an unshakeable hesitation, though she couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on why. Still, she nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± The next day, knowing she was about to meet the heavyweights, Hadley chose a coffee-toned evening gown¡ªelegant and ttering to her figure. Following Elvin¡¯s directions, she arrived punctually at the venue to find him. ¡°Hadley.¡± Elvin waved her over. ¡°Come on, Mr. Faulkner is already upstairs.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Inside the elevator, Elvin let out a deep sigh, a shadow of concern crossing his face. . . . Chapter 347 ?Chapter 347: ¡°Mr. Webster?¡± Hadley asked, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± Elvin nced at her, his brow furrowed. ¡°Once we get upstairs, no matter what happens, try to keep your cool.¡± What kind of advice was that? Hadley¡¯s heart began to race. What could possibly happen? ¡°Here¡¯s the thing,¡± Elvin continued, his voice tense. ¡°I just found out that our producer is Wayne Walters.¡± Hadley blinked, utterly clueless. She hadn¡¯t officially stepped into the entertainment arena yet, so who was this Wayne Walters? She was in the dark. ¡°Wayne, well¡­¡± Elvin continued, gritting his teeth, ¡°he has a notorious w. He couldn¡¯t always keep his hands to himself.¡± Instantly, Hadley¡¯s eyes widened. Was that really just a mere w? ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you.¡± Elvin caught her rm. ¡°With a crowd around, he won¡¯t dare cross the line. Plus, he¡¯s not one of the investors this time, so he can¡¯t push you into anything against your will.¡± ording to Adonis, the role envisioned for Hadley was the third female lead. She was a greenhorn, without any acting experience, so he couldn¡¯t risk featuring her too much. Still, this particr part could shine if executed well. For a small role like that, given Adonis¡¯ standing in the industry, the producer and backers would at least show some semnce of respect. Elvin wouldn¡¯t make any promises, though. After all, many in this business were looking for shortcuts, willing topromise their integrity. If Hadley was inclined to take that road, no one would stand in her way. But judging by her reaction, Elvin doubted she¡¯d go down that path. ¡°It¡¯s just dinner. Rx.¡± ¡°I get it, Mr. Webster,¡± Hadley said, taking a deep breath. But how could she not feel nervous? All she could do now was hope that the producer wouldn¡¯t overstep. They ascended the stairs and entered a private suite. The lights were dim, and Hadley frowned at the low illumination, not to mention the heavy scent of alcohol and perfume that hung in the air. Elvin guided her over to Adonis. ¡°Mr. Faulkner, Hadley has arrived.¡± ¡°Hi, Hadley,¡± Adonis beckoned her closer. ¡°Come over here.¡± ¡°Okay, Mr. Faulkner.¡± Elvin stepped back, making room for her. ¡°Here, Hadley.¡± Adonis gestured to a lean, middle-aged man beside him. This was the producer. ¡°Meet Mr. Wayne Walters, our producer.¡± ¡°Hello, Mr. Walters,¡± Hadley offered a slight nod. ¡°Hello there.¡± . . . Chapter 348 ?Chapter 348: Wayne¡¯s gaze lingered on Hadley, captivated as if she were a rare gem. He was clearly taken aback. She was genuinely stunning. Even in a realm filled with beauty, her looks stood out. ¡°Well, Adonis, you¡¯ve got an eye for talent,¡± Wayne said, a knowing grin spreading across his face as he nced at Adonis. ¡°Where did you unearth someone so breathtaking?¡± ¡°Just a stroke of luck.¡± ¡°Come here.¡± Wayne extended his hand, palm up, beckoning her closer. The message was unmistakable¡ªhe wanted her hand. Under the dim lighting, Hadley¡¯splexion turned ghostly pale. Her eyes flicked to Elvin, and then to Adonis. Neither of them spoke, but their looks said enough¡ªthey were silently telling her to endure Wayne. Elvin¡¯s words in the elevator echoed in her mind. Taking a slow breath, Hadley forced herself to move, hesitantly cing her hand in Wayne¡¯s. A burst ofughter escaped Wayne, his amusement evident. But instead of simply holding her hand, he tightened his grip and yanked her forward, smoothly shifting his arm until it wrapped around her waist. The instant his arm locked in ce, Hadley¡¯s entire body stiffened. Her fingers curled into tight fists, her nails pressing sharply into her palms. ¡°How old are you? And what¡¯s your college major?¡± ¡°I¡¯m twenty-four¡­¡± Her voice came out faint, barely above a whisper. ¡°I studied modern dance.¡± ¡°A dancer, huh?¡± Wayne¡¯s gaze dragged over her. ¡°No wonder you¡¯ve got such a fantastic figure.¡± Wayne lifted his ss toward Hadley with a smirk. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s have a drink to celebrate our meeting.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Hadley took the ss, her fingers trembling slightly as she gripped it. Her pulse pounded in her ears. ¡°Mr. Walters, aren¡¯t you going to drink with me?¡± Wayne waved a hand dismissively. ¡°You first. And I¡¯ll finish the rest. That makes us look close, doesn¡¯t it?¡± His lighthearted tone drew chuckles from the men around them. Hadley remained frozen in ce, still clutching the ss. A subtle tremor ran through her. ¡°Go on, drink.¡± Wayne¡¯s voice held a teasing lilt. ¡°No need to be so tense. I¡¯m not forcing you to finish it all¡­ I¡¯m known for spoiling beautiful women, you know.¡± As he spoke, his hand slid around her waist. Hadley tightened her grip on the ss, forcing herself to believe that if she just drank, he might finally let her go. But just as she brought the ss to her lips, she stiffened in shock. Wayne¡¯s hand was drifting lower, creeping down her thigh. . . . Chapter 349 ?Chapter 349: That was it. Hadley¡¯sposure, already hanging by a thread, snapped. She had been forcing herself to endure his touch, to stay silent, to y along. But this¡ªthis was something no woman should ever be expected to tolerate. Before anyone could react, she hurled the drink straight into Wayne¡¯s face without a second thought. ¡°You little¡ªI¡± Wine streamed down Wayne¡¯s cheeks, dripping from his chin. His face twisted with rage as he shot to his feet, cursing furiously. With a sharp swipe, he dragged the back of his hand across his face, and then lunged for Hadley. ¡°You bitch!¡± The room rang with the sharp crack of ss breaking. Hadley had mmed the ss against the table¡¯s edge. Shards scattered to the floor, leaving her with nothing but the jagged stem clutched tightly in her fist. Her eyes burned with fury as she raised it, the sharp tip pointed directly at Wayne. ¡°Stay back! Don¡¯t you daree near me!¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Elvin sprang forward, rm shing across his face as he reached for her. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! Stay away, all of you!¡± Hadley was beyond reason now, her entire body wound tight with raw defiance. She kept the broken ss raised, ready to strike at anyone who dared approach. Wayne threw his head back with augh, his amusement edged with malice. ¡°Look at this crazy bitch! You think that¡¯s gonna stop me?¡± ¡°Don¡¯te any closer¡­¡± Hadley frantically shook her head, her grip tightening around the broken stem until the jagged edges dug into her fingers. Crimson streaks welled up, stark against her skin. ¡°I¡¯m on my way over!¡± Wayne¡¯s voice dripped with arrogance as he stormed forward, closing the distance in two long strides. He grabbed Hadley¡¯s wrist with a rough jerk. ¡°What now, sweetheart?¡± Hadley¡¯s vision blurred. Her breath came in uneven gasps, and her grip on the broken ss wavered. She looked as if she might copse at any second. ¡°Well, this is interesting.¡± A slow, amused chuckle rippled through the silence. Every head turned sharply toward the voice. Eric, who had been lounging on a row of couches in the corner, rose at an unhurried pace. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± The shift in atmosphere was immediate. In an instant, Wayne and the others wiped away their prior expressions, recing them with carefully measured, fawning smiles. ¡°Mr. Flynn, apologies for themotion,¡± one of them quickly offered. . . . Chapter 350 ?Chapter 350: Tonight was supposed to be a business gathering¡ªa discussion about a new project. Since the production was backed by East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, Eric¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t unusual. He had only shown up as a formality, nothing more. The finer details of the project were left in the hands of the producers. Eric had taken a quiet seat in the corner, intending to stay just long enough before making his exit. Yet, in that brief window of time, he had stumbled upon quite the spectacle. Eric moved forward with deliberate strides, not sparing Wayne even a passing nce. His attention remained locked onto Hadley. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of emotions flickering beneath the surface. What could he even say? It had only been a few days, and yet here she was, tangled up in chaos once again. Hadley stood frozen as Eric approached, her mind still aplete nk. She felt as though she knew this man¡ªand at the same time, as if he were a stranger. Her lips parted slightly, her breathing quick and uneven. Eric let out an exaggerated sigh, rubbing his forehead as if exhausted by the entire ordeal. ¡°I¡¯m feeling lightheaded. I should get going.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Wayne responded immediately, seizing the opportunity to show deference. ¡°Mr. Flynn, allow me to escort you out.¡± ¡°No need to trouble you.¡± Eric waved him off without hesitation, and then, without breaking stride, pointed at Hadley. ¡°She¡¯ll walk me out.¡± The meaning behind his words was crystal clear. No one in the room needed further exnation¡ªEric had taken an interest in Hadley. That alone left no room for objections. Wayne nodded eagerly, tilting his head toward Hadley. ¡°Well? Didn¡¯t you hear Mr. Flynn? Get moving!¡± Even Adonis, who had been watching tensely from the sidelines, knew there was nothing he could do now. Hadley had already made enough waves tonight. If she dared to provoke Eric, it wouldn¡¯t just be her career on the line¡ªher entire future in this city could be crushed in an instant. ¡°What are you standing there for?¡± Eric¡¯s sharp gaze flickered toward Hadley before he reached out, his fingers curling around her wrist. His grip was firm, and the warmth of his touch barely registered through the sting of her wounds. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± With that, he pulled her with him, leading her straight out the door. Behind them, Elvin wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice unsteady. ¡°Will she be alright?¡± Even Adonis, who usually had an answer for everything, could only furrow his brows, exhaling slowly. ¡°Hard to say. But at least it¡¯s Eric. That¡¯s still better than¡­¡± There was no doubt that Eric was the better onepared to Wayne. Elvin clenched his fists, guilt gnawing at him. He was the one who had pulled Hadley into this world, introducing her to the people in it. He could only hope that tonight wouldn¡¯t turn into a mistake he would regret forever. Eric didn¡¯t release Hadley¡¯s hand until they were outside. . . . Chapter 351 ?Chapter 351: From the moment they left the private lounge, she hadn¡¯t resisted, walking beside Eric in silence. Bit by bit, she had managed to steady her breathing, pulling herself together. Then, just as she was about to speak¡ª ¡°You¡­¡± Eric suddenly spun around, lifting a finger and pointing it straight at her. ¡°You got yourself kicked out of the troupe, and now you think you can just waltz into ces¡­¡± ¡°Like this? Do you have the slightest clue what kind of world you¡¯re stepping into?¡± His voice was sharp,ced with frustration. If Eric hadn¡¯t been there when he was, Wayne had more than enough ways to impose his will on a woman. Hadley would have faced real danger. Hadley bowed her head without saying a word. She was grateful that Eric had stepped in, but there was nothing left for her to say. He had been right there. He had witnessed everything with his own eyes. Eric had been prepared to say more, ready to lecture her for what had happened, but before a single word could leave his mouth, his attention was drawn to the crimson streaks trailing down her fingers. His chest grew tight. ¡°Why do you keep making me worry like this?¡± He took a step forward, trying to get a closer look at her hand. ¡°Does it hurt? Let me see.¡± But before he could, Hadley jerked her hand away, unwilling to let him examine it. Eric¡¯s expression darkened in an instant. ¡°You won¡¯t even let me take a look? Do you think I do this because I enjoy sticking my nose in your business?¡± His voice was sharp, edged with frustration. ¡°Fine. If that¡¯s what you want, then I won¡¯t bother anymore!¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your fiction sanctuary He turned on his heel, fully intending to leave. But before he could take more than a few steps, something made him stop. Letting out a slow breath, he nced back at her, his voice no longer holding the same bite. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have spoken to you like that.¡± She had already been through enough. He motioned toward her bleeding hand, this time speaking with a steadiness that left no room for argument. ¡°You need to have that taken care of. You understand that, don¡¯t you?¡± Eric observed Hadley¡¯s demeanor and tentatively reached for her hand. Once again, Hadley pulled away from his touch. ¡°Really, Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was clear. ¡°Do you think I came here to hurt you?¡± ¡°No, not at all¡­¡± Hadley gently shook her head, raising her bandaged hand to reassure Eric that she was okay. The moment he looked away, she quickly wrapped her injured hand in a handkerchief, regaining herposure. When she faced him again, his expression was still clouded with concern. ¡°It looks worse than it actually is,¡± she said, her voice calm but distant. ¡°Thanks for helping me tonight.¡± Eric, feeling the sting of her continued avoidance, didn¡¯t let his frustration escte this time. Instead, a sense of helplessness washed over him, but he remained firm, determined not to leave her alone. . . . Chapter 352 ?Chapter 352: ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that,¡± he said, his voice softening. ¡°I¡¯m involved now, and I can¡¯t just leave you here by yourself¡­¡± He trailed off, his gaze shifting away as he seemed to search for the right words. ¡°Where¡¯s Denver? Shouldn¡¯t your boyfriend be here at a time like this?¡± Hadley remained silent. Calling Denver was out of the question, as he wasn¡¯t really her boyfriend. Eric¡¯s tone turned more demanding. ¡°Call Denver now. Get him over here.¡± But a sense of unease crept through Hadley. She hesitated, reluctant to bother Denver, but Eric persisted. ¡°Make it quick!¡± His words were sharp. ¡°You can either leave with me right now, or call Denver toe pick you up.¡± Caught between those choices, Hadley knew what she had to do. ¡°Fine.¡± With Eric¡¯s intense stare locked on her, Hadley pulled her phone from her purse and dialed Denver¡¯s number. Denver answered almost immediately, his voice full of excitement. ¡°Hadley? It¡¯s great to hear from you.¡± Denver¡¯s happiness was evident, even over the phone. Feeling a pang of guilt, Hadley asked, ¡°Denver, where are you right now? Can youe and get me?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Denver responded without hesitation. ¡°Just tell me where you are, and I¡¯ll be right there.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ?????????? ?????????? ???? ¡°I¡¯m at the entrance of Poseidon¡¯s Realm.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Denver assured her. ¡°Stay there. I¡¯ming to you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Worried that Eric might pick up on her formal tone, Hadley kept her gratitude brief¡ªcouples usually didn¡¯t bother with such formalities. After ending the call, Hadley turned to Eric. ¡°Denver is on his way.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Eric simply nodded before pulling out a cigarette, lighting it, and inhaling deeply as he waited. Hadley was taken aback, expecting Eric to leave already. Noticing her look, Eric exhaled a cloud of smoke. ¡°I¡¯ll leave once Denver gets here.¡± Hadley was surprised by his words. Was it possible for the usually arrogant Eric to show such consideration? Shortly after, Denver arrived much sooner than Hadley had expected. ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver quickly made his way to her. ¡°You¡¯re here already?¡± Hadley asked in surprise. ¡°I just ended the call.¡± ¡°I was already at Poseidon¡¯s Realm,¡± Denver exined. He had been having a meal with clients but had hurried over immediately after her call, even though he had to hastily excuse himself. . . . Chapter 353 ?Chapter 353: ¡°Sorry for pulling you away from your meeting,¡± Hadley murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Work can wait,¡± Denver reassured her. Meanwhile, Eric, standing a short distance away, showed signs of impatience. ¡°Let¡¯s keep things moving. We¡¯ve got important matters to handle.¡± ¡°Eric.¡± Denver had noticed Eric earlier but hadn¡¯t had the chance to greet him. He was now curious about Eric¡¯s presence with Hadley. Was Eric still harboring feelings for her? ¡°Listen.¡± With his cigarette still in hand, Eric gestured towards Hadley¡¯s right hand. ¡°She¡¯s injured. You need to get her to a hospital immediately.¡± ¡°What?¡± Denver reacted with surprise. Upon noticing her bandaged hand, he cursed softly under his breath, frustrated with himself. ¡°I should have stayed closer to you!¡± He was upset that he hadn¡¯t noticed her injury sooner. ¡°Please, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Hadley quickly grabbed Denver¡¯s arm, urging him not to me himself. ¡°Show me.¡± Denver reached out gently, pausing before touching her. ¡°Hadley, tell me where it hurts. What exactly happened? Is it serious?¡± ¡°Look here¡­¡± Lifting her bandaged hand, Hadley tried to reassure him. ¡°It¡¯s just a cut from some ss. It isn¡¯t too serious.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0?? ¨C Next part Denver examined the bandage, concern etched on his face. ¡°It looks pretty serious to me. You¡¯re bleeding quite a bit¡­¡± At that moment, Denver identally brushed the wound, causing Hadley to wince. Seeing her reaction, Denver¡¯splexion turned pale. ¡°This looks serious. We should head to the hospital immediately!¡± He carefully supported her arm, offeringfort. ¡°Take it easy. I¡¯ve got you.¡± Denver then nced back at Eric. ¡°Eric, thank you for your help, but we need to leave¡­¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Eric interrupted him with a dismissive gesture. ¡°Get going fast.¡± Ensuring Hadley¡¯s safety was their top concern. ¡°Okay, we¡¯re off now. Hadley, let¡¯s go.¡± Throughout the interaction, Hadley didn¡¯t nce back at Eric, not even as they departed. Eric watched them leave, chuckling at his own situation. Despite Hadley¡¯s refusal to let Eric assist or evene close, she dependedfortably on Denver. Just then, Eric coughed as he inhaled smoke awkwardly. Eric suddenly choked, his eyes watering from the intensity of the smoke. At that moment, he felt as if everything was falling apart. Later, in the hospital, the doctor examined Hadley¡¯s hand and confirmed that the injury was minor. All the small pieces of ss had been sessfully removed. After applying a new bandage, the doctor prescribed some medication for Hadley and then discharged them. . . . Chapter 354 ?Chapter 354: On their ride home, Denver took the opportunity to learn more about the incident. ¡°Can you tell me what happened tonight? How did you injure your hand?¡± Cradling her bandaged hand, Hadley chose not to disclose the harassment she had faced. Instead, she exined, ¡°I was having dinner with the film crew when a ss broke. I cut myself picking up the pieces.¡± She framed the incident as a simple ident. Denver, still looking for more answers, asked, ¡°How did you bump into Eric?¡± Hadley hesitated. ¡°I really don¡¯t know, Denver,¡± she said. ¡°I bumped into him just as I was stepping out. Maybe he was there for dinner, just like you.¡± Given that Poseidon¡¯s Realm was a popr spot for business, her exnation wasn¡¯t out of the ordinary. ¡°Yeah, that sounds right,¡± Denver acknowledged, his worries easing. He believed that Eric¡¯s presence was just coincidental and not an attempt to reconnect with Hadley. Relieved, Denver walked Hadley to her apartment door. ¡°Hadley.¡± She stopped, uncertain whether Denver meant toe inside. With a gentle smile and averted eyes, Denver expressed his concern. ¡°Hadley, I hate that you were injured, but¡­ ¡± A sincere warmth emanated from his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m actually feeling quite joyful right now.¡± Hadley, taken aback, wondered about the reason for his happiness. Denver met her gaze, reflecting her image in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s because when you saw Eric, you didn¡¯t go with him. You called me instead. Knowing that fills me with joy, Hadley. I can¡¯t tell you how much that means to me.¡± ???????????? §ã?????????????? g?????????????????????? The thought that Hadley¡¯s first instinct was to turn to him when she was in trouble thrilled Denver. ¡°Hadley.¡± Denver¡¯s gaze locked onto hers, steady and unyielding. ¡°From now on, no matter what¡ªjust like tonight¡ªyou call me first.¡± His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. ¡°I don¡¯t care where I am or what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯ll drop everything ande to you.¡± Hadley froze, caught off guard. A quiet warmth spread through her chest, foreign yet undeniably real. To be prioritized like this¡ªto be someone¡¯s first call¡ªwas a feeling she never thought she¡¯d experience. Before tonight, she wouldn¡¯t have even dared to hope. But Denver¡­ he made her feel as though, in his world, she was what mattered most. ¡°It¡¯ste. I should go. Get some rest.¡± Not wanting to linger, Denver gave a small wave. ¡°Goodnight,¡± Hadley murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she gently shut the door behind him. A few momentster, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Denver: ¡°Keep your wound dry. Don¡¯t forget to take your medicine.¡± A sudden sting pricked Hadley¡¯s nose, and tears welled up before she could stop them. . . . Chapter 355 ?Chapter 355: After letting Hadley go, Eric¡¯s expression darkened as he signaled for Phillips. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what can I do for you?¡± Phillips asked, immediately noticing the storm brewing in Eric¡¯s narrowed gaze. Eric¡¯s tone was cold, clipped. ¡°Handle Wayne Walters.¡± Phillips hesitated for a beat, his brow furrowing. Handle? ¡°To what extent, sir?¡± he asked carefully. He was well aware that East Entertainment Media had been pouring money into a new show where Wayne was the producer¡ªan investment that wasn¡¯t small. ¡°Shut down the new show?¡± Phillips added carefully. A slow, razor-sharp smirk curved on Eric¡¯s lips. ¡°Oh, Hadley!¡± Elvin¡¯s voice rang out, startling her. His tone was light, casual¡ªalmost too casual. He waved her over as if nothing had happened. ¡°Come on,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Mr. Faulkner is free now. He wants to see you.¡± Hadley hesitated. ¡°O-Okay.¡± Still confused, she followed him, bracing herself for whatever wasing next. ¡°Hadley!¡± When they entered the room, another surprise awaited her. Adonis greeted her with an unusual warmth, his expression free of any irritation or tension. ¡°You¡¯re here. Sit down. Let¡¯s talk.¡± ???????? ????????????????: g???????¦Í????????????? Hadley blinked. Was she imagining things? Why was Adonis being so weing? She lifted a hand in polite refusal. ¡°I¡¯m fine standing, Mr. Faulkner. Did you need something?¡± Adonis studied her for a moment, then frowned slightly. ¡°You seem on edge. Is this aboutst night? I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t do much to help¡­¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it,¡± Hadley answered quickly, shaking her head. ¡°I know you and Mr. Webster were in a difficult position.¡± Adonis exhaled, relief shing across his face. ¡°I¡¯m d you understand.¡± His smile returned, though this time it carried a hint of expectation. ¡°Actually, I wanted to ask you for a favor. Could you please put in a good word for us with Mr. Flynn?¡± What? Her mind went nk. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked, stunned. Adonis looked even more surprised than she was. He gave a light chuckle, as though she were joking. ¡°Come on, Hadley. That¡¯s not fair of you. Sure, Mr. Flynn is backing you now, but don¡¯t forget¡ªwe were the ones who introduced you to this production.¡± Hadley¡¯s confusion deepened. Since when was Eric backing her? And why wasn¡¯t she aware of this interesting fact? ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± She let out a small, helplessugh. ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong. Mr. Flynn and I aren¡¯t¡­ whatever it is you think.¡± . . . Chapter 356 ?Chapter 356: ¡°Not what we think?¡± Adonis and Elvin exchanged a knowing nce before Adonis leaned in slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°You think we¡¯d gossip, Hadley?¡± he said smoothly. ¡°Rx, we wouldn¡¯t dare whisper a word behind Mr. Flynn¡¯s back.¡± Hadley parted her lips to protest, but before she could get a word out, Elvin cut in. ¡°There¡¯s no need to keep it from us, Hadley,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°Let me give you some inside news¡ªWayne Walters? He¡¯s been cklisted in the industry.¡± ¡°What?¡± The word shot out of Hadley¡¯s mouth before she could stop it. Her stomach lurched at the sudden revtion. Her mind raced, but one thought stood out. Was Eric behind this? Elvin¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°Who else but Mr. Flynn?¡± he said, as if the answer was obvious. ¡°After all, he was therest night, and to be fair, he is the only one with that kind of power.¡± Hadley stiffened. Something about this felt off. Elvin picked up on her hesitation and tilted his head. ¡°Wait¡ªhe didn¡¯t tell you?¡± ¡°No.¡± Hadley shook her head, still reeling. Elvin let out a chuckle, as if the situation had just turned amusing. ¡°Then I guess he wanted to surprise you.¡± Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m Really? Hadley¡¯s brows knitted together, her mind whirling with questions. Had Eric really done this? For her? It didn¡¯t seem possible. After all, he had never gone out of his way for her before¡ªnot even back when they were married. ¡°Hadley, listen.¡± Adonis¡¯ voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. ¡°Now that Wayne¡¯s out, I have a proposition,¡± he said, pausing just long enough for the tension to settle. ¡°I want to move you up to the second female lead.¡± Beforest night, such an idea wouldn¡¯t have even crossed his mind. But things had shifted. With East Entertainment Media running the show¡ªand Eric apparently taking an interest in Hadley¡ªthis was an opportunity Adonis wasn¡¯t about to pass up. Promoting her wasn¡¯t just about recognizing her talent. It was also a strategic move. A way to solidify ties with Eric. Hadley struggled to find her voice. ¡°The second female lead? Me?¡± The words felt foreign in her mouth. She had braced herself for bad news¡ªfor being sidelinedpletely. And instead¡­ this? ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± she said, hesitant. ¡°What if I¡¯m not ready?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®what if,¡¯¡± Elvin said smoothly. ¡°Sure, you might be new to this, but do you think Mr. Faulkner is here just for show? A great director knows how to bring out the best in his actors.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Adonis nodded, his expression unwavering. ¡°I believe in you, Hadley. You just need to believe in yourself too.¡± . . . Chapter 357 ?Chapter 357: She hesitated. ¡°You¡¯re worried that what happenedst night will repeat itself, aren¡¯t you?¡± Adonis guessed, studying her reaction. Before she could deny it, he waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Forget it. That won¡¯t happen again. Not when Mr. Flynn is in your corner.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Elvin chimed in, shing her a knowing grin. ¡°With him backing you, no one¡¯s going to risk stepping out of line. Just focus on your role.¡± Adonis noticed Hadley¡¯s uncertainty and gave Elvin a quick order. ¡°Elvin, fetch some additional scripts for Hadley¡ªtake your time to explore this role, Hadley. No need to rush; you¡¯ve got plenty of time to prepare before we start filming.¡± Hadley found it difficult to decline such a generous proposition, so after a moment of hesitation, she consented with a nod. ¡°Alright, Mr. Faulkner.¡± Ernest was set to return to Flynn Mansion from the hospital this week. His recovery now required a period of rehabilitation best carried out in the moreforting surroundings of his home. Having his family around would likely help speed up his recovery. N took it upon herself to inform Hadley of this significant development. ¡°Hadley, make sure you¡¯re there. We¡¯re organizing a special meal to celebrate our family¡¯s unity.¡± ¡°Got it, N,¡± Hadley responded promptly, epting the invitation without a second thought. L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.?????? Upon her arrival, however, neither Ernest nor N were in sight; instead, she found Eric alone, smoking on the balcony. The memory of Adonis¡¯ remarks made Hadley uneasy. She wondered if Eric really had cklisted Wayne simply because he harassed her that night. Yet¡­ Before she could ponder further, Linda appeared, descending the stairs and heading directly towards the balcony. ¡°Eric, what were you thinking?¡± Linda asked with a frown, her displeasure evident. ¡°What?¡± Eric responded, casually flicking ash from his cigarette, genuinely confused by her question. ¡°Wayne!¡± Linda cut straight to the point. ¡°My public service announcement was in progress, and now the producer is gone? You cklisted Wayne, they told me.¡± ¡°Oh, that.¡± Eric acknowledged with a slight nod. ¡°Yes, that did happen.¡± Linda¡¯s frustration intensified with Eric¡¯s casual response. ¡°Were you unaware that I was coborating with him? He was financing the whole project!¡± With Wayne out of the picture, the campaign was effectively doomed. ¡°Linda¡­¡± Eric drew on his cigarette with a frown. ¡°Wayne is no decent man. Have you really forgotten his past actions against you?¡± ¡°What?¡± Linda paused, recalling a specific incident. ¡°You mean when he was overly familiar at the event, arm around my waist?¡± Eric neither confirmed nor denied. . . . Chapter 358 ?Chapter 358: ¡°Back then, I warned you not to get involved with people like that.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Struggling for words, Linda said, ¡°Sure, his behavior was out of line, but he never actually harmed me.¡± It was true; Wayne had not harmed Linda directly. However, he had crossed a line with Hadley! Eric, however, kept this to himself. Instead, he simply asked, ¡°Should we really wait for him to cross a line before we intervene?¡± This caused Linda to stop in her tracks. ¡°Listen, Linda,¡± Eric¡¯s voice grew stern. ¡°Ernest just woke up. If he finds out about this, his response will be much harsher than mine.¡± Linda responded with silence. To the outside world, Ernest might appear calm and approachable. Still, those who knew him well understood that behind his kind demeanor was a depth that wasn¡¯t easy to handle. How could a gentle man ever lead the chaotic Flynn family, anyway? Noticing Linda¡¯s frown, Eric tried to offer somefort. ¡°It¡¯s only a public service announcement. There¡¯s always the option to find other investors and reshoot itter if you decide.¡± Meanwhile, Hadley had stopped listening to their exchange. A wave of relief washed over her as she grasped her chest. What a relief! M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.??? She had suspected as much¡ªwhy else would Eric intervene if not for Linda? Yes, it all made sense now; it was logical, even expected. By chance, she had once again gained from being in Linda¡¯s shadow. With newfound peace, Hadley moved gracefully indoors. Inside, N and Ernest were both in the living room. ¡°N, Ernest.¡± ¡°Ah, Hadley, you¡¯ve made it!¡± N eagerly put down the book she was reading to Ernest. With a touch of frustration, N added, ¡°You arrived just in time¡ªErnest was about to tire of mypany.¡± ¡°How could he possibly tire of you?¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he?¡± N sighed dramatically. ¡°I¡¯m merely trying to help and get him to speak again. You can see it in his expression¡ªhe¡¯s had quite enough of me.¡± Hadleyughed softly. ¡°Perhaps we should consider a new tactic?¡± She suggested. ¡°Books with long sentences might be overwhelming for Ernest at this stage.¡± As she spoke, she pulled a set of shcards from her bag. These were basic vocabry cards used by young children. Presenting them with a smile, she said, ¡°What if we tackle these one by one, Ernest? We can go slowly, just one word at a time.¡± Ernest, nowfortably sitting up in his wheelchair, leaned back and offered a small smile, whispering softly, ¡°O-kay¡­¡± . . . Chapter 359 ?Chapter 359: ¡°Amazing!¡± N eximed with joy. ¡°Hadley, that¡¯s incredibly thoughtful of you.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t consider it extraordinary¡ªshe was just leveraging her experience. The doctor had advised that Ernest needed to relearn basic functions as if he were a child to aid in his recovery. The shcards brought back memories of Joy. Hadley had used the very same cards to teach Joy her first words, patiently guiding her through each one. Thus, she had purchased a set for Ernest. Hadley smiled at Ernest. ¡°Congrattions on your recovery and wee home, Ernest. Don¡¯t worry, and just take your time. You¡¯re going to improve.¡± Ernest gave a slow, thoughtful nod. Just then, Eric and Linda walked through the door in session. Witnessing the scene, Eric thought to himself about how genuinely Hadley cared for Ernest. It was no surprise, considering Ernest had always been quite fond of her. The young girl he remembered had matured. No longer the impulsive and reckless teenager she once was, she now understood the importance of showing gratitude to those who had supported her. She exhibited this gratitude towards N. Now to Ernest as well. Regrettably, Eric did not find himself on the list of those she sought to thank¡­ As dinner concluded, Hadley was preparing to leave. N turned to Eric and said firmly, ¡°Escort Hadley safely home, will you?¡± Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Understood, Grandma.¡± Before Hadley could protest, N was ushering her into the car and waving as they departed from the Flynn Mansion. Silence filled the car, neither saying a word. Hadley finally broke the silence. ¡°You can drop me off here.¡± Eric resisted slightly. ¡°Grandma¡¯s instructions were clear¡ªto take you directly home.¡± Hadley exined, ¡°It¡¯s because¡­ Denver is supposed to meet me there.¡± So that was it. Eric paused as he processed this. Understanding that her boyfriend wasing for her, he knew he had no ce to challenge that. ¡°Okay.¡± Eric consented, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. Eric then brought the car to a halt. ¡°Where¡¯s Denver?¡± Looking around, he noticed no sign of another car. ¡°Just a second¡­¡± Hadley took out her phone and called Denver. ¡°Denver, where are you? Are you close?¡± Denver said something, and then she nced up, spotting a silver-gray car making its way towards them. ¡°Yes, I see you now.¡± After ending the call, she turned to Eric. ¡°Mm,¡± Eric murmured, sinking back into his seat. Then, a thought struck him, and he looked at her curiously. . . . Chapter 360 ?Chapter 360: ¡°Which do you actually prefer, dancing or possibly pursuing a career in entertainment?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley blinked, taken off guard by the unexpected question. ¡°Tell me.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was firm, his gaze momentarily flicking toward the roadside where a silver-gray luxury car came to a halt, Denver preparing to step out. Hadley hesitated, still reeling from the suddenness of his demand. After a beat, she quickly replied, ¡°My passion¡¯s always dancing.¡± Eric nodded, his expression unreadable as he processed her answer. As Denver walked over, Eric started his car and drove off. ¡°Hadley.¡± Instead of acknowledging Denver, Hadley stared at the back of Eric¡¯s car, puzzled by his strange behavior. Meanwhile, Phillips had made some headway in his investigation into nche. ¡°Mr. Flynn, it seems nche indeed has a weakness.¡± Eric raised an eyebrow, interest flickering in his eyes. A faint, knowing smirk tugged at his lips, thoughts drifting to Hadley¡¯s answer¡ªdancing was always her passion. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Here¡¯s the situation¡ª¡± nche and Barrie¡¯s mother, Ste Hanson, had always been close friends, but unlike Ste¡¯s, nche¡¯s inws had fallen on hard times. While the Hanson family maintained their perch at the top of Srixby¡¯s financial world, nche¡¯s husband¡¯s family had been struggling to stay afloat in recent years. Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s nche¡¯s own family had a respected academic background, but they were hardly in a position to offer much financial assistance. For the past two years, her husband¡¯s family had been desperately trying to keep their heads above water. And it was precisely this vulnerability that Eric had noticed¡ªand where he saw an opening. When nche learned that her husband¡¯spany crisis had been resolved, relief flooded her¡ªbut so did confusion. Her husband had been fighting this battle for so long. How had the situation suddenly turned around? ¡°It was Mr. Flynn,¡± she was told when she voiced her doubts. Her husband practically beamed with excitement. ¡°The Flynn family ¡ª do you understand who they are? Even the smallest favor from them could turn everything around for us!¡± The Flynn family? Could it be Eric? nche¡¯s mind began to churn, curiosity starting to edge in. Why would Eric step in to help her husband out of nowhere? A nagging thought lingered in the back of her mind¡ªthis wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed. Sure enough, the next day, when nche arrived at the dance troupe, there he was¡ªEric, waiting for her by the entrance. . . . Chapter 361 ?Chapter 361: ¡°Ms. Nicolson,¡± Eric greeted her with a polite, almost disarming smile. ¡°I apologize for showing up unannounced and disrupting your day.¡± nche furrowed her brow. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what¡¯s the reason for this visit? Please, get to the point.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Eric wasted no time with pleasantries, diving straight into the matter. ¡°I¡¯vee to offer an apology on Hadley¡¯s behalf. She¡¯s young¡ªstill learning¡ªand, unfortunately, made an error by breaking the troupe¡¯s rules. I¡¯m asking, if possible, for your forgiveness and for another chance to be given.¡± And there it was. nche¡¯s heart skipped a beat. So, this was the true reason behind Eric¡¯s sudden involvement¡ªhe wasn¡¯t just helping her husband out of the goodness of his heart after all. Should she agree, or should she refuse? Her husband had already epted the offer. If she turned Eric down now, could she convince her husband to reject the Flynn family¡¯s help? Realistically, she knew he wouldn¡¯t. Worse, that might even create a rift between them. It was clear¡ªmoney had a way of smoothing over everything. Even someone as proud as nche had no choice but to bend. With a long, resigned sigh, she met Eric¡¯s gaze. ¡°With you putting it that way, how could I possibly refuse?¡± ¡°Oh, please.¡± Eric¡¯s smile remained unchanged¡ªpolite, but distant. g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ¡°I need you to truly ept Hadley. She¡¯ll be under your guidance, and I need your word that you¡¯ll take care of her.¡± If nche merely pretended toply while secretly making things difficult for Hadley, it would only end up harming her. nche took a deep breath, weighing her decision carefully. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Flynn. If I agree to take Hadley back, my personal feelings won¡¯t interfere with her progress.¡± She wasn¡¯t the type to let emotions cloud her judgment. ¡°Do you trust me?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Eric nodded without hesitation. Whether he truly believed her or not didn¡¯t matter¡ªhe had to maintain the proper stance, especially for Hadley¡¯s sake. ¡°How could I not trust you?¡± he said smoothly. ¡°If I didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t have ced Hadley in your hands.¡± After a brief, thoughtful pause, he added, ¡°But I need to ask you one more thing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± nche responded, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Hadley isn¡¯t aware of any of this,¡± Eric said, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯d prefer it stays that way. I don¡¯t want anything to interfere with her focus or her mood.¡± There was no need for Hadley to get tangled in this mess. All she needed was to focus on what she loved¡ªdancing. nche was taken aback. This man had gone to such lengths for Hadley, yet he chose to keep everything in the shadows? Was he not nning to im any credit? . . . Chapter 362 ?Chapter 362: Men¡¯s intentions could be so difficult to read at times. But in the end, this wasn¡¯t her problem. nche nodded, her voice calm and collected. ¡°Alright, Mr. Flynn. I understand. Thank you.¡± Eric offered a faint smile. ¡°No, thank you. Please take good care of Hadley.¡± Hadley was deep into her final scene as a dance double. After tonight, the job would be over. Adonis was waiting for her to confirm before signing off on her next project¡ªthe one that would officiallyunch her career as an actress. Signing the contract would secure her future in the industry. But she hesitated. The entertainment world wasn¡¯t what she¡¯d nned for herself. Was it really a path she should take? Did she even have the ability to seed in it? Then, the phone rang. It was nche. ¡°Ms. Nicolson?¡± Hadley quickly answered the call, her voice both excited and confused. Why was nche calling her? ¡°Yes.¡± nche got straight to the point. ¡°I¡¯m near the film studio. Do you have time to meet?¡± Hadley was taken aback. ¡°I do! Where are you?¡± ¡°At a nearby caf¨¦,¡± nche replied. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there in just a moment!¡± Once the call ended, Hadley hurried to the caf¨¦, aware she had some time before her next scene. Check new chapters at When Hadley arrived, still dressed in her costume, she spotted nche sitting at a corner table. nche raised an eyebrow, a yful smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Picked up a new role?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s still the same one that I¡¯ve signed the contract for.¡± ¡°Take a seat.¡± nche gestured to the chair across from her. ¡°Okay, Ms. Nicolson.¡± Hadley pulled out the chair, sitting up straight, almost like a student awaiting a lecture. nche chuckled softly. ¡°I fired you because you took on a side job, yet here you are, still filming?¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson?¡± Hadley froze, her pulse quickening. With a nervousugh, she quickly exined, ¡°The assistant director of this film¡­ he was really kind to me, helped me out when I was in a bind. This happened before I joined the dance troupe. I broke the rules, but it wasn¡¯t intentional¡­¡± ¡°Alright, alright.¡± nche saw the panic creeping into Hadley¡¯s eyes and waved her hand dismissively. ¡°How much longer until you wrap up here?¡± Why did nche want to know? Hadley, still unsure about the reason behind the question, answered honestly but cautiously. ¡°Tonight¡¯s thest scene.¡± nche nodded, processing the answer before continuing, ¡°And once that¡¯s over, do you n on continuing with acting?¡± . . . Chapter 363 ?Chapter 363: Hadley hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not sure yet.¡± nche¡¯s tone softened, but it remained firm. ¡°Here¡¯s what you¡¯re gonna do.¡± With a casual flick of her wrist, she continued, ¡°Go back and finish your final scene, and then? Return to what you truly love. The lead dancer role is still yours for the taking.¡± Wait, what? What did nche just say? Hadley stood stock-still, her face void of expression. Such disbelief gripped her that it seemed entirely unreal. ¡°Could you repeat that?¡± Hadley gasped, her voice quivering. nche chuckled lightly. Shaking her head, nche said, ¡°You have one opportunity. Would you rather keep your career in showbiz or return to your first love, dancing?¡± ¡°Oh, I would absolutely adore that!¡± Ovee with enthusiasm, Hadley¡¯s cheeks turned a bright shade of red as her words tumbled out hastily. ¡°I mean, Ms. Nicolson, it¡¯s dancing I want to return to! It¡¯s my dream to dance alongside you!¡± Her mind began to regain focus. Excitement pounded in her heart, and tears of joy started to brim in her eyes. ¡°Ms. Nicolson, I apologize, I¡¯m just so thrilled!¡± Find the magic on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??????? Never had she imagined that she might get the chance to rejoin the dance troupe or that nche would personally seek her out! ¡°Ms. Nicolson, I¡¯m truly grateful for this opportunity.¡± Hadley expressed with heartfelt appreciation. Her joy was unmistakable. Despite previous missteps, nche could tell that Hadley¡¯s passion and skill in dance were undeniable. Choosing the disciplined life of a dancer over the sparkling world of showbiz was umon for young and beautiful girls like Hadley. The allure of the entertainment industry, with its promise of fame and fortune, often proved irresistible. nche, satisfied, waved off the gratitude. ¡°No need for that.¡± The real gratitude, she thought, should go to Eric instead. Yet, she withheld this because Eric had wished to remain anonymous. nche pondered why Eric preferred to keep his good deeds a secret, but it was not her ce to question. ¡°I must be going now,¡± nche said. Rising from her seat, she instructed, ¡°Report to me at the studio tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Understood, Ms. Nicolson! Take care,¡± Hadley called out as she watched her leave. With nche gone, Hadley felt a surge of exhration. She hurried off to share the news with Elvin. ¡°Mr. Webster, I must apologize. It seems the entertainment world isn¡¯t the right fit for me. After today, I won¡¯t be returning.¡± ¡°Do you really mean that?¡± Elvin was puzzled, unable to grasp her sudden change of heart. ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve given it a lot of thought, Mr. Webster. Dancing aligns better with who I am.¡± With sincerity, Hadley said, ¡°I¡¯m rejoining the dance troupe.¡± . . . Chapter 364 ?Chapter 364: It suddenly made sense to him. With a light-heartedugh at the surprising news, Elvin responded without any pushback, ¡°I get it. Just focus on nailing your part tonight.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Feeling a wave of gratitude, Hadley said, ¡°Mr. Webster, your support has been invaluable. Even as I leave this industry, I¡¯ll always carry the memories of your kindness.¡± Elvin offered a smile. ¡°And I¡¯ll remember you too, as a friend. Here¡¯s to a ster debut back on stage!¡± ¡°Much appreciated.¡± Grasping his hand firmly, she thanked him again. ¡°Thanks so much, Mr. Webster.¡± The evening¡¯s filming proceeded without a hitch. Once she was free of her stage makeup, Hadley saw a video call notification from Mathias on her phone. asionally, Joy would request Mathias¡¯ or Colleen¡¯s help to make a video call to her mother. As soon as Hadley epted the call, Joy¡¯s cheerful face filled the screen. ¡°Mommy!¡± ¡°Hello, Joy.¡± ¡°Mommy, Joy misses you so much. When will you be home?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Longing tugged at Hadley¡¯s heart too, yet she knew she had to secure her footing in Srixby first. This would ensure a stable future for Joy when she rejoined her. Keep reading at g¦Ál¦Çovels?c©–m This brief separation was essential. ¡°Sweetie, I need to discuss this with Dr. Williams. We¡¯ll sort everything out and I¡¯ll update you soon, okay?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Joypliantly passed the phone to Mathias, saying, ¡°Your turn, Uncle Mathias.¡± ¡°Thank you, Joy.¡± As Mathias¡¯s face appeared on the screen, the conversation shifted. ¡°Ms. Pearson.¡± ¡°Dr. Williams, regarding the procedure for Joy¡­¡± ¡°I was on the verge of bringing that up. Joy¡¯s surgery is tentatively scheduled for a month from now, possibly less.¡± Mathias exined. ¡°We¡¯ll finalize the date about a week before the procedure, and I¡¯ll let you know right away. You¡¯ll be able to make it back in time, won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Absolutely, I¡¯ll be there!¡± Tears sprang to Hadley¡¯s eyes as she grasped the timeline. ¡°So, in about a month, Joy will¡ª¡± Her voice faltered, choked by the swell of her emotions. ¡°Yes.¡± Grasping the depth of her feelings, Mathias added, ¡°In just a short while, Joy will undergo her operation, make a full recovery, and then she¡¯ll be living just like her peers.¡± Overwhelmed, Hadley¡¯s hand flew to her mouth as tears clouded her vision. ¡°Thank you so much, Dr. Williams.¡± . . . Chapter 365 ?Chapter 365: Once she had packed up her things, Hadley was exiting the film set when her phone rang. ¡°Hello, Hadley?¡± Background noise filled the other end. Denver¡¯s voice grew louder. ¡°I know you are shooting tonight. Are you done? I¡¯m nearby and can swing by to pick you up.¡± Certainly, Denver hadn¡¯t just happened to be in the area. Yet, because Hadley hadn¡¯t yet reciprocated his feelings, he was careful not to seem too eager. ¡°You¡¯re nearby?¡± Pausing, Hadley scanned her surroundings. ¡°I¡¯m right at the entrance. Can¡¯t spot you, though. Where exactly are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got my eyes on you. Just hold your position.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Shortly after, Denver¡¯s vehicle came to a halt in front of her. He exited the car and approached her with a brisk stride. ¡°Denver!¡± This evening, Hadley¡¯s spirits were particrly high. Not only had her professional circumstances improved, but Joy¡¯s surgery was also firmly on the calendar! Years of uncertainty were giving way to a promising phase in her life. Her face was radiant with happiness, and Denver couldn¡¯t resist smiling as well. ¡°You seem really joyful tonight, aren¡¯t you?¡± 1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão?? ¡°Indeed, I am!¡± Catching his eye, Hadley expressed her gratitude. ¡°Denver, really, thank you.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± He looked puzzled. ¡°For what? What did I do?¡± ¡°Have you forgotten already?¡± With a yful pout and a twinkle in her eye, Hadley said, ¡°You got Barrie¡¯s mom to talk to Ms. Nicolson for me.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Denver¡¯s response was slow, as if putting the pieces together. ¡°But that was¡ª¡± ¡°It worked!¡± Bursting intoughter, Hadley eximed, ¡°Ms. Nicolson visited me tonight! She told me toe back to the dance troupe tomorrow!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Denver reacted with a mix of surprise and joy. ¡°That¡¯s incredible, definitely a reason to celebrate. But¡­¡± He paused, uncertain. ¡°Barrie mentioned that his mom didn¡¯t manage to sway Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± ¡°Really?¡± Taken by surprise, Hadley questioned, ¡°So, Mrs. Hanson wasn¡¯t the one who intervened?¡± Puzzled, she added, ¡°Then who was it that convinced Ms. Nicolson? What a mystery!¡± Denver shrugged off any notion of his involvement. ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t me. Maybe Mrs. Hanson tried again and it worked? I need to thank Barrie next time I see him.¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Grinning, Hadley affirmed. ¡°I owe thanks to him, to Mrs. Hanson, and to you. I couldn¡¯t even have reached out to Barrie on my own.¡± With sincerity, she expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Denver.¡± Overflowing with joy, she suggested, ¡°Are you feeling hungry? Let¡¯s grab a bite together! My treat!¡± . . . Chapter 366 ?Chapter 366: The film city wasn¡¯t just a hub for shooting¡ªit was also a lively tourist attraction, almost like a theme park, packed with bustling food stalls and the irresistible aroma of local snacks. Hadley led Denver to a vibrant food street tucked around the corner, her eyes scanning the endless options. ¡°See anything you like?¡± she asked, ncing up at him. Denver shrugged, hands in his pockets, his focus more on her than the food. ¡°Just get whatever you want.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°How about some cookies?¡± she asked with a grin. ¡°I know a ce where they have the best cookies.¡± ¡°A box of cookies, please!¡± she called out to the vendor. ¡°Coming right up!¡± As the warm, freshly baked treats were handed over, Hadley paid and held the box up toward Denver. Misunderstanding the gesture, Denver instinctively leaned down, taking a quick bite¡ªonly to recoil instantly. ¡°Damn! That¡¯s hot!¡± he winced, his hand flying up to cover his mouth. He refused to spit it out, though, opting instead to suffer through it. Hadley burst intoughter, the sight of his frantic, barely-contained reaction too amusing to ignore. Denver shot her a yful re. ¡°Are youughing at me?¡± ¡°No, no¡­¡± Hadley pressed her lips together, feigning innocence, though the amusement in her eyes betrayed her. ¡°Is it good, though?¡± ???????? ???????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í????????£®?????? ¡°Yeah,¡± he murmured, his voice turning softer. Denver¡¯s frown melted into a smirk as he finally swallowed. Sweet. Warm. Just like her. The next evening at Poseidon¡¯s Realm, Eric and Barrie were engaged in a casual game of pool, having arrived first. Before long, Marshall walked in¡ªwith Denver trailing behind him. Eric¡¯s gaze flicked toward Denver, his brow slightly arching. Why was Denver here? Shouldn¡¯t he be with Hadley? Weren¡¯t couples supposed to spend their evenings together? ¡°Eric. Barrie,¡± Denver greeted them with his usual calm demeanor as he walked in, then turned directly to Barrie. ¡°Thanks for helping with Hadley¡¯s situation. Do you happen to know what your mom likes? I want to get her a thank-you gift.¡± Barrie blinked, momentarily thrown. ¡°What situation?¡± he asked, puzzled. ¡°What thank-you gift?¡± Denver tilted his head slightly. ¡°Hadley was able to return to the dance troupe, thanks to your mother¡¯s help.¡± Oh! Barrie¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. That was news to him. His gaze slid toward Eric, but Eric didn¡¯t react. He lined up his next shot,pletely focused on the game, his face impassive. Barrie didn¡¯t need further exnation. He understood. A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Ah, that. It was just a small favor,¡± Barrie said lightly. ¡°No need to be so formal about it.¡± . . . Chapter 367 ?Chapter 367: ¡°But I insist,¡± Denver replied with an easy smile. ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll just have to figure it out myself.¡± ¡°Alright, you win.¡± Denver gave a small nod before turning to discuss the matter with Marshall, leaving Barrie alone with Eric. Barrie took the chance to lean against the pool table, his smirkced with mischief. ¡°So tell me, Mr. Flynn¡ªdoing good deeds from the shadows now?¡± Eric, still focused on his game, didn¡¯t spare him a nce. ¡°No need for anyone to know it was me.¡± Barrie¡¯s curiosity deepened. ¡°Ah, so it was you. And let me guess¡ªyou don¡¯t n on letting Hadley find out either?¡± ¡°Why would she need to know?¡± Barrie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Seems like a waste, doesn¡¯t it? Helping someone without them ever realizing it?¡± A chuckle escaped Eric. Hadley got back to the dance troupe, didn¡¯t she? That was all that mattered. ¡°What difference would it make if she knew?¡± Eric lined up his shot, his voice smooth, detached. ¡°Would that magically make her leave Denver ande back to me?¡± But Alita refused to back down. ¡°Ms. Nicolson, even if that¡¯s true, she did take on acting roles after joining the troupe! That is against the rules!¡± nche didn¡¯t so much as blink. ¡°You¡¯re right. That¡¯s why I let her leave to finish filming beforeing back.¡± Her tone was unshaken, deliberate. ¡°I fired her for breaking the rules. Then I rehired her. Any objections?¡± Read all updates at g?ln¦Òv?ls Alita stood frozen, struggling to process what had just happened. Could this really be happening? Soon, the realization settled in¡ªnche was protecting Hadley. The whispers about Hadley having powerful backing no longer seemed like baseless rumors. nche let her gaze sweep across the room, unwavering. She had bent the rules for Hadley, and she made no apologies for it. ¡°You have no reason to feel slighted,¡± she stated coolly. ¡°When the timees, Hadley will show you on stage exactly why I made this exception.¡± Her voice carried such quiet authority that no one dared to argue. ¡°What are you all still standing around for?¡± nche¡¯s sharp gaze narrowed. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be practicing?¡± A beat of hesitation¡ªthen the murmurs began. ¡°Yeah, back to practice¡­¡± One by one, the dancers dispersed, the protests fading as quickly as they had red. Hadley lingered, her emotions warring between gratitude and guilt. She turned to nche, her voice softer than before. ¡°Ms. Nicolson¡­ I¡¯m sorry for the trouble I¡¯ve caused.¡± nche clicked her tongue, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°No need for apologies.¡± Then her expression turned sharp. ¡°If you really feel sorry, then just work harder. When you step onto that stage, there is no room for failure¡ªonly sess.¡± ¡°Yes, Ms. Nicolson,¡± Hadley said firmly. Another evening at the Flynn Mansion. Linda arrived just as Quentin descended the grand staircase, his steps light, his expression unreadable. . . . Chapter 368 ?Chapter 368: ¡°Heading out?¡± she asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. Quentin offered an easy smile. ¡°Yes. Goodbye, Miss Harris.¡± ¡°Goodbye.¡± As he walked past her, Linda¡¯s gaze lingered for a beat before she turned away, a frown forming between her brows. Why did Quentin keeping here? What business did he have with Ernest¡ªespecially now? In his current state, Ernest wasn¡¯t in any condition to give orders. And yet, Quentin kept returning to report to him. Had Ernest tasked him with something before falling unconscious? Her mind whirled with questions as she ascended the stairs. Upon reaching Ernest¡¯s room, she didn¡¯t bother knocking. She pushed the door open. ¡°Ernest?¡± The moment she stepped inside, a sharp, acrid scent filled her nose. Burning. ¡°Ernest, what are you¡ª¡± She barely finished the sentence before her gazended on him, seated near an ashtray, his hands moving in a rush. Something smoldered between his fingers¡ªa small, card-like object curling at the edges as mes consumed it. His grip was unsteady, and in his haste to discard it, the fire licked dangerously close to his skin. Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s ¡°Careful!¡± Linda darted forward, instinctively grabbing his wrist before he could burn himself. ¡°Are you alright, Ernest? Did you get burned?¡± Ernest stiffened under her touch, but then shook his head, brushing off her concern. But his eyes flickered back to the ashtray. The card¡ªwhatever it had been¡ªwas now nothing but charred remains. His tense shoulders rxed, his features smoothing out. Linda didn¡¯t react, keeping her expressionposed, as if she had seen nothing unusual. ¡°I managed to get back earlier today,¡± she said smoothly. ¡°How about a walk in the garden?¡± Ernest met her gaze and gave a small nod. Though he still relied on a wheelchair, his condition had improved enough that he could stand with assistance. Taking a few steps was no longer an impossible task¡ªand he weed the challenge. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Without hesitation, Linda stepped behind him, pushing the wheelchair toward the garden. Later, under the glow of the evening lights, Ernest practiced standing with his walker, his movements steady but cautious. Nearby, a servant approached Linda, keeping their voice low. ¡°Miss Harris, the trash has been cleared.¡± Linda barely shifted, her gaze still on Ernest as she responded, ¡°Anything unusual?¡± The servant hesitated for a fraction of a second before extending something toward her. ¡°Please have a look at this.¡± . . . Chapter 369 ?Chapter 369: Turning slightly, Linda reached out and epted the object. A small, charred fragment¡ªroughly the size of two knuckles. She studied it, her fingers brushing over the burned edges. Her brows furrowed. The fragment in Linda¡¯s hand was small, but telling. A charred corner of a photograph. Though most of it had been lost to the mes, a faint outline remained¡ªwhat seemed to be a head. The hairstyle suggested it belonged to a girl. So, this was what Ernest was so desperate to destroy¡­ But why? And who was she? She masked her thoughts with a calm nod. ¡°That¡¯s all for now. You may leave.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss Harris,¡± the servant responded before quietly stepping away. Once alone, Linda carefully tucked the fragment away, her expression unreadable. The date was set. This Friday. Eight o¡¯clock. A prime-time slot¡ªproof of how much nche valued this performance. It wasn¡¯t just another show; it was a statement. Hadley felt a rush of emotions¡ªexcitement, nerves, and the weight of expectation pressing down on her. This was her first real stage performance. A defining moment. Failure wasn¡¯t an option. With tickets going on sale that night, Hadley forced herself to sleep early. nche had already reassured her beforehand. ¡°Don¡¯t stress over ticket sales,¡± she had said firmly. ¡°Lightning Studio performances always sell out fast. Just focus on your dancing. If the premiere flops¡ªthat¡¯s when we¡¯ll have a problem.¡± More content now at g?l¦Ç¦Òv???s And sure enough, the next morning, when she checked the ticketing website, the numbers spoke for themselves. Sold out. Every single seat. ¡°Wow!¡± Hadley covered her mouth, overwhelmed by the realization. ¡°This is it. This is the big stage,¡± she thought. If she couldn¡¯t make a name for herself here¡­ then she would have no one to me but herself. Her phone chimed, snapping her out of her thoughts. A message from Denver. ¡°Congrattions! The performance tickets are sold out!¡± A blushed, smiling emoji followed. Hadley chuckled softly, warmth blooming in her chest. So he was keeping track of this too. ¡°Thank you. You¡¯re going to be incredible. Break a leg, Hadley!¡± On the other end, Denver set his phone down, a thoughtful look crossing his face. After a pause, he opened a group chat. His fingers hovered for a moment¡ªthen he started typing. ¡°This Friday¡ªLightning Studio¡¯s performance. VIP box tickets. Who¡¯s in?¡± Denver typed out the message, hit send, and leaned back, waiting for replies. Of course, he had already secured his own ticket. Missing Hadley¡¯s first performance? Not an option. He had been prepared for anything¡ªeven buying up any unsold tickets himself if demand had been low. . . . Chapter 370 ?Chapter 370: He had the money, and he was more than willing to spend it. But he had underestimated just how high the demand would be. Last night, he had stayed up, watching the ticketing site like a hawk. The moment the clock struck midnight, he clicked the link. But so had hundreds of others. It had been a frenzy. A battle of speed. In the end, he had barely managed to snag a few VIP box seats. If he had hesitated even a second longer, he might not have gotten any at all. His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. Barrie was the first to respond. ¡°Hadley¡¯s first stage performance?¡± Denver quickly replied, ¡°Yeah. Come support.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in, too.¡± ¡°Thanks, Marshall.¡± ¡°Count me in. But what about Eric? Why so quiet?¡± Across the city, Eric sat at his desk, coffee in hand, his phone screen glowing. His lips curled into a smirk. He typed out a reply to Barrie¡¯s question. ¡°Alright. Nothing better to do, anyway.¡± ¡°All set, then! Appreciate it, guys!¡± With that, the n was locked in. Eric casually set his phone down, his expression asposed as ever¡ªimpossible to read. Beside him, Phillips hesitated for a beat before speaking. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­ most of the employees I reached out to weren¡¯t able to secure tickets. Only a few managed to get through.¡± Full chapters on g???????¦Í?????c???? So, Denver wasn¡¯t the only one worried about ticket sales. Eric had anticipated the possibility and had quietly arranged for Flynn Group employees to purchase tickets¡ªhis way of ensuring the numbers stayed high. But, unsurprisingly, these corporate staff weren¡¯t exactly seasoned ticket buyers. By the time they figured out the process, the seats had already been snatched up. Oddly enough, Eric didn¡¯t seem the least bit disappointed. If anything, there was a trace of amusement in his eyes. He leaned back, casting Phillips a brief, knowing nce before speaking. ¡°No problem. Tell them I appreciate the effort. Anyone who pitched in¡ªcount it as overtime. Make sure they¡¯re paid for it.¡± Phillips gave a small nod. ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± As he turned to leave, a thought lingered in his mind. Did Eric actually want those tickets¡­ or was he just ying a different game altogether? Friday. The theater was alive with anticipation. Eric arrived discreetly, blending into the refined crowd with his usualposed demeanor. However, before heading to his seat, he made a quick detour to the restroom. On his way back, he stopped short. Ahead, standing in the corridor leading from backstage to the main hall, was Denver¡ªholding arge bouquet of roses. Eric¡¯s gaze flicked to the flowers, then back to Denver. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess who they were for. . . . Chapter 371 ?Chapter 371: ¡°Denver!¡± Right on cue¡ªHadley¡¯s voice rang out, light yet tinged with nervous energy. She stepped into view, dressed in her performance attire, the soft lighting in the corridor casting a glow against her delicate features. ¡°Hey, Hadley!¡± A slightly awkward smile tugged at Denver¡¯s lips as he lifted the bouquet slightly. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not interrupting something important!¡± Hadley let out a smallugh, shaking her head. ¡°Not at all. Actually¡­ I¡¯m a little nervous right now. You¡¯re just in time to help distract me.¡± At the word ¡°nervous,¡± Denver straightened, concern flickering in his eyes. ¡°Hey, rx. You¡¯ve got this. You¡¯re going to be incredible.¡± This wouldn¡¯t be his first time watching her dance. He had seen her dance before¡ªwatched as she transformed under the spotlight, effortless and untouchable. ¡°I figured.¡± Hadley shed a warm smile, her eyes drifting to the bouquet in Denver¡¯s arms. ¡°Are those for me?¡± Denver didn¡¯t hesitate, extending the flowers toward her. ¡°Yeah. Wishing you an amazing performance.¡± Not far away, Eric stood in the shadows, silently observing. His expression darkened as his gaze flicked from Hadley to Denver. Without a word, he looked away and strode off. ???????? ?????????? ? ????????????????£®????? Inside the theater, the lights dimmed. The curtain lifted, and the performance began. The stage lights converged, casting an ethereal glow over the performer at the center. Hadley stood poised, draped in her custom performance attire, her movements effortlessly elegant. Her long, straight legs exuded grace, and her waist¡ªso delicate it seemed as though it could be encircled with a single hand¡ªmoved fluidly with the rhythm. As the music swelled, her steps matched each drumbeat with precision. Somehow, each note reverberated through Eric¡¯s chest, a strange, unsettling sensation creeping up his spine¡ªas if the music wasn¡¯t just ying, but striking at something deep within him. And then, as the final note lingered in the air, she stopped. With a radiant smile, she turned toward the audience. The reaction was instantaneous. Thunderous apuse. Cheers. The air buzzed with electrified admiration. ¡°Bravo!¡± Denver couldn¡¯t hold back. He shot to his feet, his handsing together in unrestrained enthusiasm. Then¡ªHadley looked his way. With a dazzling smile, she lifted a hand and waved, the joy in her expression unmistakable. And then¡ªshe jumped. Just a small bounce on her toes, yful, as if making absolutely certain Denver saw her. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Denver stood there, frozenpletely stunned. . . . Chapter 372 ?Chapter 372: His heart pounded¡ªtoo fast, too hard, as if it might give out at any moment. His chest felt tight, almost on the verge of bursting, but instead of difort, it was exhrating. He grinned, wide and uninhibited, an expression he couldn¡¯t control even if he tried. For the first time in his life, he felt an unshakable, electrifying rush¡ªsomething thrilling, something undeniable. The performance had been a resounding sess, and Denver, along with the guys, hurried backstage to celebrate. ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver¡¯s voice was full of warmth. ¡°Congrattions, that was incredible!¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Hadley took the bouquet with both hands, her smile radiant, though her eyes glistened. Denver¡¯s gaze lingered on her, catching a small detail¡ªher lips were dry, her lipstick slightly smudged. ¡°Hadley, are you thirsty?¡± Hadley blinked, caught off guard. ¡°How did you know?¡± She was thirsty. But she had been so anxious about everything going perfectly on stage that she hadn¡¯t dared to drink a drop. Was it really that obvious? Denver didn¡¯t think twice. He hade prepared. Twisting the cap off a bottle of mineral water, he held it out to her. ¡°Here, have some.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ?????????? ???????? ???????? Hadley took the bottle, tilting her head back to drink¡ªbut in her eagerness, a few drops slipped past her lips, trickling down. ¡°Slow down!¡± Denver chuckled, instinctively reaching out to wipe the stray droplets away. Then, he hesitated. He wasn¡¯t her boyfriend¡­ yet. But he knew that behind them, Eric was watching. Before Denver could rethink it, he did it anyway. Gently, his thumb brushed against her lips, wiping away the water. ¡°Careful. Don¡¯t choke.¡± The warmth of his touch startled Hadley. It was a fleeting moment, but too close. Was this¡­ appropriate? But before she could react, Denver pulled his hand back, as if nothing had happened. ¡°All good.¡± Denver¡¯s touch lingered for a fraction of a second longer before he stepped back, his expression open, gentle. ¡°Hadley!¡± Before Hadley could say anything, the backstage area erupted with noise. ¡°Where are you? Ms. Nicolson is looking for you!¡± Hadley turned toward the sound. ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± The messenger barely paused. ¡°Hurry up! Ms. Nicolson, the media, and the audience¡ªeveryone¡¯s waiting to see you!¡± . . . Chapter 373 ?Chapter 373: ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a minute!¡± Hadley bit her lip, ncing at Denver with an apologetic smile. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll be swamped tonight. There¡¯s a little celebration party with the teamter, too.¡± It was inevitable¡ªthis was her first major performance. Denver nodded easily. ¡°I get it. Go on, don¡¯t keep them waiting.¡± Hadley hesitated for only a second before shing him a grateful smile. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, then!¡± She turned, took a few running steps toward the crowd, but then spun back around, waving the bouquet and water bottle in the air. ¡°Denver! Thanks again for the flowers!¡± With that, she disappeared into the bustling sea of people. Denver stood there, watching as she was swallowed by the crowd, his smile unwavering. Barrie had witnessed the entire exchange unfold. With an amused sigh, he leaned back, a knowing glint in his eyes. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s nothing like the sweetness of young love.¡± ¡°And what about you?¡± Eric, who had been silently observing, finally looked up, his expression impossible to decipher. ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°Nah. Forget I asked.¡± Barrie was just about to steer the conversation elsewhere when Eric¡¯s voice cut through, low and tense, his jaw clenched tight. ¡°What if I just snatch her away?¡± The words escaped before he could stop them¡ªa thought that had been smoldering in his chest all night, threatening to ignite. g???????¦Í??????.??0??¡ä ?????????? ???????? ???????? Barrie stilled, momentarily thrown. ¡°What are you saying?¡± His eyes darted toward Denver and Marshall, both nearby, blissfully unaware of the weight pressing down between them. He turned back to Eric, his voice dropping. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re not serious, are you?¡± Eric exhaled sharply, a scoff escaping. ¡°Of course not.¡± Barrie let out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest in mock distress. ¡°My heart, Eric¡ªso tell me, which part of that was the truth?¡± Eric shot him a sideways smirk,ced with dry sarcasm. ¡°What do you think? You said it yourself¡ªthey¡¯re clearly drawn to each other. What would be the point, even if I snatch her away?¡± Barrie studied his friend for a long moment before shaking his head with a sigh. ¡°Exactly.¡± He then pped a hand on Eric¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Forcing things never ends well, my friend. Let it go. There are other fish in the sea.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Eric gave a short nod before turning abruptly on his heel. ¡°Hey¡ªwhere are you going?¡± Barrie called after him. Eric didn¡¯t break stride. ¡°Out. Need a cigarette.¡± If he didn¡¯t smother the fire in his chest now, he wasn¡¯t sure what it would push him to do. . . . Chapter 374 ?Chapter 374: The performance was nothing short of a triumph. Sess didn¡¯t happen overnight, butst night had changed everything. With media coverage flooding in, Hadley¡¯s name was suddenly on everyone¡¯s lips. The show had been a breakthrough¡ªher first real step onto a bigger stage. Even nche, usually reserved and strict, was in an uncharacteristically good mood. ¡°Not bad, Hadley. You made me proud.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart swelled at the rare praise. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Nicolson.¡± She knew full well that hard work and talent alone weren¡¯t enough. Opportunities mattered. Not everyone¡ªno matter how gifted¡ªgot the chance to shine. And she was grateful for hers. nche gestured for her to sit. ¡°This is also because of your own hard work.¡± Then, with the same sharp, businesslike tone as always, she continued, ¡°Next, I¡¯m including The Passage in the tour.¡± A tour? An international tour? Could this all be happening a little too fast? nche didn¡¯t wait for Hadley to process it. ¡°I called you here to remind you¡ªdon¡¯t getcent. If you ruin your reputation before the tour, you won¡¯t be going.¡± Hadley straightened immediately. ¡°Understood!¡± How could she possibly waste this chance? ¡°I won¡¯t ck off, Ms. Nicolson. I¡¯ll give it everything I¡¯ve got!¡± Discover where it all happens: g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m nche studied her for a moment before nodding, a rare smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ¡°Good. Now go.¡± nche knew she had taken a significant risk by elevating Hadley to this position. But it wasn¡¯t a decision made in istion. Her husband had benefited from Eric¡¯s influence, and in return, she had gambled on Hadley. Luckily, Hadley had proven her worth. nche had ced her reputation on the line, and Hadley had delivered. In a way, nche felt a quiet sense of gratitude toward her¡ªbecause if Hadley had failed, the consequences would have been severe. When Hadley received the official tour schedule, she sat down to study it carefully. Her eyes skimmed over the list of locations, tracing each stop¡ªuntil she froze. the. Lightning Dance Studio had toured the before, but this time, it felt different. Would this mean she could see Joy? That evening, Denver arrived at the studio to pick her up. She didn¡¯t have a performance scheduled, so she wasn¡¯t expecting him¡ªbut the moment she saw him, he greeted her with a familiar smile. ¡°This time, I booked somewhere a little fancier,¡± Denver said, his voice warm. ¡°We need to properly celebrate your debut.¡± Hadley hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. At the restaurant, the warm glow of ambient lighting wrapped around them as they sat across from each other, the quiet hum of conversation filling the air. As they waited for their food, Hadley took a slow sip of water, steadying herself. Finally, she looked up, meeting the eyes of the man sitting across from her. . . . Chapter 375 ?Chapter 375: ¡°Denver?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± He straightened, sensing something different in her expression. ¡°Is there something on your mind?¡± Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°Yes.¡± She had spent the past few days thinking about this. She owed him honesty. Her voice was soft but firm. ¡°I truly appreciate your kind gestures¡­ which is why I need to be upfront with you.¡± A flicker of uncertainty crossed Denver¡¯s face. Was this¡ªwas she turning him down? His throat tightened as he forced himself to stayposed. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Hadley took a steady breath. Then, with quiet sincerity, she spoke the truth. ¡°I¡¯m not really looking to be in a rtionship right now.¡± Denver froze, his smile caught mid-bloom like a flower in sudden frost. So, this was the sting of rejection after all. With a wry chuckle, he murmured, ¡°Is this your gentle way of giving me the cold shoulder?¡± Hadley paused, her words teetering on the edge of uncertainty. ¡°You¡¯ve always been a gem of a person.¡± ¡°But not the one who has stolen your heart.¡± Denver¡¯s smile turned bitter. ¡°Am I right?¡± Unwilling to wave the white g just yet, he pressed on before Hadley could reply. ¡°I know you can¡¯t force the heart to sing a tune it doesn¡¯t know. But sometimes love strikes like lightning, and sometimes it blooms slowly, like a seed in spring. We¡¯ve never even tried walking that path together. What if we did, and your feelings for me blossomed over time? Hadley, can¡¯t we at least give it a shot? You don¡¯t find me disagreeable, do you?¡± ?????????????????? ??????????????: g??????¦Í??????©q????? Hadley sat there, momentarily struck speechless. His confession of love was so raw, so fiery, so unshaken by the odds¡ªit stirred memories of her own fearless heart at twenty. She let out a soft sigh, as if exhaling the weight of years. Looking into his eyes, Hadley asked, ¡°Denver, does your family know about me?¡± Caught off guard, Denver blinked. After a brief silence, he admitted candidly, ¡°Not¡­ yet.¡± Precisely as she had foreseen. Hadley¡¯s gaze lingered on Denver, her fingers delicately tracing the rim of her ss. ¡°If all you¡¯re after is a fleeting moment to tuck into your memories, then Denver, I wouldn¡¯t say no¡­¡± He had been her lifeline more than once. A warm ray of sunshine in her shadowed days. For that alone, Hadley wouldn¡¯t mind sharing a chapter of her journey with him, even if they were destined to be mere passersby in each other¡¯s lives. She wasn¡¯t one to cling to the dusty old moral code, nor did she see shame in the dance of love and longing. But one truth stood firm¡ªDenver wanted more than she could offer. He was earnest, ying for keeps. ¡°Hadley!¡± True to form, the instant her words left her lips, Denver shook his head in a flurry of unease. ¡°I¡¯d never dream of treating you that way! I¡¯m set on building a true,sting future with you!¡± . . . Chapter 376 ?Chapter 376: ¡°Asting future?¡± Hadley¡¯sugh was sharp, tinged with irony. ¡°We have no future together, Denver. Your family would never wee me with open arms.¡± How could she¡ªa woman who had already walked down the aisle once¡ªbe deemed worthy of him? A golden son of a high-flying, pedigreed n? And then there was Joy¡­ It was a puzzle with no solution. Denver faltered, his confidence flickering. ¡°My family doesn¡¯t even know yet. How can you be so certain they¡¯d turn their noses up?¡± ¡°I¡¯m certain.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t need to ponder; the answer was as clear as day. She reiterated, ¡°Denver, this is not going to work. I¡¯m grateful to you. You pulled me from the wreckage of a painful marriage. You helped me pirouette back into the stage¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s gratitude was as deep as the ocean. ¡°You¡¯re a dear friend, one I treasure. But let¡¯s draw the curtain here before the plot thickens, shall we?¡± Before his heart sank any deeper. Before the inevitable ache took root. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± At that moment, the waiter came with their meal. ¡°Very well.¡± Hadley seized the chance to shift gears, her tone lightening. ¡°Aren¡¯t we here to toast my triumphant performance? Let¡¯s not muddy the waters with anything else. The food¡¯s calling¡ªlet¡¯s just savor it for now.¡± Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o?? Denver sat in silence, the vors on his te suddenly nd as sawdust. He knew pressing further was like chasing a mirage. The real hurdle wasn¡¯t just Hadley¡ªit was the towering shadow of his own family. Back home, Denver began plotting his next move in secret. He had never meant to keep Hadley a hidden chapter from his family. The timing just hadn¡¯t felt right. But Hadley¡¯s words tonight lit a fire under him, pushing him toy his cards on the table sooner than nned. If he came clean to his family, she would have no more excuses to push him away, would she? Then he could sweep her off her feet and ask her to be his girlfriend. As he waited for his parents to return, Denver mused over whether to pair his deration with a gift. What would be fitting? It couldn¡¯t be something run-of-the-mill. Rising to his feet, he left his room and descended to the basement. The basement housed a sturdy safe, a sanctuary for the family¡¯s most treasured possessions. Denver punched in the code, slipped inside, located his personal safe, and opened it with a soft click. Rummaging through its contents, he pulled out a small box, lifted the lid, and nodded with a satisfied grin. ¡°This¡¯ll do the trick.¡± He tucked the box under his arm, secured the door, and headed out. ¡°Denver.¡± . . . Chapter 377 ?Chapter 377: A voice halted him just as he was about to climb the stairs. Turning, he spotted his parents, Roderick and Wilma Moran. ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± The pair had just returned from a social affair. As luck would have it, Denver had been waiting for them. Wilma took a few steps forward, her expression unreadable as she sized up her son. ¡°You¡¯re back earlier than I expected¡­¡± Then her eyesnded on the box in his hand. Her gaze darkened like storm clouds rolling in. ¡°What¡¯s that you¡¯ve got there?¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Denver didn¡¯t dodge the question. With a bright smile, he answered, ¡°It¡¯s a bracelet.¡± Since he was about to bring up Hadley anyway, there was no point in ying coy. Wilma¡¯s brow creased instantly. She recognized the delicate jewelry box in a heartbeat. ¡°Is that the one your grandmother left behind?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Let me take a look.¡± Without waiting for permission, Wilma plucked the box from Denver¡¯s hands, opened it, and gazed at the ruby bracelet nestled inside. She let out a brittle chuckle at the sight of the bracelet, her expression tinged with fury. The whispers she had overheard at the evening¡¯s gathering gnawed at her as she cast a piercing gaze upon her son. ¡°Come closer, we need to have a word.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Denver furrowed his brow, puzzled, and nced at his father. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s got Mom so riled up?¡± L?t?st ?h¦Ápt?rs in g??lnov??l??.??o?? Roderick let out a weary sigh, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯ll see soon enough, son.¡± He too was far from pleased with the rumors that had reached his ears tonight. The trio settled onto the plush sofa in the living room. ¡°Mom?¡± Denver sat across from his parents, still in the dark about the storm brewing. ¡°What¡¯s this all about? Why the long faces?¡± He had been meaning to bring up Hadley once they were done with whatever this was. ¡°Tell me straight.¡± Wilma slid the delicate bracelet box onto the coffee table with a deliberate air. ¡°Why did you take this out of the safe? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re nning to wear it yourself?¡± ¡°Hardly!¡± Denver chuckled, a stroke of luck that they¡¯d brought it up¡ªhe was just about to spill the beans. ¡°I¡¯m nning to give it to someone special.¡± ¡°Give it away, you say?¡± Wilma shot a sidelong nce at her husband, her face clouding over like a gathering storm. ¡°To whom? A sweetheart, perhaps? This isn¡¯t some trinket you would hand out to a casual acquaintance.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Denver nodded hesitantly, but then shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I¡¯m still trying to win her over.¡± At that, Roderick turned his head aside, his jaw tightening. Wilma¡¯splexion paled, though a flicker of hope still danced in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve only been back a short time, and already someone¡¯s caught your fancy? Who¡¯s the lucky girl, and which family is she from?¡± . . . Chapter 378 ?Chapter 378: Denver scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. ¡°She is¡­ the adopted daughter of the Flynn family.¡± Just as they had feared! ¡°Denver.¡± Wilma¡¯s face souredpletely, the strained smile she had been clinging to vanishing like smoke in the wind. ¡°Listen carefully¡ªI won¡¯t stand for this.¡± ¡°What?¡± Denver reeled, as if the very idea of opposition had never crossed his mind. He was utterly baffled. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Wilma¡¯sugh wasced with bitter incredulity. ¡°You tell me why! What ¡®adopted daughter¡¯ of the Flynn family? That Hadley girl has no roots to speak of! And worse¡ªshe is Eric¡¯s former wife!¡± ¡°So what?¡± Denver couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. ¡°I care for her and want to be with her. Is that such a crime?¡± ¡°Denver!¡± Wilma faltered for words, her frustration boiling over. In a sudden burst, she brought her hand down hard on the table with a resounding smack. ¡°Open your eyes! She is not fit to stand by your side!¡± Denver could hardly believe his ears. Hadley was not fit to stand by his side? With a smirk, he retorted, ¡°That¡¯s just ridiculous¡­¡± L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om ¡°What did you say?¡± Roderick couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. ¡°Denver, is that how you speak to your mother?¡± ¡°Dad.¡± Confusion clouded Denver¡¯s handsome features. ¡°Did you hear what Mom just said? Can you believe that? We¡¯re in the 21st century!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Wilma was left speechless. She exchanged a look with her husband. ¡°Denver,¡± Wilma said, her voice softening as she noticed her son¡¯s growing irritation, ¡°You were educated abroad and may see things differently, but remember, this is Srixby!¡± ¡°Mom.¡± Denver¡¯s stance remained firm. ¡°My education has nothing to do with this.¡± He had braced himself for their resistance and wasn¡¯t caught off guard. Speaking with deliberate rity, he made his point. ¡°What does it matter if Hadley has been divorced?¡± Wilma and Roderick were left speechless. At the social event they had just returned from, they had heard gossip that their son was involved with Eric¡¯s former wife. Now, hearing their son¡¯s words, they were taken aback to realize the rumors were true. They were even more shocked by Denver¡¯s passionate defense of Hadley. Temporarily at a loss for words, they couldn¡¯t respond. . . . Chapter 379 ?Chapter 379: Seeing his parents silent, Denver chose not to press further. They needed time to process everything. He gently lifted the jewelry box from the table. ¡°Mom, Dad, it¡¯ste.¡± He rose from his chair. ¡°I¡¯m going to my room now. You both should head to bed early too. Goodnight.¡± With a sigh of distress, Wilma watched her son exit the room. She then closed her eyes and massaged her temples. ¡°Honey, are you alright?¡± her husband inquired. Wilma, rubbing her forehead, replied, ¡°I have a headache! What do we do about this situation? I can¡¯t allow them to be together. Absolutely not!¡± Monday arrived. Before six in the evening, Eric was already stationed outside the dance troupe¡¯s building, waiting for Hadley to finish. Following her debut performance, Hadley¡¯s reputation in the dancemunity had skyrocketed, something even N had noticed. N couldn¡¯t hide her excitement. ¡°Hadley¡¯s really been making a name for herself quietly!¡± Hadley hadn¡¯t joined the Flynns for dinnertely, prompting N to ask Eric to ensure she would return. They had initially nned for the weekend, but with Hadley¡¯s packed schedule, their meeting had been pushed to Monday night. Eric had been waiting for about ten minutes when he finally saw Hadley emerge, bag in hand. ???????? ???????? ?????????????? at ?????????¦Í??????©q????? He quickly got out of the car to open the door for her. However, just before Hadley could reach the car, another figure approached her. It was Wilma. She halted in front of Hadley and removed her sunsses. ¡°Hello, are you¡­ Hadley?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded with a puzzled nod. ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± Wilma looked around briefly. ¡°This isn¡¯t the best ce to discuss things. Would you mind joining me somewhere more private for a conversation?¡± Hadley hesitated. She wasn¡¯t sure who this woman was, but something about the request made her wary. Seeing Hadley¡¯s hesitation, Wilma¡¯s smile faded, and she replied softly, ¡°I am Denver¡¯s mother.¡± At that revtion, Hadley stiffened, fully aware of the significance of this encounter. She immediately understood why Wilma might want to meet. ¡°Mrs. Moran, hello.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s skip the formalities,¡± Wilma said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Shall we talk now?¡± Hadley paused, ncing toward Eric as he approached. Following her gaze, Wilma noticed Eric and her smile quickly vanished. Her willingness to engage in a calm discussion evaporated. ¡°Hadley, are you still in touch with your ex-husband? I can¡¯t understand how you manage to be so shameless.¡± . . . Chapter 380 ?Chapter 380: Wilma took in Hadley with a critical eye, her judgment harsh. ¡°What, aside from your appearance, qualifies you to be with Denver? How dare you chase after him?¡± At that moment, Eric arrived just in time to overhear Wilma¡¯s harsh words. His face immediately hardened. Known for his short temper, Eric didn¡¯t hesitate to confront Wilma, stepping in to protect Hadley. ¡°Mrs. Moran, you need to watch what you¡¯re saying! How can you use Hadley of chasing your son? It¡¯s Denver who has been relentlessly pursuing her, not the other way around. Hadley doesn¡¯t have to chase after anyone!¡± Wilma was momentarily taken aback by Eric¡¯s protective stance, her anger rising even more. She nced from Hadley to Eric, her tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Oh, how wonderful for you both!¡± ¡°Mrs. Moran!¡± Hadley intervened, as tensions escted. ¡°Please, let¡¯s keep things calm. He didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡± ¡°Enough already!¡± Wilma cut her off, gesturing dismissively. ¡°Let¡¯s end this discussion here. My point is clear¡ªI don¡¯t see you and Denver as suitable for each other. Please, keep your distance from him!¡± ¡°Mind your words now!¡± Eric¡¯s fists clenched in anger. But by then, Wilma had already put on her sunsses and was turning to leave. ?????????????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ??????????¦Í???????????? Seething, Eric shot a frustrated look at Hadley. ¡°Where¡¯s Denver in all this? Is he going to let his mother treat you this way?¡± Hadley looked down, choosing not to respond. ¡°Call him!¡± Eric demanded, gesturing sharply. ¡°Call him now! We can¡¯t let this slide!¡± Yet, Hadley remained silent and still. ¡°Hadley, are you not listening?¡± Suddenly, Hadley raised her head, her eyes locking with Eric¡¯s intense gaze. Eric was momentarily taken aback. Herplexion was ghostly pale¡ªwas she truly distressed? Likely so. She had deep feelings for Denver, yet his mother held such contempt for her. ¡°You¡­¡± Eric said, emotion tightening his voice. ¡°Are you alright? How are you feeling?¡± He couldn¡¯t quite understand why, but although Hadley was the one directly affected, he felt an ufortable sense of unease. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Hadleyposed herself and shook her head dismissively. ¡°We should head back. N expects us for dinner, and we shouldn¡¯t bete.¡± With that, she moved briskly ahead. Once in the car, Eric found himself unable to meet her gaze directly, instead catching fleeting glimpses of her in the rearview mirror. Hadley was usually quiet, but today there was a silence around her that felt almost palpable. Was she deeply hurt? . . . Chapter 381 ?Chapter 381: Did her feelings for Denver run that deep? Eric¡¯s heart tightened as he grasped the steering wheel harder. As they approached Flynn Mansion, he pulled up in front of the grand entrance. Hadley exited the car and walked forward without looking back. Watching her retreating figure, Eric hesitated briefly before finally pulling out his phone to call Denver. N presided over the dinner table, nked by Ernest and Eric on one side, and Hadley on the other. Linda was still at work and hadn¡¯t made it home yet. N kept adding food to Hadley¡¯s te. ¡°Eat up. You look like you¡¯ve lost weight again.¡± ¡°N,¡± Hadley responded with a gentle smile. ¡°I need to maintain a certain weight for my dance roles. Gaining too much could slow me down.¡± ¡°Of course, of course!¡± N eximed, her face lighting up. ¡°A great dancer needs to watch their figure at all times!¡± At that moment, the doorbell chimed insistently. ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± The maid hurried to the door. Then her tone turned confused. ¡°Mr. Moran?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Hearing the noise, Hadley set down her fork and quickly stepped outside. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Denver? What are you doing here?¡± Realizing it wasn¡¯t exactly appropriate to talk right there at the doorstep, Hadley motioned toward the garden, and the two of them moved out of earshot. Start your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s ¡°Hadley.¡± Denver lowered his gaze, his voice thick with guilt. ¡°This is all my fault. I never thought my mom woulde looking for you. Whatever she said, don¡¯t let it get to you. Please don¡¯t be upset¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Hadley replied, her tone calm and steady, much more so than his. ¡°I¡¯m not upset. Mrs. Moran was just telling the truth¡­¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver¡¯s eyes widened in shock, a sense of dread settling in his chest. ¡°Denver, listen¡­¡± Hadley sighed softly, her voice heavy with resignation. ¡°Your mother was right. That¡¯s why I turned you down the other day. From now on, we shouldn¡¯t see each other anymore¡­¡± Before she could finish, Denver interrupted, his handsome face twisted in turmoil. ¡°Hadley, please, don¡¯t say that!¡± He stepped closer, his voice desperate. ¡°I didn¡¯t handle things well. I never expected my mom to¡­ Hadley, I really like you! It¡¯s rare to find someone who feels right, and I don¡¯t want to give up just like that. I can¡¯t give up. Please, don¡¯t shut me out like this, okay?¡± Hadley shook her head, unable to agree. ¡°Listen, parents look out for their children and often have their own good reasons for disapproving of a rtionship. Most rtionships that try to survive their objections don¡¯t end well¡­¡± ¡°But you said ¡®most¡¯!¡± Denver¡¯s voice was filled with urgency, rising in pitch. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean all of them,¡± he argued, his eyes pleading. ¡°How can we know if we don¡¯t give it a shot?¡± . . . Chapter 382 ?Chapter 382: Hadley paused, caught off guard. She was momentarily speechless. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Back in the dining room, N couldn¡¯t sit still any longer. She rose to her feet. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on them.¡± ¡°Grandma, I¡¯lle with you.¡± Eric quickly followed, but N shot him a pointed look. ¡°What¡¯s going on with them? Do you know something?¡± ¡°No,¡± Eric replied firmly. This was Hadley¡¯s business. Whether she wanted to share or not, it was up to her. He wouldn¡¯t interfere. When N reached the garden and found Hadley and Denver, she nced back and forth between the two of them. ¡°Are you two arguing? Or is something else going on? Can you tell me?¡± ¡°No, we¡¯re¡­¡± Denver remembered that N had once promised her help if they ever faced opposition. But he had no intention of asking for it. He knew his parents well. If N intervened, it would likely make them resent Hadley even more. He turned to Hadley, his expression regretful, as he replied to N¡¯s question, Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°This is my fault. I upset Hadley.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± N sighed, her tension easing. ¡°Well, in that case, I won¡¯t be able to help. You made this mess, so it¡¯s up to you to clean it up.¡± She nced at Eric. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Yes, Grandma.¡± As they turned to leave, Eric furrowed his brow and looked at Hadley. She was clearly struggling, yet still refused to ask N for help. The same went for Denver. Could they really handle this by themselves? Since they wouldn¡¯t ask for assistance, there was only so much he could do. After leaving the Flynn Mansion, Denver hurried home and went straight upstairs to find Wilma. ¡°Mom!¡± Wilma nced at him, instantly understanding the situation. Her expression tightened. ¡°What¡¯s with that look? Looks like you already know. Humph, that girl sure knows how to stir things up.¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Denver frowned and shook his head. ¡°It wasn¡¯t Hadley.¡± . . . Chapter 383 ?Chapter 383: ¡°If not her, then who?¡± Wilma¡¯s anger red up, her disbelief evident. ¡°I think you¡¯vepletely lost your mind! What¡¯s so special about her that you keep defending her? Tell me¡ªwhat else did she say about me?¡± ¡°It was Eric!¡± Denver responded honestly, his voice steady. ¡°He¡¯s the one who told me! Hadley never said a single bad word about you!¡± At the mention of Eric, Wilma¡¯s expression darkened even further. ¡°Denver, listen to yourself. Hadley and Eric are divorced, and to think he still defends her like that¡­ Do you really want to be with someone like her?¡± ¡°What do you mean ¡®someone like her¡¯?¡± Denver was taken aback and quickly exined, ¡°Hadley is part of the Flynn family. Even if she and Eric are divorced, they¡¯re still family!¡± ¡°Oh, please!¡± Wilma¡¯s anger only grew. ¡°Enough! There¡¯s nothing more to discuss! I¡¯ll never approve of you marrying a divorced woman! Even if she¡¯s adopted by the president, it doesn¡¯t change a thing!¡± So, no room forpromise? Denver paused for a moment, his thoughts swirling. Then, he nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± His suddenpliance made Wilma uneasy. ¡°What are you nning? Are you really willing to cut ties with your family for her?¡± ¡°No.¡± Denver shook his head. ¡°If I did that, you¡¯d only hate Hadley even more. I¡¯m not that foolish.¡± Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°At least you have some sense!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Denver remained calm, his voice steady. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not giving up on Hadley. I really care about her. If you can¡¯t ept it, then I¡¯ll handle the pressure from both sides. Get some rest. Goodnight.¡± With that, he turned and walked out, closing the door quietly behind him. ¡°Denver!¡± Wilma shot to her feet, stunned, her voice a mix of surprise and disbelief. She never expected her usually obedient son to stand up to her like this! ¡°Everything I do is for you, you foolish boy!¡± Wilma gritted her teeth, her resolve hardening. She was determined to find a way to separate them¡ªno matter what it took! Denver realized he hadpletely misjudged the situation. He never anticipated his parents would fight his rtionship with Hadley so fiercely. Back in his room, he grabbed his phone, nning to call her. But then, he saw a message from Hadley. ¡°Denver, it wasn¡¯t the right time to talk at the Flynn Mansion earlier. Your mother is right, and I agree¡ªwe¡¯re just not right for each other. Please don¡¯t insist on this anymore. Don¡¯t do anything because of me.¡± Reading the message, Denver jumped to his feet, a cold sweat creeping down his back. Without wasting another second, he dialed Hadley¡¯s number. ¡°Hadley!¡± His grip on the phone tightened, his heart racing. ¡°Please don¡¯t be upset. I¡¯ve already talked to my mom. Can we decide our future for ourselves?¡± . . . Chapter 384 ?Chapter 384: From the other end, Hadley could easily guess that he¡¯d shed with his mother once again. She paused, reflecting on her own actions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Denver. This is my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have used you to escape from Eric in the first ce.¡± Given how everything had unfolded, even if it was unintentional, the me rested with her. She should never have let him get caught in the crossfire of family conflict because of her. ¡°Don¡¯t fight with your family over me. Please listen to them. Let¡¯s stop contacting each other.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Each word she spoke hit Denver like a silent, searing de¡ªsharp and excruciatingly painful. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°Denver, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really not worth all this. I¡¯m hanging up now, and I won¡¯t take your calls again.¡± With that, she ended the call. ¡°Hadley!¡± Stunned, Denver immediately tried calling back. But the call wouldn¡¯t go through¡ªHadley had blocked him. Denver, his nerves frayed with anticipation, shoved his phone into his pocket and bolted for the door¡ªhe had to see Hadley! But the moment he stepped into the hallway, a familiar obstacle stood in his path. ¡°And just where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Endless adventures await on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°Mom,¡± Denver exhaled, frustration simmering beneath his breath. ¡°I am an adult. I have every right to make my own choices.¡± ¡°Humph.¡± Wilma sneered. ¡°So you wouldn¡¯t tell me? Fine. Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯re in such a hurry to see Hadley, aren¡¯t you?¡± Denver hesitated briefly. It was no surprise that his mother had figured it out, and he had no reason to deny it. ¡°Yes,¡± he admitted. ¡°Ha!¡± Wilma pointed a finger at him andughed mockingly. ¡°Try stepping out of this house today, I dare you.¡± ¡°Mom?¡± Denver frowned, failing to understand her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m not a child anymore. You cannot dictate my every move.¡± ¡°Dictate your every move? Are you using me now?¡± Wilma¡¯s eyes narrowed as she took a slow step forward, her voiceced with scorn. ¡°And how could you talk to me like that? I raised you, funded your education, and now you are working at the Moran family¡¯spany. Everything you own, everything you have achieved, came from this family.¡± Denver¡¯s face paled slightly at her words. ¡°Mom, what are you trying to say?¡± ¡°What am I trying to say?¡± Wilma¡¯s voice turned cold, like the bite of winter¡¯s wind. ¡°If you insist on being with Hadley, then leave this house. You are no longer a part of this family.¡± . . . Chapter 385 ?Chapter 385: Hearing this, Denver stood frozen. Never had he intended to issue such an ultimatum to force his parents to ept Hadley, yet here his mother was, pushing him into a choice he had not nned to make so soon. ¡°I will not give up on Hadley.¡± Denver let out a deep sigh. ¡°If that is truly what you want, then fine¡­ I will leave.¡± Without another word, he turned back toward his room. Wilma waspletely caught off guard. Without hesitation, she hurried after him, her pulse quickening as she watched in disbelief¡ªhe was actually packing his bags. Panic red in her eyes, and she snapped, ¡°Do you think walking away is that easy? I¡¯ll freeze your ounts too!¡± Denver hesitated mid-motion. ¡°Mom?¡± Believing she had finally struck fear into him, Wilma let out a triumphant smirk. ¡°Feeling scared now? That¡¯s more like it! You were really about to throw everything away for that woman¡ª¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Denver¡¯s jaw tightened as he swallowed his anger. No matter how furious he was, she was still his mother. He didn¡¯t want to cross a line he couldn¡¯t return from. But that didn¡¯t mean he would just stand there and take it. ¡°Mom, Hadley is the woman I love. The least you can do is show her some respect. Do whatever you want, but my decision is final.¡± He knew one thing for certain¡ªleaving this house wouldn¡¯t spell his doom. He would survive. But Hadley? He couldn¡¯t give up on her. Without another word, Denver zipped his suitcase shut, grabbed the handle, and turned to leave. ¡°What is happening here?¡± Keep reading g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Roderick arrived just in time to witness the unfolding scene. His chest tightened as he reached for his son¡¯s arm. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going? We should talk this through!¡± ¡°Let him go! Do not stop him!¡± Wilma shot her husband a withering re and snapped, ¡°Denver has lost all sense! If he¡¯s so determined to leave, then let him!¡± ¡°Dad.¡± Denver freed himself from his father¡¯s grasp, his expression calm yet unwavering. ¡°I am leaving. Take care of yourselves.¡± With that, he strode toward the stairs, his suitcase rolling behind him. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Roderick called after him, his voiceced with hesitation. ¡°Let him go!¡± Wilmatched onto her husband¡¯s arm, watching their son¡¯s retreating figure with thinly veiled frustration. ¡°He actually believes living on his own will be a walk in the park? He¡¯s never faced a real struggle¡ªlet¡¯s see how long hests!¡± Roderick blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Well¡­ if that is what you think.¡± The following day, Eric heard from Marshall about Denver¡¯s abrupt departure from his family home. Barrie let out a low whistle. ¡°So he really got kicked out?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Marshall nodded. ¡°Aunt Wilma is serious. She has warned all rtives and friends not to extend a helping hand unless they want to be on her bad side.¡± With that decree in ce, who would dare to defy her? ¡°Wow.¡± Barrie clicked his tongue. ¡°That¡¯s brutal. Looks like she has no intention of ever epting Hadley.¡± As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward Eric. . . . Chapter 386 ?Chapter 386: ¡°Why are you looking at me? Don¡¯t tell me you think I orchestrated their rtionship?¡± Eric narrowed his eyes. He exhaled a sharp breath and pulled out a cigarette, taking a slow drag. From the very beginning, he had said Denver and Hadley were not a good match. A divorced woman with no powerful family backing? How could a high-standing family like Denver¡¯s ever approve? Only N had indulged in such wishful thinking. Barrie shifted his focus back to Marshall. ¡°So where is Denver staying now? Is he managing?¡± ¡°He still has friends, alright? He¡¯s crashing with one of them,¡± Marshall replied, shaking his head. ¡°But word is, Hadley is not speaking to him. She blocked him.¡± ¡°What?¡± Barrie gawked. ¡°So he is left with nothing?¡± Then, after a beat, he nodded to himself, as if making sense of it. ¡°Well, Hadley¡¯s not wrong. Clinging to Denver now would be reckless.¡± ¡°Why would that be reckless?¡± Eric, who had been silent until now, suddenly cut in. He stubbed out his half-burned cigarette in the ashtray. ¡°Was she the one clinging to Denver? Wasn¡¯t it Denver who insisted? Denver knew what he was getting into from the start.¡± ¡°If he chose this path, he should see it through.¡± The weight of his words settled over the room like a dense fog. Barrie and Marshall exchanged nces but said nothing. The next day, at Lightning Studio. Eric had been parked outside for ten minutes, his sharp gaze never straying from the entrance. Afraid to even blink, he waited, his patience wearing thin. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm, your fiction hub Atst, she appeared. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric stepped out of his car and closed the distance between them with purposeful strides. Hadley turned, startled by his sudden presence. ¡°Is there¡­ something you need?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Eric nodded toward the vehicle idling at the curb. ¡°Get in first.¡± Her fingers tightened around her bag strap. ¡°What is this about? We can talk right here.¡± Did she think he was some sort of threat? The way she was acting, one might assume he was out to get her. Eric felt a dull ache in his chest. If he hadn¡¯t been the reason she ended up a divorcee, he wouldn¡¯t be wasting his time here. Clearing his throat, Eric spoke with an awkward stiffness. ¡°Well, Denver is holding up for now. But rtionships are a two-way street. He can¡¯t be the only one fighting for it while you stand on the sidelines doing nothing.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley was caught off guard, the weight of his words throwing her off bnce. ¡°I heard,¡± Eric continued, his voice steady with purpose. ¡°You blocked Denver¡ªso what now? Are you nning to erase him from your life entirely?¡± Hadley stiffened. How did he know? More importantly, why was he here? Was he about to strong-arm her into reconsidering just because she turned Denver away? ¡°Are you being reckless?¡± Eric had no idea what thoughts were racing through her mind. His tone was sharp. ¡°Denver got thrown out because of you! The man refuses to back down, yet the moment you hit a rough patch, you throw in the towel? Did you not say you liked him? Is this your version of devotion?¡± . . . Chapter 387 ?Chapter 387: Hadley was struck silent, caught between disbelief and hesitation. ¡°What are you waiting for? Get in the car!¡± Eric studied her expression, smugly convinced that he was, without a doubt, the most exceptional ex-husband in existence. ¡°Where are we going?¡± ¡°To see Denver, of course!¡± Eric let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Must I spell it out? Right now, you should be at his side, ensuring he can¡¯t get you out of his head!¡± Men understood their own kind better than women ever could. ¡°A man never forgets the woman who stood by him when the world turned against him. Mark my words! Now get in!¡± This part of Srixby wasn¡¯t exactly run-down, but it was a far cry from the kind of luxury Denver was used to. Eric eased the car to a stop, his gaze flicking to Hadley in the rearview mirror. His tone was t. ¡°He¡¯s inside. Go on.¡± He had no intention of following. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here. If you decide to stay, just send me a message or call.¡± What if they saw each other and couldn¡¯t bring themselves to say goodbye? It wouldn¡¯t be surprising. Eric clenched his jaw, barely stopping himself from snapping. His patience was wearing thin. ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry up!¡± If she stalled any longer, he might just change his mind altogether. g???????¦Í??????.??0??. ???????????? ???????? ¡°Oh¡­ fine.¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t tell why his mood shifted again¡ªit was exhausting. Without another word, she pushed open the door and stepped out. Following the address Eric had given her, she made her way to Denver. The studio apartment barely fit a bed and a makeshift kitchen. It wasn¡¯t his¡ªit belonged to a friend of his, ast resort after his ounts were frozen and his family cut him off. Denver had nowhere else to go. Hadley took a steadying breath before knocking. The door swung open. ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver blinked, surprise flickering into something warmer. ¡°You¡ªhow did you even find me?¡± She didn¡¯t answer, just offered a small smile. ¡°Can Ie in?¡± ¡°Oh¡ªyeah, of course!¡± He stepped aside hastily. ¡°Come in. Take a seat,¡± he added, already half-turning toward the fridge. ¡°Want something to drink?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m good.¡± Hadley shook her head. ¡°I came to talk.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Alright.¡± Even so, Denver grabbed a bottle of water and set it in front of her. His smile was thin, uneasy. ¡°This is just temporary,¡± he said, as if he needed to convince himself more than her. He hadn¡¯t reached out in days. He didn¡¯t want Hadley to see him like this¡ªstripped of everything, barely holding it together. . . . Chapter 388 ?Chapter 388: But he hadn¡¯t expected¡­ ¡°Hadley.¡± He sped his hands together, fingers twisting as he fought to steady himself. ¡°Do you¡­ know everything?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Her gaze was steady as she nodded. ¡°You know, you don¡¯t have to do any of this. Why didn¡¯t you just tell your parents there¡¯s nothing between us?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver¡¯s voice sharpened, almost desperate. ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± His voice was unsteady. ¡°Hearing you say that hurts more than losing my home.¡± She exhaled softly, her tone gentler now. ¡°Denver, don¡¯t walk away from your parents. Go back and talk to them. They¡¯re merely acting in your best interest.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± A heavy weight pressed against his chest. The past few days had been a nightmare, but through it all, he had refused to break. He had nned to find Hadley once things were better¡ªonce he wasn¡¯t just barely scraping by. ¡°You care about me, don¡¯t you?¡± Denver shook his head quickly. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really,¡± he said, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°This is just a rough patch. With my degree, I¡¯llnd a job soon, and¡ª¡± ¡°No.¡± Hadley¡¯s throat tightened. The words caught, but she pushed them out anyway. She couldn¡¯t let him brush this off like it was nothing. ¡°You¡¯re your family¡¯s only son. You shouldn¡¯t have to go through this.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Hear me out.¡± She took a slow, steady breath. ¡°A real rtionship should help both people grow. It shouldn¡¯t feel like a weight dragging you down.¡± Hadley met his gaze, her voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside her. ¡°Denver, I don¡¯t want to drag you down. You¡¯re my only friend in Srixby¡ªI can¡¯t be the reason you lose everything.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± She was already on her feet, her vision blurring at the edges. ¡°Just go home. I¡¯m not worth the trouble. And from now on¡­ we won¡¯t be seeing each other again.¡± Before he could say another word, she turned and ran. ¡°Hadley!¡± Hadley pushed forward without hesitation, her heartbeat hammering in her ears. Behind her, Denver¡¯s footsteps pounded against the pavement. ¡°Hadley!¡± Inside the car, Eric spun his phone absently between his fingers. When he finally nced up, his brows lifted in mild surprise¡ªHadley and Denver were sprinting straight toward him. What the hell was going on? Before Eric could fully process it, Hadley yanked open the passenger door and scrambled inside. ¡°Hadley¡ª¡± . . . Chapter 389 ?Chapter 389: ¡°Drive!¡± Her voice was sharp, urgent. ¡°What?¡± He blinked,pletely thrown. ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver caught up, mming his palm against the window. ¡°Hadley, don¡¯t leave¡ª¡± Eric couldn¡¯t hear the words through the closed window, but Denver¡¯s desperation was in. His mouth moved in frantic pleas, his eyes searching Hadley¡¯s face. Eric nced at her, baffled. ¡°You two¡ª¡± ¡°Just drive!¡± Hadley squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her hands over her ears. ¡°Now! Didn¡¯t you hear what I said?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ got it.¡± Maybe it was the raw edge in her voice¡ªshe¡¯d never spoken to him like that before. For a split second, Eric hesitated. Strangely, he even felt a little¡­ intimidated. Then, without another thought, he started the car. As they sped away, Eric flicked a nce at the rearview mirror. Denver was still chasing after them. ¡°Tsk.¡± Eric clicked his tongue, his frown deepening. ¡°You¡¯re really just leaving him there? What the hell were you two even talking about?¡± ¡°Drive faster!¡± she snapped. Eric stiffened. ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ¡ú g???????¦Í??????????????? Alright. He pressed down on the elerator, and the car surged forward. In the rearview mirror, Denver¡¯s figure blurred, shrinking until he was nothing but a speck¡ªthen he was gone. Beside him, Hadley lifted her hands to her face, her fingers trembling as they covered her eyes. Eric¡¯s heart stuttered. Was she¡­ crying? If she was, did that mean she really liked Denver? That leaving him had actually hurt her? A sharp irritation wed at Eric¡¯s chest, his temper rising before he could stop it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying?¡± His voice came out harsher than intended. ¡°If you love him that much, why didn¡¯t you just stay? Why run away?¡± Hadley stiffened, but then suddenly yanked her hand away from her face. ¡°Stop the car.¡± ¡°Stop? Why?¡± Eric shot her a sharp look. ¡°See that ¡®No parking¡¯ sign? We can¡¯t stop here!¡± ¡°I said stop!¡± Her fingers curled around the door handle, her knuckles white. ¡°Pull over! I¡¯m getting out!¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Eric¡¯s grip tightened on the wheel, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°Hold still! It¡¯s not safe!¡± ¡°Pull over!¡± She wasn¡¯t listening. Seeing how shaken she was, he had no choice but to give in. With a sharp turn, he pulled the car over. . . . Chapter 390 ?Chapter 390: The moment it jerked to a stop, Hadley flung the door open and jumped out. ¡°Hadley!¡± Cursing under his breath, Eric scrambled after her. She had just been crying, and now she was storming off like she didn¡¯t care what happened next. What if¡ª Whether it was sheer bad luck or some cruel twist of fate, the moment Hadley stepped out, a car came barreling toward her. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s breath caught. His body moved before his mind could catch up. He lunged, gripping her shoulders and yanking her back¡ªhard. They stumbled, his arm locking around her as they mmed against the side of the car. One hand cradled the back of her head. The other shielded her as the speeding car tore past. Behind them, the car rushed by. The driver stuck his head out, his voice sharp with anger. ¡°Trying to throw your life away? Leave everyone else out of it! Damn!¡± Hadley, still shaken, lifted her head. Eric¡¯s eyes burned with a mix of anger and disbelief, his grip firm, as if afraid she¡¯d slip away again. ¡°Are you insane?¡± His face was pale, his voice raw with frustration. ¡°So, because you can¡¯t have Denver, you¡¯re throwing yourself into traffic? Then why leave him at all? Where¡¯s that stubbornness¡ªthe way you refused to let go of me? Where is it now?¡± g?????0¦Í??????.??????, ?????????? ???????????????? ???? Hadley¡¯s expression hardened, her gaze cutting through him like ice. ¡°You really don¡¯t know why I walked away?¡± Her voice was eerily calm, but the weight behind it was undeniable. ¡°You honestly don¡¯t get it?¡± Was Hadley¡¯s frustration unfairly directed at Eric now? ¡°What does this have to do with me¡ª¡± On the brink of anger, Eric was almost ready to explode¡ªwas he really to me for keeping her and Denver apart? But as he opened his mouth to retort, Hadley¡¯s piercing gaze stopped him. Indeed, he was to me. He was the root cause of all her suffering! ¡°Humph.¡± With a cold sneer, Hadley used him. ¡°It was you!¡± Her thoughts then turned to the painful four years spent in the¡ªand to Joy, her beloved child. Overwhelmed by her feelings, she grasped his tie fiercely. ¡°Why are you so heartless? Why can¡¯t you release me even after our divorce?¡± Their failed marriage had likely doomed her chances of ever finding love again. At first, that seemed okay. Love wasn¡¯t necessary for her. As long as she had Joy, she felt she could cope. But then, Denver came into her life¡­ He didn¡¯t mind her past or that she was an orphan. He had made significant efforts to reintegrate her into the dance troupe¡­ For the first time, someone truly valued her¡ªand yet she had wronged him! . . . Chapter 391 ?Chapter 391: Hadley¡¯s eyes, filled with tears, were fixed on Eric. Eric froze. He could see it¡ªshe was genuinely crying this time. Her tears dampened his anger. Eric stood motionless, even stooping to her height since she was still gripping his tie. He rummaged for a handkerchief in his pocket. ¡°Okay, okay, I admit it¡¯s my fault.¡± He extended a fine cotton handkerchief to her. ¡°Stop crying¡­ I know you care about Denver so much, so don¡¯t worry. With the support of me and the Flynn family, he wouldn¡¯t dare turn you away¡­¡± ¡°What are you implying?¡± Hadley, tears streaking her face, red at him. ¡°Stop meddling! My life isn¡¯t your concern!¡± ¡°What now? What did I do?¡± Eric¡¯s patience was thinning again, but faced with Hadley¡¯s intense stare, he conceded, his brow furrowed in frustration. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll back off. Are you satisfied now?¡± Did she really think he was eager to meddle? If he interfered once more, he¡¯d consider himself a fool! Eric looked around. ¡°It¡¯s tough to find a taxi around here. Come on, get in the car. Let¡¯s get you home first. And then, I promise not to butt in anymore, alright?¡± With that, he turned away sharply. Behind him, Hadley was smoothing her hair when she suddenly covered her eyes. Th3 l4t3st upd4t3s 4v41l4bl3 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m From a distance, Eric realized she hadn¡¯t followed him. He turned back, calling out, ¡°Come on! What¡¯s taking so long?¡± She just stood there, hands over her eyes. What could be the issue? Debating whether to step in or not for only a brief moment, he quickly retraced his steps and leaned down slightly. ¡°Something wrong with your eyes?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Hadley responded, shaking her head while still covering her eyes. ¡°Might be an eysh, or maybe some dust.¡± ¡°Let me have a look¡­¡± Eric extended his hand, cautiously reaching toward her face. Hadley instinctively pulled back, but Eric persisted. ¡°Stop dodging! What do you think I¡¯m going to do? I don¡¯t bite, alright?¡± He firmly grasped her arm and gently lifted her eyelid. While inspecting her eye, he joked, ¡°Honestly, even if I did, I¡¯d choose someone a bit meatier. Don¡¯t want to break a tooth on you.¡± Hadley felt cornered. His words always had a slightly menacing tone, didn¡¯t they? ¡°There, I see it. Stay still for a second, I¡¯ll get it out¡­ There you go.¡± He gently blew on her eye, causing a refreshing sensation as he stepped back. Peering at her cautiously, he asked, ¡°Better now?¡± Hadley blinked a few times, adjusted her eyes, and then confirmed. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s out now¡­ Thank you.¡± . . . Chapter 392 ?Chapter 392: A slight smile appeared on Eric¡¯s face. ¡°It was nothing.¡± Once settled in the car, Eric navigated toward her home and stopped at the start of Mayfield Road. ¡°Thanks for the ride.¡± As Hadley opened the car door to leave, Eric¡¯s voice halted her exit. ¡°Hadley.¡± She paused mid-step, her expression one of inquiry. What more was there to say? Eric gestured toward her eye. ¡°Make sure to ice that, okay? You don¡¯t want it affecting your performance tomorrow.¡± Was that all he had to say? ¡°Understood, thanks,¡± Hadley responded, then stepped out of the car and walked down the alley. Eric watched her depart, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He had been contemting whether to ask if things were truly done between her and Denver. Yet, he held back, choosing silence. Why should it matter to him? Was her rtionship with Denver even his concern? Indeed, why would it be his concern? With these thoughts, Eric looked away and started his car, leaving the area behind. As Hadley stepped into the alley, an uneasy feeling washed over her. To her surprise, Denver was already there, having arrived ahead of her. Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm He waited patiently at the apartment building¡¯s entrance. Catching her breath, Hadley murmured, ¡°Denver¡­¡± It was clear now; Denver was not the type to easily let go. In a sudden decision, Hadley turned and fled the alley. Unbeknownst to her, Denver continued his vigil at the entrance, expecting her to appear at any moment. Panting by the time she reached Mayfield Road, Hadley felt lost, touching her forehead in confusion. Returning to her apartment was not an option now. But where could she go? She remembered the house that Eric had mentioned as part of her alimony, but she didn¡¯t yet have the keys. Property transfers were more intricate than mere financial exchanges. After a moment of thought, she pulled out her phone, browsed her contacts, and then made a call. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Elissa, it¡¯s me, Hadley,¡± she said, reaching out to her dance troupe colleague, Elissa Hond. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on?¡± Elissa¡¯sughter rang through the phone. ¡°Just wondering¡­¡± Hadley paused briefly. ¡°Could I crash at your ce for a few days?¡± ¡°Absolutely! No problem at all,¡± Elissa responded without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll text you the address right away. Head on over.¡± ¡°Thanks a lot.¡± . . . Chapter 393 ?Chapter 393: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Elissa replied. Once they ended the call, Hadley quickly received a message from Elissa with the address and made her way there. Elissa¡¯s apartment was actually nearby, located in the old part of town, just like Hadley¡¯s own ce. ¡°Made it here?¡± Elissa greeted Hadley at the door with a warm smile, ushering her inside immediately. ¡°Step in, step in.¡± The entryway was upied by a stic mannequin, and the living room table was cluttered with various pieces of fabric and sewing tools, both cut and whole. While they worked together, their roles at the troupe were quite different: Hadley was in the spotlight as a dancer, whereas Elissa worked behind the scenes as a costume designer. ¡°Excuse the clutter,¡± Elissa said, grinning. ¡°That¡¯s totally okay,¡± Hadley responded, brushing off any concern. ¡°Really, I should be apologizing for imposing.¡± ¡°Ha, no worries at all!¡± Elissa chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s just befortable around each other.¡± Elissa was genuinely easygoing, not prying into Hadley¡¯s circumstances but instead saying, ¡°You¡¯re wee to stay as long as you need.¡± After a brief pause, she added humorously, ¡°Just a heads-up, you¡¯re on your own for meals here.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Hadley replied with a smile, feeling more at ease. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the household chores during my stay then.¡± ???????????????? ????????: g??????????¦Í???£®????£®???£®?? ¡°That works for me.¡± As they were settling in, Hadley felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out to find two new messages¡ªone from Denver and another from Eric. Unlocking her phone, Hadley immediately looked at Denver¡¯stest message. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m here managing everything at home. It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re not ready to talk; I¡¯m not going anywhere, and I¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re ready.¡± Closing her eyes briefly, Hadley was moved by Denver¡¯smitment, yet it also filled her with sadness. Why did he remain so hopeful about them? She then navigated away from Denver¡¯s message. It was one she found herself unable to answer. Ignoring his texts might eventually make him stop trying altogether. She felt that cutting off contact now would be the kindest thing to do. Taking a deep sigh, she checked the message from Eric. ¡°Hadley, just checking in. Everything alright?¡± Her brow creased with confusion as she read. How did he see Denver? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to have dropped her off and just left? Could he have returned? And for what reason would hee back? There was another message from Eric waiting for her: ¡°I found your hair tie in my car. I went back to return it.¡± That exined the situation. Feeling her wrist, Hadley noticed her hair tie was indeed missing. She began typing a response. . . . Chapter 394 ?Chapter 394: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s just a hair tie. Feel free to throw it away.¡± Meanwhile, Eric sat in his car near Mayfield Road, the maroon hair tie with small white beads in hand. Puzzled by her response, he looked at the hair tie and muttered to himself, ¡°She really doesn¡¯t want it back?¡± He grabbed his phone to text back. ¡°I¡¯m nearby, so dropping it off won¡¯t be a bother.¡± Hadley saw his message and responded quickly. ¡°Please, it¡¯s not necessary. Also, I¡¯m not at my apartment right now.¡± She wasn¡¯t home? But hadn¡¯t he just dropped her off? Eric¡¯s muscles tensed as a realization dawned on him¡ªperhaps Hadley had encountered Denver as well. Could she be trying to avoid him? A fleeting smile crossed his face, a surprising sense of relief igniting within him. ¡°So, where might you be now?¡± ¡°Just at a friend¡¯s ce,¡± she responded briefly, offering no further details. Eric considered pressing for more information but quickly dismissed the idea, worrying it might irritate Hadley. Knowing her location wouldn¡¯t change the current situation. ¡°Alright, got it.¡± Eric ced his phone down, wound down the window, and leaned out slightly, holding her hair tie. He eyed the nearby trash can. With just a gentle flick, he could discard it. Explore more chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m Yet, after hesitating for a moment, he withdrew his hand, caressing the hair tie instead. In the end, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to let it go. With a sigh, Eric started the car and drove away. Upon reaching Evergrand Mall, he decided to make a stop. Stepping out, Eric entered a boutique specializing in women¡¯s fashion ¡ª essories and all. The sales associate recognized him immediately. ¡°Mr. Flynn? The big boss is here!¡± She quickly called the manager to attend to him. ¡°Mr. Flynn, wee!¡± The manager approached with a weing grin. ¡°How may I assist you today?¡± ¡°Just in time,¡± Eric said, massaging his forehead. The vast array of women¡¯s essories was overwhelming. He presented the hair tie, asking, ¡°Do you carry anything simr to this?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± The manager peered at the item closely. ¡°We do have simr items, although none are an exact match.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to see those.¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± She signaled to the sales associate, who hastened to fetch the selection. A tray soon arrived, lined with various options. ¡°Here are some choices that resemble the style, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± . . . Chapter 395 ?Chapter 395: Carefully evaluating each, Eric selected the one that most closely resembled the original. ¡°I¡¯ll take this one.¡± ¡°Do you want this gift-wrapped?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Eric thought about the implications of wrapping it. It would appear too formal, and Hadley was unlikely to ept such a gesture. ¡°Just hand it over as is.¡± ¡°Very well, Mr. Flynn, that¡¯ll be 1538 dors, please sign here.¡± The chosen hair tie was indeed simr to Hadley¡¯s, but instead of stic beads, it boasted the finest pearls, justifying the steep price difference. After signing the receipt, Eric collected the new hair tie and exited Evergrand Mall. Upon his return to Flynn Mansion, Eric first checked on N and then proceeded to Ernest¡¯s room. At that time, Ernest was settling into a shampoo chair in the bathroom, ready for a hair wash from Linda. ¡°Hey, Eric!¡± ¡°Hello, Ernest, Linda.¡± Preparing herself, Linda was about to start when her phone interrupted. ¡°I need to take this. Please, have a chat with Ernest and keep him entertained. I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± With that, she excused herself, phone in hand. ¡°Alright.¡± Eric found a chair, pulled it up, and satfortably, draping his arm over the back. Lat3zt chapt3rz found at g??l??ovels.?????? Eric would only let his mischievous side out when he was alone with his big brother. With Linda momentarily gone, Eric dropped his voice to a yful whisper, asking, ¡°Hey, Ernest, have you had Quentin on the hunt for someone recently?¡± It wasn¡¯t that Eric had been snooping; however, he had overheard Phillip mentioning Quentin¡¯s search. He hadn¡¯t pried for details, but he knew something was up. Ernest¡¯s expression tightened, and a slight frown formed. He seemed to struggle for words. ¡°What?¡± Observing his brother¡¯s difort, Eric couldn¡¯t help but ask with a hint of mischief, ¡°Are you by any chance looking for a girl?¡± At the suggestion, Ernest grew visibly unsettled, emitting a garbled murmur. ¡°Am I perhaps right about this?¡± With a knowing look and a yful lift of his eyebrow, Eric reassured him, saying, ¡°Calm down, Ernest. I know you¡¯re with Linda. I¡¯m just joking. I won¡¯t say anything to her.¡± Regarding the mystery person Ernest might be searching for, Eric figured it wasn¡¯t his ce to press further unless Ernest chose to share. ¡°What¡¯s this all about?¡± Linda reappeared, having finished her phone call. ¡°We were just talking,¡± Eric responded with a smile, rising to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll let you two continue.¡± . . . Chapter 396 ?Chapter 396: As he turned to leave, something fell from his pocket¡­ Linda was about to call out to him when she noticed it was¡­ a pearl hair tie? Why would Eric be carrying a woman¡¯s essory? Linda¡¯s brow creased as she lifted the hair tie, which appeared new. Ernest, from behind her, let out a raspy noise. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Snapping out of her brief daze, Linda gathered her hair, using the hair tie to secure it. ¡°Can¡¯t wait any longer? Let¡¯s start your hair wash.¡± Eric returned to his room, only to realize the new hair tie he bought for Hadley was missing. What happened? Where did it go? He rummaged through his belongings and even checked his car, to no avail. The possibility of leaving it in Ernest¡¯s room crossed his mind. He hesitated to intrude there now. Resigned, Eric nned to purchase a recementter. By seven o¡¯clock in the evening, Hadley was applying her makeup, gearing up for a performance. ¡°Hadley.¡± Elissa entered, gesturing toward the door. She whispered, ¡°There¡¯s a very attractive man outside waiting for you.¡± Realizing who it must be, Hadley responded firmly, ¡°Elissa, please tell him I¡¯m not avable to meet him and ask him to leave.¡± ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading ¡°Huh?¡± Elissa was momentarily stunned, but then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± She walked toward Denver, who was waiting at the door expectantly. As Elissa approached, Denver¡¯s face fell, and the disappointment was evident. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to see me, does she?¡± Disappointment was inevitable. But Denver had braced himself for it¡ªit was nothing unexpected. He extended the bag toward Elissa, his expression unreadable. ¡°Can you give this to Hadley?¡± ¡°Yeah, of course.¡± She epted it without hesitation, her eyes flicking to the logo¡ªRed Shell Bistro. A bag full of desserts. ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Denver offered a faint smile, barely there. ¡°I should get going.¡± ¡°Alright. Take care.¡± A curt nod. ¡°Yeah.¡± Elissa watched as he walked away, exhaling softly before turning on her heel and making her way backstage. Elissa set the bag down in front of Hadley with a casual tap. ¡°Here. He dropped this off for you¡ªdesserts from Red Shell Bistro. Fancy stuff.¡± Hadley stared at the bag, an unshakable heaviness settling in her chest. ¡°Hadley?¡± Elissa hesitated, then leaned in just a little. ¡°Are you¡­ avoiding him? He seems nice¡ªpolite, even. What¡¯s the problem? Don¡¯t you like him?¡± . . . Chapter 397 ?Chapter 397: Hadley let out a softugh, but there was no humor in it. Her eyes lingered on the bag for a second before she shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s indeed nice. Too nice. That¡¯s exactly why I can¡¯t get close.¡± Elissa¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What? That makes no sense.¡± Hadley inhaled deeply, as if steadying herself. ¡°Hees from money.¡± Understanding dawned in Elissa¡¯s eyes. She nodded slowly, processing it. ¡°Then yeah, guess¡­ better to keep our feet nted where they belong.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± For a brief second, Hadley thought she caught something in Elissa¡¯s tone¡ªan odd shift, something wistful, almost¡­ off. But before she could ask, Elissa straightened, brushing it away with a lighthearted smile. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll grab your costume.¡± Hadley nodded, her voice softer this time. ¡°Thanks.¡± Eric pulled up outside the dance studio¡¯s side entrance, parking just out of the way. He had been waiting for nearly half an hour, watching as staff and performers trickled out one by one. Then, finally¡ªthere she was. Hadley strolled out, arm in arm with another girl, theirughter light and unguarded. She had no idea he was there. That changed the moment he stepped out of the car. Find more books at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls ¡°Hadley!¡± His voice cut through the air, sharp enough to make her pause mid-step. She turned, surprise flickering across her face. ¡°Eric?¡± Her tone was cautious. ¡°Do you¡­ need something? Is N looking for me?¡± At that, his expression darkened instantly, irritation shing in his eyes. ¡°What, so the only reason I¡¯d be here is because Grandma sent me?¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°Can¡¯t Ie looking for you myself?¡± Hadley stiffened slightly. There it was¡ªhis sudden shifts in mood, as unpredictable as ever. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Sensing the tension, Elissa nced between them and tilted her head toward the side. ¡°I¡¯ll wait over there.¡± ¡°Mm, okay.¡± Hadley exhaled slowly, relief washing over her as Elissa stepped away. She never knew what to expect with Eric, and thest thing she wanted was to set him off¡ªhis moods shifted like the wind. She kept her voice even, careful. ¡°So? What is it?¡± ¡°Here.¡± Eric reached into his pocket and pulled out a hair tie¡ªthe same style as the one she had left in his car, freshly bought from Evergrand Mall. Without warning, he tossed it toward her. Hadley¡¯s reflexes kicked in as she reached out, barely managing to catch it before it slipped through her fingers. . . . Chapter 398 ?Chapter 398: The moment she saw it, even under the dim glow of the streetlights, she knew. Her brows knit together. ¡°This isn¡¯t mine.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t find yours.¡± Eric¡¯s tone was as firm as ever. ¡°I tried to give it back yesterday, but you wouldn¡¯t take it.¡± He hesitated, something rare for him¡ªhis words faltering slightly. ¡°I just bought this one. Take it or leave it.¡± Hadley barely had time to process before he fixed her with an expectant stare. ¡°Well?¡± His voice was sharp, but there was an odd tension behind it. ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice? Don¡¯t you¡­ like it?¡± Hadley blinked,pletely thrown. Then, before she could even think of a response, his expression darkened. Impatient. ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question. Do you like it or not?¡± What was this about? And why was he behaving so aggressively? Hadley sighed inwardly. With him like this, refusing wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Mm,¡± she murmured, nodding. ¡°It¡¯s nice.¡± If it was meant to rece hers, she might as well ept it. No big deal. As for the pearls on it? She had no idea of their value. To her, it was just a simple, inexpensive hair tie. She absently slid it onto her wrist. The small motion didn¡¯t mean much to her, but Eric¡¯s gaze flickered to it. Against her smooth skin, the delicate band stood out, and for a fleeting second, something in his expression shifted¡ªa quiet satisfaction surfacing at the edges of his lips. ???????????? ???? ???????? ?????????????? @ ?????????¦Í??????©q????? ¡°I¡¯ll get going then.¡± Hadley nced toward Elissa. ¡°Great! My friend¡¯s waiting for me anyway.¡± Eric gave a small nod. ¡°Go on ahead.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Without another word, Hadley turned and jogged toward her friend. ¡°Elissa!¡± Elissa grinned. ¡°All settled?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± Laughing, the two girls linked arms and disappeared down the sidewalk. Eric watched them for a long moment, eyes lingering on Hadley¡¯s retreating figure. Then, as if snapping out of a trance, he exhaled, turned, and got back into his car. Quietly, as discreetly as possible, he followed them. The bus rumbled through the dimly lit streets, weaving its way into an old residential district nestled in the old part of the town. Eric trailed behind in his car, slowing as he reached the entrance of the neighborhood. His eyes flicked to the faded sign at the intersection. . . . Chapter 399 ?Chapter 399: ¡°Redmarsh.¡± He remembered this ce. A quiet hum left his lips as he tapped the steering wheel, and then, without hesitation, he turned the car around and headed toward Poseidon¡¯s Realm. The private room was lively tonight¡ªfilled with the low murmur of conversation, the clinking of sses, and the asional burst ofughter. Barrie, the mastermind behind the gathering, spotted Eric¡¯s arrival and made his way over. ¡°You actually showed up? Thought you¡¯d bail.¡± Eric merely leaned back against the plush sofa, unconcerned. ¡°Mm.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Barrie raised a brow, then smirked knowingly. ¡°Well, someone¡¯s in a good mood tonight.¡± He nudged Eric with his elbow, his tone teasing. ¡°Come on, tell me¡ªdoes this have anything to do with Hadley and Denver not working out?¡± Eric nearly choked on his drink, eyes narrowing as he shot Barrie a sharp re. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting?¡± Barrie only grinned. ¡°Deny it all you want, but your face says otherwise.¡± He could¡¯ve pushed further, but he knew when to back off. Instead, Barrie shrugged, casually adding, ¡°Listen, if you actually have feelings for her, this is your chance. Don¡¯t overthink it. Just go for it.¡± With that, Barrie stood and wandered off, leaving Eric alone in his seat. Could this really be his chance? Maybe¡­ just maybe, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to give it a try. Dawn broke over the city. Hadley ran a brush through her hair, lost in thought, when Elissa walked past¡ªonly to stop mid-step and double back. ¡°Hadley?¡± Hadley nced up, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Elissa didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, she bent down and picked something up from beside the sink. With a slight frown, she held it out. ¡°This¡­¡± she murmured, turning the delicate pearl hair tie between her fingers. ¡°Is this yours?¡± ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Hadley said easily, but Elissa¡¯s expression gave her pause. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± Elissa hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. ¡°Hadley, don¡¯t take this the wrong way¡ªI don¡¯t mean anything by it. But¡­ this doesn¡¯t really seem like something you¡¯d buy for yourself.¡± . . . Chapter 400 ?Chapter 400: Hadley furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Why not? What¡¯s wrong with this hair tie?¡± Elissa tilted her head, still studying the hair tie. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it, it¡¯s just¡­¡± She trailed off before shrugging. ¡°You¡¯re usually careful with money.¡± It was an observation, not a judgment¡ªHadley¡¯s frugality showed in everything, from the way she dressed to the simple meals she chose. That was why this felt¡­ different. Realizing how it might sound, Elissa quickly added, ¡°Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with treating yourself now and then.¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡± Hadley, however, was already frowning as she ran her fingers over the hair tie. ¡°Are you saying this is actually expensive?¡± Elissa gave her a knowing look. ¡°Yeah! You didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°How was I supposed to know?¡± Hadley turned the hair tie over in her hands, studying it closely. It wasn¡¯t hers¡ªbut it looked nearly identical. The same delicate design, the same small white beads embedded along the band. Wait, white beads¡­ Every story unfolds at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? A sudden thought struck her. ¡°Wait¡­¡± She lifted her gaze, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes. ¡°Are they real pearls?¡± Elissa nodded without hesitation. ¡°Absolutely. The real deal. The finest ones actually.¡± She crossed her arms, her expression firm. ¡°Come on, Hadley, what do I do for a living? You think I¡¯d get this wrong?¡± Elissa was a fashion designer, well-versed in materials and craftsmanship. Spotting the difference between cheap knock-offs and genuine pearls was second nature to her. Elissa pointed at the pearls adorning the hair tie. ¡°These pearls are of quite high quality, but for a hair tie, it¡¯s a little on the small side.¡± ¡°How much do you think this would cost?¡± Hadley asked. ¡°Well¡­¡± Elissa did a quick estimate. ¡°For these few, the market price would easily be over a thousand, at the very least.¡± Catching the shift in Hadley¡¯s expression, she tilted her head in curiosity. ¡°Wait¡ªyou didn¡¯t buy this hair tie yourself?¡± Hadley shook her head. . . . Chapter 401 ?Chapter 401: ¡°No.¡± She could never justify spending that kind of money on herself. If she had known how extravagant Eric¡¯s gift was, she would have never epted it. Each evening before their performance, the dance troupe members would have an early meal. Before their busy evening started, Hadley and Elissa took a quick detour to themercial street beside the studio to grab a bite. On their way back, a familiar figure came into view under the glow of a streemp. Denver stood there, tall and lean, a bag in his hand, his gaze fixed expectantly on Hadley as she slowly approached. Elissa stole a nce at Hadley before tactfully excusing herself. ¡°I¡¯ll head in first.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± With no way to avoid the encounter, Hadley came to a stop in front of Denver, her brows knitting slightly. ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°Here.¡± Before she could finish, Denver raised the bag in his hand¡ªyet again filled with desserts from Red Shell Bistro. Hadley didn¡¯t reach for it, instead sighing in exasperation. ¡°Denver, do you really want me to be someone I can¡¯t stand?¡± Check out more on g???????¦Í?????????o?? ¡°Please don¡¯t be upset,¡± Denver said gently, watching her with quiet caution. ¡°I just wanted to see you.¡± ¡°Denver¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m leaving Srixby. Tonight.¡± Before she could say anything else¡ªbefore she could cut him down with another cold remark¡ªDenver hurriedly spoke again. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to see you every day anymore.¡± What? Hadley¡¯s breath caught. Her mind reeled at his words. ¡°What do you mean? Where are you going?¡± Denver caught the flicker of concern in Hadley¡¯s eyes and smiled reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯ve found a job. A friend of mine started apany, and I¡¯ll be joining as a technical partner.¡± Without the support of his family, all he had left was his own skills. ¡°It¡¯s a smallpany, still in its early days, with only a handful of employees,¡± he exined. ¡°There¡¯s a lot to do, and I have to go to Tidebourne to meet with two of our potential partners.¡± Hadley blinked, momentarily stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected him to act so quickly. A young man who had grown up in luxury, now navigating a life stripped of privilege¡ªyet he hadn¡¯t wasted a moment on self-pity. Living in a cramped, old apartment, he had never once med her. Instead, he had quietly pressed forward, determined to carve out his own path. . . . Chapter 402 ?Chapter 402: ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His eyes shone with conviction, unwavering and bright. ¡°I know exactly what I¡¯m doing. I don¡¯t need my family¡¯s wealth to live well. I won¡¯t give up on myself, and I won¡¯t give up on you.¡± Hadley parted her lips to respond, but no words came. ¡°This is for you.¡± Denver took Hadley¡¯s hand, pressing the bag into her palm. ¡°I have a train to catch,¡± he said, his voice steady but tinged with something deeper. ¡°I¡¯ll see you when I get back.¡± Stepping back, he offered her a lopsided smile, one that held no regret, no resentment¡ªonly quiet resolve. ¡°This isn¡¯t goodbye.¡± Then, with a final nce, he turned and walked away. Hadley stood frozen, her fingers tightening around the bag. The weight of it, so small yet so heavy, sent a sharp ache through her chest. Denver had lost everything, yet he carried himself with grace, his resilience unwavering. With each passing moment, Hadley found herself understanding Denver¡¯s mother more and more. How could a mother stand by and watch her exceptional son be dragged down by someone like her? As the performance came to an end, Hadley sat before the mirror, wiping away the remnants of her stage makeup. Her fingers brushed against the pearl hair tie resting beside her¡ªright, she had almost forgotten about it. L?¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.???? Pulling out her phone, she quickly typed a message to Eric, ¡°How much did the pearl hair tie cost? I¡¯ll send you the money.¡± Eric was on his way back to Flynn Mansion when his phone buzzed. He picked it up, eyes scanning the message. His heart jolted. Why did Hadley suddenly want to pay him back? Did she figure out how he felt? Was this her way of drawing a boundary¡ªof turning him down? His jaw tightened as he made a quick decision. ¡°Sebastian, take me to Lightning Dance Studio.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± As they neared their destination, Eric finally responded. ¡°I¡¯m almost at the studio. Let¡¯s talk in person.¡± Hadley stared at the reply, momentarily confused. What did he mean he was almost at the studio? Was he just passing through or what? Brushing aside the thought, she gathered her things and left the studio with Elissa. ¡°I¡¯ve been troubling you these past few days. I can go home tonight.¡± Elissa scoffed, looping an arm around Hadley¡¯s. ¡°What do you mean ¡®troubling¡¯? If you ever need anything, juste to me.¡± As they stepped through the gate, Hadley¡¯s steps slowed. Eric was there, leaning casually against his car, his gaze fixed on her as if he had been waiting all along. . . . Chapter 403 ?Chapter 403: Hadley exhaled. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± Elissa smirked. ¡°See ya.¡± Hadley jogged over to Eric, slightly breathless, wasting no time on pleasantries. ¡°How much do I owe you?¡± Eric¡¯s brows drew together, his tone firm. ¡°Hadley¡­ I didn¡¯te here to collect money from you.¡± She blinked, caught off guard. If that wasn¡¯t why he was here, then what was this about? A beat passed before realization struck. ¡°I get it¡ªyou bought it on a whim. To you, this hair tie might be nothing. But to me, it¡¯s different¡­ it¡¯s too valuable.¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°Hold on¡ªyou think I bought it on a whim?¡± Hadley hesitated. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it?¡± A dry, bitterugh escaped his lips. ¡°Yeah, sure. A whim.¡± Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m But inside, something twisted painfully. What had he been expecting? When she first insisted on paying him back, he had feared the worst¡ªthat she wanted to draw a line between them, that she was rejecting him outright. But this? This was even worse. She hadn¡¯t even considered the possibility that he had chosen it just for her. That he had held her old, worn hair tie in his hands, searching for something that could resemble it. How utterly ridiculous he must have looked¡ªchasing after a detail so small, putting thought into something she dismissed as a meaningless trinket. And what was more pathetic than rejection? Realizing she never even saw his feelings to begin with. Hadley frowned, watching the way his expression shifted¡ªanger, frustration, something deeper beneath it all. ¡°Eric?¡± Eric snapped out of his thoughts, but the flicker of pain in his eyes didn¡¯t disappear fast enough. Hadley hesitated, but then reminded him, ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me how much it costs.¡± He didn¡¯t answer right away. ¡°Did you ever think about¡­¡± That he had searched for a hair tie just like hers, not because it was convenient, but because it was hers? Unfortunately, the words hovered on the tip of his tongue. . . . Chapter 404 ?Chapter 404: Hadley tilted her head, blinking at him. ¡°Think about what?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Eric shook his head, his jaw tightening as he forced the lump in his throat down. Then, with a casual shrug, he threw out a number. ¡°200 bucks.¡± Hadley instinctively nodded. ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Then her head snapped up. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat? What did you just say?¡± Was he somehow mistaken? Elissa said it was worth at least a thousand. ¡°Didn¡¯t hear me the first time?¡± ¡°No, I heard you¡­ I just didn¡¯t expect it to be that cheap. It looks expensive, you know.¡± Eric¡¯s brows drew together, his patience thinning. ¡°Why are you making such a big deal out of this? I bought it, so I think I¡¯d know the price. If you want to transfer the money, then go ahead. If not, just forget it. I don¡¯t have time to argue over 200 bucks!¡± Hadley hesitated, but then nodded, ¡°Alright¡­ fine.¡± What else could she do? ???????? ???????????? ?????????? ????: g???????¦Í???????????? Pulling out her phone, she quickly sent the payment. ¡°Done!¡± A soft chime came from Eric¡¯s pocket, but before Hadley could even tell him the transaction wasplete, he had already turned away. ¡°We¡¯re done here, right? I¡¯m leaving.¡± Hadley opened her mouth. ¡°Take care¡ª¡± But the words barely left her lips before he was already striding off, his handsome face set in a cold, unreadable expression. Why had he even bothered buying anything for her? If he ever did something this pointless again, he really would be a fool. Eric¡¯s chest felt tight, his emotions tangled in frustration he couldn¡¯t quite shake. Just then, his phone rang. N. The second he answered, her usually calm voice spilled through the line, edged with urgency. ¡°Eric, something¡¯s wrong! Your brother and Linda are in a huge fight¡ªit¡¯s bad!¡± Flynn Mansion. Linda¡¯s growing unease over the past few days finally solidified into certainty. Her fingers tightened around the two delicate tortoiseshell hairpins¡ªsomething she had just discovered beneath Ernest¡¯s pillow. They weren¡¯t hers. Then whose were they? . . . Chapter 405 ?Chapter 405: First, there was a photo of another woman. Now, this. ¡°Ernest!¡± Linda¡¯s voice cracked as she held up the incriminating hairpins, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. ¡°Whose are these?¡± Ernest¡¯s gaze flickered downward, averting her question. Although he couldn¡¯t formplete sentences, his silence spoke volumes¡ªa refusal, a quiet defiance. ¡°Ha¡­ haha.¡± Linda let out a sharp, bitterugh, the sound hollow in the stillness. ¡°Oh, right. I almost forgot¡ªyou still can¡¯t talk, can you?¡± Her voice dripped with sarcasm, her emotions teetering on the edge. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s make this easy. Just nod or shake your head. Can you do that?¡± She inhaled sharply, and then pressed on, her voice lower but no less cutting. ¡°Tell me, Ernest¡­ is there someone else? Huh? Is that what this is?¡± Still, he said nothing. His head remained bowed, his gaze avoiding hers, his silence a shield he refused to lower. Rage red in Linda¡¯s chest, burning away thest remnants of her restraint. She reached out abruptly, her fingers gripping his face, forcing him to meet her eyes. ¡°Look at me!¡± she demanded, her voice trembling with emotion. ???????? ???? ???????? ???????? ¡ú ??a???????¦Í??????????????? ¡°Answer me, damn it! Nod or shake your head! Is it really that hard?¡± Ernest¡¯s thick brows knit together, his lips pressed into a firm line. His eyes held something¡ªan emotion she couldn¡¯t decipher, something locked away beneathyers of unreadable restraint. And yet, in that unbearable silence, she knew. It was true. But when? How? He had been in aa for years¡ªit couldn¡¯t have been then. So¡­ it had to be before he went into aa? The realization struck like a bolt of lightning. Linda froze, her entire body going rigid as a chilling thought crept into her mind. ¡°Ernest!¡± Linda¡¯s voice trembled with fury, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. ¡°Is this what I deserve?¡± she choked out, her voice raw with emotion. ¡°Did you ever even think about me when you were with her?¡± Ernest sat motionless, his gaze locked on the floor, silent as ever, but his breathing faltered. ¡°Who is she? Who IS she, Ernest?¡± Linda demanded, her voice rising like a whip crack. ¡°Answer me! Stop pretending you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about!¡± Her voice broke with desperation. ¡°You sent Quentin to track her down, but you can¡¯t even say her name?¡± ¡°Oh no¡­¡± N rushed in, eyes wide with rm. She reached for Linda, prying her away from Ernest with firm but gentle hands. ¡°Linda, stop! He¡¯s still recovering!¡± . . . Chapter 406 ?Chapter 406: ¡°N¡­¡± she sobbed. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this matter to you? Don¡¯t you want to ask him what he¡¯s done to me?¡± ¡°Alright,¡± N murmured. ¡°I¡¯ll ask him.¡± Her voice softened, but the weight behind it remained. ¡°Ernest, tell me this is all a misunderstanding. You can¡¯t exin, so should we call Quentin? Maybe he can clear this up?¡± For the first time, Ernest stirred. Seated in his wheelchair, he slowly lifted his head, his expression unreadable. A long silence stretched between them before he finally moved. A slow, deliberate shake of his head. Then, in a hoarse whisper, barely a breath of sound, he said, ¡°No.¡± Thest of Linda¡¯s strength crumbled. ¡°Ernest, you selfish bastard!¡± Linda stormed toward the window, her fingers clenched around the delicate hairpins. ¡°You won¡¯t say a damn thing, huh? You keep these¡ªtreasuring them, touching them, holding onto them like some sacred token. Like they actually mean something to you.¡± Her lips curled into a bitter sneer. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s see how much you care when they¡¯re gone!¡± With one swift, merciless motion, she flung the hairpins out the window. The word ripped through the air like a gunshot. Then¡ªbefore she could even process the shock¡ªsomething unthinkable happened. Ernest moved. Explore more stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m He pushed up from his wheelchair, his legs shaking violently beneath him, his body protesting the sudden demand. But he tried. He lurched forward¡ªtoo fast, too unstable. His body crashed to the floor with a loud thud. ¡°Ernest!¡± N¡¯s panicked scream filled the space as she darted toward him, her face pale with horror. She dropped beside him, hands trembling as she tried to help him up. ¡°Ernest, can you hear me?¡± Then, she turned to Linda, her expression dark with frustration. ¡°Linda, what the hell are you doing?¡± N snapped, her breath shaky. ¡°Was this really necessary? You know he¡¯s still weak!¡± ¡°N¡­¡± Linda¡¯s voice wavered, barely a breath. N exhaled, shaking her head. The exhaustion in her voice was unmistakable. ¡°I know you¡¯re hurting,¡± she murmured, her voice softer now. ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t everything still uncertain?¡± Uncertain? A bitterugh slipped past Linda¡¯s lips¡ªhollow, empty. Couldn¡¯t N see it? The way Ernest had reacted¡ªthe sheer panic in his voice, the way he had moved for the first time in years¡ªover those two hairpins? How could anyone still believe he had nothing to do with their owner? . . . Chapter 407 ?Chapter 407: ¡°Hurry!¡± N¡¯s urgent voice broke the tension. ¡°Come in here! Mr. Flynn has fallen down!¡± The door burst open, and in came the caregiver¡ªalong with Eric. ¡°What happened?¡± Eric froze at the sight of his brother sprawled on the floor. In an instant, he strode forward, slipping his arms under Ernest¡¯s armpits and hoisting him up with ease. ¡°Come on,¡± he muttered, his grip steady as he helped Ernest back into his wheelchair. The moment Ernest was seated, he didn¡¯t spare anyone a nce. His fingers pressed the wheelchair¡¯s control, and without a word, he started rolling toward the door. Eric looked from Ernest to Linda, utterly lost. ¡°Grandma? Where the hell is he going?¡± Realization shed across N¡¯s face. Without wasting a second, she hurried after him. ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s follow him!¡± The group trailed after Ernest as he made his way downstairs, heading straight for the garden. N had a sinking feeling¡ªshe knew exactly what Ernest was about to do. Turning swiftly, she called out, ¡°Kira! Get the servants! Help Mr. Flynn search!¡± The entire household joined the effort. Everyone was there. Everyone¡ªexcept Linda. ¡°Wait¡­ what exactly are we looking for?¡± one of the servants asked. ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Two hairpins,¡± N responded quickly. ¡°Tortoiseshell. Small. Check everywhere!¡± Eric¡¯s surprise was evident. ¡°Grandma, are you saying¡­ my brother?¡± N exhaled, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on her. She gave a slow nod. ¡°I don¡¯t know the full story¡­¡± Her gaze drifted toward Ernest, who remained oblivious to everything around him, entirely fixated on the search. ¡°But just look at him,¡± she murmured, almost to herself. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it tell you everything?¡± She had never thought it possible. Ernest¡ªher eldest grandson, always decent, always responsible, the one who had never given her reason to worry¡ªwas hiding this? ¡°If he had told me from the beginning that his heart belonged to someone else,¡± she muttered, shaking her head in exasperation. ¡°Do you think I would¡¯ve wasted my time arranging your engagement to Hadley? What a mess!¡± Eric stood frozen, unable to reconcile the image of his disciplined, no-nonsense brother with what N was implying. Two-timing? Ernest? Two hours passed. The garden had been thoroughly searched, yet only one hairpin had been recovered. ¡°Ernest!¡± N¡¯s voice was softer now, filled with concern. She watched as he clutched the small hairpin tightly, his knuckles white, his body rigid. ¡°You must be exhausted. Go rest. I¡¯ll have the staff keep searching.¡± . . . Chapter 408 ?Chapter 408: Ernest didn¡¯t budge. His fingers tightened around the delicate hairpin, his expression dark with frustration. ¡°Ernest!¡± Eric stepped in, his tone calm but firm. ¡°It¡¯s definitely here. The other hairpin is somewhere in the garden¡ªwe will find it. But your health? That matters more. If you don¡¯t rest, neither will Grandma. Do it for her, alright?¡± For the first time since the search began, Ernest hesitated. A long, tense pause. Then, finally¡ªhis shoulders dropped slightly, his fingers loosened, and he gave a small nod. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Quick! Take Mr. Flynn back to his room!¡± ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Eric said, stepping forward. After ensuring Ernest was settled, Eric stepped out of the room, only to find Linda waiting for him. ¡°Eric.¡± Her voice was cold, edged with something dangerous. ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± Linda demanded. ¡°Do you know who she is?¡± It wasn¡¯t a casual question. It was an usation, sharp and direct. The two brothers had always been close, sharing everything. Before the ident, Eric had been the person Ernest trusted most. If anyone knew the truth, it would be him. Eric hesitated, shaking his head with a helpless sigh. ¡°I really don¡¯t know. Ernest never mentioned anything.¡± L??t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov???s.?????? Linda¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°It has to be a misunderstanding,¡± Eric added. ¡°You know Ernest¡ªhe¡¯s not that kind of person.¡± Linda scoffed, her expression darkening. ¡°Not talking, huh? Keeping his secret? Fine. Keep covering for him. Let¡¯s see how long you can keep this hidden.¡± In a huff, Linda exited the room, leaving Eric massaging his forehead in frustration and helplessness. Did his brother really have someone else on the side? Eric wouldn¡¯t disclose such a thing to Linda, even if he knew, but in truth, he was clueless. That evening, tension filled Flynn Mansion; no one could sleep peacefully. As morning dawned, only N and Ernest gathered around the breakfast table. Eric had left unusually early, and Linda hadn¡¯t risen from bed. With a heavy sigh, N ced her utensils down and turned to Ernest. ¡°Ernest, whatever is happening, I must be just¡ªfair to you, my own grandson. It¡¯s not right to y both sides!¡± Ernest said nothing. ¡°You¡­¡± N, still showing favoritism, continued, ¡°There must be a mix-up, I¡¯m sure.¡± She gestured toward the second floor. ¡°Nheless, Linda is upset. Please, go talk to her.¡± . . . Chapter 409 ?Chapter 409: ¡°Okay,¡± Ernest responded, nodding slowly. ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted to hear.¡± N expressed her relief. ¡°Linda has been loyal to you for years. It¡¯s unfair to disappoint her now.¡± She signaled to the caretaker. ¡°Please assist him to Linda¡¯s room.¡± ¡°Right away.¡± At Linda¡¯s door, the caretaker positioned Ernest and knocked. ¡°Miss Harris, Mr. Flynn wishes to speak with you.¡± There was no response for a long time. After a pause, the caretaker turned the doorknob. ¡°Mr. Flynn, it seems the door is unlocked.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Ernest said with a nod, indicating the caretaker could go. ¡°I¡¯ll be right outside.¡± With another nod, Ernest opened the door and wheeled himself into the room. The room was dimly lit, with the curtains closed. Ernest adjusted to the darkness as he wheeled closer to the bed. Linda was turned away from him, lying still, seemingly unaware of his presence. Ernest tightened his grip on the wheelchair, his voice shaky as he said, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ so¡­ sorry.¡± Linda¡¯s eyes snapped open at his words, her gaze quivering, yet she didn¡¯t move. ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????©q?????? From behind her, Ernest continued hesitantly, ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t be¡­ mad.¡± Still without a response, Ernest attempted to stand, his hands clutching the wheelchair tightly. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Feeling that something was off, Linda quickly turned and caught him just as he was about to lose his bnce. They found themselves in a close embrace. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry,¡± he murmured near her ear. Feeling overwhelmed, Linda¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°If you regret it, why did it happen?¡± Ernest replied, shaking his head. ¡°What are you trying to tell me?¡± Surprised, Linda responded, ¡°You¡¯re saying it¡¯s not as I suspected?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Ernest said with a slow nod. ¡°Then¡­¡± Hesitant, Linda almost voiced her next question¡ªthen who was the woman? Recalling his previous day¡¯s distress, she held back. She chose to move past it. . . . Chapter 410 ?Chapter 410: Linda understood the importance of his pride and didn¡¯t want to press him excessively. ¡°Make me this promise.¡± She stepped away slightly and said, ¡°That she will no longer be a part of your life.¡± Ernest¡¯s expression momentarily darkened, yet he soon gave a nod. He actually agreed? ¡°Ernest!¡± With a rush of emotion, Linda embraced him tightly. ¡°For four years, I¡¯ve waited. Do you have any idea what I¡¯ve endured? I can¡¯t bear to lose you¡­¡± Ernest stayed quiet, his expression troubled. After that conversation, the two had made up. Letting go, Linda climbed out of bed. ¡°Today, I have just one meeting. I¡¯ll return soon to assist with your physical therapy. Please wait for me.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Later that day, Linda came home earlier, as she had promised. The mansion was unusually silent that afternoon, with the staff apparently taking their breaks, including Kira, the housekeeper. Linda moved stealthily upstairs, cautious not to disturb the peace. Though they had seemingly resolved the issue of Ernest¡¯s alleged infidelity, doubt still lingered in Linda¡¯s heart. ???????????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????????©q????? She wanted to know¡ªhad Ernest truly put it behind him? She approached his bedroom silently, not knocking, but instead gently opening the door to sneak in. Surprisingly, she found Ernest asleep. Was she more relieved or disappointed? Unsure, Linda walked softly to his side. Noticing his phone beside the pillow stirred a surge of anxiety within her. With her heart racing, she grabbed the phone and carefully pressed it against his face, trying to unlock it as he slept. And it worked! Linda¡¯s gaze fell upon the screen, which lit up with a photo¡ª Upon recognizing the image, she stood rooted to the spot, struck by disbelief. The revtion was shocking. The person in the photo was familiar. Hadley was right there, captured on camera as she walked out of the dance studio with her colleagues after the performance! Surely, Quentin was the one who snapped this picture and forwarded it! Feeling a surge of blood to her head while her feet turned ice-cold, Linda touched her forehead, overwhelmed by a sudden dizziness. She looked over at Ernest, who was sleeping soundly. She recalled the photo he had hurriedly destroyed before. Was the young woman in it really Hadley? How was this possible? . . . Chapter 411 ?Chapter 411: Linda struggled with the thought¡ªErnest having feelings for Hadley? When had it all started? This must have started years ago¡­ And she had beenpletely oblivious? A scornful chuckle escaped Linda. Hadley, always at Eric¡¯s side back then, had somehow captured Ernest¡¯s affections too? How absurd! Everyone in Srixby thought Linda was the favorite, adored by both of the Flynn brothers. Yet what was the truth? She held only an empty title, while Hadley was the one who bewitched them! Fury red as Linda stared at the man sleeping peacefully, a swell of hatred building inside her. Ernest had betrayed her! And with the woman his brother loved! Compelled by anger, Linda raised her hand, intent on waking him to confront the betrayal. But she froze. No, she couldn¡¯t do it. What would the aftermath of such a confrontation look like? If Ernest confessed, she feared she would lose everything! She told herself to stay calm. It was crucial to strategize her next steps carefully. Now, at least, she was aware of the identity of the woman in Ernest¡¯s affections. On the day N had her routine check-up at the hospital, Hadley was by her side. They returned to Flynn Mansion and walked into the living room where Ernest awaited them in his wheelchair. ???????? ???????????? ????????: ??????????¦Í????????????? ¡°You¡¯re¡­ back¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Ernest, we¡¯re back,¡± Hadley responded, her voice carrying a cheerful tone. N extended a dinner invitation. ¡°Hadley, why don¡¯t you join us for dinner?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, N, but I have to decline,¡± Hadley said apologetically. ¡°I need to go back to the studio tonight.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± N raised an eyebrow. ¡°There¡¯s no show tonight, is there?¡± ¡°No, there isn¡¯t. However, we are preparing for a tour, and we have to rehearse.¡± Consistent practice was essential for dancers; skipping even one day could set her back. ¡°That makes sense,¡± N replied. ¡°Well, I won¡¯t hold you back then.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be in the restroom for a moment,¡± Hadley said to N and Ernest. ¡°Sure¡­¡± Just then, Eric walked in, his car keys jingling in his hand. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re home sooner than usual¡ªperfect timing.¡± N gestured towards Eric. ¡°No need to change or anything, keep your keys handy. You¡¯re giving Hadley a ride soon.¡± Eric caught a glimpse of Hadley¡¯s departing figure and acknowledged, . . . Chapter 412 ?Chapter 412: ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll bring the car.¡± ¡°Please do.¡± On his way out, Eric bumped into Linda at the entrance. ¡°Hey, Eric.¡± Linda nodded at him with a smile. ¡°Back so soon?¡± She scrutinized him briefly. ¡°Heading out again already?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric answered. ¡°I¡¯m about to drive Hadley home¡­¡± He was interrupted mid-sentence as Linda¡¯s face suddenly turned serious, her smile stiffening. She had a clear view through the open-n windows into the living room. Just then, Hadley emerged from the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m heading out now, N, Ernest. Take care,¡± Hadley said. ¡°Hold on, Eric¡¯s fetching the car.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley paused, seemingly resigned to the ride with him. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Hmm? Did you call me?¡± Hadley turned, her expression brightening as she faced Ernest. ¡°Yes.¡± Ernest confirmed, his smile lighting up his features. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fantastic!¡± Keep reading at g???????¦Í???????co?? With her hand covering her mouth, Hadley¡¯s voice vibrated with excitement. ¡°N, did you catch that? His pronunciation is so clear now!¡± N, equally ted, responded, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s the clearest name he¡¯s managed yet!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Hadley beamed with joy. ¡°That¡¯s such an honor for me.¡± Ernest repeated her name gently, ¡°Had¡­ ley¡­ Hadley¡­¡± He continued, saying her name a few more times, each one clearer than thest. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± yfully, Hadley teased him, ¡°Ernest, you¡¯re not supposed to say my name without a good reason.¡± She extended her hand. ¡°So, what¡¯s my candy?¡± Ernest, to her astonishment, actually nodded and delved into his pocket, retrieving two toffees which he handed over to her. ¡°What? You really have some with you?¡± Grinning, Hadley waved the candies. ¡°Toffee! You remembered I love these. Ernest?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he responded with a nod and a cheerful grin. ¡°This is wonderful!¡± Eximing with delight, Hadley unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth. ¡°Mmm, it¡¯s really sweet¡­ and so good, thank you, Ernest.¡± All Ernest did was smile back at her. From outside, Linda watched silently, unable to hear their conversation, but a cold feeling washed over her. . . . Chapter 413 ?Chapter 413: Meanwhile, Eric looked away absentmindedly, his fingers tightening around his car keys. ¡°I should go now. It¡¯s time to fetch the car.¡± ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Linda suddenly reached out and gripped Eric¡¯s arm. Eric, startled, furrowed his brow. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Linda¡¯s voice trembled, her emotions in turmoil. The revtion that Hadley was the person Ernest cherished had left her uneasy. What could she possibly do now? N had made a promise to Hadley¡¯ste grandmother that she¡¯d treat Hadley as her own granddaughter, so Hadley was inseparably linked to the Flynn family. She visited today for N¡¯s doctor appointment, but what reason would she invent to return tomorrow? As long as Hadley continued to appear in this house, how could Ernest possibly forget her? Just today, he had handed her candy and shared a smile. What might happen the next time? What if he recoveredpletely? ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Eric was concerned, noticing Linda¡¯s prolonged silence and distressed look. ¡°Linda, are you okay?¡± Linda chewed on her lower lip, her nerves taut, before finally asking, ?????? ???????? ? g??lnov?l??.???m ¡°Eric, can you do something for me?¡± ¡°What do you need?¡± Eric responded, perplexed. Hesitantly, Linda asked, ¡°Could you¡­ could you consider reconciling with Hadley?¡± Eric was taken aback. ¡°What? Why would you suggest that? Are you aware of the opposition from Denver¡¯s family?¡± Regardless of whether Linda knew about Denver¡¯s family¡¯s disapproval of their rtionship, Eric wondered why she would propose such a thing. It was unlikely Linda felt sympathy for Hadley, thinking she was alone and needed someone¡ªEric, for example¡ªto take care of her. Linda and Hadley had never been that close. ¡°You¡­¡± Eric was about to delve deeper, but he noticed a sudden shift in Linda¡¯s demeanor to one of outright rm. Her idea had been simple: if Hadley had other potential partners, perhaps Ernest would stop thinking about her so much. She hadn¡¯t anticipated anyplications with Denver. ¡°They¡¯re against it?¡± Linda¡¯s voice cracked slightly. ¡°Does that mean they¡¯ve split up?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Eric said with a pause. ¡°It might happen soon, though.¡± ¡°Impossible!¡± Panic surged through Linda, her heart tightening with rm. In a reflex of desperation, she seized Eric¡¯s arm. . . . Chapter 414 ?Chapter 414: ¡°Don¡¯t you see? This is your moment!¡± Just then, unbeknownst to them, Hadley began to approach from behind, heading straight toward the door where they stood. ¡°Linda, please, take a breath.¡± Eric¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°What¡¯s making you push this so hard?¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Tears welled up in Linda¡¯s eyes as she pleaded, ¡°For Ernest¡¯s sake, and for mine, could you reconsider being with Hadley?¡± ¡°Linda¡­¡± ¡°Come on! You don¡¯t hate her as much anymore, do you?¡± ¡°No, Linda¡­¡± Something was amiss with how emotional Linda was getting, and Eric felt uneasy. ¡°Settle down, why are you¡­ Hadley?¡± His eyes fell on Hadley. Calmly adjusting her backpack, Hadley interrupted, ¡°I need to leave now, sorry.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Eric nodded, startled from his thoughts. ¡°Hold on, Hadley, let me drive you.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need¡­¡± ???????????????? ??????????????: ??????????¦Í???????????? ¡°But Grandma asked me to. I¡¯ll be quick!¡± Watching Eric dash off toward the garage, Hadley turned decisively toward the grand gates. ¡°Stop!¡± Linda reached out, grabbing her arm. ¡°Eric just told you to wait!¡± ¡°Let go!¡± Hadley freed herself from Linda¡¯s grasp with a forceful shake, sending Linda stumbling backward. ¡°Hadley!¡± Regaining her bnce, Linda leaned against the wall. ¡°What do you want?¡± Before Linda could utter another word, Hadley interjected, ¡°Linda, do you really think I¡¯m defenseless? Go ahead, try to touch me again.¡± Raising her fist, Hadley added, ¡°If you try anything, I¡¯ll defend myself! I might struggle against a man, but I can certainly take you on.¡± She then flicked her ponytail dismissively and departed without a backward nce. Linda remained motionless, struck by the realization that Hadley wasn¡¯t the same as before. Once merely a sweet, uplicated presence that Ernest adored, Hadley seemed transformed. Would he be more attracted to her now? . . . Chapter 415 ?Chapter 415: Momentster, Eric appeared, driving swiftly from the garage. ¡°Where did Hadley go?¡± ¡°She just left,¡± Linda responded, gesturing toward the gates. ¡°You might catch her if you hurry.¡± Eric found it odd, his mind swirling with confusion over Linda¡¯s sudden push for him to follow Hadley. ¡°What are you waiting for? Chase her!¡± Linda said urgently. ¡°Okay,¡± he responded quickly. He elerated, his car swiftly disappearing down the road. During his pursuit, he spotted a taxi pulling up to Hadley. Without hesitation, Eric parked his car and rushed out, catching Hadley by the wrist. ¡°Hadley!¡± he called out. Hadley turned, her gaze sharp and intense, and with a fierce look, she said forcefully, ¡°Let go!¡± The shock struck Eric deeply, leaving his eyes shattered and hisplexion drained of color. It dawned on him then. Hadley must have caught snippets of his exchange with Linda! ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric massaged his temples, looking at her with a guilty expression. ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong¡­¡± Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s How could he even begin to exin this? ¡°I have no idea why Linda would say such a thing¡­¡± A soft, mockingugh escaped Hadley. ¡°You have no idea? Really? You already used me once because of her. What, are you hooked on setting me up and nning to do it again?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Make no mistake¡ªit won¡¯t happen again!¡± Rejecting his attempts to exin, she scoffed coldly. ¡°Four years have passed. Do you think I¡¯m still that naive? Your maniptions won¡¯t work on me anymore!¡± ¡°Hadley, that¡¯s not true.¡± A deep helplessness settled over Eric, as if no exnation would ever be enough. ¡°What will it take for you to trust me?¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Hadley gestured sharply at his hand on her arm. ¡°Release me now! Stay away for good! That¡¯s when I¡¯ll trust you.¡± Eric stood frozen, meeting Hadley¡¯s firm stare. Eventually, he relented. ¡°Okay.¡± With a weary sigh, he gave in and slowly loosened his grip. Without hesitation, Hadley turned and yanked open the car door. . . . Chapter 416 ?Chapter 416: At that moment, Eric felt an overwhelming sense of despair, the weight of her disdain crushing him. A chilling realization hit him¡ªHadley despised him. Could she possibly hate him as well? ¡°Hadley!¡± Instinctively, Eric called after her. Hadley halted, yet did not look back. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric whispered, his voice trembling as emotions swirled within him. ¡°Tell me¡ªdo you hate me?¡± At these words, Hadley¡¯s body tensed visibly. Time seemed to stall as silence lingered before she finally faced him, her gaze unflinching. Her words were deliberate, each pronounced with rity. ¡°Yes, I hate you¡ªdespise you, even.¡± Gathering her courage, Hadley continued without wavering, ¡°To be honest, had you not asked, I would never have had the courage to admit it. After all, you¡¯re Eric Flynn¡ªthe man powerful enough to banish me from Srixby with a mere snap of your fingers.¡± Four long years had passed since she was forced to leave home. When she noticed Eric¡¯s pale face, a harsh satisfaction briefly flickered in her eyes. ¡°Are you shocked? Did you really think I should thank the man who banished me from my home, ignoring mepletely for four whole years?¡± More books uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m Eric found himself at a loss for words, his gaze darting away from hers. ¡°It was because¡­¡± ¡°Humph.¡± Hadley smiled coldly. ¡°I understand¡ªI was found guilty of hurting Linda. You¡¯ve made your point clearly enough already.¡± Quietly, she looked down, hershes fluttering slightly as her voice softened. ¡°But yourpensation was indeed generous.¡± Money¡ªmore than she¡¯d ever dreamed she¡¯d see in her lifetime. Considering that payment carefully, she added with resignation, ¡°From now on, let¡¯s live as strangers.¡± Without waiting for Eric¡¯s reply, Hadley spun around decisively, opened the door, and climbed into the car. With a firm click, she closed the door and instructed, ¡°You can drive now.¡± ¡°Right away.¡± As the car vanished into the distance, the breeze brushed past Eric, who remained motionless, frozen by sorrow. A sudden emptiness filled him, a hollow sensation of loss he¡¯d never experienced before. Years ago, he could never have imagined standing here, feeling this helpless. A single, painful thought crossed his mind¡ªregret. . . . Chapter 417 ?Chapter 417: ¡°Ha, ha.¡± Eric let out a harsh, mockingugh. ¡°Well, Eric, this is all on you!¡± Two dayster, Hadley and the dance troupe arrived in Tidebourne to kick off their tour. Their schedule began locally and was set to extend internationally, with Tidebourne as their initial destination. Lightning Dance Studio was seasoned in handling tours, and their nning ensured a smooth execution. However, the weather turned unexpectedly harsh. Suddenly, the warmth of the day gave way to a sharp cold by evening. Upon their arrival in Tidebourne, temperatures hovered around twenty-seven to twenty-eight degrees Celsius, but by night, it dramatically fell to near freezing. Simultaneously, strong winds began to roar, and heavy rainshed down. This abrupt change was due to a cold front colliding with a typhoon, impacting Tidebourne particrly hard due to its coastal location. The city felt besieged, the storm rattling closed windows. Local authorities advised everyone to stay indoors, leading to the inevitable postponement of the troupe¡¯s scheduled performance. Consequently, the troupe found themselves trapped in their hotel. Even if there hadn¡¯t been an advisory, the weather conditions made performing impossible. They were staying at a newly built resort, secluded yet stunning. Thankfully, the resort was well-equipped with essentials, sparing them from any significant inconvenience. ???????? ???????? ???????????? at galn??v??????£®????? That night, the dance troupe dined together. Hadley, sitting next to Elissa, handed her food over. ¡°Here, Elissa, take these ribs.¡± ¡°Really? Thank you!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Hadley responded with a smile. ¡°I need to maintain my figure, so I really shouldn¡¯t eat any fatty meat. If anything, I owe you thanks.¡± In a reciprocal gesture, Elissa ced all her shrimp onto Hadley¡¯s te. ¡°Have more shrimp then¡ªthey¡¯re high in protein and low in fat.¡± ¡°Alright then.¡± After spending several days together, their simr personalities drew them increasingly closer. Alita, nearby, scoffed disdainfully, ¡°Talk about bad luck. Could it be someone¡¯s negative energy?¡± Elissa¡¯s brow knitted as she snapped a look back. ¡°And just who are you suggesting?¡± ¡°Oh, just wondering aloud.¡± Alita, never one to mince words, was visibly annoyed. ¡°Was I referring to you? Why the defensive reaction? You know, Elissa, you¡¯ve been quite the cheerleader for her. She¡¯s hardly a star, and you¡¯re already fawning over her. Desperate much?¡± ¡°Who are you calling desperate?¡± Elissa rose swiftly, her eyes locked on Alita. . . . Chapter 418 ?Chapter 418: ¡°That would be you!¡± Alita was seething, ready to vent her frustration. ¡°Didn¡¯t you get that? You¡¯re desperate and pathetic.¡± Elissa¡¯s anger red. She hadn¡¯t anticipated Alita¡¯s irrational behavior. ¡°You owe me an apology! Apologize to me now!¡± ¡°Humph.¡± Alita smirked. ¡°You think I¡¯m going to apologize? Not happening!¡± ¡°Fine!¡± Frustrated to the core, Elissa said, ¡°I¡¯m taking this to Ms. Nicolson!¡± ¡°Alita!¡± Their colleagues intervened, holding Alita back. ¡°Come on, just say you¡¯re sorry.¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson isn¡¯t fond of discord among the staff.¡± Should this matter reach nche, she¡¯d likely reprimand everyone involved, regardless of who was at fault. With a huff, Alita expressed her skepticism. ¡°Ms. Nicolson? Since when does she abide by her own rules?¡± ¡°Watch what you¡¯re saying, Alita!¡± a colleague warned. Elissa chuckled. ???????????? ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°If you¡¯re so bold, let¡¯s go together and you can repeat that to Ms. Nicolson.¡± Seizing Alita by the arm, Elissa said, ¡°We¡¯re going now!¡± Others joined in, saying, ¡°Just say you¡¯re sorry, Alita!¡± ¡°Remember, Ms. Nicolson¡¯s already wary of you because of yourst mishap.¡± ¡°Think about your future!¡± Faced with collective pressure, Alita grimaced but capitted. ¡°Fine, sorry.¡± Elissa was unsatisfied. ¡°That won¡¯t cut it. Apologize to Hadley too, and mean it this time.¡± Biting back further protest, Alita fetched a ss of orange juice from the beverage station and set it down before Hadley, her gesture slightly warm. ¡°I crossed a line, and I apologize for that, Hadley.¡± Hadley, never fond of Alita, still chose to keep the workce peace. She took the orange juice, saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Yet Alita watched her intently, insisting, ¡°Please drink it. Your forgiveness only counts if you drink the orange juice.¡± nche and an elegantdy engaged in lively conversation as they entered, making their way straight to a private dining room, intending to enjoy a quiet meal. . . . Chapter 419 ?Chapter 419: Hadley, keen to avoid causing any disturbance, grabbed the orange juice without understanding the insistence behind it and drank it swiftly. ¡°Is that enough?¡± she questioned after finishing the drink. ¡°Absolutely.¡± Alita smirked, one eyebrow arching in amusement. ¡°You¡¯re really generous!¡± As Alita turned aside, a cunning smile flickered across her face, her eyes twinkling with mischief. nche happened to look their way just as the incident concluded. The woman apanying her was Ste, Barrie¡¯s mother. Ste gestured towards Hadley as she asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t she the one Mr. Flynn asked you to look after?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s her,¡± nche confirmed with a smile, her tone implying approval. ¡°She possesses considerable talent. I have no doubt she¡¯ll be a leading figure in this troupe.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Ste expressed her relief and contentment. ¡°That¡¯s excellent news. Now, let¡¯s eat. I¡¯m quite hungry.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Late into the night¡­ ¡°Ugh¡­ mm¡­¡± The unsettling sounds abruptly woke Elissa, sending a chill down her spine. She flicked on the light and saw Hadley in a fetal position on the bed, gripping her nket tightly. Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls The source of the moaning was unmistakably Hadley. ¡°Hadley!¡± Elissa sprang from her bed and hastened to her friend¡¯s side. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?¡± Sweating profusely, Hadley gripped her abdomen and then bolted for the bathroom. She had been feeling sick for some time. Unbeknownst to Elissa, Hadley had already made numerous trips to the bathroom before. Now, all that remained were the relentless cramps wracking her stomach. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ming in.¡± With concern mounting, Elissa opened the bathroom door and extended a towel to her. ¡°Is it stomach trouble?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley managed a weak nod, her face flushed with embarrassment. ¡°Please, give me some privacy.¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to be embarrassed about?¡± Elissa could tell Hadley was genuinely sick. ¡°You didn¡¯t choose to be sick. Tell me how you¡¯re really feeling.¡± Hadley tried to brush it off as nothing, but the pain was too sharp. ¡°It¡¯s pretty bad¡­ My stomach is killing me.¡± Elissa¡¯s concern deepened. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t ignore this.¡± She got up decisively. ¡°I¡¯ll check with the hotel for some medicine.¡± . . . Chapter 420 ?Chapter 420: ¡°Thanks so much.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. It happens to everyone.¡± With a dismissive gesture, Elissa exited to make the call. Upon contacting the front desk, the receptionist assured her, ¡°We have some basic medications avable. I¡¯ll send someone up with them immediately.¡± ¡°Perfect, thanks.¡± Anxious, Elissa stood by the door, keeping an eye out for the hotel staff. Soon enough, a hotel employee arrived with the medications. As they talked, the door adjacent to Elissa and Hadley¡¯s swung open and nche appeared. ¡°Elissa, what¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson,¡± Elissa responded, lifting the medicine packet. ¡°It¡¯s Hadley. She¡¯s terribly unwell, possibly something she ate. She¡¯s been to the bathroom repeatedly and is in severe pain now, so I secured some medication for her.¡± ¡°Really?¡± nche approached with concern. ¡°I¡¯ll check on her.¡± ¡°That would be great, thanks.¡± Once inside, nche approached Hadley, whoy feeble in bed, and gently caressed her forehead. ¡°Try to rest after taking your medicine,¡± nche said softly. ¡°If there¡¯s no improvement, inform Elissa and have her call me immediately.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Ms. Nicolson.¡± ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± nche replied as she stood to leave. ¡°Just focus on getting better. I¡¯ll leave you to rest now.¡± With that, nche exited the room and returned to her own. Tonight, Ste was sharing a room with nche, who had invited her to a performance that, unfortunately, coincided with a typhoon. nche walked in with a look of concern, so Ste inquired, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is everything alright?¡± nche confirmed, nodding, ¡°Hadley¡¯s not feeling well; she¡¯s suffering from stomach issues that seem quite bad. I¡¯m not sure if the medication will suffice.¡± The challenge was that, with the storm raging outside, getting Hadley to a hospital could be a major issue. Ste tried to offer some reassurance. ¡°Young people tend to bounce back quickly¡ª¡± Her reassurance was cut off by her phone ringing. Checking the caller ID, she chuckled before answering. ¡°Barrie, do you know howte it is to be calling your mother?¡± ¡°Sorry, sorry, my mistake.¡± Barrie was on the other end of the line. He was currently out of town and found himself needing a bit of assistance. ¡°Mom, can you look something up in the study for me? It¡¯s¡ª¡± Ste answered promptly, ¡°I can¡¯t assist you right now, son. I¡¯m away from home. I¡¯m currently in Tidebourne with nche.¡± ¡°Oh, understood. I¡¯ll get in touch with Dad then.¡± ¡°Barrie!¡± Ste interjected just as he was about to end the call. ¡°Just so you¡¯re aware, Hadley¡¯s not doing well¡ªshe has a stomach upset. Eric should be informed, shouldn¡¯t he?¡± . . . Chapter 421 ?Chapter 421: That gave Barrie pause. He quickly came to a realization¡ªperhaps that guy ¡°shouldn¡¯t really know.¡± ¡°Just thought I¡¯d mention it. Even if he¡¯s aware, what¡¯s he supposed to do? Fly here to Tidebourne? The roads are all shut. I¡¯m going to hang up now. Better call your dad if you need something from the study.¡± Barrie paused after hanging up, his thoughts racing. He then picked up the phone again and dialed another number. There was a long pause before the call was answered, and Eric¡¯s rxed voice finally came through. ¡°Why are you calling sote? What¡¯s the urgency?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Barrie hesitated, but then decided to be straightforward. ¡°Hadley¡¯s currently in Tidebourne.¡± Eric¡¯s response was immediate and dismissive. ¡°And? You think I¡¯m unaware?¡± ¡°But are you aware she¡¯s suffering from stomach cramps?¡± Barrie interjected sharply. ¡°What?¡± Eric¡¯s tone shifted immediately, rmed. ¡°She¡¯s unwell?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± said Barrie. ¡°I just spoke with my mom. You know, she¡¯s there to see the performance.¡± That confirmed Eric¡¯s fears. Eric sprang from his bed, tossing the nket aside with urgency. Barrie added, ¡°I¡¯ll be notifying Denver as well after our call. It¡¯s only fair, right?¡± Thepetition for Hadley¡¯s affection would be a test of their individual efforts. Eric clenched his jaw. ¡°Understood, thank you!¡± Your new favorite is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m He ended the call briskly and began to dress, calling Phillips at the same time. ¡°Phillips, I need you at Flynn Mansion, now. Bring your helicopter license!¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± Aware of the ongoing typhoon in Tidebourne and the road closures, driving there wasn¡¯t an option. Thankfully, both he and Phillips were licensed pilots. The Flynn family owned a helicopter, a purchase made by Ernest. Though Denver was already in Tidebourne, putting Eric at a disadvantage, he was determined. Reaching Hadley first was his goal, even though his primary concern was her well-being. At that same moment, Denver was on the other end of a call from Barrie. ¡°Hey, Barrie?¡± ¡°Denver, I need you to focus on what I¡¯m telling you¡­¡± Back at the hotel, despite taking the medicine, Hadley found no relief. Her stomach pain was still intense, and the difort was only getting worse. ¡°Hadley?¡± Elissa, who was by her side, grew increasingly worried with each passing minute. The medicine had failed to provide any relief. ¡°This isn¡¯t good. We need to get you to a hospital right away! I¡¯m going to find Ms. Nicolson!¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson!¡± Elissa pounded on the door beside hers without a second thought. ¡°Hadley is in excruciating pain! Please, you have to help!¡± If this went on any longer, it could turn into something as dangerous as a perforated intestine. . . . Chapter 422 ?Chapter 422: ¡°Is it really that bad?¡± nche didn¡¯t hesitate. She rushed toward the next room. By now, Hadley was in so much pain that forming words was impossible. ¡°Ms.¡± ¡°Save your strength, kid.¡± nche then turned to Elissa. ¡°Did you call the front desk?¡± ¡°I did.¡± But there wasn¡¯t much that could be done. nche clenched her jaw, making up her mind. ¡°The roads may be blocked, but are we just going to stand around and watch her suffer? No! We have to get her to a hospital!¡± nche turned to Elissa. ¡°Help Hadley get changed. I¡¯ll find Derek and have him bring the car. We¡¯ll also need someone to carry her.¡± Derek Sanchez handled logistics. ¡°I refuse to believe the traffic police would stop us if they knew this was a real emergency.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± As nche rushed off, Elissa quickly helped Hadley into fresh clothes. It didn¡¯t take long for nche to return. ¡°Is she ready?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s good to go.¡± nche nced at the young man standing behind her. ¡°Help Hadley. She¡¯s in no condition to walk.¡± Latest novels at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m ¡°I understand.¡± He stepped forward, and with Elissa¡¯s help, carefully lifted Hadley onto his back. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Hadley let out a weak groan, squeezing her eyes shut. The pressure against her stomach made the pain worse. ¡°Hang in there, Hadley. Once we get you in the car, it¡¯ll be easier.¡± With Hadley secured, the young man carried her out of the room, while nche and Elissa stayed close behind. Derek had already pulled the car up to the entrance, but the wind and rain were so fierce that he had to wipe his face the moment he stepped outside. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to drive in this storm!¡± he said, his voiceced with concern. nche¡¯s expression tightened. She knew the risks, but there was no way she could just stand there while Hadley suffered. ¡°Ms. Nicolson!¡± The young man carrying Hadley hesitated. ¡°If something happens, we¡¯ll be breaking city regtions. They could even sue us for it!¡± He had a point. The storm had reduced visibility to less than fifty meters, making driving nearly impossible. Elissa, noticing nche¡¯s hesitation, felt her stomach twist. ¡°Ms. Nicolson?¡± Before she could say anything else, a deep, rumbling noise echoed above them. The sound had been there for a while, but the raging storm had muffled it. Now, as nche and Elissa lifted their heads, they could finally see something descending through the rain. . . . Chapter 423 ?Chapter 423: ¡°A helicopter!¡± Elissa gasped. So, that was where the noise had beening from! Everyone stood motionless, caught off guard and unsure of what to make of the situation. The helicopter touched down in the middle of the square, its powerful des kicking up sheets of rain. As the cabin door swung open, two men stepped out. Dressed in dark green flight suits and goggles, they carried an air of authority with every measured stride. Leading the way was Eric, with Phillips following close behind. Through his goggles, Eric immediately spotted Hadley, slumped against the young man carrying her. Her face was drained of color, her eyes barely open, and she looked as if she was slipping in and out of consciousness. A tight knot formed in Eric¡¯s chest, and he closed the distance in an instant. Without hesitation, he held out his arms. ¡°Give her to me.¡± nche was momentarily stunned. Of all people, she hadn¡¯t expected Eric to show up. How did he even know? But this wasn¡¯t the time for questions. She quickly turned to the young man. ¡°Hurry!¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Eric took Hadley from the young man¡¯s arms with ease. Fresh stories here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m As soon as the pressure on her stomach eased, Hadley instinctively shifted, settling into a position that brought her the slightest relief. A sharp pang shot through Eric¡¯s chest. How much pain was she enduring? Cold sweat clung to her pale face, and her damp hair stuck to her skin. Without hesitation, Phillips stepped forward, spreading a rain cover over her, shielding her from the harsh wind and rain. There was no time to waste. Moving as if they had done this a hundred times before, Eric and Phillips carried Hadley onto the helicopter with swift precision. The cabin door sealed shut. ¡°I¡¯ll take the controls,¡± Phillips said. Eric nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡± He had piloted the helicopter here, but with Hadley in his arms, flying was no longer an option. As the helicopter ascended, cutting through the storm, it raced toward the city. Eric nced down at Hadley, brushing her damp hair away from her face. His voice softened. ¡°Just hold on. We¡¯re almost at the hospital.¡± That night, even the emergency room felt unnervingly still. The automatic ss doors slid open with a soft hiss. ¡°Doctor! Hurry!¡± ¡°Nurse!¡± . . . Chapter 424 ?Chapter 424: ¡°We need immediate attention!¡± ¡°Get her to the emergency room! Alert the doctor now!¡± Meanwhile, Denver sat helplessly in his car, trapped in gridlocked traffic. The police had refused to let him through, and he had been making calls, trying to pull every string he could. But nothing was working. With every passing second, his anxiety for Hadley worsened. Since she had blocked his number, he resorted to using a new one and dialed. The phone rang endlessly before someone finally picked up. ¡°Hadley!¡± Denver¡¯s voice was strained with worry. ¡°Are you alright? Is the pain unbearable? Tell me¡­¡± ¡°Um¡­¡± A woman¡¯s unfamiliar voice came through the line. Elissa nced at the unknown number shing on the screen. She hesitated for a moment before answering. ¡°Are you a friend of Hadley¡¯s? She left her phone in the room.¡± ¡°Where is she?¡± ¡°She was rushed to the hospital.¡± Elissa thought back to what nche had mentioned earlier. ¡°They took her to Tidebourne City Hospital.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Got it! Thanks!¡± R34d th3 0r1g1n4l 4t g4ln0v3ls.c0m Before Elissa could say anything else, the call ended abruptly. At that moment, the traffic police motioned for Denver to proceed. ¡°You¡¯re clear to go!¡± ¡°Appreciate it!¡± Without wasting a second, he jumped back into his car and sped off toward the hospital. Meanwhile, Elissa lowered the phone and frowned. ¡°Who was that?¡± Come to think of it, she had no idea who the man from the helicopter was either. But in the end, it didn¡¯t really matter. They were all here for Hadley. As long as they cared for her, that was all that counted. At the hospital. Hadley had been transferred from the emergency room to a private observation room, where she was now receiving IV treatment. The nurse finished adjusting the drip and turned to Eric with a reassuring smile. ¡°She¡¯s stable now. Getting her here quickly was the right call. With the storm today, you¡¯ve done everything you could.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric gave a small nod. ¡°I appreciate it.¡± ¡°No problem. Let us know if anything happens to her.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Standing by her bedside, Eric watched as Hadley rested. Her face looked peaceful now, a stark contrast to the anguish she had been in earlier. The tight knot in his chest slowly loosened. ¡°You really had me worried¡­¡± he murmured. . . . Chapter 425 ?Chapter 425: ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± The door swung open as Phillips stepped inside. Eric knew he had something important to say. Without hesitation, he rose to his feet. His gaze lingered on Hadley for a moment before he whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Naturally, she didn¡¯t respond. She was deep in sleep. Outside, Eric slipped his hands into his pockets. ¡°What did you find?¡± Phillips had been looking into what had caused Hadley¡¯s sudden illness. It wasn¡¯t out of suspicion¡ªhe simply wanted to understand what had happened. But what Phillips uncovered was unexpected. ¡°Hadley ate with the troupe tonight. They all had the same food provided by the resort.¡± ¡°And yet, only Hadley got sick?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Phillips nodded. ¡°There was one detail, though. A woman named Alita Reed handed her a ss of juice. From what I gathered, she¡¯s had it out for Hadley for a while.¡± Eric¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°So, she spiked the drink.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question. It was a conclusion. Upon hearing the urgency in Eric¡¯s voice, Phillips immediately grasped the situation. ¡°Mr. Flynn, do we need to intervene?¡± Eric affirmed with a subtle nod. ¡°Yes.¡± After all, he couldn¡¯t ignore such a significant risk near Hadley. This incident involved severe abdominal pain during a typhoon that had shut down all traffic. The potential disaster had been narrowly averted thanks to his timely intervention. Your favorite tales live on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s Alita¡¯s malice was clear. At the same time, Denver made his way to the hospital urgently. ¡°Has someone named Hadley been admitted recently?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s currently in Emergency Observation Room 3.¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Denver expressed his gratitude. Upon entering the quiet observation room, he moved cautiously toward the bed and took a seat beside it. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Denver grasped her hand tenderly, his voice low and concerned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for arrivingte¡­ I¡¯m relieved to see you¡¯re alright¡­¡± There was a faint movement of Hadley¡¯s hand within his. ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver¡¯s voice showed his surprise. ¡°Can you hear me?¡± She grimaced slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. ¡°Denver¡­ is that you?¡± The pain had clouded her awareness, leaving only fragments of memory of being carried swiftly to the hospital. It was unexpected yet somehow anticipated. It could only be Denver who woulde to her help like this. Through the storm, with all routes shut down, he alone would defy the odds for her. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here.¡± Denver confirmed, his face shadowed by concern. ¡°Apologies for the dy. How do you feel now?¡± Her voice was weak but filled with warmth. ¡°Much better, thank you.¡± She paused, a mix of confusion and gratitude in her eyes. ¡°How did you find out I was in trouble?¡± . . . Chapter 426 ?Chapter 426: ¡°Barrie informed me.¡± Ah, that made sense to Hadley. Ste had been with nche at the resort. She paused, her eyes resting on Denver¡¯s soaked clothing. ¡°You¡¯re soaked.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Denver reassured her with a casual smile. ¡°Just couldn¡¯t stay dry in the downpour.¡± A wave of gratitude washed over Hadley as she realized the lengths he had gone to for her. ¡°Denver, I can¡¯t thank you enough¡­¡± He dismissed it with a quick shake of his head. ¡°Really, it was nothing.¡± How could he think it trivial? His timely intervention might have saved her from a severe medical crisis. ¡°Denver¡­¡± Hadley adjusted herself in bed, reaching toward the nightstand. ¡°Do you need something?¡± Denver quickly inquired. ¡°Need this?¡± He grabbed therge towel from the headboard. ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded with a nod before Denver handed the towel over. With a chuckle, Hadley teased, ¡°It¡¯s not for me. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s all wet. Get your jacket off and dry your hair.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Smiling, Denver epted the towel, and Hadley reached up to drape it over his head. ¡°Make sure to dry off quickly; we don¡¯t want you catching a cold.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Discover tales at g ? ln ¦Ò¦Í?? ?? s, A moment of sharedughter followed as their eyes locked with mutual warmth. At the doorway, Eric observed the scene, his hands buried in his pockets and his expression turning increasingly stern. Phillips, right behind him, remained utterly silent, aware of the tension. Then, without a word, Eric spun on his heel and strode away briskly. Phillips knew instantly that trouble was brewing! Phillips scrambled after his boss. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what¡¯s our destination?¡± ¡°Fool!¡± Eric retorted, casting a withering look at Phillips. ¡°Can¡¯t you see? We¡¯re heading back to Srixby!¡± Did he have any ce in Hadley¡¯s heart anymore? ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± Phillips faltered, his voice low. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you go back and clear things up? After all, you rescued Hadley tonight¡­¡± ¡°Not happening.¡± Eric dismissed the suggestion with a cold gaze. ¡°Am I supposed to wait for her gratitude?¡± That soft look Hadley had given Denver, the smile meant only for him¡ªEric couldn¡¯t help but feel foolish. Denver¡¯s family wasn¡¯t the problem. This was about what the two of them truly wanted. Did he really think he stood a chance? Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous! Even if Eric rushed over, what difference would it make? Hadley would never look at him that way. Phillips parted his lips, ready to say that, if nothing else, gratitude was better than resentment. But one nce at Eric¡¯s darkened expression made him swallow the words before they could leave his mouth. . . . Chapter 427 ?Chapter 427: ¡°Back to Srixby!¡± Eric barked, his voice filled with frustration. Morning crept in, the storm outside still lingering, though its fury had eased since the night before. Denver stepped back inside, phone in hand. He had only stepped out for a quick work call, but by the time he returned, Hadley was already awake. ¡°You¡¯re up?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± The thin walls of the observation room did little to muffle sound. She had heard enough to know he was needed elsewhere. ¡°I¡¯m feeling better. You should go take care of work,¡± she said. Before he could argue, she added, ¡°The nurse mentioned Elissa is on her way. She¡¯ll be here soon, so I won¡¯t be alone.¡± ¡°d to hear it.¡± Denver didn¡¯t get up right away. Instead, he studied her for a moment before speaking. ¡°Hadley, do I finally get to be unblocked?¡± Her mind stalled. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much,¡± Denver said, his voice cautious, almost hesitant. ¡°I¡¯m trying, Hadley. I just want a chance.¡± There was no easy way out of this. She was fine now, all because of him. Wouldn¡¯t shutting him out now seem ungrateful? g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home ¡°Please, Hadley. Just take me off your blocked list.¡± His eyes held so much quiet hope that she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say no. After a beat, she gave a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Denver shot to his feet, grinning. ¡°You said it! No backing out now!¡± Hadley chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t even have my phone. Elissa will bring it when she gets here.¡± Before either of them could say more, Denver¡¯s phone buzzed again. ¡°Go on,¡± Hadley said. ¡°Work won¡¯t wait forever.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± He had no choice but to leave. With no safety from his family, his future depended entirely on his own effort. ¡°I¡¯ll head out. Call me if you need anything!¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Not long after he walked out, Elissa stepped in. Elissa arrived with soup in hand. ¡°Had the hotel kitchen whip this up early this morning. Here, let me feed you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± As Elissa carefully spooned the food to Hadley, her gaze flickered around the room. ¡°Wait¡­ where did he go?¡± The sudden question caught Hadley off guard. For a moment, she assumed Elissa meant Denver. ¡°Oh, he had something to take care of. He just left.¡± A knowing smile tugged at Elissa¡¯s lips. ¡°Not gonna lie¡­st night, he stepped off that helicopter and took you away. It was like something straight out of a romance movie!¡± . . . Chapter 428 ?Chapter 428: Hadley froze. A helicopter? Denver flew in on a helicopter just for her? ¡°Seriously!¡± Elissa¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°I mean, who does that? He literally pilots his own helicopter! Hadley, you sure know how to pick them!¡± A weight settled in Hadley¡¯s chest. Why hadn¡¯t Denver told her? Did he assume she¡¯d remember? Or was he keeping quiet to avoid making her feel obligated? Either way, there was no ignoring it now. Turning him down¡­ just became far moreplicated. Hadley was back on her feet by the afternoon. She felt significantly better, prompting Elissa to handle her discharge documents. ¡°Are you sure you want to leave? Maybe they should keep you under observation a bit longer?¡± ¡°We¡¯re in an observation room,¡± Hadley replied with augh. ¡°I think I¡¯ve been observed enough. The doctor said I should just continue with some medication, and I¡¯ll be fine.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll finalize everything.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head out together. I hardly brought anything with me.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± Once theypleted the discharge process, they treated themselves to a taxi ride back to the hotel. During the ride, Elissa said, ¡°Ms. Nicolson considers this a work-rted incident, so the studio will cover all the costs.¡± New chapters now on g¦Áln¦Òv??ls?c?m ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± They smiled at each other as they got into the taxi. Despite the relentless rain outside, Elissa couldn¡¯t help but ponder. ¡°This whole thing was just odd. You didn¡¯t eat anything out of the ordinary, right?¡± Considering food poisoning was amon cause, and Hadley¡¯s issue had escted to gastritis, it remained a puzzle. Puzzled, Hadley asked, ¡°Did you grab my phone by any chance?¡± ¡°Got it right here.¡± Elissa retrieved the phone from her purse and handed it over. ¡°Appreciate it.¡± epting her phone, Hadley decided it was time to unblock Denver, as she promised. From now on, she resolved to handle things as they came and let destiny take its course. She was about to set the phone aside when it buzzed with a new message. Denver had sent a text. ¡°Am I off your cklist now, Hadley?¡± A smile broke across her face. She wondered how many attempts he had made before this one finally got through. She replied, ¡°You are, Mr. Moran.¡± Denver¡¯s reply came almost instantly. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how d that makes me!¡± Following his text, a meme appeared, depicting a little character jumping joyously. Hadley could sense his excitement even through the digital exchange. Elissa nced over curiously. . . . Chapter 429 ?Chapter 429: ¡°Who¡¯s that you¡¯re texting?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley hesitated. Elissa chuckled and winked. ¡°No need to be shy, I can guess. Is it the helicopter pilot? Don¡¯t be shy! He¡¯s quite a catch!¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t help butugh, her phone buzzing again with another message from Denver. ¡°I¡¯ve got some things to handle but will call youter!¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Stowing her phone, Hadley sighed deeply, mixed feelings about her decision swirling inside her. They entered the bustling hotel lobby. Elissa, linking arms with Hadley, said, ¡°Ms. Nicolson thinks we might perform tomorrow or the day after, depending on the weather. Everyone¡¯s anxious with the storm going on.¡± As they delved deeper into the lobby, a curious scene unfolded. A group was gathered around the bulletin board, their lively chatter filling the air. The faces around were alight with the unmistakable spark of juicy news. ¡°What¡¯s that about?¡± Elissa stretched her neck to see better. ¡°Something¡¯s definitely going on over there.¡± She nudged Hadley. ¡°Let¡¯s go see, shall we?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± They weren¡¯t busy, and it seemed like all their colleagues were already gathered around. They might as well join the fun. Next part is at g????????¦Í??????.co?? However, before they could get close, a strident female voice cut through the noise. ¡°Stop looking!¡± Everyone flinched. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? I said stop looking!¡± ¡°That voice¡­¡± Hadley and Elissa looked at each other and said, ¡°Alita!¡± They then saw their colleagues holding what appeared to be photographs. ¡°They look like photos¡­¡± No sooner had Elissamented than they witnessed Alita desperately trying to grab the photos from others. ¡°Give those back! You have no right to look at those. That¡¯s an invasion of my privacy!¡± ¡°Invasion of your privacy?¡± one of the colleagues asked, holding up a photo. ¡°We¡¯re not the ones who took these!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. They were just left out in the open here for everyone to see,¡± another added, waving a photo in the air. ¡°Wow, check this out!¡± ¡°Can¡¯t believe it¡­ She looks so different from how she appears in these outfits!¡± Alita was on the verge of exploding as she darted back and forth. ¡°Return them to me! Now!¡± In themotion, several photos flew out of people¡¯s grasp, fluttering to the floor. One fluttered down near Elissa. She stooped to retrieve it. ¡°Look at this, Hadley.¡± . . . Chapter 430 ?Chapter 430: Together, they examined the photo, their expressions turning to astonishment. The content of the photo was indeed startling. The image captured Alita in a hotel room with a man. ¡°That guy looks familiar. Some film director, maybe?¡± Elissa whispered. ¡°He¡¯s actually a producer,¡± someone said. ¡°Ah.¡± Elissa acknowledged. ¡°What a scandal!¡± ¡°It is, isn¡¯t it?¡± another chimed in with a chuckle. ¡°Shut up!¡± Alita retorted, her eyes zing as she fixed her gaze on thementer. ¡°What? Did I say anything wrong? Maybe you were more than eager to be in hispany¡­¡± ¡°Shut your mouth, or I¡¯ll do it for you!¡± ¡°Try me!¡± Chaos erupted as they charged at each other. Amidst themotion, a voice called out, ¡°Enough, Alita! Break it up!¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson¡­¡± ¡°Ms. Nicolson!¡± nche and Ste approached, their expressions unreadable and stern. The chatter in the room ceased immediately. nche examined the photo handed to her by Elissa before scoffing coldly. ¡°Alita, follow me.¡± Alita responded stiffly, ¡°Yes, Ms. Nicolson.¡± As they departed, murmurs filled the room. ¡°What will Ms. Nicolson do with her?¡± ¡°Surely, she¡¯ll let her go.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a bit severe, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Severe? Ms. Nicolson has zero tolerance for mixing personal affairs with professional ones.¡± ¡°Remember Hadley¡¯s past troubles? Alita would need simr talents to bounce back from this.¡± ¡°And really, Alita¡¯s behavior is appalling.¡± Taking side gigs was already frowned upon. Now, caught with a producer, the scandal was too much. Hadley, still feeling unwell, had no patience for the gossip. ¡°Elissa, let¡¯s return to our room.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± What would be of Alita? Later that evening, as Hadley and Elissa headed out for dinner, they noticed Alita wheeling a suitcase out of her room. Could this be true? As expected, Alita had been dismissed. ¡°Humph.¡± With a resentful re, Alita confronted Hadley. ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Confused, Hadley responded, ¡°Why would I be happy about your firing?¡± . . . Chapter 431 ?Chapter 431: With a sinister grin, Alita sneered, ¡°Hadley, you¡¯re tougher than I thought. Not even food poisoning could finish you.¡± Shocked by the hostility, Hadley couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. Were they not justpetitors but enemies too? ¡°You¡¯re despicable!¡± Elissa, outraged, suddenly pieced things together. ¡°Did you tamper with Hadley¡¯s drinkst night?¡± Startled by the usation, Hadley realized it might be true. Both she and Elissa red at Alita. ¡°Is that true?¡± With a dismissive sneer, Alita retorted, ¡°And what if I did? You can¡¯t prove anything.¡± As she dragged her suitcase, she deliberately bumped into Hadley. ¡°Get out of my way!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Hadley nearly tripped, but Elissa¡¯s quick reflexes prevented her from falling. As Alita strutted off with a smirk of triumph, Elissa, boiling with anger, almost ran after her. ¡°You can¡¯t just walk away like this!¡± Hadley, holding her back, sighed. ¡°Ignore her. She¡¯s just being spiteful. She¡¯s already lost her job¡ªthat¡¯s her karma.¡± Elissa, still fuming but calmed by Hadley¡¯s words, watched as Alita disappeared. ¡°You called it karma. I¡¯d say it¡¯s almost like she¡¯s being punished in your ce.¡± Hadley expressed her confusion, asking, ¡°How did these photos get out? They¡¯re not the kind that anyone can just obtain.¡± ???????? ???????????????? ??? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Exactly,¡± Elissa added. ¡°It makes me think Alita might have upset someone important in the industry.¡± The industry was already crowded with people but had few opportunities. There was simply no room for neers like Alita. ¡°Likely,¡± Hadley said with a nod, feeling her stomach rumble. ¡°Enough about her. I could use something to eat.¡± ¡°Same here. Let¡¯s grab something quickly.¡± Two dayster, with the typhoon behind them, performances picked up again. With Alita gone, Hadley found her days with the troupe far lessplicated, focused solely on rehearsals and shows. To her, the routine was as essential as breathing or eating. Following their stint in Tidebourne, the troupe toured several other cities. One evening after the show, Hadley nced at her phone, eagerly counting down the days until she returned to the. Her phone suddenly rang¡ªit was Colleen. ¡°Mommy!¡± As soon as the call connected, Colleen and Joy¡¯s faces appeared together on the screen, with Colleen mimicking Joy¡¯s cheerful greeting. ¡°Yes, my darlings, you¡¯re both doing so well,¡± Hadley responded with augh, filled with joy. ¡°It¡¯s incredible.¡± Colleen noticed Hadley¡¯s growing happiness and smiled. ¡°Ever since you started this career, you¡¯ve been glowing, and even more beautiful!¡± ¡°Auntie Colleen,¡± Joy chimed in, ¡°Mommy has always been beautiful! The most beautiful!¡± . . . Chapter 432 ?Chapter 432: Colleen paused and thenughed heartily. ¡°You¡¯re right, Joy! What about me, then?¡± Caught off-guard for a second, Joy then said, ¡°You are the most beautiful too!¡± Colleen continued yfully, ¡°And what about yourself?¡± ¡°Um?¡± Joy furrowed her brow in deep thought. ¡°I am also the most beautiful.¡± ¡°Ah, you clever girl!¡± Colleen gently tickled Joy¡¯s nose. ¡°We¡¯re all beautiful, aren¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Joy began to exin, ¡°like the candies in my drawer, every single one is delicious.¡± ¡°Joy is so smart.¡± Watching them, Hadley couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Joy, Mommy will be back in the in just a week.¡± ¡°Wow!¡± Joy¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡± She started counting on her fingers and said, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you! Mommy, I miss you so much.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart ached with longing. ¡°Mommy misses Joy a lot as well.¡± Their conversation continued warmly for quite some time. When they finally said goodbye, Hadley didn¡¯t feel as mncholic as usual. Soon, they would be reunited. ¡°Joy, Mommy loves you. Sleep tight.¡± ¡°Joy loves Mommy more!¡± Moments after the call ended, her phone vibrated again. A text from Denver appeared. Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s ¡°Will you be back in Srixby tomorrow?¡± ¡°Yes, I will be.¡± ¡°Should Ie to pick you up?¡± Denver had already made his way back from his business in Tidebourne. Amid their hectic schedules, phone calls had been their onlymunication. ¡°The whole group is traveling back together. Meet me at the dance troupe¡¯s entrance instead. I¡¯ll text you the time. If ns change, I can make my way on my own. No worries.¡± Denver agreed without objection. Their conversations were always smooth and constructive. ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯ll be there. Just let me know when.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Hadley put her phone away and noticed Elissa¡¯s curious gaze. ¡°So, are you guys a thing now?¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Hadley replied, shaking her head. It had been too long since they¡¯dst seen each other¡ªwhat was there really to define? ¡°ying it safe?¡± Elissa nudged her yfully. ¡°He¡¯s quite the catch and treats you well¡­ but guess it¡¯s smart to be careful.¡± ¡°True.¡± At the same time, Denver was with Marshall and the crew. Having just put down his phone, Marshall probed him. ¡°Everything back on track?¡± . . . Chapter 433 ?Chapter 433: A shy smile crossed Denver¡¯s face as he nodded. ¡°It¡¯s heading that way.¡± Though Hadley hadn¡¯t made anymitments, Denver felt that she was warming up to the possibility. He believed a little more persistence might just seal the deal. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear.¡± Nearby, Barrie caught Eric¡¯s eye as he sipped his drink quietly and murmured, ¡°Was that wild helicopter flight through the storm all for naught?¡± Eric¡¯s response was a softugh as he nced at Barrie. ¡°Really, a single guy like you giving me grief?¡± Barrie was at a loss for words. Since when had being single been such a crime? Irritated, Barrie retorted, ¡°It¡¯s better to be single than a lovesick fool who¡¯s been abandoned like you!¡± ¡°Come on,¡± Eric scoffed. ¡°A lovesick fool? She¡¯s hardly worth losing any sleep over!¡± With that, he finished his drink in one swallow and got to his feet. ¡°Where are you off to?¡± Barrie inquired. ¡°I¡¯m out of here! I¡¯ve got ns to head to the early tomorrow!¡± Eric was serious; he had business to attend to in the with a supplier. Upon returning to Flynn Mansion, Eric made his way upstairs. As he approached Ernest¡¯s room, the caregiver was just exiting. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Is Ernest still up?¡± ¡°He is just winding down with some reading.¡± ??a????????¦Í??????????????? ¡°I¡¯ll close the door. You go ahead.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric pushed open the door, nning to bid Ernest goodnight, but he halted at the sight of Ernest propped against the headboard, a bookid open but he wasn¡¯t reading it. In his grasp was a tortoiseshell hairpin, his expression distant. Clearly, he was lost in thoughts of its owner. It seemed Ernest was still haunted by memories tied to that hairpin. Who could that person be? This was the first time Eric realized Ernest had such deep feelings for someone. Choosing not to interrupt, Eric silently stepped away. Ernest never noticed he was there. The following morning, before the break of dawn, Eric left Srixby for the. Upon his arrival, despite the jetg, he wasted no time in reaching out to the supplier to begin negotiations. He was generally fit and healthy, so initially, he didn¡¯t worry too much. It had never been a problem in the past. However, this time, something felt off as soon as he stepped off the ne. Phillips checked his temperature. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you¡¯re running a fever.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Eric said with a nod. The warmth in his breath was noticeable. ¡°You should really think about going to the hospital, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°No need.¡± Eric dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. Visiting a hospital wasn¡¯t feasible. Unresolved supplier issues demanded his attention and could lead to significantplications. ¡°I¡¯ll manage with some medicine.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Phillips looked concerned, trying to reason with him. ¡°Mr. Flynn, there¡¯s no need to overexert yourself.¡± . . . Chapter 434 ?Chapter 434: ¡°No need to overexert myself?¡± Eric managed a dryugh. ¡°I¡¯ve been managing everything alone since Ernest fell into aa. Now that he¡¯s recovering, I have to ensure the business is wless before passing the reins back to him. We can¡¯t afford any slip-ups.¡± His brother¡¯s situation had fundamentally shaped his path. ¡°Alright,¡± Phillips said reluctantly. ¡°I¡¯ll get the medicine for you.¡± After taking his medication, Eric went ahead with his meeting with the supplier that evening, pushing through the negotiations. Despite taking the medicine, his fever persisted after two days of rigorous negotiations. On his third night in the, after dinner with his business partners, Eric sensed something was amiss as he exited the restaurant. He began to feel faint, his bnce faltering. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips quickly rushed to his side. ¡°We can¡¯t put this off any longer. Let¡¯s get you to a hospital. There¡¯s nothing pressing now, right?¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Eric acknowledged with a nod, having no objections. Hismitments at home wereplete, and the supplier issues had been sorted. With Phillips assisting him, Eric struggled to stay conscious as they made their way to the car. His head spun, and his throat burned with difort. At the hospital, Phillips turned to him and said, ¡°Mr. Flynn, please hold on here while I handle everything else.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Being in a foreign country posed its challenges, especially when it came to seeking medical care. Find your next story at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o?? As Eric waited in the lobby for Phillips, he took a seat. Usually in good health, Eric began to feel slightly better after resting for a while. Adjacent to the lobby was an activity room enclosed with clear ss walls. From his seat, Eric could see inside. The evening hour left the room sparsely popted, with only a few children present. Eric¡¯s attention was drawn to a child with ear-length hair andrge, expressive eyes, peeking out from beneath her bangs. She was irresistibly cute. He couldn¡¯t help but watch her. Unaware of his gaze, the girl positioned herself in front of a whiteboard, carefully twisting the cap off a water-based marker. ¡°Hey! Give it to me!¡± Suddenly, another girl dashed over and yanked the marker from Joy¡¯s grasp. Joy¡¯s body stiffened as she looked up at the girl with hopeful eyes, trying to negotiate. ¡°I had it first.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± The girl cocked an eyebrow and shrugged. ¡°Well, it¡¯s mine now.¡± She then questioned Joy, ¡°You wanted to draw?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Joy responded with a nod, her voice filled with hope that the girl would relent. ¡°Could I please have it back?¡± ¡°This marker?¡± The girl looked over at two boys nearby and then yfully tossed the marker into the air. ¡°Catch it!¡± she eximed. ¡°Got it!¡± one of the boys said, as both of them scrambled after the soaring marker. Theirughter echoed around the room. . . . Chapter 435 ?Chapter 435: ¡°Keep throwing it!¡± The boys continued tossing the marker back and forth, enjoying their game. Meanwhile, Joy¡¯s frustration mounted. Her cheeks puffed in anger, and tears welled up in herrge eyes. She voiced her displeasure, saying, ¡°What you¡¯re doing is wrong¡­¡± Her protest went unnoticed as the three children ignored her. ¡°Hey, look, she¡¯s crying!¡± one of the children pointed out. ¡°Really? Oh, she is,¡± another responded with augh. ¡°What a crybaby!¡± Theirughter continued. Growing up in the, Joy often felt the sting of discrimination. Without any adults to defend her, she felt especially vulnerable and isted. She remained still, tears glistening in herrge eyes. ¡°Hey!¡± A voice echoed through the room as the door swung open. Joy turned to see a tall, striking man step into the room. Eric approached the child with the marker, offering his hand with a mild smile. ¡°Could you hand over the marker, please?¡± With a gentle coax, he added, ¡°If not, maybe we should visit the nurse¡¯s station? Isn¡¯t it past your bedtime?¡± The children, all wearing hospital gowns, grew anxious at the suggestion of involving a nurse. ¡°Here you go!¡± The boy, eager to avoid trouble, threw the marker high into the air. Eric caught it effortlessly. ¡°Off you go,¡± Eric said. With a shared look of guilt, the children bolted from the room. galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates Eric, marker in hand, finally turned to Joy. ¡°Here¡ª¡± He realized just how tiny she was, barelying up to his knee. With a slight hesitation, he crouched down to her level. ¡°Here you go,¡± he said, offering the marker to her. Joy¡¯s eyes widened as she gently took the marker, her voice soft and filled with gratitude. ¡°Thank you.¡± Intrigued, Eric raised an eyebrow and smiled gently. ¡°Do you live around here? You seem unfamiliar.¡± ¡°I¡¯m from Srixby, not the,¡± Joy replied. ¡°Srixby?¡± That piqued Eric¡¯s interest even more. Upon studying her a little closer, he found himself believing it. ¡°What a twist! I¡¯m actually from Srixby too,¡± Eric said, hoping to connect further. ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Joy¡¯s eyes sparkled even more. ¡°My mom¡¯s back in Srixby right now. Do you know her?¡± Eric chuckled softly, amused by her straightforwardness. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve had the chance to meet her.¡± How would he know her mother? He had never met her. Despite this, Eric felt an unexpected tenderness toward the young child. Something about her distress moved him, and he feltpelled to ease her worries. He nodded toward the marker in her hand and asked, ¡°What were you nning to do with this?¡± . . . Chapter 436 ?Chapter 436: ¡°I wanted to write a message to my mom saying I miss her,¡± Joy exined, her expression hopeful. ¡°That¡¯s a wonderful idea,¡± Eric encouraged, gesturing toward the whiteboard. ¡°Go ahead and write it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Joy approached the whiteboard with the marker in hand but hesitated, stopping short. Eric, curious, asked, ¡°What¡¯s stopping you?¡± Tears welled up in Joy¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t write yet.¡± Ovee with emotion, she burst into tears before she could say more. Taken aback and unsure how to respond, Eric quickly lifted Joy into his arms, trying to soothe her sobs. ¡°There, there, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll help you write your message, okay?¡± Joy, still sniffling, nodded in agreement. Eric gently took Joy¡¯s small hand, noticing the dimples on her knuckles, and led her toward the whiteboard. ¡°What message do you want to send to your mom?¡± ¡°Tell her, ¡®Mom, Joy misses you,''¡± Joy replied softly. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s write that,¡± Eric responded as he helped guide her hand. As he wrote, Eric paused and looked at her curiously. ¡°Is ¡®Joy¡¯ your name?¡± Joy, slightly confused by the question, blinked up at him and answered simply, ¡°Yes.¡± Eric stood still, a sudden realization washing over him. ¡°What a stupid question to ask, Eric! Of course, it¡¯s her name! What else could it be?¡± he thought. He then silently acknowledged, ¡°It¡¯s a lovely name.¡± Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m Atst, Joy¡¯s frown turned into a smile as she admired their handwriting. ¡°Is this word ¡®mom¡¯?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Eric confirmed with a warm smile. ¡°And this one is ¡®Joy,¡¯ isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct, very clever!¡± Eric said, impressed. He gently ruffled her hair. Joy¡¯s grin stretched wide, nearly closing her eyes. ¡°Mom showed me these words; I know them now!¡± ¡°Joy!¡± Just then, a nurse appeared at the doorway. Joy stiffened slightly. ¡°Oh, my nurse is here. I need to go now.¡± ¡°Alright then.¡± ¡°Bye-bye!¡± Joy called out cheerfully, stepping away, but then paused. With a burst of energy, she darted back to Eric, wrapped her arms around him, and nted a quick kiss on his cheek. ¡°Time for me to head out! Bye!¡± With a twist and a giggle, the little girl dashed away. By the entrance of the yroom, a nurse gently lifted Joy. ¡°It¡¯s quitete; bedtime now, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Understood!¡± . . . Chapter 437 ?Chapter 437: Eric watched them go, his fingers brushing the spot where the child had kissed him, a tenderugh escaping his lips. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips, having finished his errands, scanned the room for Eric. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking all over for you.¡± ¡°We should get moving,¡± Eric said, his hand pressing against his forehead, signaling difort. Indeed, his visit to the doctor had resulted in an unexpected hospital stay. Srixby At the Red Shell Bistro, Hadley let out a little gasp. Denver stopped abruptly, his eyes fixated on Hadley with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°It¡¯s really nothing,¡± Hadley reassured with an awkward smile, shaking her head. They had been looking forward to this dinner, but as she sliced into her steak, Hadley¡¯s hand slipped, causing her to prick herself with the fork. ¡°Show me,¡± Denver insisted, gently taking her hand to inspect the injury. ¡°How did this even happen?¡± Exining seemed tooplicated at that moment¡ªshe had simply zoned out briefly. ¡°It¡¯s really minor.¡± Denver sighed in relief after a quick examination. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s just a bit red, no actual cut.¡± ¡°See, I told you it was minor.¡± GA?LNO?velsS.CO?M? = REAL website Retrieving her hand, Hadley said, ¡°Let¡¯s just eat, okay? Don¡¯t you have a flight to catchter tonight?¡± Indeed, Denver was scheduled to fly out to Prineville for a business trip. ¡°Right,¡± he replied, topping off her ss. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t be here to see you off in two days.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley¡¯sughter echoed in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re apologizing? You¡¯re flying out tonight¡ªhow could you see me off anyway? Besides, I¡¯m not a child. I can take care of myself.¡± Denver still expressed concern. ¡°But it¡¯s your first performance overseas.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal, really. The whole dance troupe will be with me. Plus, it¡¯s the¡ªI spent four years there. I¡¯m pretty familiar with the city.¡± ¡°Focus on your meetings,¡± Hadleyforted him. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine on my own.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Despite his reluctance, Denver epted the situation. After dinner at the Red Shell Bistro, he drove her to Mayfield Road. Stepping out of the car, Hadley reassured him, ¡°This is fine here. You better hurry to the airport.¡± His luggage was already loaded in the trunk, ready for a direct departure. ¡°Goodbye.¡± With a wave, Hadley adjusted her bag on her shoulder. ¡°Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 438 ?Chapter 438: Denver¡¯s voice stopped her as she started to walk away. ¡°Yes?¡± She turned around, her smile soft. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? You know I don¡¯t like fuss, Denver.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± Denver gave a sheepish grin before his expression grew earnest. ¡°Hadley, when are we going to make things official between us?¡± Her expression showed surprise at his question. ¡°I¡¯m not pushing for an immediate decision,¡± Denver quickly added, hoping to ease any pressure. ¡°Just think about it, okay? Things have been really good between us, right?¡± Hadley was momentarily speechless, her lips parted in surprise. ¡°If you believe I¡¯m the right choice¡­¡± She remained silent. Although Denver noticed her quietude, his spirit didn¡¯t falter. ¡°Think about it while you¡¯re away, and let¡¯s decide when you¡¯re back, okay?¡± Without waiting for her response, he continued, ¡°I need to leave now.¡± shing a hopeful smile, Denver started his car and pulled away. Rooted to the spot, Hadley pondered. Would she have an answer for him after her trip? As Denver drove off, he didn¡¯t notice another vehicle trailing him closely. Leaving Mayfield Road, the following car suddenly sped up, overtaking him and blocking his way. Shocked, Denver quickly exited his vehicle. Wilma emerged from the intercepting car. ???????????? ???????? ¡ú ?????????¦Í??????©q?????? ¡°Mom?¡± His surprise was mild. ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± ¡°Denver!¡± Wilma¡¯s eyes darted to his car, and she pressed a hand to her forehead. ¡°Is this the life you envisioned?¡± Denver managed everything in his life, right down to the ordinary sedan he drove. ¡°What are you implying? What¡¯s wrong with my life now?¡± Denver shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t see an issue with it.¡± ¡°YOU¡­¡± Wilma was at a loss for words. Her n had not unfolded as she had anticipated. Previously, she had severed Denver¡¯s financial support, convinced he would quickly yield. Yet, her n had backfired. Denver persisted through the challenges. Now, to her increasing dismay, he was even contemting a seriousmitment to Hadley. ¡°Denver¡­¡± Switching tactics, Wilma softened her approach and grasped his arm. ¡°You need to listen¡ªHadley isn¡¯t suitable for you¡­ It¡¯s for your own good. You¡¯re young, and you might regret this decisionter. She¡¯s been through a lot, and she¡ª¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Denver interrupted sharply. Her critique was harsh, and it clearly disturbed Denver as he cut in. ¡°Mom, how can you talk about her like that? Hadley¡¯s been divorced, yes, but she¡¯smitted no crime!¡± . . . Chapter 439 ?Chapter 439: As he shook his head, Denver¡¯s expression was one of utter disappointment. ¡°Enough, Mom. My decision to be with Hadley is final. I¡¯m not backing down.¡± ¡°No, Denver¡­¡± ¡°Mom,¡± With firm resolve, Denver gently but firmly freed his arm from Wilma¡¯s grip. ¡°I need to go.¡± He turned swiftly, returned to his car, and drove off. ¡°Denver!¡± Wilma¡¯s frustration was evident as she watched him maneuver past her and drive away. She stamped her foot in frustration. ¡°He says he¡¯s not backing down? Humph¡­ We¡¯ll see about that, Denver!¡± Two dayster, Lightning Dance Studio was ready to head to the. Despite the long flight of over ten hours, Hadley felt an invigorating sense of anticipation ¡ª she was eager to reunite with her beloved daughter. Full of excitement, she snapped a selfie at the ne¡¯s entrance and shared it online, saying, ¡°the, can¡¯t wait!¡± Meanwhile, in a hospital in the, Eric noticed the update on his phone. Was Hadley really on her way here? She was on tour, Eric remembered. Her joy was evident. ???????????? ???? ??????????: ??????????????????©q????? She looked so radiant without him. The thought left Eric restless. He turned his phone face down, but a momentter, he picked it up again. He navigated to the Lightning Dance Studio¡¯s website to check up on the the show details. Since she wasing to the and he was still there, he decided to attend her performance. He intended to do nothing but observe her on stage. That was his n. Just to see her perform, nothing beyond that. It was just after seven in the evening when the troupe touched down in the. The hour was still reasonable. Unable to contain her excitement, Hadley was anxious to meet Joy. Turning to Elissa, Hadley said, ¡°Could you handle my luggage and take it to the room? There¡¯s somewhere I need to be first.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Elissa responded, respecting Hadley¡¯s wishes without prying into her ns. ¡°Thanks so much.¡± Although she left most of her bags with Elissa, Hadley carried one with her ¡ª a special gift meant for Joy. ¡°Mommy!¡± A spark lit up Joy¡¯s eyes as she gripped the freshly unwrapped gift ¡ª a rare edition plush toy ¡ª with delight. . . . Chapter 440 ?Chapter 440: ¡°Thank you, Mommy! I absolutely adore it!¡± ¡°Are you happy?¡± Hadley stroked her daughter¡¯s hair affectionately. ¡°Yes! I am!¡± Joy¡¯s expression radiated pure joy, and Hadley¡¯s heart swelled with happiness. She managed to hold back her tears, choosing instead to beam back at her daughter. ¡°If Joy is happy, Mommy is happy too.¡± Colleen approached with a ss of water. ¡°Take a drink. You must¡¯vee straight from the airport, right?¡± Aware of Hadley¡¯s arrival, she had hurried over from her department. Colleen, an intern doctor at the hospital and a PhD candidate at the University of the¡¯s medical school, took special care of Joy. This allowed Hadley to travel back to Srixby without worry. ¡°Colleen, your help during this time has been immense,¡± Hadley expressed her gratitude, though she knew mere words were never enough. ¡°Mm,¡± Colleen responded with a raised eyebrow and a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll ept your thanks, but don¡¯t let it burden you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley chuckled softly. That was typical of Colleen; she had a way of helping others without making them feel indebted. ¡°Hadley.¡± ???????????????? ????????: g????????¦Í????????????? Taking Hadley¡¯s hand, Colleen nced over at Joy, who was absorbed in her y, and spoke in a hushed tone. ¡°Mathias isn¡¯t around today, so I thought I should tell you ¡ª the surgery is set for the next few days. He¡¯ll confirm the details with you shortly.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Surprised, Hadley quickly covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re relieved, right?¡± Understanding Hadley¡¯s reaction perfectly, Colleen continued, ¡°Joy¡¯s condition isn¡¯t life-threatening, but the surgery could vastly improve her quality of life. She¡¯s got a bright future ahead of her!¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes welled up as she struggled to find the right words. Ovee with emotion, she could only nod in response. That night, Hadley remained by Joy¡¯s side until the little girl drifted off to sleep, slipping out quietly afterward. The day before the performance, Eric was finally released from the hospital. ¡°Mr. Flynn, do you want me to book your flight for tonight or tomorrow?¡± Phillips asked. ¡°Why would we fly?¡± Eric paused, hand on his shirt. Phillips looked puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t we heading back to Srixby?¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Eric shut his eyes for a moment, his expression showing a hint of annoyance. ¡°Apologies. I forgot to mention¡ªdy our return by two days.¡± Phillips was confused. ¡°But why the dy?¡± Eric smiledzily. ¡°After spending most of my visit to the in a hospital bed, don¡¯t you think I deserve a little leisure time?¡± . . . Chapter 441 ?Chapter 441: Phillips was taken aback. Weren¡¯t they always on business trips? Hadn¡¯t this been one? Eric had never shown an interest in leisure before. ¡°Tomorrow, let¡¯s catch a performance.¡± ¡°A performance?¡± Phillips repeated, his confusion growing. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, though he was clearly puzzled. ¡°What are we seeing?¡± ¡°A modern dance show.¡± Phillips stopped in his tracks. He should have guessed! The following evening, Eric dressed up and left the hotel with Phillips. They were headed to the theater owned by Red Choreography¡ªthe same troupe that had once targeted Hadley when she was with them. Now, Hadley had managed to reverse her fortunes. Their tickets were scanned, and they made their way into the hall. As the scheduled start of the performance neared, the audience quickly filled the seats. Then, a loud, abrupt noise echoed from backstage. ¡°What was that?¡± The crowd immediately fell into a state of panic, uproar spreading throughout the theater. In the VIP section, Eric shot to his feet, having heard the disturbance. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± Phillips looked concerned. ¡°That sounded like a gunshot.¡± Indeed, it was. Exclusive updates live g?ln¦Òv???s A look of rm crossed Eric¡¯s face. The noise hade from backstage, exactly where Hadley should be. Without hesitation, he dashed forward. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips was right behind him. Within moments, the theater was thrown into chaos, with terrified patrons scrambling for the exits. ¡°Stay calm, everyone, please stay calm!¡± Security guards struggled to maintain order as pandemonium consumed the theater. A stampede of people was underway, the panic quickly escting. Despite the rush of fleeing bodies, Eric fought his way against the tide. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips caught his arm. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Eric responded tersely, his eyes set with determination. ¡°Hadley¡¯s still inside!¡± He attempted to move forward. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips urgently held him back. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous! You can¡¯t just charge in there without knowing what¡¯s going on backstage!¡± Chaos like this wasn¡¯tmon, but it wasn¡¯t unheard of in the. ¡°And?¡± Eric arched an eyebrow, his resolve unshaken. He shrugged off Phillips¡¯s grip. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I must go!¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± ¡°Listen carefully!¡± Eric interrupted sharply,ying down his n. ¡°Stay outside and be ready to help! I¡¯ll get Hadley out myself!¡± . . . Chapter 442 ?Chapter 442: ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips tried to argue, but Eric had already dashed ahead, disappearing into the crowd. With his teeth clenched tightly, Phillips realized there was no stopping Eric. He had to trust Eric¡¯s decision and do whatever he could to help. Meanwhile, Eric faced significant challenges as he made his way toward the backstage area. The outgoing flow of people was as difficult as moving against a strong current. ¡°Please, let me through!¡± ¡°You¡¯re headed the wrong way! It¡¯s dangerous inside!¡± ¡°Excuse me, I really need to go in!¡± Navigating through the frantic crowd, Eric was drenched in sweat. Bang! Then another loud st echoed. ¡°Nobody move!¡± ¡°Stop! Can you hear me?¡± But the crowd¡¯s panic was uncontainable. Shortly after, two more gunshots rang out. The situation escted quickly. Eric nced toward the entrance, now heavily guarded. He furrowed his brow, wondering whether Phillips had made it out safely. Eric fought his way through the surging crowd, intent on getting inside. ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Once inside, he navigated toward a quieter side door and slipped through. Themotion from the hall dimmed, and the distinct sound of footsteps echoed clearly. Eric held his breath and swiftly ducked behind a nearby door, pressing against the wall to conceal himself while scanning his surroundings vigntly. Approaching footsteps revealed themselves as theater security¡ªcalm andposed. Why weren¡¯t they panicking? Several possibilities shed through Eric¡¯s mind: either they were orchestrating the chaos, or they had beenpromised. A slight grin touched Eric¡¯s lips as he pieced together his next move. Once the footsteps receded and the security moved on, he cautiously stepped out, noting the sign above him. His n was starting to take shape. Backstage in the dressing room, dancers from both Lightning Dance Studio and Red Choreography were effectively held hostage. Five armed rioters stood in grim silence, their imposing presence and cold firearms creating a suffocating atmosphere. Hadley sat on the floor with her colleagues, clutching her head, paralyzed by fear. ¡°You!¡± Suddenly, a rioter pointed directly at her, his voice sharp andmanding. ¡°You! Come out here!¡± ¡°Hey, are you listening?¡± Noticing Hadley frozen in ce, the assant grabbed her arm impatiently and yanked her up. ¡°Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 443 ?Chapter 443: Next to her, Elissa attempted to intervene but was quickly subdued at gunpoint. ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± ¡°And you, over there!¡± Another dancer from Red Choreography, roughly Hadley¡¯s height, was forcefully dragged alongside her from the dressing room. A fleeting nce passed between Hadley and the dancer; both were pale and trembling, uncertain of their fate¡­ The police had already surrounded the theater. Using a megaphone, they attempted tomunicate with the captors inside. ¡°Attention, everyone inside¡­¡± ¡°We have nothing to discuss! We¡¯re going to blow this ce up today!¡± ¡°Please, think this through!¡± The assants showed no interest in negotiating. Negotiations appeared to be at an impasse. Back inside, the theater¡¯s main stage remained concealed behind the unopened curtain. Both Hadley and the dancer were unconscious and bound to chairs. Eric, disguised as a security guard, slipped through the curtains and onto the stage. ¡°Hadley!¡± He dropped to one knee in front of her, but she gave no response. It was the dancer next to Hadley who, stirred by the noise, weakly opened her eyes. ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í??????????????? She caught sight of Eric and tried to speak. ¡°Keep quiet if you want to make it out of here!¡± Eric warned sharply. Her eyes widened in surprise as she blinked quickly, unable to give the usual nod. Eric sensed something was off. She looked toward him and silently motioned upwards. At that moment, Eric noticed that both Hadley and the girl were bncing a beam on their heads. What on earth was going on? Rising to his feet, Eric¡¯s frown deepened as he surveyed the bizarre scene. His eyes narrowed in realization¡ªit was a bomb! At the center of the beam was a tiny bead. Its fall to either end would trigger the bomb. An unpredictable bomb! Now, the critical question was how long Hadley and the girl could maintain their fragile bnce. What were his options? Trying to keep his cool as the seconds ticked down, Eric retrieved a folding knife from his pocket, carefully supported Hadley, and cut the ropes binding her. Then, without shifting his weight, he extended the knife toward the girl. ¡°I¡¯m about to free you. Once I do, take her and run as fast as you can.¡± ¡°What?¡± The color drained from the girl¡¯s face as she shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s too risky!¡± Doubt clouded her mind¡ªif she moved, the beam could topple. Maybe staying still was safer. . . . Chapter 444 ?Chapter 444: ¡°Not up for it?¡± With a sneer, Eric retorted, ¡°Alright then, I¡¯m taking her with me!¡± ¡°No!¡± Panic surged through the girl. If he let go now, it would likely set off the bomb and doom them all. She had no choice. ¡°Alright!¡± She nodded reluctantly. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your n.¡± ¡°Think twice before you run. If you try to escape without her, I¡¯ll let this beam fall, and it¡¯ll be the end for all of us!¡± Chills ran through the girl as she blinked back her fear. ¡°I¡­ I get it! I won¡¯t escape on my own!¡± ¡°Good!¡± Eric took a deep breath, cut through the girl¡¯s restraints, tossed the knife aside, and steadied the bnce beam above her head. Turning to her, he said, ¡°I¡¯m counting to three. One, two, three!¡± The girl sprang to her feet. As Eric let go of Hadley, she caught her, while Eric maintained a firm grip on the beam. ¡°Move now!¡± Eric urged in a low voice, sweat dripping from his temples. ¡°Right!¡± Nodding, the girl lifted Hadley onto her shoulders and dashed forward. ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ????????: ????????¦Í????????????? A series of loud bangs echoed! Gunfire erupted, followed by several more shots. Could it be the assants? After a few strides, the girl paused and looked back at Eric with mixed emotions. ¡°What about you? What¡¯s your n?¡± ¡°Just get moving!¡± Eric shouted angrily. Why was she asking so many questions? ¡°If you stay, we all die!¡± ¡°Oh, okay!¡± Frightened, she turned and sprinted away with Hadley. Eric stood still, not daring to move. He curled his lips into a bitter smile. ¡°Damn! Am I really just a fool blinded by love?¡± What should he do next? Was this the day he would meet his end here? He never expected his life to end like this! Was this destined to be his fate, forever hidden in the shadows? As the girl fled with Hadley, their path was soon blocked by approaching figures. Panicked, she turned around. ¡°Stop! We¡¯re the police! Identify yourself! Who are you and why are you running?¡± Confused and out of breath, the girl halted. Her eyes widened, and tears began to stream down her face. They were actually the police! ¡°Officer!¡± . . . Chapter 445 ?Chapter 445: ¡°Quickly, bring them over here!¡± ¡°Officer!¡± Handing Hadley off to someone else, she clung to the officer and pointed frantically toward the stage. ¡°There¡¯s a bomb there! Someone¡¯s still in danger!¡± ¡°Understood, we¡¯re on it! Fetch the bomb squad!¡± ¡°Right away!¡± Meanwhile, back on the stage, the police were quick to respond. ¡°Just hold on a bit longer.¡± Eric held his breath. He couldn¡¯t really rx until the bomb was disarmed. The bomb expert examined the scene and suggested, ¡°If it just needs to stay stable, couldn¡¯t we support it with two objects of equal height?¡± Eric nodded, saying, ¡°That should work.¡± He had attempted this method before. Still, the task of maintaining bnce while relocating the device from the theater was daunting. How could anyone ensure the bead wouldn¡¯t move during the transfer? Suddenly, the beam began to emit a ticking sound! ¡°This isn¡¯t good!¡± Eric and the expert locked eyes, realizing the bnce beam was linked to a moreplex setup¡ªthere was a timer involved! The digital disy on the beam now shed with only five seconds remaining! g?????0¦Í??????.??????; ?????????? ???????? They were out of time! ¡°Throw it away!¡± Eric¡¯s heart raced. He quickly raised his arm and swung the bnce beam out of the way. ¡°Everyone, out now!¡± At his shout, everyone scrambled off the stage. Three, two, one¡­ boom! The explosion sent Eric flying. He pushed himself forward with all his strength. The st¡¯s echo woke Hadley in an ambnce speeding to the hospital. A nurse was at her side. ¡°Are you awake? How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Hadley rubbed her neck and peered out of the ambnce window, her eyes locking on the theater, now consumed by mes. She was safe, but the bomb that had been hanging over her had detonated. The nurse, noticing her gaze, said, ¡°The police and fire services are handling the situation. You¡¯re doing better than some of your colleagues.¡± Hadley nodded, then turned to the nurse. ¡°Can you tell me how I was saved?¡± The nurse hesitated, then replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. All I know is that the police brought you out to us.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Thank you.¡± ¡°Clear the way, please!¡± . . . Chapter 446 ?Chapter 446: At the entrance of the theater, medics rushed a stretcher, quickly loading another victim. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the hospital, fast!¡± Hospital. Eric¡¯s eyes flew open, and he bolted upright. ¡°Ugh¡ªdamn it!¡± A sharp, searing pain tore through his chest, forcing him to clutch his ribs while pressing a hand to his throbbing head. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips, who had been keeping vigil at his bedside, sprang to his feet, his face lighting up with relief. ¡°You¡¯re awake! That¡¯s a damn good sign! The doctor said the sooner you wake up, the better your chances.¡± He waved a couple of fingers in front of Eric¡¯s face. ¡°How many fingers, boss?¡± ¡°Tsk!¡± Irritated, Eric batted his hand away. ¡°Do I look brain-dead to you?¡± Phillips chuckled. ¡°Just covering the bases. You took a nasty hit to the head¡ªa concussion, they said. Gotta make sure everything¡¯s still working upstairs.¡± Eric smirked despite himself. ¡°Please. Even if someone¡¯s brain got scrambled, it sure as hell wouldn¡¯t be mine.¡± His body told a different story. Bandages wrapped around his shoulders, arms, and head¡ªa testament to the explosion that had thrown him off his feet. He looked worse than he actually was, but the pain reminded him that the injuries weren¡¯t just for show. He took a steadying breath and cut straight to what mattered. ¡°Where¡¯s Hadley?¡± Get thetest updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°She was brought in too, but¡ª¡± ¡°Good.¡± Without another word, Eric shoved the covers aside, ready to get up. ¡°Whoa, whoa! Mr. Flynn¡ªhold on!¡± Phillips blocked his path, both hands raised in rm. ¡°Let me finish! Hadley¡¯s fine. They checked her out, and she was discharged already. But you, sir, are the one who¡¯s actually injured.¡± He gestured at Eric¡¯s right hand. ¡°And you still have an IV in, so maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªyou should consider staying put for now.¡± Eric¡¯s gaze flicked to the IV drip. With an exasperated sigh, he leaned back against the pillows. As the first light of dawn crept into the hospital room, Eric stirred awake. His body ached from the restless night, and though the IV had finished hours ago, sleep had been elusive. He had thought about checking on Hadley, but waking her in the middle of the night felt unnecessary. Pushing himself upright, he decided now was the time to move. He shed the stiff hospital gown, recing it with his own clothes. ncing toward the sofa, he found Phillips sprawled out, dead to the world. Eric smirked slightly before silently slipping out of the room. Meanwhile¡­ A persistent vibration dragged Hadley from sleep. Groggy, she groped under her pillow for her phone and squinted at the screen. With a sigh, she answered, ¡°Hello, Denver?¡± So early¡­ . . . Chapter 447 ?Chapter 447: She already knew why he was calling. The bomb in the theaterst night? There was no way he hadn¡¯t seen the news, even though he was in Prineville. ¡°Hadley? Oh, thank God! You picked up!¡± His excitement made her chest tighten. She could picture him pacing, hair disheveled, struggling to keep his emotions in check. During the chaosst night, mobs had seized her phone, leaving her unable to receive his calls. By the time the police returned it to her and she tried calling Denver back, she couldn¡¯t get through. She hesitated. ¡°I guess you saw the news?¡± At the moment, Hadley was alone in the hotel room. Elissa remained in the hospital, still recovering from her injuries. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m okay now¡­ You must have been out of your mind with worry all night, huh? I tried calling you back, but¡ª¡± ¡°I know.¡± Denver exhaled, his voiceced with both relief and frustration. ¡°I saw everything. I was mid-flight when it all happened¡ªcouldn¡¯t answer even if I wanted to.¡± Mid-flight? Hadley¡¯s breath hitched, her heart stuttering in her chest as warmth spread through her. She hesitated. ¡°Wait¡­ Denver, are you¡­¡± The words caught in her throat. Had he really flown all the way to the? A low chuckle came through the line, edged with exhaustion and unmistakable relief. ¡°I¡¯m almost at your hotel¡ªfive minutes out.¡± He hade straight from the airport. Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls Hadley¡¯s hand flew to her mouth, a sharp breath escaping as tears welled in her eyes. A five-hour flight from Prineville to the. The moment Denver saw the news and couldn¡¯t reach her, he had dropped everything and boarded a ne. So this was what it felt like¡ªto matter to someone? Once, when Hadley had been stranded in the with Joy, she had felt like she didn¡¯t exist. Like no one would care even if she disappeared. But now¡­ someone had crossed cities just for her. How often in a lifetime does a person find someone like that? Hadley didn¡¯t know about others, but for her, there had only ever been one. The second she ended the call, she bolted downstairs. At the hotel entrance, she scanned the street, her heart hammering. Then, a taxi pulled up. The door swung open. And there he was. ¡°Hadley!¡± Her breath hitched. ¡°Denver!¡± He strode toward her, dragging his suitcase behind him, eyes locked onto hers. Hadley looked up, and the first thing she noticed was the exhaustion etched into Denver¡¯s face¡ªdeep shadows under his eyes, the kind only a sleepless night could carve. ¡°You¡­ didn¡¯t sleep at all, did you?¡± ¡°Not a wink.¡± Denver let out a small, weary chuckle and shook his head. ¡°How could I? I couldn¡¯t reach you. My mind kept running in circles, imagining the worst¡­¡± He exhaled, and then met her gaze, his expression shifting¡ªhesitant, vulnerable. . . . Chapter 448 ?Chapter 448: Then, softly, he asked, ¡°Hadley, can I hold you? Just for a moment?¡± Before she could even process his words, he was already reaching for her, arms opening as if drawn by instinct. He bent slightly and pulled her into a deep, grounding embrace. Hadley stiffened at first, caught off guard. Her body tensed, unprepared for the sudden closeness. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Denver sighed as he shut his eyes, his grip firm yet gentle. ¡°It¡¯s such a relief to see you standing here, safe and sound¡­ I can¡¯t tell you how good it feels to see you.¡± Something in his voice¡ªsomething raw, almost desperate¡ªmade Hadley¡¯s resistance melt away. Slowly, she rxed against him. She tilted her head up and offered a soft smile. A few steps away, inside a car parked nearby, Eric watched through the window. Denver actually came all the way here? His gaze darkened slightly. Wasn¡¯t the guy in Prineville? How had he managed to get here so fast? He sure was attentive to Hadley¡¯s needs, wasn¡¯t he? Eric¡¯s fingers tapped idly against his knee, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. His face remained neutral, but a slow chill settled behind his gaze. What kind of luck was this? Every damn time. Every time Hadley and Denver had a heartwarming reunion, Eric somehow ended up front-row to the scene. A realization then settled over Eric like a weight. Denver was Hadley¡¯s boyfriend now. And him? Just the ex-husband. A relic of her past. So what the hell was he doing here? Rushing over like he had a shot? ¡°Sir?¡± The driver nced at Eric through the rearview mirror, noting his silence. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± Updated stories galno¦Íe?s Eric blinked, snapping back to the present. His gaze lingered for a fraction of a second longer on the hotel entrance before he leaned back, his expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯m not getting out,¡± he said evenly. ¡°Take me back the way we came.¡± The driver hesitated, slightly surprised by the change of ns. But he knew better than to ask questions. ¡°Understood.¡± As the car pulled away, Eric couldn¡¯t resist onest nce in the rearview mirror. There they were¡ªHadley and Denver¡ªwalking into the hotel together, side by side. Suddenly, he sat up straighter, his sharp eyes darkening. Why couldn¡¯t he try and win her over? Yesterday, he had risked his life for her. He nearly died in the process. And yet¡­ Inside the hotel, Hadley helped Denver check in, guiding him up to his room. She gave him a pointed look, her eyes flicking toward the dark circles under his eyes. ¡°You should go in, take a shower, and get some actual sleep,¡± she said, her arms crossed. Denver chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know.¡± But instead of heading in, he reached for her hand, his grip warm and steady. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His voice softened, hesitant but firm. ¡°We originally agreed to wait until we got back, but¡­ can we move it up?¡± He was talking about making things official. Hadley understood immediately. She hesitated, weighing her thoughts carefully. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it after you¡¯ve had a good sleep, okay?¡± . . . Chapter 449 ?Chapter 449: She hadn¡¯t told him about Joy yet. If they were truly going to move forward, she needed to be honest with him first. Denver studied her for a moment and then gave a small nod. ¡°Okay.¡± He didn¡¯t press her. He could sense the shift¡ªHadley was warming up to him, little by little. Just moments ago, she had let him hold her. A quiet smile yed on his lips as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for your good news.¡± Meanwhile, in the taxi, Eric¡¯s fingers drummed restlessly against his knee, his expression dark. ¡°Turn around! Go back to the hotel.¡± Hadley made her way back to her room. Located two floors beneath Denver¡¯s, her journey required an elevator ride. As she stepped out of the elevator, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, and the call was domestic. After a brief pause, Hadley answered. ¡°Hello?¡± The voice on the other end sounded vaguely familiar. ¡°Hadley, it¡¯s Wilma Moran.¡± Instantly, Hadley tensed. It was Denver¡¯s mother! Dread began to seep in as she realized Denver had just checked in, and now his mother was calling. ¡°Mrs. Moran,¡± Hadley inhaled sharply. ¡°What can I do for you?¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t something I can exin over the phone. We need to meet in person,¡± Wilma replied. g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads A wave of unease washed over Hadley again. ¡°Mrs. Moran, are you¡­?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Wilma answered bluntly. ¡°I¡¯m at your hotel. Meet me at the lounge caf¨¦. I¡¯ll be there,¡± she added before the call abruptly ended. Staring at her phone, Hadley knew avoidance wasn¡¯t an option. She made up her mind to face whatever came her way. The caf¨¦ was rtively empty at this time. As Hadley stepped inside, she immediately spotted Wilma sitting at a window table, her face partially hidden behind sunsses as she sipped her coffee. Hadley quickened her steps and approached her. ¡°Mrs. Moran.¡± Noticing her arrival, Wilma removed her sunsses and gestured to the chair across from her. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley responded, settling into the chair as instructed. ¡°Would you care for a drink?¡± Wilma offered, maintaining a courteous demeanor. ¡°No, thanks,¡± Hadley replied, declining with a shake of her head. ¡°You might as well,¡± Wilma suggested with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m here to talk, not to argue. Rx a little¡ªcan I order something for you then?¡± Before Hadley could answer, Wilma caught the attention of a server. ¡°Could we have a hot oattte here for my friend, please?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± . . . Chapter 450 ?Chapter 450: With the order ced, Hadley feltpelled to express her gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Moran.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Wilma replied, maintaining her smile, which now seemed to carry a touch of regret. ¡°Thest time we met, I admit things turned sour. I acted hastily and without courtesy. I hope I didn¡¯t frighten you.¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Caught off guard, Hadley dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. ¡°You were merely being honest. It¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Wilma¡¯s expression turned curious. ¡°If you believe I was just being honest, does this mean you¡¯re considering not staying with Denver?¡± At that moment, the waiter delivered the oattte and ced it before Hadley. ¡°Here¡¯s yourtte.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Hadley grasped the cup but hesitated to drink. Observing her hesitation, Wilma¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Take a sip, and let¡¯s continue our discussion.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley sipped thette reluctantly. She had actually prepared her speech carefully on the way to the caf¨¦. Meeting Wilma¡¯s gaze firmly, Hadley said, ¡°I may not be the ideal match for Denver by many standards, but I¡¯m not in a position to make any promises.¡± ¡°What are you implying?¡± Wilma¡¯s smile faltered. ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í???????????? Speaking more gently, Hadley said, ¡°I suspect the real reason you¡¯re here isn¡¯t to talk to me, but because you¡¯ve been unable to sway Denver. Am I right?¡± Wilma¡¯s response was a silent, ufortable look. ¡°Mrs. Moran,¡± Hadley continued, sensing she had struck a nerve. ¡°Denver remains firm in his decision, refusing to give in to his family¡¯s pressures. His affection for me is deep and true.¡± ¡°Forgive me for being so bold, but if Denver is okay with it, I would very much like to stay by his side¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Wilma¡¯s expression darkened instantly, cutting Hadley off mid-sentence. Her re was as sharp as knives, boring into Hadley. ¡°Humph!¡± Wilma sneered, her voice carrying a chilling tone. ¡°The audacity! How shameless can you be? What gives you the right to say something like that?¡± Upon sensing the tension, Hadley¡¯s posture stiffened, her hands beginning to sweat. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Moran, but have you considered what Denver wants?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Wilma¡¯s facade crumbled. ¡°Do you really think you have the right to speak to me like this?¡± Hadley¡¯s lips pressed firmly together. It dawned on her that it was time to leave. . . . Chapter 451 ?Chapter 451: She stood up. ¡°Mrs. Moran, I¡¯m sincerely sorry¡­ I should go now.¡± She nodded slightly to Wilma, pushed back her chair, and left. As Hadley walked away, Wilma¡¯s eyes narrowed. She grabbed her phone and swiftly made a call. ¡°Alright, you can go ahead.¡± After receiving a reply, Wilma ended the call with a smug smile. As she watched Hadley walk away, Wilma muttered under her breath, ¡°This is on you. You ignored the warnings, so now you¡¯ll deal with the consequences. Denver¡¯s my son, and it¡¯s my duty to protect his future!¡± Leaving the caf¨¦, Hadley sensed something was amiss. Her body felt unusually weak, as if drained of energy. What was happening? Could this be due to her rising too early and missing breakfast, causing low blood sugar? Her thoughts were interrupted when she lost her bnce and stumbled. ¡°Ah!¡± Caught off guard, Hadley eximed in surprise. ¡°Watch out!¡± In an instant, someone steadied her. ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley said reflexively, looking up to find a stranger holding her. Yet, the deeper problem was that this man seemed to have malicious intentions. ¡°You look a bit frail. I can walk you to your room,¡± he said with an overly friendly smile. ???????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í??????????????? Feeling the threat, Hadley recoiled. ¡°Who are you, and what do you want from me?¡± ¡°Just calm down,¡± he replied with an unsettling calm. ¡°Mrs. Moran sent me. You¡¯ve left her no choice but to involve me since you refuse to stay away from her son.¡± What did he mean? It dawned on Hadley that her sudden weakness might be Wilma¡¯s doing. Thette. A chill ran through her as she realized the lengths to which Wilma might go. ¡°Rx,¡± the man said, holding her close, trying to reassure her. ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re taken care of.¡± ¡°Darling, you don¡¯t get to choose!¡± ¡°Let her go!¡± As the man tried to lift her, a tall figure stepped in, delivering a solid punch that sent him sprawling. With a thud, the man fell to the floor. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric dove to catch her, preventing her from copsing as well. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± The man staggered to his feet, seething at Eric. ¡°Humph.¡± With a dismissive snort, Eric bnced Hadley with one arm and raised his phone with the other. ¡°Everything¡¯s been recorded and saved to the cloud. Now, why don¡¯t you just scram? Or shall I involve the police?¡± The threat drained the color from the man¡¯s face. He gritted his teeth and spat out, ¡°Fuck! I¡¯m out of here!¡± After the man stormed off, Eric looked down at Hadley, still in his arms, and scolded her, ¡°You can¡¯t even handle a simple rtionship! Do you always have to get yourself into trouble?¡± . . . Chapter 452 ?Chapter 452: Hadley waspletely thrown off. What was Eric doing here? And why did he sound like that¡ªlike he had every right to be standing in front of her, scolding her? What was with that entitled attitude? She had met plenty of wealthy heirs¡ªErnest wasn¡¯t like this. Neither was Denver. A faint, incredulousugh slipped past her lips. Was his bad temper reserved just for her? Still, whatever his attitude, one fact remained¡ªhe had saved her. She couldn¡¯t ignore that. Steadying herself, she attempted to break free from his grip. ¡°Listen¡­ thank you for earlier.¡± ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Eric¡¯s hand tightened around her waist, anchoring her in ce, his lips curling into a faintly mocking smirk. ¡°Are you seriously trying to push me away? Can you even stand on your own right now?¡± Hadley faltered, her breath catching. Probably not. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one who slipped you something.¡± Hadley froze, her body rigid. Your next story begins at . He heard everything? He knew what Wilma had done to her? When did he even show up? ¡°Enough of this.¡± Before Hadley could gather her thoughts, Eric let out a sigh and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms. ¡°I¡¯ve already started dealing with this mess, so I might as well see it through. Where¡¯s your room?¡± Was he seriously this considerate? She wanted to doubt him, but she was too weak to resist. Reluctantly, she mumbled her room number. ¡°Sorry to trouble you,¡± she whispered. Eric didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°As long as you realize it¡¯s trouble.¡± He set her down at the door, reached into her pocket, and pulled out the key card. The door clicked open, and just as she thought she might finally regain some autonomy, he scooped her up again and carried her inside like it was standard procedure. She barely had time to process it before he crossed the room in a few long strides and lowered her onto the bed. He even adjusted her hair so it wouldn¡¯t bother her, smoothing the strands with quiet patience. Then, he pulled the nket over her, tucking it in just enough to keep herfortable. But he didn¡¯t leave after all that. Instead, he remained by the bedside, arms crossed, his sharp eyes locked onto her face, studying every flicker of emotion. He frowned. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± . . . Chapter 453 ?Chapter 453: Hadley tried to focus, to assess her body¡¯s state. ¡°I have no strength.¡± Eric¡¯s gaze narrowed. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Hadley blinked. ¡°Yes¡­ I think?¡± What? What else was she supposed to feel? ¡°Oh.¡± Eric exhaled, his tension easing just slightly. So Wilma had only used something mild¡ªenough to weaken Hadley, enough to leave her vulnerable, but not the kind of drug that sent people into oblivion. Still. If he hadn¡¯t turned back¡­ Would Hadley have been able to fight that bastard? Wilma. That woman was supposed to be refined and respectful¡ªyet she was willing to endanger someone¡¯s life just to clear the path for her son. Disgust curled in Eric¡¯s chest. His expression darkened, his eyes sharp with something lethal. Hadley noticed and stiffened slightly, a sudden unease creeping over her. Hadley¡¯s voice was soft, hesitant. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be leaving?¡± Eric shot her a sharp nce, still visibly irritated. ¡°And go where exactly? I don¡¯t even want to imagine what will happen to you in this state if I leave!¡± If Wilma had been bold enough to try once, who was to say she wouldn¡¯t try again? Hadley sighed inwardly. She was starting to get used to his unpredictable bursts of frustration. Fine. It was better to let him do as he pleased. A heavy silence settled between them. Find it at g?a??????¦Í????s.??????? Eric exhaled slowly, realizing his tone had been harsher than intended. ¡°Ahem.¡± Clearing his throat, he shifted slightly, his voice begrudgingly softer. ¡°Well¡­ you said you¡¯re too weak to move, right? What if you need water? Or¡ª¡± He paused, looking momentarily ufortable. ¡°What if you need to use the bathroom?¡± Before Hadley could react, he dragged a chair to the bedside and sat down, arms crossed. ¡°I¡¯ll stay until you¡¯re better. Then I¡¯ll leave.¡± Hadley blinked. He could help with water, sure. But the bathroom? She almost pointed it out, but the moment she opened her mouth¡ª ¡°Shut up!¡± Eric didn¡¯t even look at her, waving off whatever she was about to say. ¡°I don¡¯t need your thanks. Just sleep.¡± He stretched out, propping his legs against the edge of the bed, and then leaned back in the chair, shutting his eyes as if he intended to rest right there. Now that the room was quiet, Hadley finally had a chance to take a good look at him. What had happened to him? Where had hee from? She had noticed it earlier¡ªbeneath the dim lighting, a bandage wrapped around Eric¡¯s head, barely concealed by his hair. Was he injured? Had he hit his head? Were there other wounds hidden beneath his clothes? And what was he doing in the? How had he even gotten hurt? Had he been at the theater yesterday? . . . Chapter 454 ?Chapter 454: But¡­ Eric wasn¡¯t the type to enjoy modern dance. Before she could make sense of it all¡ª Ding-dong! The doorbell rang. Eric¡¯s eyes snapped open. In one swift motion, he retracted his legs from the bed¡¯s edge and stood up, heading for the door. ¡°Who is it?¡± Instead of opening it immediately, he peered through the peephole. His scalp tingled. Wilma. And Denver. His mind sharpened in an instant, piecing it together. That woman¡­ First, she had Hadley drugged and sent a thug to corner her. Now, she had dragged Denver here¡ªprobably hoping to stage the perfect misunderstanding. A ruthless move from a ruthless socialite. She didn¡¯t even hesitate to drive a knife straight into her own son¡¯s heart. Eric¡¯s jaw clenched. He turned to Hadley, still weak in bed,pletely unaware of the storm brewing on the other side of the door. Eric asked himself what he should do now. If he threw the door open now and exposed Wilma¡¯s twisted n, Denver would understand, and his rtionship with Hadley would remain intact¡ªmaybe even stronger. But if he didn¡¯t? If he yed along with Wilma¡¯s setup¡­ If he became the man who ¡°vited¡± Hadley in Denver¡¯s eyes¡­ Wilma would still win. And Hadley and Denver would fall apart. The thought slithered into his mind like a dark whisper. ?????????????? ????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????£®?????? He remembered exactly why he had turned back! He was here to win Hadley back! Eric¡¯s hesitationsted only a second. Then, ignoring the relentless ringing of the doorbell, his gaze darkened. He turned away from the door¡ªback toward the bed. Before she could react, he ced both hands on either side of her, caging her in. Hadley¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion. What the hell was he doing? ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s hand came to rest on her shoulder¡ªgentle, yet firm. Hadley¡¯s body tensed. A strange unease crept over her as she met his gaze. ¡°What?¡± she asked warily. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eric¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. A burning, desperate desire coiled inside him, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hadley. Forgive me.¡± Then, in a single, swift motion¡ªRip! The sound of tearing fabric cut through the air like a de. Hadley¡¯s breath caught. Her pulse thundered in her ears as her cor was wrenched open, the sensation of cool air against her skin making her shiver. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± she gasped, her voiceced with shock. What was he doing? . . . Chapter 455 ?Chapter 455: Eric knew. He knew exactly. But why shouldn¡¯t he? He had almost died for her. It was sheer luck that he was standing here now. Yesterday, he could have been gone. And if he wanted her this much¡ªif he was willing to risk his very life for her¡ªthen why shouldn¡¯t he just take what he wanted? Eric straightened, his fingers moving to his cor. Slowly, methodically, he began unbuttoning his shirt. ¡°What¡­ what are you doing?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in shock as Eric began to unbutton his shirt, exposing his well-defined chest. Next, he loosened his belt, letting it slip free, causing his trousers to sag at his hips. The scenario was undeniably suggestive, stirring a mix of emotions and silent questions. As Eric leaned over, he yfully tousled her hair, inadvertently disarranging the sheets and nkets around her. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Hadley¡¯s voice carried a note of rm. This behavior waspletely out of character for Eric. He responded in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m about to open the door¡­ Wilma and Denver are right outside.¡± Turning toward the door, he began to move. Wilma and Denver? This couldn¡¯t be happening. ¡°No, please¡ª¡± Hadley¡¯s plea wasden with sudden dread, her voice on the verge of tears. Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm It dawned on her what Eric¡¯s actions might imply. Lying there, with her shoulder bare and her bedding in disarray, anyone who walked in¡ªWilma, Denver, or anyone else¡ªmight jump to scandalous conclusions. At that moment, Hadley realized she might be caught in a trap set by Wilma. Had Eric not intervened, Wilma would have already appeared, eager for Denver to witness Hadley¡¯s supposed disgrace. Hadley was baffled by Eric¡¯s actions; after rescuing her, why would he turn against her now? ¡°Eric! Don¡¯t do this!¡± She felt helpless and could only beg him to stop. Eric paused, his back still turned toward her. Did she really want to hold onto Denver that badly? Sadly for her, he now had every intention to take what he wanted. With determination etched on his face, Eric walked over to the door, unlocked it, and pulled it open. He offered a slight smile. ¡°Sorry, who¡¯s there?¡± Wilma and Denver were visibly stunned, not expecting Eric to be the one greeting them. ¡°Eric?¡± Eric rested against the doorframe, his expression rxed and slightly mocking. ¡°Ah, Denver¡­ Mrs. Moran, what brings you here? Came to visit me?¡± He paused, a look of feigned realization crossing his face. ¡°Hold on, this isn¡¯t even my room¡­¡± . . . Chapter 456 ?Chapter 456: With a theatrical tap to his head, Eric feigned a sudden epiphany. ¡°Ah, you must be looking for Hadley, aren¡¯t you? What brings you to her doorstep?¡± Wilma couldn¡¯t put her finger on it, but something felt off. The way Eric was acting made her uneasy yet thrilled¡ªsomething was definitely going on between him and Hadley! She fixed a stern look on her son. ¡°Denver, don¡¯t you see what¡¯s going on here?¡± Denver could clearly see what was happening. Hisplexion had turned ghostly, and his hands were tightly clenched as he stared back at Eric with resolve. ¡°I need to talk to Hadley now!¡± ¡°Do you?¡± Eric stood firmly in the doorway, effectively blocking their way. ¡°Perhaps this isn¡¯t the best time. Why don¡¯t we try another day? She¡¯s currently unavable¡­¡± Denver¡¯splexion grew paler upon hearing the evasion. ¡°Unavable, you say?¡± Determined to see the situation for herself, Wilma decided she wouldn¡¯t leave without answers. She was resolute that today would be the day her son saw everything for what it truly was. Asserting her authority, she pushed the door open with force. ¡°Denver! Go inside, see for yourself!¡± ¡°Mrs. Moran! Please reconsider what you¡¯re doing!¡± To Eric¡¯s faux dismay, Wilma sessfully shoved the door wide open. It was part of Eric¡¯s calcted n, after all. Without their entry, his scheme to entangle Denver and Hadley wouldn¡¯t unfold. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins ¡°Denver, stop! I told you, it¡¯s not a good time¡ª¡± His protest went unheard. Denver had already charged past him,ing to an abrupt stop by the bedside, his eyes fixating on the disheveled figure before him. Hadley was frozen in ce, her posture unchanged. Her blouse appeared forcefully torn, her hair wildly disarrayed, and the bedding around her was inplete disarray¡­ ¡°Denver¡­¡± How could Hadley begin to make Denver understand? Her eyes brimmed with tears the moment she tried to speak. Denver was equally distraught, unable to grasp the scene before him. He steadied himself, his gaze fixed intensely on Hadley, pleading, ¡°Hadley, what is this? Exin to me, please?¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to exin?¡± Eric intervened before Hadley could respond, his appearance unkempt but his demeanor chillingly calm, his smile mocking. ¡°Denver, you¡¯re not a child. Surely, you can guess what was happening here?¡± ¡°Eric! That¡¯s unimaginable!¡± Denver¡¯splexion was ghostly, his expression twisted in distress, his rage simmering as he stared at Hadley, obscured by Eric¡¯s form. ¡°Exin this to me now! What exactly was happening here between you two?¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Eric¡¯s eyebrow arched quizzically. ¡°You want the truth? I¡¯ll give it to you¡­¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Denver interjected sharply, turning his attention to Hadley. ¡°No, I need to hear this from her directly. Hadley, please!¡± . . . Chapter 457 ?Chapter 457: Hadley remained motionless, tears pooling in her eyes, her heart heavy with unspeakable sorrow. Denver¡¯s expression was a mixture of pain and disbelief. ¡°What could she possibly exin at this point?¡± Wilma suddenly cut in, her voice betraying her nervousness, perhaps afraid that Hadley would expose her involvement. ¡°Denver, isn¡¯t it obvious? Why force her to speak those sordid details out loud?¡± Denver¡¯s response was fierce, his eyes bloodshot with emotion. ¡°I need to hear her say it. Only then will I believe it.¡± How else could he ept the bitter reality? The image of the woman he loved¡ªthe first woman he had truly fallen for, who had been so recently embraced in his arms¡ªcould she really have betrayed him with her former husband? ¡°Hadley!¡± The desperation in Denver¡¯s voice was evident. ¡°Please, tell me this isn¡¯t true. This has to be a misunderstanding, right? Just say the word, and I¡¯ll believe you.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Wilma¡¯sughter echoed in the room. ¡°Denver, open your eyes! How could this possibly be a misunderstanding given what you¡¯ve walked in on?¡± ¡°Mrs. Moran!¡± Hadley¡¯s re was piercing as she addressed Wilma. Her silence wasn¡¯t from shock but out of respect for the fact that Wilma was Denver¡¯s mother¡ªthe truth would break him! But Wilma¡¯s cruelty certainly knew no bounds. Wilma recoiled slightly, surprised by Hadley¡¯s intensity. However, before Hadley could borate, Eric swiftly scooped her up, nket and all. R?????? f????m ???????? ?t g???????¦Í????????????? Hadley was stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief as Eric cradled her. With one arm securing her, he tenderly brushed back her hair with his free hand and delicately held the back of her head. He leaned in swiftly for a kiss. Hadley¡¯s eyes grew even wider. But his kiss didn¡¯t linger for long before he released her. Facing Wilma and Denver, Eric spread his arms wide. ¡°Is there any confusion left? Need more proof?¡± Denver stood motionless, his face ashen, utterly overwhelmed by the unfolding events. ¡°Denver!¡± Wilma¡¯s gaze shifted between Eric and her son, her expressionplex. She swiftly took Denver by the arm. ¡°Isn¡¯t it time we left? Haven¡¯t you had enough?¡± With a firm grip, she pulled Denver out of the room. ¡°Goodbye!¡± The door ttered shut loudly, wiping the grin from Eric¡¯s face in an instant. Behind him, tears streamed down Hadley¡¯s face as she sobbed. Eric exhaled a long, weary sigh before reaching out to help Hadley up. With gentle fingers, he brushed away the tears clinging to her cheeks. His gaze lingered on the curve of her rounded shoulders, his throat tightening. ¡°Sit here for a minute. I¡¯ll grab you some clothes.¡± He rose to his feet and strode toward the walk-in closet. After a brief moment, he stood inside and asked, ¡°Which side of the closet holds your clothes?¡± . . . Chapter 458 ?Chapter 458: When he didn¡¯t receive an answer, Eric reached for a familiar piece he had seen her wear before and stepped out. Suddenly, he heard something fall onto the floor with a loud thud. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s pulse mmed against his ribs. He was at her side in a heartbeat, gathering her up in his arms. A deep furrow creased his brow. ¡°What just happened? How did you fall?¡± A beat passed, and an unsettling thought seized him. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to believe it. ¡°Did you do that on purpose?¡± Hadley neither looked at him nor answered. But what else could it be? The truth was written all over her¡ªshe had done this to herself. ¡°Why did you jump out of bed?¡± Eric¡¯s temper red, rising like a storm he could no longer contain. His hands tightened around her shoulders, his grip just shy of punishing. ¡°Or what? To chase after Denver?¡± Hadley¡¯s swollen, tear-streaked eyes wavered, her lips trembling as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Eric was livid. ¡°Why are you still chasing after him? Have you forgotten that he is now with his mother?!¡± Eric felt a deep frustration at herck of self-respect. ¡°His mother has done nothing but hurt you, and yet you are still holding on? Do you really think there is hope? Are you so naive to believe that love is just about two people?¡± Wilma despised Hadley¡ªthere was no doubt about that. And if she had been capable of harming Hadley once, what was stopping her from doing it again? ?????????????????? ?????????? at g????????¦Í????.??0m ¡°What about you?¡± Hadley lifted her tear-streaked face, her eyes burning with raw emotion. ¡°What does any of this have to do with you? Why are you hurting?¡± Eric faltered, caught off guard. ¡°Speak!¡± Her voice cracked as she suddenly shouted at him. ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question!¡± ¡°Like I told you before. I want you!¡± Eric blurted out, his agitation spilling over. ¡°I want you, Hadley!¡± She had turned him down before, and he had forced himself to walk away. However, he realized he couldn¡¯t really let her go. Eric¡¯s words lingered in the air, swallowed by the heavy silence that settled over the room. Their eyes locked, and Hadley¡¯s expression twisted as if she had just heard the most absurd joke. Her tears hadn¡¯t even dried, yet a chuckle escaped her lips. ¡°Ha-ha¡­¡± ¡°You¡­ Why are youughing?¡± Eric stiffened. A strange unease crawled up his spine. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? It¡¯s funny.¡± Hadley blinked, pushing back the fresh sting in her eyes. ¡°Tell me, Eric, what do you want me for? Why do you want me?¡± Eric faltered, the question catching him off guard. He had never thought about that question before. Hadley studied him, her gaze piercing. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? No answer?¡± . . . Chapter 459 ?Chapter 459: ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± Eric shook his head in frustration. ¡°Why does there have to be a reason?¡± ¡°In that case¡­¡± Hadley didn¡¯t look away. She met his stare head-on. ¡°Let me put it another way, Eric. Do you have feelings for me?¡± Suddenly, Eric¡¯s spine went rigid, and a strange tingling crept up his scalp. What kind of ridiculous question was that? ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Hadley continued. ¡°You don¡¯t have feelings for me,¡± Hadley cut in before he could scramble for an answer. She stared at him, her clear eyes sharp enough to slice through his defenses. ¡°Linda¡¯s words are just like thew to you, aren¡¯t they? For her, you would do anything.¡± What? Eric was stunned. What was Hadley implying? Did she really think he was doing this because Linda had asked him to? ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Eric blurted, eager to deny it and exin. ¡°Yes, it is!¡± Hadley didn¡¯t want to hear another word. Her voice dripped with scorn as she sneered. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable, you know that? We have known each other for almost ten years, and you have hated me for nearly all of them. But now, for Linda¡¯s sake, you suddenly want me? Isn¡¯t that ridiculous?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Eric¡¯s temper red. His grip tightened around her shoulders, his breath turning ragged with frustration. ¡°Is this about Denver? Do you really like him that much?¡± ¡°Yes, I do!¡± Hadley lifted her chin, her voice firm and unshaken. ¡°Denver is amazing. Why shouldn¡¯t I like him?¡± Full cont3nt h3re: g??lnovels.?????? Eric¡¯s breath hitched, a strange numbness creeping into his chest. For a split second, it felt like something inside him cracked. A vein pulsed in his temple as he snapped, ¡°Shut up! I don¡¯t want to hear another word!¡± He couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Hadley ignored him entirely, indifferent to his thoughts. ¡°Denver treats me well. He respects and cherishes me. No one has ever valued me this much. I like him! And you¡­¡± She shot him a re filled with pure loathing, as if he were nothing more than an enemy. Then, without a moment¡¯s hesitation, she used all her strength and mmed her forehead into his. Completely unprepared, Eric staggered back and copsed onto the floor. ¡°But it¡¯s over now!¡± Hadley let out a bitterugh between quiet sobs. ¡°You ruined everything! It¡¯s you!¡± Wait¡­ Her phone was in her bag! Since she hadn¡¯t fully recovered, she dropped to the floor and began crawling toward the sofa, where her bag rested. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eric¡¯s wary gaze followed her every movement. However, Hadley didn¡¯t answer. She just dragged herself across the floor. Atst, she reached out, her fingers barely brushing against the bag. She strained to pull it closer. Fortunately, the phone was right in the side pocket. With a sharp tter, the phone tumbled to the floor. Hadley exhaled in relief, her trembling fingers sliding over the screen as she slowly unlocked it. . . . Chapter 460 ?Chapter 460: ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric crouched beside her, his voice thick with urgency as he tried to get her attention. ¡°Think about Wilma. It will never work between you and Denver!¡± But Hadley didn¡¯t so much as nce at him. Her focus was on finding Denver¡¯s number and dialing it. Her strength was failing her, so she left the phone on the floor and set it on speaker. The call kept ringing, but no one picked up. Hadley froze. A chill ran through her as she murmured, ¡°No¡­ No¡­¡± She redialed. Still, no one picked up. A sob ripped from her throat. Tears spilled freely, hot and relentless, streaming down her face. She knew deep down that she would never reach him again. ¡°Ah!¡± Hadley banged her forehead against the cold floor, her body trembling as she fought to choke back her sobs. It was over. Completely over. She had nned to tell Denver about Joy once he had gotten some rest. If he could ept Joy, maybe they could have a future together. Of course, she had considered the possibility that he wouldn¡¯t. And if that happened, she would understand. They could part on good terms and go their separate ways without resentment. A???????????? ????????: ga l no v els .co m But she had never imagined it would end like this. What would Denver think of her now? He probably hated her now, didn¡¯t he? He was the first person who had ever truly cherished her this much in her 24 years, and now, all that remained between them was his hatred. ¡°Get up.¡± Eric bent down, lifted her off the floor, and ced her on the bed. With a rough swipe of his hand, he wiped away her tears. ¡°Enough! Stop crying. Face the truth. You and Denver are over.¡± Hadley, still frail and powerless to push back, merely let her eyelids drift shut, opting to tune Eric out entirely. Was this her way of quietly digging in her heels? Eric let out a wry, self-mocking smile. ¡°Do you despise me?¡± he asked softly. Of course, Hadley didn¡¯t dignify that with a response, and he hadn¡¯t truly expected her to. ¡°You¡¯re well aware, more than anyone, that the mess we¡¯re in today traces back to Wilma. I¡¯m merely ying the hand I¡¯ve been dealt. You and Denver would part ways one way or another tonight¡ªWilma would make sure of it. And trust me, had it not been for me, you would have been in a far worse state than you are now.¡± Hadley kept her eyes squeezed shut, hershes trembling ever so slightly, her fists balled up tightly as she remained mute. A soft sigh escaped Eric¡¯s lips. ¡°Just¡­ get some rest.¡± Gazing at Hadley¡¯s defiant expression, he thought to himself, ¡°What¡¯s the use? There was no sense in debating this further. Why tangle with a woman whose heart was still mending?¡± When Hadley stirred from her slumber, the room was empty. . . . Chapter 461 ?Chapter 461: When had Eric slipped away? She couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint it. The drug had lulled her into a deep calm, and sleep had imed her soon after. Testing her limbs, she felt a renewed vigor. With a stretch of her arms, she propped herself up and noticed her clothes neatly folded by the bedside. Eric hadn¡¯t taken liberties while she was unconscious. Not that she pegged him as a saint¡ªfar from it. He simply wasn¡¯t interested¡ªthat much she knew all too well. Even during their marriage, he had shown no desire to touch her. Rising to her feet and slipping into her clothes, her phone suddenly buzzed. It was nche on the line. ¡°Hello, Ms. Nicolson.¡± In the recent cmity, nche had been among the worst injured. Over the phone, she asked Hadley toe to the hospital. ¡°Of course, Ms. Nicolson.¡± After hanging up, Hadley hastened to the hospital. She would have gone regardless of nche¡¯s request. Many of her troupe colleagues had been hurt, and she wanted to see if she could lend a hand in any way. ¡°Ms. Nicolson.¡± Full updat3z h3r3: g??lno¦Íels.?????? Hadley entered nche¡¯s private room at the hospital. ¡°Hadley,e in¡ªtake a seat.¡± Besides nche, the room held several other troupe members¡ªdancers and department heads among them. nche motioned for everyone to settle down. ¡°Now that we¡¯re all gathered, let¡¯s keep this short and cut to the chase.¡± The heart of the discussion was the recent mishap. Numerous injuries had been sustained, including severe ones to the lead dancers of two groups, which might force a halt to the tour. nche let out a heavy sigh. ¡°It¡¯s out of our hands. idents happen, and sometimes we¡¯re at the mercy of fate.¡± Her n was to oversee initial treatments at the hospital before arranging a chartered flight back to Srixby. Once there, all the following performances would need to be rescheduled. They hashed out the details, divvying up responsibilities to ensure everything was in order. nche gave a final reminder. ¡°Everyone, see to your tasks diligently. While we¡¯re still in the, keep the lines ofmunication tight if anything crops up.¡± ¡°Yes, Ms. Nicolson.¡± ¡°Understood, Ms. Nicolson.¡± Hadley slipped her phone from her pocket and discreetly jotted down her assigned duties. With the lead dancers sidelined by their injuries, she would not only perform in her own group but also step into the starring roles for two additional productions. Beyond the stage, a mountain of logistical tasks awaited her attention. The days ahead promised to be a whirlwind of activity. . . . Chapter 462 ?Chapter 462: Stepping out of the hospital room, Hadley drew in a deep breath to steady herself. She intended to check on Elissa next when her phone buzzed to life. It was Mathias calling. Likely reaching out to confirm the date of Joy¡¯s surgery, she mused. Her tone brightened as she answered. ¡°Dr. Williams?¡± ¡°Ms. Pearson,¡± came the reply. ¡°Can youe to the hospital?¡± ¡°I¡¯m already here at the hospital!¡± Hadley let out a softugh. ¡°Just give me a second!¡± After ending the call, she quickened her steps toward Joy¡¯s ward. From down the corridor, she caught sight of Mathias. ¡°Dr. Williams!¡± she called out. But the look on Mathias¡¯ face stopped her short. It wasn¡¯t one of reassurance. Slowing her stride, her smile dimmed. ¡°Apologies¡ªI got carried away. I¡¯ll keep my voice down.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Mathias replied, though his brow furrowed as he motioned toward his office. ¡°Let¡¯s speak privately.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± At that moment, she hadn¡¯t had the faintest inkling of the heartbreak awaiting her. ¡°Dr. Williams¡­¡± After hearing Mathias¡¯ words, Hadley¡¯s face drained of color. She managed a frail smile, clinging to disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re pulling my leg, aren¡¯t you? This can¡¯t be happening.¡± Mathias shook his head, his expression somber. ¡°Since Joy was admitted over six months ago, I¡¯ve held onto the same hope as you¡ªthat she would pull through.¡± A sharp pang gripped Hadley¡¯s chest, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her voice quivered as she spoke. ¡°But¡­ Isn¡¯t there anything we can do?¡± ???????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í???????????? Mathias let out a heavy sigh, his face etched with both helplessness and remorse. ¡°The donor withdrew at the eleventh hour. It was beyond our control.¡± He raked a hand through his hair, frustration evident. ¡°I should¡¯ve prepared you for this possibility. It¡¯s not the first time such things have happened.¡± And just like that, Hadley¡¯s hopes were shattered into pieces. ¡°Dr. Williams!¡± Hadley squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment before blurting out, ¡°Who was the donor? Can you tell me? I need to speak with them¡ªI¡¯ll plead if I have to.¡± ¡°NO!¡± Mathias interjected swiftly, halting her spiraling thoughts. ¡°You need to take a step back! That¡¯s against thew!¡± Hadley froze in ce, her eyes growing even redder as the weight of his words sank in. What now? What would be of Joy? ¡°Ms. Pearson,¡± Mathias said gently, understanding the depths of a mother¡¯s anguish. ¡°Don¡¯t let this break you. Other chances wille¡­ Joy¡¯s condition isn¡¯t critical just yet¡­¡± Joy was fine now, but what about tomorrow? Without a surgery to cure her, Joy would be tethered to endless hospital visits and treatments. At best, they could keep her stable¡ªfor now. But what if that fragile thread of hope unraveled entirely? Hadley drew in a steadying breath, pressing her palms firmly against the table as she rose to her feet. ¡°Thank you, Dr. Williams. I¡¯ll¡­ go see Joy now.¡± . . . Chapter 463 ?Chapter 463: ¡°Ms. Pearson¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Hadley turned away, her teeth sinking into her lower lip to keep the flood of emotions at bay. Pausing at the ward door, she inhaled deeply, willing the tears to retreat. She couldn¡¯t let even a flicker of her turmoil show in front of Joy. With a gentle push, she opened the door to the ward, the silence inside wrapping around her like a heavy cloak. The bedy empty. Joy was nowhere to be seen. Down in the first-floor lobby, Eric had just bid farewell to a business partner who hade to visit him and was making his way back to his ward. Out of the corner of his eye, a small, familiar figure caught his attention. Huh? He doubled back for a closer look. Narrowing his eyes, he recognized the little girl he had met before, standing beside a vending machine. Eric strolled over and knelt down to her level. ¡°Joy?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Joy turned, her puzzled expression melting into a bright smile as she recognized Eric. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± Eric said warmly, ruffling her hair gently. ¡°What are you doing here, little one? It¡¯s past bedtime. Where is your nurse?¡± ???????????? ???????? ????: g??????????¦Í???????.??????? Instead of answering, the girl pointed at the vending machine. ¡°Strawberry milk.¡± What did she mean by that? Eric arched a brow. Was she asking him to buy it for her? With such an endearing child before him, he couldn¡¯t possibly y the miser. Fishing out his wallet, he dropped a few coins into the slot and pressed the button. ¡°There you go¡ªstrawberry milk.¡± ¡°Wow!¡± Joy pped her tiny hands in delight. ¡°Thank you! You¡¯re so kind.¡± In a burst of affection, she flung herself into Eric¡¯s arms, wrapping her little arms around his neck. Then, in a hushed whisper against his ear, she asked, ¡°Do you know what it means to die?¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric was startled. The innocence of such a young child asking about something as profound as death caught him off guard. He watched Joy, dressed in a small hospital gown, and it struck him again that she was not just any child; she was a patient here. What could her condition be? The thought of exining the concept of death to such a young child seemed daunting. After a brief pause, Eric chose his words carefully. ¡°It¡¯s like traveling to a ce that¡¯s very, very far away.¡± ¡°Far away?¡± Joy furrowed her small brow in confusion. ¡°Does that mean I can¡¯t see my mom anymore?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Eric responded slowly, regretting having to confirm it. He couldn¡¯t help but think about how often Joy spoke about her mother, yet never mentioned her father. Her attachment to her mom was so evident. ¡°Oh,¡± Joy muttered, her expression growing somber. ¡°Thanks, I get it now.¡± . . . Chapter 464 ?Chapter 464: ¡°Joy!¡± The nurse¡¯s voice rang out from across the room, urgent and sharp. Joy waved enthusiastically. ¡°She¡¯s calling for me. I have to go now! Bye-bye!¡± ¡°Goodbye,¡± Eric said quietly, watching as the little girl rushed off. He hadn¡¯t even finished his thought before she was gone, and he remained crouched, observing the nurse scoop Joy up and hurry away with her. A shadow unexpectedly fell over his emotions. Was it the thought of this brief encounter ending, knowing she might soon be heading to ¡°a faraway ce¡±? ¡°Joy!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice echoed down the hospital corridor, filled with urgency. She spotted the nurse holding Joy in her arms and quickly made her way toward them, concern etched on her face. ¡°Mommy¡­¡± ¡°Where did you wander off to?¡± Hadley grabbed Joy and gave her a light pat on the bottom¡ªthough for Hadley, it was as harsh as a punishment could get. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to stay put? Why weren¡¯t you listening? You know you¡¯re supposed to be resting.¡± ¡°Waaah!¡± Tears poured from Joy¡¯s eyes as her little face crumpled in distress. At the sight of her daughter crying, Hadley¡¯s resolve melted away¡ªher heart shattered in that moment. It was unbearable to see her like this. Tears mirrored in Hadley¡¯s own eyes, and Joy noticed her mother¡¯s distress, causing her to sob even harder. ¡°Mommy!¡± With a trembling hand, Joy clumsily reached out to touch her mother¡¯s face, trying to wipe away her tears. ?????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t cry. Joy was wrong.¡± ¡°Exin to me¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s voice trembled as she fought to hold herself together. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stay in your bed?¡± ¡°Because¡­¡± Joy¡¯s voice shook with fear. ¡°Someone said I was going to die. I wanted to understand what that meant.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her body turning cold as ice. Beside them, the nurse¡¯s face reflected difort. ¡°It seems Joy identally overheard a conversation¡­ I¡¯ll find out who was speaking.¡± ¡°Mommy¡­¡± Through her tears, Joy pleaded, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t be scared¡­ Joy won¡¯t leave, won¡¯t go to a faraway ce and leave you alone.¡± Hadley was taken aback, struggling to understand what Joy was trying to express. ¡°A nice mister just told me that dying means going to a very faraway ce.¡± Clinging to her mother, Joy continued, ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m brave. I¡¯m not scared of going to a faraway ce, but I don¡¯t want to be away from you. You don¡¯t want to be away from me either, right? I don¡¯t want to go anywhere! I just want to stay with Mommy! Waaah¡­¡± Tears streamed down Joy¡¯s face uncontrobly, tugging at Hadley¡¯s heartstrings. Her little girl, so innocent, yet so aware of the deep bond between them! ¡°Joy!¡± Hadley wrapped her arms around Joy, holding her close. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my darling. You¡¯re not going anywhere. This time, when I return to Srixby, you¡¯reing with me. We¡¯ll always be together from now on.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Joy¡¯s tears stopped immediately, and her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked up at her mother. . . . Chapter 465 ?Chapter 465: ¡°Really, Mommy? My love?¡± Hadley, tears still in her eyes, tenderly wiped away Joy¡¯s remaining tears. She had initially left Joy in the primarily for her surgery. With the donor now backing out and the surgery off the table, staying apart no longer made sense. ¡°Yay!¡± Joy¡¯s mood changed instantly, her excitement palpable. ¡°I¡¯m going home with Mom! Being with Mom is the best!¡± For a child, their mother¡¯s presence was their sanctuary, their home. ¡°My little darling,¡± Hadley chuckled as she lifted Joy, teasing her gently. ¡°You¡¯ve cried enough. Let¡¯s clean up and get you ready for bed.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Back in his room, Eric pondered, phone in hand, wondering whether to call Hadley or visit her at the hotel. The phone¡¯s ring broke the silence in Eric¡¯s room. ¡°Eric?¡± It was Marshall on the line, his tone urgent. ¡°Are you still in the? I need your help with something. Denver¡¯s been in an ident, and I can¡¯t make it there. Can you check on him?¡± Confusion and concern washed over Eric. An ident? Denver? His voice tightened with worry. ¡°What exactly happened, Marshall?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a car ident. That¡¯s all I know,¡± Marshall responded, his voice strained. ¡°Aunt Wilma was too upset to give me any details over the phone. She sounded overwhelmed, unsure how to deal with everything.¡± R?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.????? ¡°Understood,¡± Eric replied, his decision firm. Helping a friend in need required no second thoughts. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. I¡¯m on my way now.¡± ¡°Appreciate it,¡± Marshall replied before ending the call. Eric wasted no time and rushed to the hospital¡¯s emergency department. Upon arrival, he found that Denver had already been moved to the surgery room. He watched as a doctor handed Wilma some documents. ¡°Please sign the surgery consent form¡­¡± Eric approached quickly. ¡°Mrs. Moran.¡± Wilma turned, her distress evident as she clutched Eric¡¯s arm. ¡°Eric, thank God you¡¯re here. It¡¯s Denver¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mrs. Moran. I¡¯m here now.¡± ¡°Thank you, Eric.¡± After signing the necessary forms, the medical team wheeled Denver into surgery. Eric watched as Wilma sat on a nearby bench, visibly shaken. His thoughts drifted to Hadley. Was it the right move to call her? Denver¡¯s ident was undoubtedly connected to their recent troubles. What if Denver didn¡¯t make it? Didn¡¯t Hadley deserve a chance to see him, possibly onest time? But was it the right decision? Could their separation be maintained if Denver recovered? After wrestling with his thoughts, Eric finally picked up his phone and called Hadley. There was a brief dy before she answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Hadley had actually wanted to ignore the call but was also worried Eric might persist. . . . Chapter 466 ?Chapter 466: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Hadley, Denver¡¯s been in an ident,¡± Eric exined, his voice firm despite the circumstances. ¡°He¡¯s in surgery now. Would you like toe over?¡± The name ¡°Denver¡± sent a shock through Hadley. She gripped her phone tighter, unable to respond immediately. The urgency of the situation was clear¡ªshe needed to be there. Meanwhile, Eric ended the call with a weary smile. Could her silence mean more than just concern? She hadn¡¯t even hung up properly¡­ Hadley made her appearance. Wilma erupted upon seeing her. ¡°Why are you here? Your presence has brought nothing but trouble for Denver! He should be safely in Srixby, not lying here injured, if not for you!¡± Hadley remained motionless, absorbing the fury. ¡°Leave this ce!¡± Wilma¡¯s usatory finger was nearly in Hadley¡¯s face. Eric¡¯s timely intervention was the only thing preventing a physical altercation. ¡°Mrs. Moran,¡± Eric said, his voiceced with gravity, ¡°The extent of Denver¡¯s injuries isn¡¯t fully known yet. Suppose¡­ just suppose he asks for her?¡± Wilma abruptly stopped her rant. The possibility hung in the air¡ªcould she deny her son hisst wish if it came to that? ¡°Ah.¡± Wilma¡¯s hand flew to her mouth, despair seeping into her tone. Eric didn¡¯t let up. ¡°And let¡¯s not forget, Mrs. Moran, the role you yed in this. Your actions are why Denver is in this condition in the first ce.¡± Wilma¡¯s expression faltered, herplexion turning ghostly. Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Muttering only partially, she finally conceded, ¡°Alright, she can stay.¡± Eric exhaled, relieved, and focused on Hadley. ¡°Did she hurt you?¡± he asked with concern. Hadley stepped back, avoiding his touch, her gaze fixed upwards as if lost in another world. ¡°It seems whenever someone loves me, they suffer¡­ My mother was gone when I was little, my grandmother passed when I was fifteen, and now Denver¡­¡± Her voice was a mix of resignation and distant reflection. Eric¡¯s brow creased with worry. ¡°Hadley, you shouldn¡¯t think like that.¡± But Hadley seemed lost in her thoughts, barely aware of his presence. ¡°It¡¯s always been this way¡­ no one has escaped pain once they step into my life.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± She shut her eyes tightly, blocking out the world, wrapped in her solitude. Somewhere in her thoughts, she remembered Joy, another soul that loved her deeply. Hadley wondered what she might have done to deserve such fate. Was she undeserving of love, or was there some hidden sin for which the universe made those closest to her pay? As the evening progressed, the air turned brisk. Eric, noticing the cold, took off his jacket and ced it over Hadley¡¯s shoulders before she could decline. The wait was agonizing, but finally, the surgeon emerged. ¡°How did the surgery go?¡± Wilma approached the doctor with urgency. ¡°He¡¯s stable and will be moved to a general room shortly,¡± the doctor replied. Wilma¡¯s tension dissolved into tears of relief. ¡°Oh, thank you!¡± she eximed, her relief evident. . . . Chapter 467 ?Chapter 467: With Denver now out of immediate danger, Eric organized the necessary care. Later, he looked towards Hadley, who lingered at the doorway. ¡°Would you like to see him?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley responded with a simple nod, her resolve clear despite the long wait. Wilma interjected sharply. ¡°Absolutely not!¡± She could not risk the delicate bnce they¡¯d just achieved being disrupted by their meeting. Wilma scrutinized Eric, and then her gaze shifted to Hadley with distaste, given the murky state of their rtionship. ¡°Mrs. Moran,¡± Hadley said, her tone even and resolute. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t reveal what you¡¯ve done to me. I merely wish to bid Denver farewell. Surely you don¡¯t wish any further misfortune upon him.¡± A ripple of difort swept over Wilma¡¯s face. Eric, catching the gravity of her words, turned to her. ¡°Hadley, are you certain? You¡¯re here just to say goodbye?¡± Hadley affirmed with a nod. ¡°If it concerns you, feel free to apany me inside.¡± Without waiting for a response, she gently pushed the door open and entered. Wilma, caught off guard, hesitated but followed closely behind, with Eric trailing. Upon entering the ward, it was clear Denver was awake, yet frail, barely managing to whisper. ¡°Denver,¡± Hadley murmured as she approached his bedside, her eyes scanning his bandaged form. Her eyes began to brim with tears. Upon noticing her presence, Denver¡¯s eyes widened with emotion, and he struggled to speak. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His voice was barely audible amidst the quiet of the room. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Hadley whispered as she moved closer to his bedside, her gaze scanning his injuries. Explore more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????? A faint smile appeared on her face despite the somber mood. ¡°How did you end up like this, so reckless?¡± Unable to respond, Denver stared at her, and she spoke again, her voice breaking slightly. ¡°Did you do this for me?¡± She chuckled sadly, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I¡¯m not worth this trouble, you know? You saw everything yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡± Denver¡¯s expression changed, and he slowly shook his head in a pained motion. ¡°Denver,¡± she said softly, reaching out to tenderly grasp his hand. Speaking felt like an immense effort, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°You¡¯re truly a wonderful man. If my life were lessplicated, I¡¯d be with you without a second thought, no matter what your family thought.¡± A tear escaped Denver¡¯s eyes, rolling down his cheek as hey motionless. ¡°Hadley¡­ Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Denver, please don¡¯t me yourself. It¡¯s not you; it¡¯s me. I¡¯m the one who failed you.¡± Hadley¡¯s gaze dropped, her tears dripping onto his hand. ¡°Get better, Denver. Live a good life. Remember what I said when we first met? You deserve someone truly remarkable.¡± Her voice trembled with emotion, but each word was pronounced with rity. She gave Denver a radiant smile. ¡°Forget about me, Denver¡­ Let me gopletely.¡± Slowly, she pulled her hand away from his. ¡°Ha¡­ Hadley¡­¡± Denver¡¯s whisper was raspy and desperate. He strained to maintain his grip on her, but their hands slipped apart. . . . Chapter 468 ?Chapter 468: A tear escaped him as he tried to speak again. Hadley turned sharply, seizing Eric¡¯s arm. ¡°We need to leave now!¡± Eric caught on immediately; she wanted Denver to witness her departure¡ªwith him. Though irritated, Eric yed along, gripping her hand firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Denver¡¯s eyes, red with sorrow, followed their hands as they exited the room. He felt utterly helpless. On the ground floor, Hadley let go of Eric and sank to the floor, her face hidden in her arms. Her sobs were quiet, yet her grief was profound. She mourned for Denver, for a romance that could never fully blossom. She wept for her daughter, whose medical treatment was now uncertain, threatening her future. The world seemed filled with endless tragedies, and she bore the weight of far too many. Eric stood nearby, watching silently, unsure how tofort her. He thought back to four years ago, when he had sent her away from Srixby. Did she still hold feelings for him at that time? Had she cried for him then, in his absence, as she did now? Sighing, Eric looked away, his heart aching at the sight. He felt truly despicable. He knelt beside her, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket to gently dab at her tears. Impulsively, he blurted out, ¡°Hadley,e back to me. I promise, no more tears for you.¡± What was that? Author¡¯s version avable at g??ln ov els.???? Hadley raised her head, her eyes wet with tears, and stared at Eric. Hismitment to Linda was unmistakable, perhaps influenced by his loyalty to Ernest. The connection between the brothers was undeniable. It seemed Eric feared he might lose control and betray Ernest¡¯s trust, didn¡¯t he? Feeling a deep sadness, Hadley noticed her tears had ceased. ¡°Your loyalty knows no bounds,¡± she said. For Linda, his support was always unwavering. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s face showed confusion; he couldn¡¯t grasp her thoughts. She looked back at him, her smile vanishing, and asked gravely, ¡°Is there really no other choice for you?¡± Taken aback, Eric pondered if another like Hadley could possibly exist. He affirmed with a nod. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re the one and only.¡± A sarcastic chuckle broke from her, and Hadley, finding brief humor in the moment, rose to her feet. As she stood up, her legs felt weak, causing her to sway a bit. Eric quickly reached out. ¡°Be careful.¡± He observed her recent tears. ¡°Feeling dizzy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Hadley firmly shook her head, distancing herself from his touch. ¡°I understand what you mean. I¡¯m just exhausted. I need to rest.¡± ¡°I can help you to¡ª¡± ¡°No need!¡± Hadley interrupted sharply, spinning to face him with a stern look. ¡°Don¡¯te after me. I mean it¡ªdon¡¯t!¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric¡¯s brow furrowed, his concern evident. How could he leave her alone in such a state? . . . Chapter 469 ?Chapter 469: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted me?¡± Her tone wasced with bitterness. ¡°Are you not even listening to me now?¡± Eric paused, taken aback by her sharpness. He stood motionless, unsure how to proceed. Now that Hadley had everything arranged on her end, the only remaining step was for the dance troupe to finalize their itinerary. After that, they would be ready to depart. Hadley arrived at the airport well ahead of time, ensuring Joy was safely escorted by the ground staff. ¡°This kinddy will apany you onto the ne shortly,¡± Hadley exined to Joy. Joy, gripping the card hanging around her neck, looked up anxiously. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing with me, Mom?¡± Regretfully, Hadley couldn¡¯t apany her; she needed to stay with the troupe and handle things since she was one of the few dancers who hadn¡¯t been injured. Hadley had made arrangements for Joy to travel as an unapanied minor. Kneeling down, she looked Joy in the eye. ¡°Mommy has work to do, so I won¡¯t be able to sit with you, but we¡¯re on the same flight, okay?¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Joy nodded, her face showing understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay, Mom. I¡¯ll listen to thedy and be good.¡± ¡°You¡¯re such a good girl,¡± Hadley said, handing Joy to the attendant with a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you for taking care of her.¡± The attendant smiled back. ¡°It¡¯s absolutely my pleasure.¡± Hadley gave Joy onest gentle reminder to behave herself and, with a heavy heart, turned and joined the waiting troupe. The attendant escorted Joy to the first-ss lounge, a privilege afforded by her ticket and the service she was enrolled in. Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Joy carried nothing but her cherished plush toy, which the attendant carefully held for her. As they settled into the lounge, the attendant gently asked, ¡°Should I ce your toy here?¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Joy responded, nodding appreciatively as she clutched herrge toy. The toy, quite noticeable, caught the eyes of many around, including Eric, who was intrigued by its familiarity. It resembled the pricey one he¡¯d helped Hadley purchase. His attention shifted from the toy to Joy. With a softer expression, Eric rose and approached her. ¡°Joy.¡± Joy looked up, briefly startled, but quickly smiled widely. ¡°Sir! It¡¯s so good to see you again!¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Eric replied, returning her smile. He felt a certain sense of fate had brought them together again. ¡°And where might you be off to today?¡± Beaming with joy, she said, ¡°I¡¯m staying with Mom forever now! No more long trips away!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Eric¡¯s surprise was evident, but he was visibly pleased. He nodded and said, ¡°That sounds wonderful.¡± ¡°It really is!¡± Joy¡¯s enthusiasm was clear. ¡°I love my mom more than anyone else.¡± Just then, an announcement over the public address system caught Eric¡¯s attention¡ªit was time for him to board the ne. He was heading to Prineville, not on the same route as Joy and Hadley. ¡°One second, Joy,¡± Eric said warmly, giving her head a gentle pat. He quickly stepped over to a nearby shop and returned with a treat¡ªa pack of strawberry milk, bringing a joyful sparkle to Joy¡¯s eyes. . . . Chapter 470 ?Chapter 470: ¡°This is for you, little one.¡± Eric passed the strawberry milk to Joy. ¡°I need to leave now, goodbye.¡± Joy took it gratefully, holding it carefully with both hands. ¡°Thanks! Bye-bye, sir!¡± ¡°Take care,¡± Eric responded, waving as he turned towards the gate. Once on the ne, he pulled out his phone to check it. It had been some time since hest saw Hadley, back at the hospital. Thest WhatsApp message he had sent her lingered on the screen: ¡°Hadley, would you consider being with me?¡± There was no response from her end. Upon arriving back in Srixby, Hadley dedicated the next two days to making Joyfortable. Joy already had a nanny waiting¡ªMelba Hammond, a warm-hearted woman in her forties who quickly gained Joy¡¯s trust with her gentle voice and attentive manner. Not long after, Hadley¡¯s phone rang, and Mathias was on the other end. He had good news for her. ¡°I found you a specialist. He¡¯s one of my friends from med school. I¡¯ve filled him in on Joy¡¯s situation, so you can rx¡ªhe¡¯ll handle everything.¡± Hadley felt a profound sense of relief. ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough, Dr. Williams.¡± ¡°It¡¯s merely part of my responsibilities.¡± His voice softened further, revealing genuine concern beyond professional boundaries. ¡°Remember, if anythinges up, just call me. I¡¯ll be here for you.¡± ¡°I really appreciate it.¡± A brief silence followed before Mathias cautiously broached the sensitive subject again. ¡°Have you reconsidered contacting Joy¡¯s father? Haven¡¯t spoken with him yet? Honestly, another child would be your best option. Joy¡¯s young. A full sibling would dramatically boost her chances¡ªover ny percent, in fact. She will have a real chance to live apletely normal life¡­¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s£®c????, a world of tales This wasn¡¯t the first time Mathias had mentioned this possibility. Yet each time, Hadley had firmly refused. ¡°I¡¯m only offering this advice as a friend,¡± Mathias gently said. ¡°It¡¯s your safest and surest path forward.¡± A thoughtful silence stretched between them before Hadley eventually answered, ¡°I know. Thanks, Dr. Williams.¡± After sorting everything out at home, Hadley knew it was time to return to the stage. Ever since what happened in the, she had stepped in for her injured colleagues, turning her into a headline attraction with performances scheduled almost nightly. That night, while Hadley carefully applied her makeup backstage, several crew members walked in, beaming, their arms full of enormous flower baskets. ¡°Hadley, any idea where we should put these?¡± From their yful smiles, it was obvious every single bouquet belonged to her. Smiling lightly in surprise, Hadley motioned toward a free spot. ¡°Just ce them over there. Are those all really for me?¡± Receiving flowers was amon gesture in her profession, but today it bordered on overwhelming. ¡°All yours.¡± A member of the crewughed softly. ¡°Courtesy of Mr. Flynn. He probably had no clue what kind you prefer, so he went a bit overboard and sent one of everything.¡± Mr. Flynn? . . . Chapter 471 ?Chapter 471: Surprise flickered briefly across Hadley¡¯s face. So, Eric had returned? His recent message had certainly caught her eye. Now, his first move uponing home was this extravagant disy. Yet Hadley barely acknowledged the flowers as she finished applying her makeup, soon stepping confidently onto the brightly lit stage. Later, once the performance ended, she casually checked her phone. Eric¡¯s name shed across the screen. ¡°I¡¯m back in town. Could we talk tonight?¡± After calmly reading his message, Hadley set her phone aside without responding, proceeding to remove her makeup and slip into her casual clothes. As she left for home, she halted abruptly when someone blocked her path. ¡°Miss Pearson¡­¡± ¡°Oh!¡± With her heartbeat racing, Hadley frowned slightly at the stranger who had appeared so suddenly. ¡°Can I help you?¡± ¡°I apologize,¡± he quickly replied, embarrassment evident on his face. The man appeared to be in his thirties, neatly dressed and professional-looking, yet oddly anxious standing in front of her. ¡°Forgive me, did I startle you? That wasn¡¯t my intention.¡± ¡°No harm done.¡± Rxing slightly, Hadley smiled faintly. ¡°My mind was elsewhere¡­ Did you have something to tell me?¡± ???????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ?¦Á??????¦Í??????£®?????? ¡°I do.¡± With evident admiration, the man continued, ¡°I¡¯ve watched several of your shows. You¡¯re¡­ truly remarkable on stage.¡± Perhaps he was a fan? Warmly, Hadley replied, ¡°I appreciate youing to watch.¡± ¡°Ah, no problem¡­¡± Clearly nervous, the man stumbled slightly over his words. ¡°If¡­ um¡­ if you¡¯re not too busy, would you¡­ um¡­ be interested in¡­ joining me for coffee?¡± As the man spoke, Hadley spotted Eric stepping out of a car across the street. He was approaching quickly, his expression growing darker with each step. His eyes narrowed into a scowl. The moment Eric spoke, his tone was sharp. ¡°Are you done yet?¡± ¡°What?¡± The man jolted in surprise, spinning around to face Eric with wide eyes. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re¡ª¡± ¡°What about me?¡± With undisguised contempt, Eric fixed the stranger with a hard stare before asking Hadley bluntly, ¡°Are you seriously thinking about having coffee with this guy? He can barely string a sentence together.¡± Annoyance flickered across Hadley¡¯s face. Was it necessary for Eric to embarrass the man so openly? Not that she¡¯d nned on epting the invitation anyway. With an apologetic smile toward the man, she gently said, ¡°I usually skip coffee thiste, but it was thoughtful of you to ask.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± . . . Chapter 472 ?Chapter 472: The stranger nced awkwardly at Eric. ¡°I¡ªI didn¡¯t realize you were with someone. Sorry to interrupt.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Eric raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the ¡°boyfriend¡±ment. ¡°Goodnight.¡± ¡°Ah, sure! Bye!¡± Embarrassed, the man quickly retreated, nearly tripping over himself. Once the stranger disappeared from sight, Eric turned to Hadley, displeasure lingering in his tone. ¡°Tell me honestly. If I hadn¡¯t intervened, would you have gone with him?¡± Hadley met his gaze with a cool, half-hearted smile. ¡°Should that concern you?¡± She turned and walked down the stairs. ¡°Hadley!¡± In his frustration, Eric caught her arm and yanked her close, his breath caressing her skin. ¡°Answer me¡ªdo you expect me to keep waiting? How much longer will you have me wait?¡± ¡°Are you losing your patience?¡± Hadley stood her ground, seeing no value in resisting. ¡°I never asked you to wait. You don¡¯t have to¡ª¡± ¡°But I must.¡± Worried she might tell him to leave, Eric quickly cut her off. ¡°I¡¯ll wait as long as you wish me to.¡± He felt slightly aggrieved and added, ¡°I¡¯m not impatient, alright? You¡¯re imagining things.¡± Ch@pter updat3s at g??l??ovels.??o?? Hadley shrugged him off and resumed her walk. ¡°Come on, get in the car. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡± Eric knew better than to expect her immediatepliance. He hade solely to see her. True to routine, he stopped the car at Mayfield Road¡¯s entrance. ¡°Hadley.¡± Before she could exit, Eric held on to her. ¡°Will you be heading home this weekend? Grandma is aware of the the incident. I assured her you were unharmed, yet she remains concerned.¡± Hadley acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Alright, I get it.¡± Pleased, Eric beamed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be there waiting.¡± Hadley neither confirmed nor denied, simply stepping out of the car and walking away. Her new ce was not far from Mayfield Road. Once she reached her apartment, the sound of Joy¡¯s cries greeted her immediately. ¡°Waaah¡­¡± ¡°Joy!¡± Hearing that, Hadley felt a surge of panic and quickly made her way to Joy¡¯s room. ¡°Mommy!¡± Crying, Joy leaped into her mother¡¯s embrace, clearly distressed. Melba gave a weary sigh and exined, ¡°She¡¯s taken her medicine. It seemed fine at first, but then she began to throw up.¡± Cradling her daughter, Hadley felt her heart breaking apart. They had recently switched locations, consulted new doctors, and altered their treatment approaches. The doctor had warned that Joy might struggle to adjust. Now, they were facing aplication. . . . Chapter 473 ?Chapter 473: Regrettably, this was not Joy¡¯s first encounter with such a reaction. As long as her condition remained, bouts of pain would surface without warning. In that instant, Mathias¡¯ observations echoed in her mind. Joy¡¯stest doctor, a younger colleague of his, had said the same thing. ¡°Have you thought about reaching out to Joy¡¯s father, perhaps considering another child?¡± Internally, Hadley resisted the idea. But she loved Joy so much! She wished she could take on all of Joy¡¯s suffering herself, even if it cost her own life¡­ That night, Hadley remained by Joy¡¯s side. Seeing her daughter¡¯s tear-streaked face, she found herself unable to sleep. On Wednesday evening, Hadley arrived at the Flynn residence. Tonight was her only free night¡ªstarting Thursday, her schedule was packed with performances through the weekend. ¡°Hadley, over here.¡± N uncorked a bottle of red wine, raising a ss in celebration of Hadley¡¯s safe return from the. ¡°What a relief! We¡¯re just d you¡¯re back safe. I know God is watching over you!¡± ¡°Yeah, indeed.¡± Hadley nodded with a small smile. Eric sighed inwardly. He was the one who had actually risked his life and saved her, yet no one seemed to acknowledge it. He ced a hand over Hadley¡¯s ss, firm but gentle. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the wine, Grandma¡ªHadley doesn¡¯t drink.¡± ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.??? He hadn¡¯t forgotten the chaos she caused thest time she was drunk. ¡°A sip won¡¯t do any harm,¡± N countered, arching a brow at him. She reached for the bottle and poured a generous amount into Hadley¡¯s ss. ¡°Come on! It¡¯s a special asion! Besides, we¡¯re home, so what¡¯s the harm even if she gets a little tipsy? Don¡¯t you think, Hadley?¡± Hadley lifted her ss with a small, amused smile. ¡°Mhm.¡± Well, that was that¡ªhis interference had been pointless. With a sigh, Eric let it go, shifting his focus to pouring the wine and making sure both women had plenty to eat. That night, only the three of them sat around the dinner table. Ernest was at the hospital for a follow-up, undergoing a full check-up that required an overnight stay. Linda had gone with him. By the end of the meal, N was more than a little tipsy. Concerned for her health, Eric didn¡¯t hesitate to call her caregiver to escort her to her room. When he turned back, his eyesnded on Hadley, still clutching her wine ss, sipping away like she had all the time in the world. Fantastic. She was drunk too. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± he said, reaching for the ss. Eric strode over and plucked the ss from her hand. ¡°You¡¯re drunk, you know that? Grandma wants you to stay the night.¡± Her room was always ready¡ªcleaned daily¡ªso there was nothing to prepare. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± . . . Chapter 474 ?Chapter 474: Her easy agreement threw him off. He¡¯d expected resistance. As she pushed off the table, she swayed on her feet. Eric caught her arm before she tipped over, smirking. ¡°Miss Pearson, are you sure you can still find your way?¡± ¡°Mm!¡± Hadley bobbed her head and pointed toward the front door. ¡°That way.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± He let out a low chuckle. ¡°Brilliant. Come on. I¡¯ll take you.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t resist as he guided her upstairs. The moment they stepped into her room, she slipped free from his grip and disappeared into the bathroom. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric lingered by the door, unsure if she was sick. He didn¡¯t step in and just waited. Minutes passed. Still nothing. His chest tightened. He rapped his knuckles against the door. ¡°Hadley, you good in there?¡± Silence. Not even a shuffle from inside. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric knocked harder, his pulse quickening. ¡°If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯m opening the door!¡± Still nothing. His jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he shoved the door open¡ªonly to find her sitting on the floor, slumped against the bathtub. ¡°Hadley?¡± He rushed to her side, kneeling. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you feel sick?¡± She lifted her head and met his gaze. Then, out of nowhere, she smiled. But there was no warmth in it. Eric¡¯s stomach sank. His brows furrowed. L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in ???lnovels.?????? ¡°Where does it hurt?¡± ¡°Nowhere.¡± Hadley shook her head, that unreadable smile still in ce. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric didn¡¯t believe a word of it. That look¡ªit was the same one she had the day she broke up with Denver. Was she still thinking about him? ¡°Let¡¯s get you up.¡± He grabbed her arm, pulling her up. ¡°The floor¡¯s freezing.¡± But before he could help her stand, she suddenly gripped his arm and whispered, ¡°Eric, I¡¯ve made up my mind¡ªwe should be together.¡± Time screeched to a halt. If not for the steady rise and fall of his own breath¡ªthe hammering in his chest¡ªEric might¡¯ve thought he imagined it. ¡°Say that again.¡± Had he misheard? No¡ªhe was sober. She was the one who¡¯d been drinking, so he hadn¡¯t imagined it. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear me?¡± Hadley jutted out her lip, her tone almost teasing. ¡°Then forget it¡­¡± ¡°Not a chance!¡± Eric¡¯s grip on her hand tightened. ¡°Hadley, you can¡¯t take it back. I know what I heard.¡± Before she could react, he slid a hand behind her head and pulled her into his arms. His voice dropped, rough with satisfaction. ¡°You said it. That means we¡¯re together.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t move. She had said it, and he had heard it. Was there still room for regret? Could she even regret it? . . . Chapter 475 ?Chapter 475: She knew this road led nowhere, yet she couldn¡¯t turn back. For Joy, she would have given up everything¡ªeven her life. So really, how unbearable could being with Eric be? They each took what they wanted¡ªit was that simple. A fair trade. Hadley¡¯s fingers curled around his arm, her touch feather-light. ¡°Mm, okay.¡± Something inside Eric cracked wide open. His chest tightened, pulse thundering in his ears. With one arm wrapped around her, he gently tilted her chin up with the other. His gaze burned into hers. ¡°Then¡­ can I kiss you?¡± In that moment, nothing else existed¡ªjust her, just this. Just the thought of tasting her lips. Hadley gave a small nod. But just as Eric started to lean in, her eyelids fluttered and then shutpletely as she slumped against him. ¡°Hadley?¡± He froze, staring down at her. Deep, even breaths. Out cold. ¡°Seriously¡­¡± She¡¯d fallen asleep just like that? Not that he could me her. N never should¡¯ve let her drink. With how low her tolerance was, it was a miracle she¡¯dsted this long. Eric lifted her effortlessly, carrying her out of the bathroom andying her gently on the bed. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face, tucking the nket snugly around her. ??????????? ??????????????? ¨À??????¦Í??????©q????? For a long moment, he just sat there, watching her, unwilling to leave. But eventually, he stood. ¡°I¡¯ll let it slide tonight,¡± he murmured, ¡°We have all the time in the world.¡± With that, he switched off the light and pulled the door shut behind him as he left. In the darkness, Hadley¡¯s eyes fluttered open. Shey still, staring at the ceiling, her breath unsteady. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks. By morning, Eric was already up¡ªnot that he had slept much. He needed to be surest night hadn¡¯t just been a dream. Wouldn¡¯t it be possible that Hadley would wake up today, remember nothing, and deny everything? She had been drunk, after all. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric stood at her door, knocking lightly. ¡°You awake? Mind if Ie in?¡± To his surprise, the door swung open almost instantly. Hadley stood there, already dressed. ¡°Need something?¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± He blinked, caught off guard. Without thinking, he grabbed her hand. ¡°You¡¯re up already? Do you feel alright? Any dizziness?¡± He should¡¯ve made sure she had something for the hangoverst night, but she¡¯d knocked out the moment her head hit the pillow. Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°Mm. A little dizzy.¡± Eric¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°If you can¡¯t handle alcohol, don¡¯t drink so much. Even if it¡¯s just to keep Grandmapany, you don¡¯t have to push yourself.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this? Talking about me first thing in the morning?¡± N¡¯s voice cut through the air. She was usually the earliest riser, so finding the two of them up before her was surprising enough. But¡ª . . . Chapter 476 ?Chapter 476: Her gaze dropped to their hands¡ªstill sped together. ¡°This¡­ you, you two?¡± Eric felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, craving some kind of reassurance. Seizing the moment, he gripped Hadley¡¯s hand and lifted it toward N. ¡°Grandma, Hadley and I are together now.¡± He nced at Hadley, adding, ¡°Hadley, Grandma might have a hard time believing me. Why don¡¯t you tell her?¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± N¡¯s skeptical gaze never wavered, her eyes fixed on Hadley. Under the weight of both their stares, Hadley took a steadying breath, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re together.¡± N gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in pure excitement. ¡°Seriously? Is this for real?¡± ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m serious¡ªit¡¯s true!¡± Eric raised an eyebrow, pride clear on his expression. ¡°Hadley said it herself. Still don¡¯t believe it?¡± ¡°I believe it!¡± N nodded eagerly, her joy spilling over. ¡°I¡¯m just so happy! Oh my goodness, this is amazing!¡± Though she still couldn¡¯t quite figure out what had happened between Hadley and Denver, N¡¯s heart instinctively leaned toward her own grandson. How could she not? The way Eric¡¯s grin stretched from ear to ear¡ªit had to be a good sign! N pped her hands in delight, linking arms with Hadley. ¡°I really want to pop open a bottle of champagne to celebrate now!¡± The three of them made their way down the stairs,ughter and conversation flowing easily. ?????????????? ?????? ?????????¦Í????????????? Eric quickened his steps. ¡°I¡¯ll have Kira whip up some soup¡ªHadley¡¯s feeling a little dizzy from the hangover.¡± N paused for a moment, her expression softening before she burst intoughter. ¡°You¡¯ve changed, huh? Finally starting to care about others? Haha¡­¡± It was clear now¡ªher grandson was serious this time. Looking at him now, it was hard to believe how much Eric had changed. Gone was the reluctance of years ago; now, he was genuinely thoughtful when it came to Hadley. At the door, Linda wheeled Ernest inside, their entrance met with the sounds of N¡¯sughter echoing from within. ¡°N, what¡¯s got you so cheerful?¡± Linda¡¯s eyes fell on Hadley, and she couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Hadley¡¯s here! No wonder you¡¯re in such a good mood.¡± N chuckled, shaking her head, giving Hadley¡¯s hand a gentle pat. ¡°Actually, you arrived just in time. I¡¯ve got some good news for you¡ª¡± ¡°What¡¯s the good news?¡± ¡°You won¡¯t believe it¡ªEric and Hadley are together!¡± N¡¯s smile stretched wider, her happiness unmistakable. ¡°Isn¡¯t this great news?¡± Linda froze, ncing at Eric, who had just walked out of the kitchen. Her eyes searched for confirmation, while Ernest, too, watched with a curious look, his gaze questioning. Eric shifted ufortably under their stares. ¡°Why is everyone staring at me?¡± He turned to Hadley, offering a smile and a nod. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true. Didn¡¯t I already tell Grandma?¡± ¡°You brat,¡± N said as she pointed a finger at him. ¡°Since you were the one who made the first move this time, you¡¯d better treat Hadley right! Or I¡¯ll hold you ountable!¡± ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry,¡± Eric promised earnestly, his eyes never leaving Hadley. ¡°I¡¯ll take good care of her.¡± . . . Chapter 477 ?Chapter 477: ¡°Well,¡± N turned to Ernest. ¡°You, as the older brother, heard him. If Eric slips up, you¡¯d better hold him ountable too!¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± Ernest, sitting in his wheelchair, managed a forced smile and nodded slowly. His gaze lingered on Hadley, a quiet depth in his eyes. Linda caught the look and couldn¡¯t suppress a sneer. Was Ernest upset? But what would that change? Hadley had once been his sister-inw. In a way, she still was. No matter how deep his feelings for her ran, he had to bury them. It was the only choice. ¡°N,¡± Linda said, steadying the wheelchair, ¡°Ernest didn¡¯t get much rest at the hospitalst night. I brought him back early this morning so he could sleep. I¡¯ll take him to his room now.¡± ¡°Alright, alright,¡± N replied, nodding with understanding and stepping aside. ¡°You two go on ahead and get some rest.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Linda responded as she gently wheeled Ernest upstairs. She settled Ernest into his bed, giving his hand a soft pat. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll check on you soon.¡± As she stood to leave, Ernest reached out, gripping her hand. ¡°Ernest?¡± Linda nced down at him, noticing theplexity in his gaze. Though he could manage short sentences now, words seemed beyond his reach with her. But Linda could read the uncertainty in his eyes. ?????????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? He and Hadley were a lost cause now¡­ She squeezed his hand reassuringly, her voice soft. ¡°Ernest, let¡¯s leave the past behind, okay? From now on, let¡¯s focus on living our own lives well.¡± He stared at her for a long moment before giving a reluctant nod. ¡°Mm, okay.¡± Linda felt a sharp pang of unease. Was he agreeing out of obligation? Was letting go of Hadley truly so difficult for him? When she went downstairs again, Eric was just about to head to the garage to fetch the car and take Hadley out. ¡°Eric,¡± Linda called out. ¡°Linda,¡± Eric replied, his expression unexpectedly bright. Linda paused, taken aback. Eric seemed genuinely happy. She¡¯d known him the longest in this family, but she¡¯d never seen him this happy. Was it Hadley? Was being with her the source of this newfound joy? Ha! What made her so special? How did she manage to capture both Flynn brothers¡¯ hearts so entirely? Hadley came up from behind. Linda noticed and shot Eric a sharp look. ¡°Eric, I want to thank you.¡± Eric blinked, confused. ¡°Thank me for what?¡± ¡°For what I askedst time¡­¡± Linda¡¯s voice wavered, her eyes misting slightly. ¡°I never thought you¡¯d actually do it. You and Hadley really¡­¡± . . . Chapter 478 ?Chapter 478: ¡°Linda!¡± Upon realizing the direction her words were heading, Eric¡¯s face drained of color. A cold sweat broke out across his forehead as he quickly cut her off, his hand instinctively reaching behind her. ¡°Hadley!¡± Linda feigned surprise, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°Hadley, I didn¡¯t see you there. You leaving already?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t respond, walking straight for the door without a word. ¡°Are youing with me or not? If not, I¡¯ll just call a ride.¡± She pulled out her phone, fingers tapping swiftly as she tried to find herself an Uber. Her tone was clearly directed at Eric. ¡°Coming!¡± Eric rushed after her, catching her arm. ¡°No need for a car. I¡¯ll drive you.¡± He could only guess she¡¯d overheard Linda¡¯s words again. Eric rubbed his brow, frustration creeping in. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know why she said that¡­¡± ¡°Who?¡± Hadley¡¯s frown deepened, her irritation clear. ¡°Is that about your sister-inw? If it is, don¡¯t bother. Her name alone irritates me.¡± With that, Hadley shook him off and started toward the door. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Eric quickly grabbed her arm. ¡°I won¡¯t bring her up again!¡± He knew they¡¯d never gotten along, but he hadn¡¯t realized just how much Hadley disliked her. Upd4t3s c0m3 F1RST 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m Fearing she might leave, he held on tighter. ¡°Come with me to the garage. We¡¯ll leave from there.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t answer, but she allowed him to pull her toward the garage and into the car. She remained silent the entire way out of Flynn Mansion, her face locked in a stern expression. As the car approached the dance studio, Hadley suddenly broke the silence. ¡°Pull over up ahead. We need to talk.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric flicked his gaze toward her, sensing the weight in her voice. Without hesitation, he nodded and steered the car to a gentle stop by the roadside. Shifting slightly in his seat, he studied her with cautious curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Was she having second thoughts? A flicker of doubt crossed Hadley¡¯s face before she finally spoke. ¡°You told your grandmother about us way too soon. That wasn¡¯t the right call.¡± Eric¡¯s jaw tightened, his confidence faltering for a moment. ¡°Why not?¡± His voice was steady, but a hint of defensiveness crept in. ¡°We¡¯ve already made our choice, haven¡¯t we? It¡¯s only natural that our families would find out eventually.¡± Hadley met his gaze, her expression firm. ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily how it works.¡± Hadley¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile,ced with a hint of mockery. ¡°If you¡¯d kept quiet, we might¡¯ve broken up without her ever knowing.¡± Broken up? Eric¡¯s stomach twisted. This was getting out of hand. . . . Chapter 479 ?Chapter 479: He inhaled sharply, forcing himself to stayposed. ¡°Alright, maybe I jumped the gun. But can we not talk about breaking up when we¡¯ve barely even started?¡± Hadley arched a brow, almost amused by his reaction. ¡°But eventually we¡¯ll go our separate ways, won¡¯t we?¡± She really thought that? Eric¡¯s chest tightened, his mind reeling. Was that how people approached rtionships now? Like an expiration date was already stamped on them? Wasn¡¯t the whole point of being together to build toward somethingsting¡ªmarriage, family, a future? His voice came out quieter than he intended, confusion flickering in his eyes. ¡°Is that really how you see this? Just something temporary?¡± Hadley held his gaze, unwavering. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s exactly what I wanted to make clear. We can be together, but that¡¯s it. No expectations. If it stops working, we walk away. Simple.¡± Ha! That easy? Eric huffed a quietugh, though there was no humor in it. Unbelievable! They had barely begun, and she was already nning for the end. Pushing down the irritation prickling at his skin, he asked, ¡°And what if things do work out?¡± Hadley almost scoffed at his words. The thought was ridiculous. Two people with their own pasts, their own unspoken wounds? They weren¡¯t built for forever. But she swallowed the words. Arguing wouldn¡¯t change anything. Hadley arched a brow, her voice calm but firm. ¡°We¡¯re in this as equals, Eric. If one day I decide I¡¯m done, I have every right to walk away.¡± Discover more g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s She caught the flicker of tension in his jaw, the way his grip on the steering wheel tightened. With a light shrug, she added, ¡°Of course, if you lose interest first, you can say so too.¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Eric¡¯s voice came out sharp, raw. He didn¡¯t want to hear any more. His hands clenched around the wheel as if trying to steady himself, trying to hold onto something solid. ¡°We¡¯ve been through a failed marriage before¡ªI get why you¡¯re wary. But Hadley, what I told my grandmother today¡­ I meant every word. I will treat you well.¡± Hadley barely reacted. A nonchnt ¡°Uh-huh¡± was all she offered, as if dismissing the weight of his words. Then, with a casual air, she continued, ¡°Look, we¡¯re just seeing each other¡ªnothing serious. If it stops working, we walk away. No mess, no drama. So, do you agree or not? If you do, we move forward. If not, let¡¯s forget this ever happened.¡± Eric sat frozen, blindsided. Justst night, he had been filled with anticipation, unable to sleep from excitement. Now, in a matter of minutes, the air had shifted¡ªhe hadn¡¯t expected her to treat this rtionship so lightly, like it was a passing whim. ¡°Don¡¯t like it?¡± she said, lips curving in something between disappointment and inevitability. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s pretend this conversation never happened.¡± Before she could step out, Eric leaned over, his hand closing around her wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± He exhaled, catching the faintest trace of her scent¡ªsomething familiar, something he wasn¡¯t ready to let go of. Frustrated but helpless against her, he muttered, ¡°Fine. Have it your way.¡± Hadley paused, the stillness between them thick with unspoken thoughts. He agreed? So he really was thinking the same way¡ªjust going along with the moment, taking things as they came. . . . Chapter 480 ?Chapter 480: A slow smile yed on her lips as she turned back to face him, extending her hand. ¡°Deal.¡± What was that? Did she think this was some kind of business arrangement? Eric let out a quiet, breathlessugh, shaking his head in exasperation. Still, he took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her skin. With a sigh, he murmured, ¡°Hadley¡­¡± She didn¡¯t trust him¡ªnot yet. But that was fine. Time would prove everything. For now, at least, she was his. That night, after the performance wrapped up, it was no surprise to find Eric waiting outside the studio. He had been there for a while, leaning against his car, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. The streetlights cast long shadows, and when he caught sight of Hadley stepping out, he lifted a hand in a casual wave. She hesitated for a beat before walking over, her brows knitting together as she lifted a hand to block the drifting smoke. Eric noticed and, without a word, pressed the cigarette against a nearby trash can, extinguishing it. ¡°Not a fan of smoke?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like the smell,¡± she replied bluntly. ¡°Got it.¡± He exhaled to the side, as if expelling thest traces of nicotine from his system. ¡°I won¡¯t smoke around you anymore.¡± With that, he pulled open the car door. ¡°Hop in.¡± Hadley eyed him, wary but intrigued. ¡°Where are we going? You know I don¡¯t eat thiste.¡± She had to maintain her figure for work¡ªstrict discipline was non-negotiable. Your new favorite stories are at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°I know.¡± Eric rested a hand on the roof of the car, smirking. ¡°Rx. I promise you¡¯ll like this.¡± Hadley considered her options. Given the nature of their arrangement, ying coy felt pointless. Besides, she preferred when things moved forward rather than idling in uncertainty. Without another word, she slid into the passenger seat. The drive was quiet, and soon, the urban glow faded, reced by the open expanse of the sea. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Eric stepped out first, circling around to open the door for her. ¡°After you.¡± Hadley frowned slightly as she took in the view. Were they going out to sea? ¡°Come on,¡± he said easily. Eric took her hand, leading her down the dock toward a sleek yacht bobbing under the moonlight. ¡°They¡¯re all waiting for us.¡± Once on board, Hadley spotted two familiar faces¡ªMarshall and Barrie¡ªalready lounging on the deck, drinks in hand. ¡°Wow!¡± Barrie whistled, eyeing her with yful intrigue. ¡°Who¡¯s this? Aren¡¯t you going to introduce us to your friend here?¡± Clearly, they hadn¡¯t expected Eric to show up withpany. And naturally, men loved to tease. ¡°Rx,¡± Eric muttered, though the smirk tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. He threw a nce at Hadley before making the introduction. ¡°You all know her. This is Hadley.¡± And then, with deliberate ease, he added, ¡°My girlfriend.¡± That was the part that mattered. A beat of silence. . . . Chapter 481 ?Chapter 481: ¡°Ohhh¡­¡± Another round ofughter followed, teasing remarks flying, but Eric didn¡¯t seem to mind. ¡°You¡¯re all too damn loud!¡± Ericughed, shaking his head as he swatted away his friends¡¯ teasing remarks. Ignoring their whistles and knowing smirks, he took Hadley¡¯s hand and led her into the yacht¡¯s cabin. ¡°We¡¯ll stay here tonight,¡± he said casually, ncing at her. ¡°In the morning, we¡¯ll watch the sunrise over the sea.¡± Huh? Hadley blinked, caught off guard. That¡­ sounded dangerously romantic. Wait¡ªwas this something they were supposed to be doing? For a normal couple, sure, this n would make perfect sense. But they were anything but. She had no illusions about what this was¡ªno promises, no expectations. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Noticing her hesitation, Eric frowned slightly. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± He had taken this first date¡ªif it could even be called that¡ªseriously. He had chosen this moment carefully, bringing her here to share something special: the sunrise spilling over the endless sea. Hadley snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± She reassessed the situation. Maybe this was just part of keeping up appearances¡ªbringing her around his friends, making their rtionship seem real enough to avoid suspicion from Ernest and Linda. Fine. She¡¯d y along. ¡°A sunrise at sea sounds interesting,¡± she said atst, her tone light. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen one before.¡± ?????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????? ???? g????????¦Í??????.??o m Eric¡¯s posture rxed, a small smile ying at his lips. ¡°I think you¡¯ll like it.¡± Hadley nced around the room, then back at him. Arching a brow, she asked, ¡°Are we sharing this room?¡± Eric hesitated, his gaze intensifying as he leaned in, gently grasping Hadley¡¯s hand. Circumventing a straightforward answer, he asked, ¡°Considering that we¡¯ve decided to be together, sharing a room should be quite ordinary, right? Do you have reservations?¡± Hadley paused, then shook her head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± As Eric spoke, his lips hovered near her cheek. ¡°May I kiss you now?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley managed a tense smile. ¡°Yes, you may.¡± She then shut her eyes and slightly lifted her chin. Resigned to the moment, she chose to meet it boldly. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± In a whisper, Eric raised his hand to her chin, his touch grazing her lips. The touch was new and unsettling to Hadley, causing difort she couldn¡¯t express, her hands tightening into fists. Eric, his throat tightening with emotion, finally acted on his feelings and pressed his lips to hers. The tension mounted, bing unbearable for her. Suddenly, Hadley¡¯s body tensed up, shaking uncontrobly. Her eyes snapped open, locking onto the man before her. Without thinking, her hand shot up to his shoulder, instinctively trying to push him back. Yet she quickly caught herself¡­ No, that wasn¡¯t an option! ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric picked up on her distress instantly, noting how rigid she was in his embrace. . . . Chapter 482 ?Chapter 482: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he inquired, his hand softly stroking her cheek. Hadley¡¯splexion turned even paler. Abruptly, she got up and rushed into the bathroom. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric moved to follow, but only reached the bathroom door as it nged shut in front of him. Inside, Hadley faced herself in the mirror, her entire body quivering, her teeth ttering from the fear. No, she just couldn¡¯t go through with it! Cold water cascaded over her face as she twisted the faucet open. ¡°Hadley?¡± The sound of sshing water prompted Eric to rap gently on the bathroom door. ¡°Is something wrong? You don¡¯t seem well. Please, talk to me. I¡¯ll enter if you keep quiet.¡± He was mid-sentence when the bathroom door creaked open. There stood Hadley, her cheeks glistening with water, trying to smile¡ªa gesture more heartrending than weeping. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± A crease formed on Eric¡¯s forehead as he studied her face, pondering her self-contradiction. ¡°What¡¯s causing this reaction?¡± He expressed the question that had been troubling him. Eric had observed Hadley¡¯s reluctance to engage in close physical contact, not just with kissing, but even casual touches. Find exclusive chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s Her eyes met his, her expression wan and evasive, and she shook her head in bewilderment. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯m just¡­ incredibly terrified. Being intimate with people just scares me.¡± Was she scared of being close to him? Apologizing, Hadley managed a weak smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Eric reassured her. Gently, he grasped her hand, drawing her close into aforting embrace and softly patting her back. ¡°Take your time. As you grow morefortable with me, the fear will fade.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Resting against him, Hadley smiled, yet her eyes betrayed a fleeting chill. She nced up at him. ¡°I could use something to eat.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric lifted an eyebrow in surprise. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll find you something.¡± Teasingly, he pinched her nose. ¡°Who says no eating at night? I¡¯ll pick something light.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± With that, Eric departed. While fetching snacks, Eric encountered Marshall. Marshall eyed the te in Eric¡¯s hands with a hint of scorn. ¡°Never pegged you as the thoughtful type.¡± ¡°I need your insight on something.¡± Eric brushed off the jab and asked, ¡°What reasons might someone have for disliking or fearing physical closeness with others?¡± . . . Chapter 483 ?Chapter 483: Marshall caught the implication right away, his grin growing mischievous. ¡°Is Hadley hesitant to get close to you?¡± ¡°Quiet!¡± Eric quickly scanned the surroundings and, confirming they were alone, he whispered, nodding. ¡°Whenever I approach her, she seems to¡­ stiffen up.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Marshall smirked, slinging an arm around Eric¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Could it be that you¡¯re just not very good at this?¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric, momentarily stunned, retorted, ¡°How could¡­¡± But he paused, memories flooding back. In the early days of their marriage, their moments of intimacy had always been brief and hurried¡­ Eric vaguely remembered Hadley crying afterward¡­ Marshall noticed Eric¡¯s face cloud over and chuckled. With a raised eyebrow, he said, ¡°Look, Hadley was just twenty when you guys married¡­ Perhaps you¡¯ve left her with some deep-seated issues.¡± ¡°Back off!¡± Annoyed, Eric pushed Marshall aside. ¡°Asking you was a mistake.¡± He continued on his way, food tray in hand. ¡°Mr. Flynn! Put in some effort!¡± ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm Eric dismissed his taunts. Was there any truth to Marshall¡¯s ims, though? That couldn¡¯t be, could it? Although their past was not wless, Eric believed there was more to Hadley¡¯s pronounced difort. After hesitating briefly, he made his way back to the room. Hadley had showered and was now wearing a bathrobe. ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± She passed him a water bottle she had grabbed from the refrigerator. ¡°This turned out to be sparkling. I¡¯m not fond of carbonated drinks, so I barely sipped it. You can have the rest.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Eric epted the bottle and gulped down half of it immediately. ncing over, he noticed Hadley nibbling on the sd he had brought back. He gestured toward her dish. ¡°Make sure to add some protein. Try some of the shrimp.¡± ¡°Here, have some yourself.¡± With her fork, Hadley skewered a shrimp and held it out to him. Eric epted it with a smile, enjoying the bite. He cherished her tender act, confident that their bond would strengthen over time. Rising from his seat, he indicated the bed. ¡°Tonight, you take the bed, I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa.¡± Leaning in, he gently raised her chin. ¡°There¡¯s no need to hurry. Take all the time you need.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley returned his smile and nodded, yet her smile vanished as soon as he looked away. Deep into the night¡­ ¡°Eric?¡± . . . Chapter 484 ?Chapter 484: Hadley whispered his name multiple times, making sure he was deeply asleep on the couch, before she flicked on the bedside light and rose. From her bag, she retrieved apact medical kit¡ªa blood drawing set. With a resolute inhale, she moved toward the couch. Ericy there, deeply asleep. Hadley grasped his arm and carefully rolled up the sleeve. Confident he wouldn¡¯t stir¡ªshe had mixed a sleeping tablet into his sparkling water earlier. Holding her breath, she meticulously followed the instructions Colleen had given her¡ªtying the tourniquet, cleansing the skin, inserting the needle, and drawing the blood. Afterward, she withdrew the needle. Luckily, Eric¡¯s veins were distinct, which facilitated a smooth procedure. Gazing at the blood-filled vial, Hadley offered a silent prayer, hoping the sample would prove valuable. ¡°Hadley! Hadley! Get up!¡± Groggy and disoriented, Hadley iled her legs. ¡°Ugh, stop bothering me!¡± ¡°Whoa!¡± Eric barely dodged her kick, missing a painful hit by inches. Moving quickly, he caught Hadley¡¯s ankle in his palm. He let out a breathless chuckle. ¡°Come on, get up. Did you forget we came here for the sunrise?¡± ¡°Nope. Not happening.¡± Hadley stayed put,zily waving a hand without opening her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like seeing it.¡± Eric stared at her, baffled. Seriously? galnov??s keeps you updated If she skipped the sunrise, she¡¯d never let him hear the end of itter. He scooped Hadley up, nket and all, and carried her onto the deck, settling her onto a lounge chair with careful ease. With all the movement, sleep was officially off the table. She yawned, one after another, her eyes watering from the stretch. ¡°That tired, huh?¡± Eric sat beside her, tugging the nket snug around her shoulders. The sea breeze had a sharp bite, and he wasn¡¯t about to let her freeze. ¡°Yeah.¡± She nodded, still not seeing the hype around waking up at the crack of dawn. ¡°Just wait a second.¡± Eric got up and disappeared into the cabin. When he returned, he held something out to her. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Hadley took it, eyeing the object in her hands¡ªa warm, steamed corn on the cob. ¡°Go on, eat.¡± Eric grinned. ¡°I promise it won¡¯t make you gain weight.¡± Then, he pressed a paper cup against her cheek. ¡°And here¡¯s some hot ck coffee¡ªgreat for burning calories and fighting puffiness.¡± Hadley froze. She stared at him like he was a stranger. This side of him felt unfamiliar¡ªalmost unreal, like she¡¯d stepped into a dream. Hadley gave a small shake of her head. Even in her dreams, he had never treated her like this. ¡°What?¡± . . . Chapter 485 ?Chapter 485: Noticing her stare, Eric rubbed his face, looking a little self-conscious. ¡°Do I have something on my face?¡± ¡°No.¡± She shook her head, a quietugh slipping out. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ a little touched.¡± ¡°Touched?¡± Eric caught on right away. He lowered his head, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear before resting his forehead against hers. ¡°I was a jerk before. But from now on, I¡¯ll treat you right. Okay?¡± His words hit deep. Hadley blinked, dazed. Then, out of nowhere, she shoved him back, eyes wide with excitement. ¡°Look! The sun! It¡¯sing up!¡± At the horizon, where the sea kissed the sky, golden light stretched outward, painting the world in warmth. The sun, bold and brilliant, began its slow ascent. Just like that, Hadley was wide awake. The sunlight danced in her eyes, catching on tiny flecks of gold. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, right?¡± Hadley stared at the sunrise, lost in its glow¡ªwhile Eric only looked at her. ¡°It is.¡± She nodded, her focus unwavering. And in that moment, she finally understood the quiet romance of watching a sunrise. ¡°I knew you¡¯d like it.¡± Reality settled around her as she turned to the person beside her. So this was what he was like when he let someone in. ???????? ???????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? He had nned everything so carefully¡ªwaking up early just to watch the sunrise. It was something she had never experienced when she was his wife. But today, she finally did. Hadley let out a quiet, self-mocking smile, biting into the warm corn before taking a sip of coffee. After stepping off the yacht, Eric drove her back to the entrance of Mayfield Road. ¡°Get some rest when you get home,¡± he said. ¡°Okay.¡± She waved as his car disappeared down the street. But instead of heading inside, she pulled out her phone, booked a ride, and made her way to the hospital. ¡°Dr. Torres.¡± She greeted Joy¡¯s new attending physician¡ªMathias¡¯ friend, Colden Torres. Reaching into her bag, Hadley pulled out a small vial and handed it to him. ¡°Please, help me.¡± Colden hesitated before taking it. ¡°Alright. Leave it to me.¡± Technically, running private tests like this wasn¡¯t allowed. But with Mathias and Colleen pulling strings, he didn¡¯t have much of a choice. ¡°This is urgent¡ªplease get it to me ASAP,¡± Hadley urged, her voice steady but pleading. ¡°No need to stress.¡± Colden gave her a firm nod. ¡°I¡¯ll send it to theb right away and have them fast-track the results. I¡¯ll update you as soon as they¡¯re in.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Dr. Torres,¡± Hadley said, her gratitude running deep. Because of Colden¡¯s help, she got the results that same evening¡ªjust after her performance. Her phone buzzed with a message from him, an electronic report attached. The medical jargon blurred together, but Colden had already summed it up in simple terms¡ªit wasn¡¯t a match. . . . Chapter 486 ?Chapter 486: Hadley¡¯s breath hitched. She shut her eyes, gripping her phone so tightly her fingers ached. She had partly expected this. She and Eric were Joy¡¯s parents¡ªthe ones who had given her life once. But now, when she needed them most, they couldn¡¯t do it again. Hadley pressed her eyes shut, forcing herself to breathe until the ache in her chest dulled and the burn of unshed tears faded. Only when she was sure she had a grip on herself did she finally open them, her gaze sharp and unwavering. There was only one choice left. She had seen thising¡ªhad prepared for it. It was a risk, a dangerous bet, but she was ready to y her hand. She couldn¡¯t afford to waste time. At dawn, she made her way to the clinic Colleen had rmended. The doctor barely looked at her, already assuming why she was there. ¡°How much do you want this time?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not why I came¡­¡± Hadley shook her head, sitting straighter, tension tightening every inch of her body. She drew in a deep breath. ¡°Dr. Perkins, I¡¯m here for the treatment.¡± The doctor stilled, finally looking up. ¡°You¡¯ve made up your mind?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, her grip tightening in herp. There was no other way. Neither she nor Eric was a match for Joy. If she wanted to save her, she had to conceive¡ªfast. Before, she had considered relying on medication to get herself into Duran¡¯s bed. M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.???? But this time, that wasn¡¯t an option. It could affect the baby. No matter her reasons for being with Eric¡ªno matter how calcted this choice was¡ªthe child would be innocent in all of it. If it came into this world, she would love it. Completely. Which meant she had to be ready, mind and heart. ¡°Dr. Perkins, please¡ªI need your help.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Dr. Perkins nodded in approval. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯ve made this decision. I¡¯ll make the arrangements.¡± ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°The earliest we can start is this afternoon. Come in for your first session.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± That afternoon, Hadley returned as scheduled. The therapy room was quiet, the curtains drawn to shut out the outside world. As shey back, Dr. Perkins¡¯ voice guided her¡ªsteady, calm, pulling her toward a ce of ease. ¡°Good.¡± Thirty minutester, Dr. Perkins lit an incense stick, its delicate smoke curling into the air. ¡°Close your eyes and rx.¡± Hadley obeyed, letting her eyelids drift shut. Then¡ª She jolted awake, drenched in sweat, chest rising and falling in ragged breaths. Her eyes darted around the room before locking onto Dr. Perkins. He sat calmly across from her, a gentle smile on his face. ¡°Awake? How do you feel?¡± . . . Chapter 487 ?Chapter 487: Hadley shivered, an icy sensation crawling beneath her skin. Her gaze was distant, unfocused. Dr. Perkins suddenly stood, closing the space between them. His voice was steady, reassuring. ¡°Rx. You¡¯re safe here. No one will hurt you.¡± The weekend had arrived. Standing near the entrance to Mayfield Road, Hadley waited patiently for Eric toe pick her up. Tonight marked a special asion¡ªthe entire Flynn family was attending her show. They had dinner scheduled at Winterley Restaurant before the performance, which started at 8:20 PM. Within five minutes, Eric pulled up beside her. Stepping out of the car, he looked slightly nervous as he asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t make you wait too long, did I?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Hadley replied, shaking her head lightly as she slid into the passenger seat. ¡°Honestly, I had nothing better to do, so I arrived early. I know you¡¯re trying to be thoughtful, but you didn¡¯t need to trouble yourself picking me up¡ªI could¡¯ve managed on my own.¡± They had discussed this over the phone earlier, but Eric had dismissed the idea outright. Now, hearing her repeat it, a flicker of irritation crossed his face. Eric paused, gripping the car door as his frown deepened slightly. ¡°Hadley, picking you up isn¡¯t an inconvenience. It¡¯s something I genuinely want to do. Can¡¯t you see that?¡± Surely, as her boyfriend, offering her a ride was both a privilege and an unspoken responsibility, wasn¡¯t it? Although Hadley sensed his irritation, she neither fully understood its source nor felt inclined to dig deeper. g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????????????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????? She offered a distracted nod and said casually, ¡°Yes, I get it.¡± But did she really? Eric doubted it. Still, he shut the door after her and drove them to Winterley Restaurant. Inside the restaurant¡¯s private dining area, N and the rest of the Flynn family were already seatedfortably. ¡°Hadley, over here¡ªsit next to me!¡± N beckoned eagerly, guiding Hadley to the seat beside her, with Linda on the other side. Ernest and Eric took spots slightly farther away. ¡°It feels wonderful to see you two finally together,¡± N said warmly, visibly delighted by the turn of events. ¡°We¡¯re meant to be family, after all! Let¡¯s celebrate this special night with delicious food.¡± Family? Wasn¡¯t that presumption a bit premature? Keeping her doubts to herself, Hadley simply smiled in agreement. ¡°I¡¯m sure today will be special. It¡¯s been years since Ist visited Winterley Restaurant.¡± Years ago, dinners at Winterley Restaurant with the Flynn family had been amon urrence. Yet somehow, four long years had passed in a heartbeat. ¡°Really?¡± With an using look, N nced sharply at Eric. ¡°Are you telling me you¡¯ve never brought her here since she was back in town?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± . . . Chapter 488 ?Chapter 488: Caught off guard, Eric stumbled over his words. There wasn¡¯t much he could say in his defense. He had always wanted to invite Hadley, but her agreement had been necessary. Besides, they had only just started dating again. ¡°Rx, Grandma. If she ever craves something in the future, I¡¯ll make sure she gets it,¡± Eric finally reassured her, sneaking a hopeful look toward Hadley. Yet Hadley sat quietly, acting as if his promise had gone unheard, her attention focused elsewhere. At that moment, a waiter pushed open the door to their private room, carefully bringing in the freshly prepared dishes. ¡°Please enjoy your dinner.¡± After cing everything on the table, the waiter quickly exited, leaving them alone. Without warning, Ernest lifted his hand and began spinning thezy Susan. Surprised, Linda quickly reached out to steady him. ¡°Ernest, what is it? Just tell me what you want. I¡¯ll pass it to you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡± With a gentle shake of his head, Ernest continued rotating the table until several dishes were positioned in front of Hadley. Smiling warmly, he said, ¡°Eat more, Hadley.¡± ncing down, Hadley realized every dish before her was something she loved. Did Ernest still remember what she enjoyed eating? A soft warmth filled her chest. ¡°Thank you, Ernest.¡± ¡°Mm-hm,¡± Ernest responded softly, withdrawing his hand with a contented smile. Determined not to be outdone, Eric quietly rolled up his sleeves and carefully picked up some food for her, adding a generous helping of corn. ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.??? Leaning close, he murmured, ¡°Do you want more? I can have them prepare extra corn if you¡¯d like.¡± Corn had always been her favorite staple. ¡°This is plenty, Eric,¡± Hadley said, stopping him. ¡°There¡¯s already more food than we can finish.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Eric replied, but then began shelling shrimp and cing them onto Hadley¡¯s te. ¡°It¡¯s good protein. You can have plenty of these without worrying about your figure.¡± ncing down at her te, already brimming with food N had eagerly added, Hadley felt slightly overwhelmed. ¡°You should stop. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll finish all this¡ªit¡¯s just wasteful.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Eric responded with ease. ¡°Start eating. I¡¯ll finish whatever you don¡¯t.¡± He shot her a yful smile. Meanwhile, Linda observed the scene, a sense of unease growing within her. Had everyone in this familypletely forgotten about her existence? As Hadley leaned forward to eat, strands of her hair slipped down. Eric instinctively reached out and carefully tucked them behind her ear. ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Hadley said, pulling a hair tie from her purse and swiftly tying her hair into a bun. A sudden shock flickered through Linda. That hair tie looked suspiciously like the one Eric had dropped earlier. Oh, now it made sense. Was the hair tie originally Hadley¡¯s? Or had Eric purchased it specifically for her? This was intriguing. Nearly done with their meal, Hadley excused herself to the restroom. . . . Chapter 489 ?Chapter 489: Exiting the stall shortly after, she saw Linda standing at the sink, carefully reapplying her makeup. Hadley ignored her and quietly walked to the sink to wash her hands. ¡°Hadley?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley lifted her head, puzzled by Linda¡¯s attempt to speak to her. ¡°Could you help me with something?¡± Linda asked cheerfully, nodding toward her makeup bag resting nearby. ¡°Can you pass me a cotton pad? My lipstick got smudged.¡± Linda briefly waved both hands, which were upied at the moment. Hesitating for a moment, Hadley exhaled softly, reached out, and unzipped the makeup bag. ¡°There¡¯s a little pink pouch inside,¡± Linda added helpfully. Pink pouch? At first nce, Hadley found nothing matching that description, but the moment she fully opened the bag, her eyesnded directly on a hair tie¡ªa perfect duplicate of the one securing her own hair. Her gaze immediately darted upward, locking onto Linda¡¯s face. ¡°Hmm?¡± Linda acted as if nothing was amiss. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± With a faint, knowing smile, Hadley quickly realized exactly what Linda had intended for her to discover. Suspicion sharpened her expression as she studied Linda more carefully. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Linda asked, growing uneasy under Hadley¡¯s steady gaze. Maintaining herposure, Hadley tilted her head and said softly, ¡°I¡¯m impressed. You¡¯re ambitious enough to pursue both brothers at once. Does shame ever cross your mind?¡± g???????¦Í??????.??0??? ???????? novels What? Linda reeled, color draining from her face as embarrassment took over. ¡°Have youpletely lost your mind, Hadley?¡± Removing the hair tie from her own hair, Hadley held it out toward Linda. ¡°You wanted me to see this, didn¡¯t you? To hint at something special between you and Eric?¡± Linda faltered, caughtpletely off guard. Yes, that was precisely her intention. She had wanted Hadley unsettled¡ªjealous, even. But now, the way Hadley called her out¡­ ¡°Funny,¡± Hadley chuckled, sarcasm edging her voice. ¡°Your efforts were unnecessary. I¡¯ve known all about your questionable closeness for years. You didn¡¯t have to resort to this childish trick to remind me.¡± ¡°Stop talking nonsense, Hadley!¡± Humiliation flooded Linda, anger coloring her cheeks bright red. She had wanted Hadley ufortable, yes¡ªbut she hadn¡¯t expected such usations. ¡°You¡¯re disgusting. Eric and I share a bond from childhood that you couldn¡¯t possibly grasp!¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Hadley replied indifferently. ¡°Well, I have no interest in grasping it.¡± Casually, she dropped the hair tie into the trash bin. Looking up, she noticed Eric, who had appeared at the doorway sometime during their exchange. Eric frowned. Hadley had been in the restroom too long. A gnawing unease settled in his chest, pushing him to check on her. Through the door, her voice was sharp, using him of something inappropriate with Linda. Then¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªshe tossed the hair tie he¡¯d given her straight into the trash. . . . Chapter 490 ?Chapter 490: He stood there, waiting, half-expecting her to say something. To acknowledge him. But Hadley didn¡¯t even spare him a nce. She stepped past him like nothing had happened. As she moved past, he caught her wrist. His voice was low, edged with tension. ¡°Pick it up.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley let out a quietugh. ¡°Why would I pick up something I threw away? It¡¯s disgusting.¡± ¡°Pick it up!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharper this time, his gaze locking onto hers with unyielding intensity. ¡°I said, pick it up.¡± ¡°Ouch!¡± Hadley flinched as his grip tightened around her wrist. She shot him a re, yanking against his hold. ¡°I won¡¯t! You can¡¯t make me!¡± Her eyes burned¡ªfierce, unwavering. ¡°Trash belongs where it belongs¡ªin the trash!¡± Trash? Eric¡¯s jaw tightened. Had she really just called the hair tie he gave her trash? His free hand curled into a fist at his side, frustration simmering beneath his skin. ¡°That was a gift from me!¡± Hadley let out a sharpugh, her sneer cutting. ¡°You think it¡¯s appropriate to give us both the same gift? Does Ernest know? That you gave his wife and me the exact same thing?¡± She pointed at the trash can, mockeryced in every word. ¡°I tossed it for your sake. Wouldn¡¯t want Ernest catching on to your shady intentions and ruining his recovery, now would we?¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s brings your imagination alive Eric¡¯s fingers tightened around her wrist. Hard. Hadley sucked in a sharp breath, her wince barely concealed. It felt like he was moments away from crushing the bone. ¡°Shady intentions?¡± His eyes burned¡ªan unsettling mix of fury and something even colder. ¡°Is that what you think of me?¡± ¡°Am I wrong?¡± Her voice was steady, deliberate. ¡°It¡¯s not about what I think. If you don¡¯t want Ernest to lose it, you should keep your dirty little secrets buried.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Linda couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. She stormed forward, her voice sharp. ¡°Shut up!¡± Without hesitation, she raised a hand and pped Hadley across the face. ¡°I won¡¯t let you talk about him like that!¡± Hadley froze, the sharp sting still burning on her cheek. But the shock didn¡¯tst long. Her instincts took over¡ªher hand shot up, striking Linda just as hard. Linda staggered back, clutching her cheek in shock. Her voice wavered with disbelief. ¡°You actually hit me?¡± ¡°Humph!¡± Hadley scoffed, eyes cold. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s fine when you hit me, but I can¡¯t return the favor? Doesn¡¯t work that way.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not letting this slide!¡± Humiliated and seething, Linda lunged at Hadley. ¡°Ah!¡± Before she couldnd a blow, Hadley¡¯s fingers tangled into her hair¡ªyanking hard enough that it felt like her scalp might rip clean off. . . . Chapter 491 ?Chapter 491: ¡°Ah! It hurts! Let go!¡± Linda shrieked, tears brimming in her eyes. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric rushed forward, grabbing Hadley¡¯s wrist. ¡°Let go! Now!¡± N and Ernest were still waiting! But Hadley didn¡¯t let go. Didn¡¯t even flinch. Eric had no choice but to tighten his grip, prying Hadley¡¯s fingers from Linda¡¯s hair. She hesitated for a second, then let out a low, bitterugh. ¡°You two really know how to put on a show.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric¡¯s jaw tightened, his usually controlled expression clouded with frustration. His eyes burned with something unreadable¡ªsomething dangerously close to fury. ¡°You actually think I¡¯m that contemptible?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t even blink, herughter cutting like a de. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? The truth too much for you? Or are you just too much of a coward to face it, Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice dropped, low and deliberate. He gripped her chin, tilting her face up until their eyes locked. His gaze was unreadable, but the weight behind it pressed into her like a silent usation. ¡°I had no idea you saw me this way. If that¡¯s how you feel, why did you even say yes when I asked you to be my girlfriend?¡± Then, just as abruptly, he let go and turned away. Without sparing Linda a nce, he strode off. ¡°Eric, wait!¡± Linda scrambled after him, fingers fumbling to fix her disheveled hair. Hadley stood frozen, the moment reying in her mind. Then, with a sharp exhale, she knocked her forehead with her palm. She had acted purely on impulse. What was she thinking? How could she have let the truth slip so easily? Now that the illusion was shattered, how was she supposed to keep pretending with Eric? For the next two days, Eric didn¡¯t call or text Hadley. The usual flowers he sent to the studio? They stoppeding too. Hadley couldn¡¯t shake the question nagging at the back of her mind¡ªwas this it? Was their arrangement over? She didn¡¯t love him. That much was clear. But she needed him. Joy needed him. She couldn¡¯t afford to let this fall apart. If Eric wasn¡¯t going toe to her, then she¡¯d just have to make the first move. Hadley regretted it more than she wanted to admit. Some fights just weren¡¯t worth it. But that day, frustration had won. She hadn¡¯t been able to hold back. . . . Chapter 492 ?Chapter 492: After a long pause, she opened WhatsApp and typed, ¡°Are you busy?¡± No response. Not that she expected one. That night, her performance was the first on stage, wrapping up early. By the time she stepped out of the studio, it wasn¡¯t even eight. She checked her phone¡ªstill nothing from Eric. She drew in a steady breath, gripped her phone, and pressed call. The ringtone dragged on, stretching each second unbearably. ¡°Hello?¡± Atst, he answered. His tone was slow, edged with impatience. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley swallowed, choosing her words carefully. ¡°Are you free? I need to see you.¡± A shortugh. ¡°You need to meet up? What for?¡± There was a teasing lilt to his voice, cool and detached. ¡°Whatever it is, just say it now.¡± Hadley hesitated. Truthfully, she had no real excuse¡ªno concrete reason to see him. Still, she softened her tone. ¡°Can we just meet? Some things are easier to say in person.¡± Silence. Then, finally¡ª ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter. I¡¯m out right now.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± she offered. ¡°Are you heading back to Silver Vis tonight? I can meet you there.¡± Another pause. Longer this time. ¡°Do what you want,¡± he said tly. ¡°I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back.¡± ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates The line went dead. Hadley stared at her phone, frustration tightening in her chest. Now what? She had no choice but to wait. If she wanted this to work, she had to be patient. Slipping her phone into her pocket, she headed to Silver Vis. When she pressed her fingertip to the sensor, the door clicked open. Her fingerprint still worked? Had he forgotten to remove it? Or had he just never bothered? Pushing the thought aside, she stepped inside. At one in the morning, Eric finally returned to Silver Vis. Hadley, resting against the sofa, stirred at the sound of the door. She was on her feet in an instant, hurrying over, her steps light and quick. Her voice was soft. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Eric kicked off his shoes and strode into the living room. The way she looked at him¡ªwarm, expectant¡ªmade something in his chest tighten. But his expression stayed unreadable, his gaze sharp and distant. ¡°Why are you here? I thought you made it clear I was beyond redemption.¡± Hadley arrived with a clear purpose. Her lips pressed tightly, she offered a solemn apology. ¡°Forgive me. That day, I was out of line¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have spoken to you that way.¡± Could she be here just to apologize? Eric¡¯s eyes narrowed, though he remained silent. Out of nowhere, he staggered and fell toward her. His strong frame enveloped her immediately. Feeling overwhelmed, Hadley grimaced and instinctively pushed against him. . . . Chapter 493 ?Chapter 493: ¡°Eric¡­¡± ¡°Humph.¡± His eyes chilled as he felt her resistance. ¡°Is this your way of saying sorry? If you can¡¯t even stand my embrace, why bothering?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Hadley was quick to rify. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m refusing your hug. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re quite heavy¡ªI wasn¡¯t prepared to catch you.¡± His eptance of her exnation was evident. Raising an eyebrow, Eric drew her close. His breath was warm against her ear, his tone low and seductive. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m feeling lightheaded.¡± Now that he was so close, the strong smell of alcohol was unmistakable. Clearly, he had been drinking heavily, which exined his dizziness. Hadley clenched her teeth and gathered her strength to help him. ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside.¡± Her strength was barely enough to maneuver him onto the couch, and she started to sweat lightly from the effort. ¡°Ugh¡­ huh¡­¡± Eric moaned from the couch, clutching his head. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m really not feeling well.¡± ¡°I can see that.¡± With a concerned frown, Hadley said, Latest updates from g?? lno vels.?????? ¡°Rest here for now. I¡¯ll go make something for you.¡± She walked away but quickly returned with a nket in hand. After draping it over him, she made her way to the kitchen. Having stayed here long enough, she knew exactly where everything was stored. She put the kettle on and found the honey jar. When the honey water was ready, she brought it out to the living room. ¡°My head is killing me!¡± Eric called out petntly. ¡°Hadley! Where did you go?¡± ¡°Right here!¡± Hadley hurried to his side and supported him. ¡°I was in the kitchen making some honey water for you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want any!¡± Eric grimaced, turning his face away. With patience, Hadley encouraged him. ¡°You said your head hurts, right? This should help.¡± She gently brought the cup to his lips. He eyed the cup suspiciously. ¡°Did you prepare this¡ªfor me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley confirmed. Was there an issue? ¡°Ah.¡± A faint smile crossed Eric¡¯s face. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have some.¡± Acknowledging her effort, he leaned in and took small sips of the honey water. When he finished, he clutched Hadley¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Please stay. Don¡¯t leave. Hadley, stay with me.¡± With that, he slumped back onto the sofa and fell into a deep sleep. Hadley tried to withdraw her hand but found she couldn¡¯t. Could he really be this strong even while asleep? As the first light of day filtered in, Eric jolted awake and sat up abruptly. ¡°Hadley!¡± Silence met his call. The nket had fallen to the floor, and she was nowhere in sight. Eric touched his forehead, wondering if the previous night had been a dream. Hadley must have been disgusted by him¡ªshe¡¯d seen how he acted with Linda and didn¡¯t want him anymore. . . . Chapter 494 ?Chapter 494: Footsteps then broke the silence. Eric looked up sharply. ¡°Are you up now?¡± Hadley approached, her hair neatly braided down her slender back. Eric swallowed. It hadn¡¯t been a dream¡ªshe had been there. ¡°Where were you?¡± he asked, a slight note of grievance in his voice. ¡°Just in the kitchen,¡± Hadley replied, gesturing toward it. ¡°Your fridge was pretty empty, so I whipped up some sandwiches. And there¡¯s a big pot of coffee, considering you drankst night.¡± She stooped to retrieve the nket, folding it carefully. Looking up, she asked, ¡°How are you feeling now? Is your head still bothering you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s better,¡± Eric replied, shaking his head slightly. ¡°Just a little dizzy, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s to be expected.¡± Clutching the folded nket, Hadley continued, ¡°I¡¯ll put this away. You should wash up and eat something¡ªit¡¯ll make you feel better.¡± ¡°Alright¡­ thanks.¡± Eric got up and walked into the dining room. Hadley was setting the food on the table, bathed in the soft morning light, which cast a gentle glow around her. Without a word, he gently wrapped both arms around her waist, drawing her softly against his chest. Surprised, Hadley stiffened briefly, caught off guard by his sudden closeness. Yet the tension left her quickly, and she said softly, ¡°Take your seat. Breakfast is nearly done.¡± ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric whispered, unmoving, as he nestled his face against the curve of her neck. His voice was quiet yet earnest. ¡°Linda and I have known each other since childhood.¡± ???? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ¡ª ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q?????? Hmm? His words startled her. Was he trying to exin himself? ¡°Whatever people say about us isn¡¯t true¡ªthere¡¯s nothing inappropriate between us.¡± Eric¡¯s voice grew strained as he admitted, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve cared for her over the years, but that¡¯s all there is to it. Do you trust me?¡± This was his way of reassuring her. It was fortunate that Eric couldn¡¯t see her expression, otherwise her skepticism would have been obvious. ¡°Of course,¡± Hadley murmured, keeping her voice carefully neutral, eager to end this conversation quickly. ¡°I trust you.¡± Yet deep down, her thoughts didn¡¯t match her words at all. ¡°Hadley.¡± Gently, Eric turned her toward him. One hand supported her waist while the other cupped her head, pulling her close as he kissed her deeply. She hadn¡¯t expected such intensity. Shaken, Hadley instinctively ced her palm against his chest, intending to push him away. Yet she managed to stop herself. After a brief moment of hesitation, her hand slowly lifted and settled gently around his neck. With a slight raise of his eyebrows, Eric¡¯s surprise was evident. His arms tightened around her, pulling her in for a deeper kiss. He noticed Hadley¡¯s initial resistance was fading. She was starting to ept him. . . . Chapter 495 ?Chapter 495: ¡°Hadley, Hadley¡­¡± Eric¡¯s self-control was slipping. ¡°Enough!¡± Realizing the risk, Hadley pushed him away swiftly. Her face flushed, her lips slightly swollen. In a tone that mixed teasing with irritation, she asked, ¡°Are you going to eat, or what? I woke up early to cook, you know.¡± ¡°I will!¡± Eric shed a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll eat everything you¡¯ve made!¡± What a fool. Back in the day, he had endlessly grumbled about her cooking. Yet now, for Linda, he seemed ready to tolerate any difort. After their meal, they left the house together. Eric drove Hadley to her dance studio. ¡°Just one thing.¡± Before stepping out of the car, something urred to Hadley, and she swiveled toward him. ¡°May I ask a favor?¡± ¡°What is it? Do you even need to ask?¡± Eric was eager to oblige. ¡°Tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s just¡­¡± Hadley hesitated before pointing toward the pack of cigarettes on the dashboard. ¡°Can you quit smoking?¡± Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Of all the things she could¡¯ve asked for, this wasn¡¯t what he expected. He arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°Laying down rules already? That¡¯s pretty strict.¡± How was she supposed to exin that she didn¡¯t want his habit affecting her chances of having a healthy baby? M?§Ô? ??????? ?? ??l????l?.??? After a beat, she simply said, ¡°I can¡¯t stand the smell of smoke.¡± Then, as if it were an afterthought, she added coolly, ¡°So if you don¡¯t quit¡­ don¡¯t kiss me ever again.¡± Without waiting for a response, she reached for the door handle. ¡°Hey¡ª¡± Eric¡¯s reflexes were quicker than hers. His hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her before she could leave. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You mad at me?¡± Seeing that she still wouldn¡¯t look at him, he chuckled. ¡°Never said I wouldn¡¯t agree.¡± His eyes gleamed mischievously. ¡°But if I quit smoking¡­ do I get a reward?¡± A reward? Hadley blinked, caught off guard. ¡°What kind of reward are you expecting?¡± Eric smirked. ¡°Since it¡¯sing from you, I think you should decide. Where¡¯s the fun if I have toe up with it myself?¡± Seriously? Hadley stared at him for two seconds before a slow, knowing smile tugged at her lips. Without warning, she leaned in, grabbed his tie, and pulled him closer. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric instinctively straightened, his pulse hitching¡ªbut before he could react, he felt it. A soft, fleeting warmth brushing against his Adam¡¯s apple. She kissed him. Not on the lips. Not on the cheek. Right against the most sensitive spot on a man¡¯s throat. Hadley knew exactly what she was doing. The kisssted barely a second¡ªjust long enough to send a jolt down his spine¡ªbefore she released him and turned away, her gaze skittering to the side. . . . Chapter 496 ?Chapter 496: ¡°That¡¯s your treat. Okay, bye!¡± When Hadley finally emerged from the dance studio¡¯s entrance, Eric was already there, waiting. His voice carried across the evening air, and she instinctively quickened her pace, jogging toward him. ¡°Hadley! Over here!¡± The moment she was close enough, Eric reached out, pulling her straight into his arms. And then, without warning, he tilted his head down and kissed her. ¡°Mmm¡ª!¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in shock. A wave of heat rushed to her face as she quickly pushed against his chest. They were still right outside the studio, for god¡¯s sake¡ªcolleagues were passing by, some stealing nces, others pretending not to notice. ¡°Let go!¡± she hissed under her breath. Eric released her, utterly unbothered. He licked his lips, clearly pleased with himself. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re keeping this a secret.¡± Hadley shot him a re but didn¡¯t bother arguing. Instead, she huffed. ¡°Get in the car first!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Once inside, Eric leaned over, smoothly fastening her seatbelt before settling back into his own seat. Hadley knew there was no avoiding tonight¡ªnot that she had intended to. She had already made arrangements at home. Eric shot her a knowing nce. ¡°Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?¡± he offered, though he already had a feeling what her answer would be, given how strict her diet usually was. Hadley shook her head without hesitation. ?????????????? ???????????? ????: g????????¦Í??????©q????? ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m good.¡± After a brief pause, Hadley added, ¡°But¡­ if there¡¯s an apple, I wouldn¡¯t say no.¡± Eric let out a low chuckle, his fingertips grazing her cheek in an absentminded caress. ¡°Apples, huh? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got plenty.¡± With that, he gripped the steering wheel, pressed down on the elerator, and they were off. Hadley nced at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. ¡°Where are we going?¡± Eric¡¯s lips curled into a mysterious smile. ¡°Somewhere nice.¡± Somewhere nice? She watched the road as familiar sights passed by¡ªand realization dawned. They were heading straight for Silver Vis. Hadley¡¯s lips parted slightly, but no words came. She stood there, utterly still, her thoughts tangled. It was too sudden, too unexpected¡ªher emotions a whirlwind of feelings she couldn¡¯t quite name. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his brows drawing together. ¡°Is something off? They assured me it was built to international standards. If there¡¯s a problem, I swear, I¡¯ll call them right now¡ª¡± Before he could take another step, Hadley grabbed his wrist. ¡°Hadley?¡± She met his gaze and shook her head lightly. ¡°It¡¯s not that it¡¯s not up to standard¡­ I just¡ª¡± She exhaled, a rare softness in her voice. ¡°I really like it. Thank you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all I needed to hear.¡± . . . Chapter 497 ?Chapter 497: Relief washed over Eric, a slow smile breaking across his lips. Nothing felt better than knowing she epted this¡ªepted what he had done for her. With an easy grin, he opened his arms and gestured toward the room. ¡°Want to give it a spin?¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll put on some music for you.¡± As the soothing melody filled the space, Hadley moved to the center of the room. She nted her feet firmly, her body instinctively falling into precision. With a practiced elegance, she stretched, her form taut yet effortless. She was slender but not fragile¡ªher skin smooth, supple, with the perfect bnce of strength and grace. From where Eric stood, he could see the gentle upturn of her nose, the faintest shimmer of soft down on her cheeks under the glow of the lights. That wild, untamed energy of youth and passion radiated from her, bold and reckless. ¡°Hadley.¡± Her name left his lips in a hushed breath before he surged forward. She barely had time to react before he caught her, pulling her securely into his arms. Before she could say anything, his lips found hers¡ªdeep, consuming, leaving no room for hesitation. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. In Eric¡¯s dark gaze, Hadley saw it¡ªthe unmistakable pull of desire, deep and unwavering. His hand cupped her face, warm and slightly calloused,rge enough to cover her delicate features entirely. Hadley¡¯s brows knit slightly, her full lips parting just enough, painted in a shade of red that made her look even more alluring. A rush of heat surged through Eric, but he held himself steady, his voice low and coaxing. ¡°Hadley¡­ is this okay?¡± Discover more Her longshes fluttered as she lowered her gaze, a breath of hesitation before she finally nodded. ¡°Hmm.¡± There was no more reason to hold back¡ªno more space for doubt. He had been waiting for this moment forever. When a man wanted a woman, every fiber of his being demanded action. And right now, Eric wasn¡¯t about to deny himself. Without hesitation, he swept her into his arms, carrying her effortlessly out of the room. His strides were purposeful, his grip firm yet careful as he headed straight for the master bedroom. The door swung open with a rough kick¡ªyet when he set her down on the bed, it was with the utmost gentleness. He still remembered her resistance from before. Carefully, he met her gaze, his voice quieter now. ¡°If you¡¯re scared¡­ don¡¯t force yourself.¡± Hadley bit her lower lip, her fingers tightening slightly. Then, just as deliberately, she reached up, looping her arms around his neck. An invitation. What man could resist that? Certainly not Eric. He leaned in, the space between them vanishing. He could feel it¡ªshe was still slightly tense, butpared to before, she had softened, her body no longer stiff with hesitation. ¡°Is this okay?¡± He wasn¡¯t rushing¡ªhe would ask as many times as it took. ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Only after receiving her consent did Eric dare to continue. He reached over and pulled open the drawer beside the bed. Hadley¡¯s fingers tightened around his wrist. ¡°What are you doing?¡± . . . Chapter 498 ?Chapter 498: Eric paused, turning to her with a calm expression. ¡°Getting something¡­ You don¡¯t want to get pregnant so soon, do you?¡± At the very least, shouldn¡¯t they wait until marriage before considering that step? ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was firm, though there was a slight tension in her jaw. ¡°No need for¡­ that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± she continued smoothly, her tone unwavering. ¡°I came prepared.¡± Of course, what she had actually prepared was nothing more than vitamins. Eric hesitated, his dark gaze scanning her face for any sign of doubt. ¡°But¡­ that stuff isn¡¯t exactly good for you. Maybe I should¡ª¡± ¡°I said it¡¯s fine.¡± Before he could argue, she pressed on, unashamedly adding, ¡°I don¡¯t like it. I¡¯d rather take the pill.¡± Her voice softened just enough to make it sound reasonable. ¡°I asked a doctor¡ªit¡¯s safe, barely any side effects.¡± Eric studied her for a long moment, clearly weighing his options. But Hadley had made her stance clear. With a quiet sigh, he relented, reaching for the drawer¡ªand closing it. Finally¡­ his wish was granted. Afterward, Ericy beside her, his fingers threadingzily through her damp hair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°How about a shower?¡± His voice was low, teasing. ¡°I¡¯ll carry you.¡± Hadley, her eyes still closed, let out a drowsy hum before shaking her head. ¡°Not yet. Too tired. Let me rest a little.¡± She shifted slightly, reaching for a pillow and tucking it under her waist. Eric frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± One of her eyes cracked open, and she shot him a pointed look. ¡°Do you really need to ask? My back hurts! Need some support.¡± ?????? ?????????? ???? g???????¦Í??????£®????? Oh. Was that because of him? Eric stifled a chuckle, shaking his head. He let out a heartyugh, reaching over to pinch her cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll go run the bath. Rest for a bit.¡± With that, he slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Hadleyy still, listening to the steady sound of running water, her expression unreadable. Back pain? Sure, that part was true. But the pillow under her waist wasn¡¯t just for relief. It was to increase the chances of getting pregnant¡ªso she could leave him sooner. The thought sat heavily in her mind, but she pushed it aside as Eric returned, his movements gentle as he scooped her into his arms. The bathroom lights were bright, casting sharp reflections across the tiled walls. As she stepped into the warm water, Hadley¡¯s gaze drifted to Eric¡¯s back¡ªonly for her breath to hitch. Scars. They weren¡¯t just a few¡ªthey were scattered across his skin, jagged and faded, some ovepping like a brutal roadmap of past wounds. A chill ran through her. What happened to him? Eric caught the way her eyes lingered, his jaw tightening slightly. He knew she had seen them. He hadn¡¯t intended to keep them hidden¡ªnot anymore. Not when they hade this far. But exining the past¡­ that was something he still hadn¡¯t figured out how to do. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Before he could say more, she looked away. She didn¡¯t ask. Didn¡¯t press. ¡°I¡¯m done showering,¡± she murmured, turning toward the tub. ¡°I¡¯ll soak for a while.¡± Then Hadley walked out of the shower room without looking back. She had no intention of getting too involved with him. His past? It wasn¡¯t something she needed to know. It wasn¡¯t something she wanted to know. Eric stood there for a moment, watching her retreat. She didn¡¯t even mention it? Was she indifferent? Or was she afraid? . . . Chapter 499 ?Chapter 499: It wouldn¡¯t surprise him. Even he felt unsettled when he caught sight of his own scars in the mirror. It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine how terrifying they might be for someone as delicate as Hadley. Still, he decided he wouldn¡¯t force it. When she was ready¡ªif she was ever ready¡ªshe would ask. And when she did, he would tell her. For now, he let it go. Following her out of the shower room, Eric pulled her into his arms once more while they soaked in the bath. For a man who had spent years practicing restraint, indulging even once made it nearly impossible to stop. By the time they emerged from the bathroom, fresh and clean, guilt began to creep in. Eric¡¯s fingers found their way to her waist, his touch gentle. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Eric murmured, his voiceced with remorse. ¡°Does your back still hurt? Let me massage it¡­¡± Hadley clicked her tongue, exasperated. This man¡­ Before his hand could reach her, she grabbed his arm¡ªthen sank her teeth into it. Eric tensed but didn¡¯t pull away, letting her bite down as hard as she pleased. Instead, a low chuckle rumbled from his chest. ¡°Go on, take your revenge¡­ if it helps.¡± Hadley shot him a withering re, her cheeks still tinged with color, her eyes dark and fiery. Grinding her teeth, she warned, ¡°Try touching me again, and you¡¯ll regret it.¡± With that, she released his arm with a sharp exhale and turned her back to him. Eric let out a helplessugh, shaking his head. What was with her and biting? He nced down at the fresh mark she¡¯d left¡ªdeep, reddening, just shy of breaking the skin. Sharp teeth, indeed. But what he didn¡¯t realize in that moment was that he was already in too deep. Hopelessly, irrevocably in love with her. The next day, neither of them stirred until noon. Unsurprising, really¡ªconsidering they hadn¡¯t fallen asleep until just before dawn. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction By the time Eric finally dragged Hadley downstairs, the housekeeper had alreadye and gone, leaving a beautifully arranged lunch on the table. Halfway through their meal, Eric suddenly remembered something. ¡°Oh, right.¡± He set down his fork and nced at her. ¡°Someone from Four Hours will be dropping byter to deliver some clothes. Try them on and see if they fit. If they don¡¯t, or if you don¡¯t like them, just ask them to bring something new.¡± Hadley looked up mid-bite. She sputtered, caughtpletely off guard, and even choked. Eric sighed, reaching for a ss of water and passing it to her. ¡°Slow down,¡± he said, amused. ¡°Here, have some water.¡± Hadley took several gulps before regaining herposure. She set the ss down and frowned. ¡°Wait¡ªwhy are you having clothes delivered?¡± Eric blinked as if the question were absurd. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Seeing her confused expression, he borated. ¡°Your wardrobe¡¯s too in. Since you¡¯ll be staying here, I figured I¡¯d have new clothes sent over regrly. That way, you don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡± Hold on¡­ Her grip on the fork tightened slightly. ¡°Why would I be living here?¡± She found his logic almost amusing. Eric¡¯s expression faltered. He frowned. ¡°What do you mean? After everything, you don¡¯t n to stay?¡± Hadley let out a shortugh, shaking her head. ¡°After everything? Men and women share intimate moments all the time, Eric. That doesn¡¯t mean they have to live together.¡± Setting her fork down, she met his gaze evenly. ¡°I never nned on moving in with you.¡± . . . Chapter 500 ?Chapter 500: For the first time sincest night, the warmth between them vanished in an instant. Eric couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. Even after everything, Hadley still seemed to keep him at arm¡¯s length. His brows furrowed as he studied her. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Hadley blinked up at him. ¡°Why? You upset?¡± She paused and then let out a quietugh, her tone light but deliberate. ¡°You know, things are kind of perfect the way they are right now.¡± She leaned back slightly, her lips curving with amusement. ¡°Seeing each other once in a while keeps things interesting. If we moved in together, all that excitement would wear off, and soon enough¡­ we¡¯d just start getting on each other¡¯s nerves.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t.¡± Eric¡¯s response was immediate, firm. Hadley arched a brow. ¡°Oh? You sure about that?¡± Tilting her head, she shot him a knowing look. ¡°Think back, Mr. Flynn. I used to be around you all the time, and if I remember correctly¡­ you hated it.¡± So, she really went there. The past¡ªthe version of him who had pushed her away at every turn. His jaw tightened, but Eric couldn¡¯t argue. She wasn¡¯t wrong. He had been reckless with her before, taking for granted what he hadn¡¯t realized he wanted until now. For a moment, silence settled between them, thick and unspoken. Hadley caught the shift in his expression, the way his mood darkened. Great, now he was brooding. With a quiet sigh, she smirked and casually reached over, looping her pinky around his. Eric¡¯s sharp gaze flickered to her hand, and then back to her face. ¡°What are you up to now?¡± Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Hadley¡¯s grin widened. She gestured toward her te, eyes flicking up to meet his. ¡°It¡¯s too much¡ªI won¡¯t be able to finish it all. Help me out?¡± Eric chuckled under his breath. She sure knew how to get her way. And yet, without a second thought, his body moved on instinct. He took her te, effortlessly giving in. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll finish it.¡± What could he do? She had him wrapped around her finger. Everything about her¡ªher tone, her words¡ªwas always just right. Not too forceful, not too timid. And that voice¡­ Her voice was soft, smooth, the kind that lingered in his ears long after she stopped speaking. She had a bit of a temper, sure, but never in a way that pushed too far. With her, everything just felt right. ¡°Fine. We won¡¯t talk about moving in together for now.¡± Letting out a breath, he leaned back. ¡°But when you¡¯re on break, you¡¯ll stay here. You still need to check out the clothes.¡± Hadley considered it for a second. Well¡­ this arrangement worked for her too. If she wanted to conceive as soon as possible, she might as well take advantage of every opportunity she got to be with him. ¡°Alright.¡± She nodded, propping her chin in her hands, shing him a yful smile. ¡°Now hurry up and eat.¡± Before Eric could respond, the doorbell rang. ¡°Oh!¡± Hadley perked up, pushing back her chair. ¡°That must be those people from FOUR Hours! I¡¯ll go see what they brought.¡± That night was just as intoxicating as theirst. . . . Chapter 501 ?Chapter 501: The next morning, Hadley had the luxury of time¡ªshe didn¡¯t need to be at the studio until the afternoon. Eric, however, had a trip to make to the neighboring city. They left together, and when they reached Mayfield Road, he pulled the car to a stop. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at noon the day after tomorrow,¡± he said. ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley nodded, giving him a small wave before stepping onto the sidewalk. She stood there, watching as his car pulled away. In the driver¡¯s seat, Eric found himself ncing at the rearview mirror¡ªagain and again. His lips curled into an involuntary smile. He couldn¡¯t help it. Strange¡­ He had been married before. To this very woman. Yet only now was he experiencing the small, subtle joys of being with someone¡ªthe quiet warmth, the unspoken connection. It was unlike anything he¡¯d felt before. As his thoughts drifted, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was a message from Hadley. After all, she had been using him for her own agenda. Letting him gain something in return was only fair. Checking the time, Hadley slung her backpack over her shoulder and left her apartment, heading for Mayfield Road. She didn¡¯t have to wait long. A sleek ck sedan pulled up, and the window rolled down. Sebastian stepped out, his usual polite smile in ce. ¡°Miss Pearson,¡± he greeted, holding the door open for her. ¡°Apologies for the dy.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She slid into the car effortlessly. Sebastian shut the door behind her, took his seat, and steered them toward a fashion boutique¡ªthe one reserved for the Flynn family¡¯s custom-made banquet gowns. Inside the boutique¡­ ???????? ???????????? ???? ????????????????????????? The sales assistant¡¯s expression turned uneasy as she spoke hesitantly to Linda. ¡°Miss Harris, I¡¯m sorry, but this dress isn¡¯t for sale.¡± ¡°Not for sale?¡± Linda arched a brow, tilting her head slightly. ¡°What¡¯s so special about it? It¡¯s still hanging here, isn¡¯t it? That means, it isn¡¯t taken yet.¡± The sales assistant hesitated. ¡°Well¡­¡± Linda¡¯s lips curved into an easy smile. ¡°How about this?¡± she suggested smoothly. ¡°I won¡¯t waste your time¡ªname your price. I¡¯ll pay double for it.¡± As she spoke, her fingers grazed the fabric, her appreciation evident. ¡°It¡¯s stunning. Completely my style.¡± The sales assistant shifted ufortably. ¡°Miss Harris, your original dress is also exquisite¡­¡± ¡°But I prefer this one,¡± Linda interrupted, her tone light but firm. ¡°I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. Just contact the owner and let me speak to her directly. That¡¯s fair, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± The sales assistant remained caught in a dilemma¡ªuntil she spotted Sebastian stepping inside, holding the door open as Hadley walked in. It was Hadley¡¯s first time visiting this particr boutique, so the sales assistant didn¡¯t recognize her immediately. However, she had arrived right on schedule, and with Eric¡¯s instructions fresh in mind, the sales assistant quickly put two and two together. ¡°Hello!¡± the woman greeted, offering a polite smile. ¡°You must be Miss Pearson, I presume?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley replied with a soft nod. The sales assistant¡¯s expression eased with confirmation. ¡°Wee, Miss Pearson. Mr. Flynn has already arranged for your dress. It¡¯s ready for you.¡± . . . Chapter 502 ?Chapter 502: Hadley followed her gaze to the dress¡ªonly to notice that someone else had already set their sights on it. ¡°Hadley?¡± The surprise in Linda¡¯s voice was unmistakable. Her grip on the gown loosened as realization dawned. ¡°So¡­ this dress belongs to you.¡± Hadley met her gaze, an easy smile ying on her lips. ¡°Looks like it. Do you like it?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Linda replied without hesitation. She ran her fingers over the fabric onest time, reluctant to let go. ¡°I really like it¡ªeverything, from the silhouette to the finer details.¡± She hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°Tonight is Ernest¡¯s first public appearance at Flynn Group¡¯s events since his recovery. I want to stand beside him looking my best.¡± Hadley raised a brow but said nothing. For a brief moment, Linda seemed to wrestle with herself. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, she stepped back. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said atst, a tinge of sadness in her voice. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have set my heart on something that wasn¡¯t mine. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯tpete with you. It¡¯s yours.¡± Hadley almostughed out loud. That tone. The way she said it¡ªas if she were the one being magnanimous, as if she were doing Hadley a favor. In the past, such a confrontation would have already erupted with Hadley. However¡­ this time, she simply offered a smile as she scrutinized the dress. It truly was exquisite. Linda had imed it suited her taste to perfection¡ªand she wasn¡¯t wrong. Whether deliberate or not, Eric had chosen a style Linda would adore, even though the dress was meant for Hadley. It was clear he always held Linda close to his heart. It was the pearl hair tie situation all over again. Hadley believed Eric must have envisioned Linda while ordering this dress. Thinking back to her wee-back party when she first returned to Srixby, she recalled how the dress Eric picked then had also been identical to Linda¡¯s. Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s A subtle smile yed on Hadley¡¯s lips. She turned to the shop assistant and said, ¡°Please give this dress to Miss Harris.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°This.¡± Surprise registered on both the shop assistant¡¯s and Linda¡¯s faces. Linda¡¯s excitement was evident. ¡°Really? You¡¯re giving it to me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Hadley confirmed with a nod. The shop assistant wavered. ¡°But Miss Pearson, Mr. Flynn ordered this specifically for you.¡± ¡°No worries.¡± Hadley remained unbothered. ¡°Since he bought it for me, I own it. That means I can give it away if I choose, correct?¡± ¡°Well, yes.¡± The assistant hesitated but recognized the truth in her words. ¡°Good, it¡¯s decided then.¡± Unable to contain her excitement, Linda immediately grabbed the dress and hurried to the fitting room. ¡°Could someone assist me?¡± ¡°Right away, Miss Harris!¡± As Linda joyously stepped inside, the first shop assistant expressed concern to Hadley. ¡°Miss Pearson, would you be interested in seeing some other dresses? We have arge selection.¡± With a calm smile, Hadley responded, ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯m ready to leave now, thank you.¡± She confidently exited the shop, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders. Perfect! Now that she was without the dress, there was no obligation to attend the evening¡¯s party. Surely she couldn¡¯t show up in her workout clothes. Exiting the store, Sebastian promptly approached her and asked, ¡°Miss Hadley, have you finished with the dress already? That was quick.¡± . . . Chapter 503 ?Chapter 503: ¡°Yes, I am.¡± Still smiling, Hadley added, ¡°I need to stop by the dance studioter. Don¡¯t worry about the party, Sebastian; I¡¯ll manage on my own.¡± ¡°All right, then.¡± Hadley left the store, eager to get home early. An evening free from performances was a rarity, offering her a precious opportunity to be with Joy. Usually, by the time she arrived home, Joy was already asleep. Tonight, however, she looked forward to reading her a bedtime story and tucking her in. As she waited for a taxi, her phone began to ring. The caller ID disyed an unknownndline number. ¡°Hello?¡± she answered, puzzled. ¡°Hello, this is the police station. Are you a friend of Elissa Hond¡¯s?¡± ¡°Oh, yes!¡± Hadley¡¯s heart raced. ¡°Officer, what¡¯s the situation?¡± ¡°Could youe to the station, please?¡± ¡°Absolutely, I¡¯ll be right there!¡± Hadley rushed to the police station after ending the call, her nerves on edge. Over the phone, the officers had exined that Elissa was involved in an altercation. Upon arriving, she found Elissa alone on a bench, looking disheveled with bruises marring her pale face. Blood trickled from her forehead and the corner of her mouth. ¡°Elissa,¡± Hadley called out softly as she approached and began to smooth out her friend¡¯s hair. Without asking any questions, she reassured her, ¡°Just hang tight. I¡¯ll sort out the paperwork and we¡¯ll head home.¡± The altercation hadn¡¯t been one-sided; it involved mutual aggression. Someone had already stopped by and escorted the other person away. While finalizing the documents, a police officer shook his head and said, ¡°You might want to have a word with your friendter. Is a man really worth all this trouble?¡± G a lno ve ls . is where the magic begins He continued, perplexed, ¡°With so many men in the world, why squabble over one who¡¯s deceiving both of you? It just isn¡¯t worth it.¡± Startled, Hadley wondered if a romantic dispute had really sparked the fight. Forcing a dryugh, she responded, ¡°You have a point, officer.¡± With the paperworkpleted, Hadley offered Elissa her arm for support as they exited the station and headed to her apartment. They made a quick stop at a pharmacy for some supplies. Back at Elissa¡¯s ce, Hadley fetched ab and carefully tied Elissa¡¯s hair back before pulling out the first-aid kit. ¡°Let me clean and treat your wounds. It may sting a little, but try to endure it, okay?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Elissa replied, trusting Hadleypletely. As Hadley tended to each injury, Elissa felt only the sharp sting of the antiseptic. She bit her lip and murmured, ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m grateful.¡± ¡°For what, exactly?¡± Hadley asked, dismissing the thanks as she cleared away used cotton pads. ¡°You¡¯ve been there for me, too. Friends help each other, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Elissa said softly. Though they¡¯d known each other only a short time, their bond felt deep. After tidying up, Hadley gestured toward Elissa¡¯s swollen lip. ¡°Eating must be tough right now. Still, you need something in your stomach. What do you feel like for dinner?¡± Elissa shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry at all.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t force yourself,¡± Hadley said gently. Helping her lie back down, she continued, ¡°Get some rest. You probably don¡¯t feel like talking. Just take it easy and clear your mind.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Elissa agreed, reclining with a resigned expression. Silently, Hadley stood, closed the bedroom door softly behind her, and slipped into the kitchen. . . . Chapter 504 ?Chapter 504: Elissa, restless and unable to sleep, picked up on the faint sounds of cabs opening and closing. She guessed Hadley was preparing something. Eventually, the noises stopped, and the apartment fell quiet once more. Shortly after, Elissa¡¯s phone vibrated with a text from Hadley. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared some food for you. Eat when you feel up to it.¡± Tears immediately filled Elissa¡¯s eyes. She covered her face with her hand, overwhelmed. Hadley hadn¡¯t pressed for details¡ªshe¡¯d focused instead on Elissa¡¯sfort and well-being. As Hadley left the apartment, kes of snow began to drift down from the sky. ¡°Amazing,¡± she whispered, extending her hand to catch the snowkes. Winter had finally arrived in Srixby. Tending to Elissa had dyed her, and evening was quickly approaching. Living nearby, Hadley decided to pick up her pace and head home. At the same time, Eric stood at the party, surveying the crowd yet unable to spot Hadley. What was going on? He had arrived on time¡ªwhere was she? Hadn¡¯t she said she woulde alone? His thoughts were interrupted when Linda approached, delicately lifting her dress as she called, ¡°Eric.¡± He frowned. Why did that dress look so familiar? Was this the same dress he had picked out for Hadley? Could it be another mix-up? Had they ended up wearing identical dresses again? As Eric eyed her dress, Linda grinned. ¡°Recognize this? Does it look familiar to the one you chose for Hadley?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Eric acknowledged with a pause, nodding. ¡°It¡¯s more than simr.¡± ??????????? ????¦Ñ???????? ?????????¦Í???????????? With augh, Linda exined, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s the very same one.¡± She continued, describing her earlier interaction with Hadley. ¡°Hadley was so kind. I just mentioned how much I liked the dress, and she insisted I take it.¡± Hadley gave up the gown? Eric narrowed his eyes slightly. What could Hadley possibly be wearing instead? And more importantly, where was she now? He looked around the banquet hall once more. Linda¡¯s smile faded a bit. ¡°Searching for Hadley? I haven¡¯t spotted her yet. She might not have arrived.¡± Not here yet? Eric checked his watch with a frown. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll show up soon.¡± Linda managed a strained smile. ¡°I should find your brother now. He¡¯ll start wondering where I am if I don¡¯t show up soon.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips approached hurriedly, having been searching for Hadley without sess. ¡°Hasn¡¯t she shown up?¡± Grasping the situation as he saw Phillips alone, Eric asked with a frown. ¡°Mr. Flynn, it¡¯s begun to snow. The roads could be congested. Should we give her a call to see if she¡¯s on her way?¡± Nodding, Eric pulled out his phone and called Hadley. As Hadley was on her way home, her phone started ringing. She saw who it was and picked up. ¡°Hey, Hadley.¡± Eric massaged his forehead. ¡°Where are you right now? It¡¯s already starting to snow. Got caught in traffic?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± . . . Chapter 505 ?Chapter 505: Hadley hesitated before admitting, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. I should have told you earlier¡­ I won¡¯t make it to the banquet tonight.¡± Surprised, Eric asked, ¡°What? Why not?¡± Hadley exined, ¡°Well, when I went to try on the dress earlier, Linda saw it and fell in love with it. I ended up giving it to her. Now, I¡¯ve got nothing to wear. I can¡¯t just show up in workout clothes, can I? That would make everyone ufortable, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± What? Eric sensed there was more to the story than her just giving Linda the dress. But this? Hadley wasn¡¯ting after all? A suspicion crossed his mind, and he couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°You don¡¯t want to be at this party, do you? You¡¯re avoiding being seen in public with me?¡± Nailed it! Hadley¡¯s true feelings seemed obvious now. Yet, she wouldn¡¯t confess. Hadley chuckled dismissively. ¡°No, why would you think that? Didn¡¯t you see Linda wearing the gown? That alone should tell you something¡­¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Anger tinged Eric¡¯s low voice. ¡°You purposely gave away the gown to avoid attending the party tonight with me!¡± Hadley responded with a firm denial, ¡°That¡¯s not true at all.¡± ¡°Hah,¡± Eric scoffed coldly, his expression growing harsher. Before Eric could say more, Hadley cut in and asked, ¡°Why are you so upset? Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡± Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°Excuse me?¡± Eric looked bewildered. ¡°You¡¯ve said it before,¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was gentle. ¡°I owed her that much, so I gave her the gown she wanted. Is there a problem with that?¡± Eric caught his breath sharply. Could he have inadvertently sabotaged himself? ¡°Try not to be upset,¡± Hadley suggested with a subdued grin. ¡°I¡¯ll choose my own dress next time. You always seem to choose what she prefers. If it happens again, I¡¯ll still have to hand it over to its rightful owner.¡± Eric¡¯s response was one of confusion, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? What rightful owner?¡± A light, almost mockingugh bubbled from Hadley. ¡°You know, like the pearl head tie, that gown, or the time we both ended up in identical outfits¡­¡± She paused, a yful tone in her voice. ¡°You¡¯ve always had her in your mind when you choose things for me, haven¡¯t you, Mr. Flynn?¡± Just then, a car horn red behind her. ¡°I need to go now¡ªbye!¡± Hadley swiftly ended the call, trying to avoid the iing car. ¡°Hadley!¡± Back at the other end, Eric simmered with anger. Was this really how little she thought of him? Had she even listened to a single word he¡¯d said? The head tie he gave her¡ªtossed aside. The gown he¡¯d chosen¡ªgiven away. And she kept bringing up Linda! Couldn¡¯t she sense how deeply he cared about her, or did it simply mean nothing? If Hadley didn¡¯t care, why should he? Continuing to chase someone so indifferent like her would make him the biggest fool of all. . . . Chapter 506 ?Chapter 506: Elsewhere, Hadley slipped her phone into her pocket and continued on her way. Toward Mayfield Road, just as she rounded the corner, a vehicle emerged quietly from behind. With her heart leaping into her throat, she tried to step aside. Though she narrowly dodged the car, her shoes slid helplessly across the snowy ground, sending her crashing down onto the cold pavement. ¡°Ah!¡± At that moment, the car behind made a quick stop. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Denver, awakened by the sudden halt, peered out from the back seat. ¡°It wasn¡¯t us, sir¡ªsomeone just slipped on the road!¡± The person lying in the snow¡­ Denver recognized her immediately. How could he not? It was Hadley¡ªof course, it was Hadley. His heart raced as he opened the door, stepping hurriedly onto the icy road, his movements unsteady. ¡°Mr. Moran!¡± the anxious driver called out behind him. ¡°Your cane¡ªyou forgot it!¡± Denver¡¯s injury from the ident in the hadn¡¯t fully healed, so he still needed to use a cane for a while longer. ¡°There¡¯s no need!¡± At that instant, Denver¡¯s attention was solely on Hadley; everything else faded into the background. His vision narrowed to her alone, regardless of any personal cost. At the same time, Hadley had fallen hard, striking her head against a nearbymppost. ¡°Ugh.¡± A groan was all she managed before she lost consciousness and copsed. Your story source g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Hadley!¡± In the snowy street, Denver knelt, cradling Hadley in his arms, and gently tapped her face. Panic set his heart racing, and his breathing quickened. ¡°Hadley, please open your eyes! Don¡¯t scare me like this! It¡¯s Denver¡­¡± ¡°Can you hear me?¡± There shey, still and silent in his arms. ¡°Hadley, please!¡± In desperation, Denver scooped her up. As he rose, his injured leg groaned under the strain. ¡°Mr. Moran!¡± the driver eximed in concern. ¡°Allow me to assist; your leg isn¡¯t strong.¡± ¡°Just get to the car!¡± Denver was adamant, unwilling to hand Hadley over to any other man. His leg be damned¡ªhe couldn¡¯t let her go. Watching helplessly, the driver observed Denver¡¯s struggle as he managed to get Hadley into the vehicle. ¡°Take us to the nearest hospital, now!¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Moran.¡± Denver carefully looked at the figure in his arms, afraid to hold her too loosely and let her slip or too tightly and cause more harm. Hadley regained consciousness quickly, stirring before they could even get to the hospital. Rubbing her forehead and squinting, she murmured, ¡°Uh¡­ What¡­?¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver¡¯s voice trembled,den with worry. ¡°Huh?¡± Confusion clouded Hadley¡¯s expression. ¡°Denver?¡± . . . Chapter 507 ?Chapter 507: She pieced together that she had slipped and hit her head, but confusion lingered¡ªwhy was she in Denver¡¯s vehicle? Had his been the car that nearly hit her? ¡°Is that really you?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± ¡°What are the odds?¡± ¡°Indeed, what are the odds!¡± A wry smile crossed Denver¡¯s face. It seemed fate was always concocting ways to draw people close, only to tear them away again. Hadley shifted awkwardly in his embrace, ufortable with the closeness. Snapping out of his daze, Denver¡¯s face turned a shade of red. ¡°I apologize. You copsed suddenly, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.¡± While exining, he gently helped her adjust to a morefortable position in the seat. ¡°I understand.¡± Hadley reassured him with a smile. ¡°No need for exnations.¡± She gestured toward a nearby intersection. ¡°You can drop me off over there.¡± ¡°How could I possibly do that?¡± Immediately, Denver shook his head, firmly rejecting her suggestion. ¡°You¡¯ve just been in an ident and lost consciousness briefly. It¡¯s essential you get checked out by a medical professional.¡± ¡°Really, it¡¯s unnecessary¡­ we¡¯re nearly at the hospital.¡± Determined not to yield, and with the hospital in view, Denver continued, ¡°I couldn¡¯t just leave anyone in this condition, much less¡­ particrly when it came to Hadley, whom he cherished deeply.¡± Their gazes locked momentarily, prompting Hadley to quietly agree with a nod. Soon, they reached the hospital. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s has stories worth exploring Hadley underwent a medical examination and some tests. The tests revealed no serious issues, yet the doctor advised an overnight stay for observation due to her brief loss of consciousness. Denver handled all the necessary paperwork and stayed with her as she settled into the observation room. This room was morepact than a regr ward and did not have an extra bed forpanions. Resting against the bed, Hadley felt ufortable. ¡°Denver, I¡¯m really okay now. You should head home.¡± ¡°What are you saying?¡± Denver dismissed her suggestion and adjusted the nket. ¡°I¡¯m staying right here with you tonight.¡± ¡°Denver¡­¡± She attempted to convince him otherwise, but Denver interjected, ¡°Stop. If I went home, I¡¯d just end up worrying about you and not sleeping anyway. It makes more sense for me to stay here and make sure you¡¯re alright.¡± Realizing she couldn¡¯t sway him, Hadley relented. Throughout the night, the nurse checked in on Hadley twice, reminding her, ¡°If you feel nauseous or have any difort, please let us know right away.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley responded. A hush enveloped the room, filling the air with a touch of¡­ Awkwardness hung in the air. ¡°You¡­¡± Hadley eventually broke the silence. ¡°How have you beentely? Is your injury better?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all better now.¡± Denver offered a reassuring smile, though it wasn¡¯t entirely truthful. . . . Chapter 508 ?Chapter 508: Hadley could tell something was off as she noticed a slight limp in his step. Neither of them brought it up directly, though. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear.¡± She nodded, feeling the conversation dwindling. ¡°How about you?¡± Denver inquired. ¡°Life¡¯s been much the same, spending my days with the dance troupe, immersed in rehearsals and performances.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Denver hesitated and almost broached a new topic. He wanted to ask about her rtionship with Eric. Was everything okay there? Was he treating her well? The words he wanted to say lodged in his throat, and he chose to keep them to himself. Gently, he adjusted the light to a softer glow. ¡°I want you to get some rest.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley turned away and shut her eyes, her hands tensing and shaking subtly. In the softened light, Denver remained seated beside her, silently observing. He silently wished the quiet moment would stretch on. As the banquet concluded, Eric retreated to a secluded spot, massaging his cheeks. Hours of obligatory smiling had left his facial muscles tense. He took out his phone and checked it. The screen showed no new messages or missed calls. There had been no word from Hadley throughout the evening! He nced around, and then, with a stern look, he began dialing her¡­ The best reads are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m The number rang, but then¡­ It went straight to voicemail. Eric wondered to himself, could it be a poor signal? After ending the call, he tried once more, only to receive the same message. What happened? Why didn¡¯t she pick up? Or maybe she was intentionally ignoring his calls? He had been hopeful that Hadley would pick up immediately when he called again. Yet, there was no response. ¡°Eric!¡± At the end of the corridor, Linda¡¯s voice carried over as she maneuvered Ernest in his wheelchair, signaling to him. ¡°We¡¯re leaving! Aren¡¯t youing?¡± ¡°On my way!¡± With a nod of acknowledgment, Eric expressed his annoyance, pocketed his phone, and followed them. It didn¡¯t matter anymore. Ignoring Hadley might actually bring him some quiet! Another call, however, would surely mark him as foolish! That night, sleep eluded Eric. He frequently grabbed his phone, attempting to reach Hadley yet again, but to no avail. What was happening? His initial irritation slowly morphed into concern. Could something have befallen Hadley? Perhaps she was sick? . . . Chapter 509 ?Chapter 509: It had started to snow; had she ventured outside? Did something happen? The more he pondered, the less he could rest. With the first light of dawn, Eric stepped out of his home. Early that morning, before the hospital staff shift change, Hadley pressed Denver to finish the discharge formalities. ¡°Let¡¯s sort this out now before it gets too hectic,¡± she suggested. ¡°Understood.¡± Afterpleting the necessary forms, Denver drove her to Mayfield Road. ¡°This will do,¡± said Hadley as she stepped out into the softly falling snow. ¡°Hadley!¡± In a sudden move, Denver exited the car and, despite his injured right leg, hurried over to her. He unfolded a scarf, draped it around her neck, and gently covered her head and face. ¡°With the snow falling, this should keep you warm. Make sure you don¡¯t catch a cold.¡± As Hadley gazed up at him, her emotions swelled, forming a knot in her throat. Denver¡¯s expression remained reserved, yet his eyes betrayed a deep emotion. Tears welled up in Hadley¡¯s eyes, and her throat tightened. She gently removed the scarf, extending it back to him. ¡°Please, take this. I¡¯m not cold.¡± Caught off guard, Denver¡¯s smile held a trace of sadness. ¡°You¡¯ve rejected me already, and now you refuse even a simple scarf?¡± I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m ¡°Denver,¡± Hadley said, her voice faltering, shaking her head in distress. ¡°That¡¯s not what I intended.¡± ¡°Just keep it. It¡¯s merely a scarf. It¡¯s all I have left to offer. There could have been so much more¡­¡± ¡°Enough! Are you not listening? Does she need to say it louder?¡± An imposing, stern voice cut through the air. Hadley¡¯s head snapped up to see Eric emerging from his car. Upon noticing her tear-stained cheeks, a wave of jealousy washed over Eric. As he turned to Denver, Eric¡¯s posture stiffened, filled with evident anger. Eric¡¯s gaze locked with Hadley¡¯s. A heavy silence enveloped them for several moments. The only sound was the gentle falling of snow. Eric¡¯s face was set in a stern expression. He looked at her intently, his voice barely above a whisper, saying, ¡°Did you spend the entire night with him?¡± Hadley responded, ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Eric interrupted sharply, ¡°Yes?¡± His eyes darkened menacingly. ¡°Hadley!¡± In a swift motion, he reached out and firmly held her chin, his face inches from hers, his lips curling into a cold smirk. ¡°Was this your n all along? You gave Linda the dress on purpose, to miss the party and see him instead, right?¡± . . . Chapter 510 ?Chapter 510: Hadley recoiled, shocked by his sudden aggression. Nearby, Denver, witnessing the tense exchange, stepped in quickly. ¡°Eric, you¡¯ve got it wrong. Hadley had an identst night. I was merely helping her get to the hospital¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Eric¡¯s eyes zed with anger as he turned towards Denver. ¡°And you!¡± In a swift motion, he seized Denver by the shirt cor. ¡°Thinking you can touch my girlfriend? You¡¯re really looking for trouble!¡± Mid-sentence, Eric swung his fist, connecting forcefully with Denver. Denver, still unbnced, couldn¡¯t retaliate and crumpled to the ground, hisplexion paling from the shock of the blow. ¡°Denver!¡± Hadley cried out in horror. Witnessing Denver¡¯s fall, she was overwhelmed by a sense of doom. Did misfortune befall everyone who showed her kindness? Acting on impulse, she stepped in front of Denver, attempting to shield him from Eric. She then raised her eyes to Eric. ¡°Stop! Everything Denver told you is urate!¡± Her gaze desperate, she suddenly clung to Eric¡¯s legs. ¡°Denver, run! Get out of here!¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Denver paused, reluctant to leave. ¡°What if he turns on you?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t do it!¡± Hadley pleaded urgently. ¡°Please, just leave! He won¡¯t strike me.¡± Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m She was confident that Eric, despite his quick temper, would not harm a woman. ¡°Leave now! Staying will onlyplicate things further!¡± With her insistent pleas, Denver was eventually pulled away by his driver. Eric gazed at Hadley, who was still clinging to his legs, feeling a profound bitterness swelling within him. ¡°Hadley! You¡¯re supposed to be my girlfriend! How do you think this looks? Do you even see me as your boyfriend anymore?¡± The thought was unbearable. ¡°You were with Denver all night. What exactly happened between you two? Hmm?¡± Did it mirror the times they had spent together, sharing hugs, kisses, and more¡­ The mere idea inmed him with jealousy! ¡°Hadley! Have you lost your senses? To go this far for Denver? If he was really dependable, he wouldn¡¯t have let you fall into Wilma¡¯s trap!¡± His disappointment was evident, his gaze cold and distant. ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart skipped a beat, rmed by the intensity in his gaze. What kind of expression was that? It reminded her of someone who had caught their spouse cheating. That must have been how Eric felt. She sped his arm anxiously. ¡°Please, you have to believe me, I didn¡¯t betray you! I was really just at the hospital all night!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Hadley responded, her head bobbing vigorously. ¡°No, that can¡¯t be true!¡± . . . Chapter 511 ?Chapter 511: In a swift movement, Eric stooped, scooping her off the ground. ¡°Stand up. We¡¯re leaving!¡± He hoisted her into his arms and strode towards the car. The car door mmed with such force it seemed to echo through Hadley¡¯s chest. She bit her lip anxiously. ¡°Where are we going?¡± Eric remained silent, avoiding her gaze. He ignited the engine, floored the elerator, and the car surged ahead rapidly. Peering out the window, Hadley recognized the path they were taking. They were on their way to the secluded Silver Vis. He was speeding, yet the early snow-covered morning meant fewer cars on the road, allowing them to reach their destination swiftly. As they approached, the car turned into the driveway and sped towards the garage. Eric hit the brakes hard, causing the tires to screech and sparks to fly from the friction with the ground. Observing his darkening silhouette, a cold fear gripped Hadley. She quickly unfastened her seatbelt, opening her mouth to speak tentatively. ¡°Eric, um¡­¡± Before she could finish, he pushed her back against the seat. Simultaneously, the seat clicked back into a reclined position, forcing Hadley to lie down. Next thing she knew, Eric loomed over her. Her eyes widened in rm. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer!¡± Eric reached towards her throat. ¡°You said nothing happened between you and Denverst night? Alright, I¡¯ll find out for myself right now!¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life What? Hadley was shocked, instantly grasping the implications. ¡°Stop, please!¡± Hadley frantically shook her head, her hands pushing against his chest as she attempted to fend him off. ¡°I said no! This isn¡¯t what I want!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t want?¡± Consumed by jealousy, Eric seemed deaf to her protests. ¡°Why not? Haven¡¯t we been intimate before? After reuniting with your ex, do you consider yourself too good for me now? Did something happenst night? Now you¡¯re off-limits? Are you keeping yourself for him?¡± Such absurdity! Anger flushed Hadley¡¯s face pale, her body shaking with rage. In a swift motion, she struck him across the face. ¡°Bastard! Eric, you¡¯re a bastard!¡± ¡°I¡¯m a bastard?¡± His face twisted with fury, Eric¡¯s anger intensified following the p. He clenched his jaw. ¡°So I¡¯m the bastard, huh? In your eyes, I¡¯ll never stack up to Denver!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was raw as she yelled, her eyes bloodshot with emotion. ¡°Denver is far superior to you! He embodies true gentility, integrity, and honor. Can you even begin topare? You¡¯re unworthy!¡± ¡°You!¡± Eric¡¯s hand shot up, his fist tight, hovering in the air, but he restrained himself from striking. . . . Chapter 512 ?Chapter 512: Hisugh was dark and menacing. ¡°True, I¡¯m unworthy! Denver may be better in every way, but what does that matter now? You belong to me!¡± With that deration, he bent down and pressed his lips against hers. Hadley flinched in pain as Eric¡¯s mouth closed over her neck, his teeth grazing her skin in a brutal, possessive bite. Trapped in the tight confines of the car, she fought desperately, but her strength was no match for his. ¡°Stop, please stop¡­¡± she pleaded, voice breaking. Yet Eric, lost in a feral rage, ignored her cries. The agony was unbearable¡ªHadley had never felt such intense pain, as if he were trying to consume her. Exhausted, Hadley eventually shut her eyes, unable to fend him off any longer. ¡°Hadley, Hadley,¡± Eric growled, fingers tangling in her hair. His voice was thick with bitter possession. ¡°You¡¯re all mine, only mine!¡± The car was steeped in silence. Eric¡¯s gaze dropped to the woman in his arms. Hadley¡¯s eyes were tightly shut, her face turned away as if refusing to acknowledge him. But the redness at the corners of her eyes¡ªstill damp with unshed tears¡ªbetrayed her. Was it just a physical reaction? Or¡­ was she crying for someone else? The thought sent a chill through him, and his expression darkened. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± he said, his voice devoid of warmth. Releasing her, he stepped out first, walking around to the passenger side before gathering her into his arms. Uncover new worlds at g alnov els The moment he lifted her, he felt the faintest tremor run through her body. Eric¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hadley shook her head, silent. She didn¡¯t have to say it¡ªhe already knew. He had lost control earlier, had let his emotions override his restraint. He had been too rough. Did he hurt her? His arms tightened around her as his pace quickened, carrying her from the garage straight into the house. Entering the master bedroom, he gentlyid her down on the bed. Reaching out, he brushed aside her disheveled hair, but Hadley turned her face away, avoiding his touch. Eric froze. His hand hovered for a moment before he withdrew it. Finally, his voice broke through, quieter this time. ¡°Rest. I¡¯ll run you a bath.¡± Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the bathroom. The moment she heard the water start running, Hadley¡¯s eyes snapped open. A mist of unshed tears blurred her vision, leaving her gaze red and puffy. Afraid he mighte back at any second, she threw off the covers, slipped out of bed, and rushed straight for the door. By the time Eric returned, a fresh set of pajamas in hand, he waspletely unaware of what had just happened. ¡°Hadley, the bath is¡ª¡± He sat down at the edge of the bed, reaching to pull back the nket. But the moment his hand brushed against it, an odd sensation gripped him. Something felt off. Frowning, he yanked the nket back¡ªEmpty. His chest tightened. ¡°Hadley?¡± . . . Chapter 513 ?Chapter 513: Eric shot to his feet, scanning the room. His heart pounded as he checked the bathroom, the closet, the balcony¡ªnothing. A surge of panic crashed through him as he bolted out of the bedroom, tearing through Silver Vis like a man possessed. No matter where he looked¡ªshe wasn¡¯t there. He grabbed his phone and dialed her number. The ringtone echoed immediately. Eric turned toward the sound, eyes locking onto the living room sofa¡ªwhere Hadley¡¯s bag sat, untouched. A quick scan of the room revealed more¡ªher coat still hung by the entrance, her shoes neatly in ce. The only thing missing were a single pair of indoor slippers. She went out in nothing but a thin sweater and slippers? Eric¡¯s hands clenched into fists, frustration and regret colliding in his chest. Leaving without a phone, without a coat¡ªhow would she manage? He shut his eyes for a moment, fingers pressing against his temples as his mind reeled. Earlier in the car¡­ He had lost control. He knew that. Hadley and Denver¡­ nothing had happened between themst night. As a man¡ªas her man¡ªhe would have known the moment he held her. And yet, blinded by jealousy, he hadn¡¯t been able to think straight. Thenter, anger had turned into something else entirely. He really lost control. He wasn¡¯t even sure why. Years ago, these things hadn¡¯t mattered to him. But with Hadley, every little thing got under his skin. Every look, every word. ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????©q????? Especially when she kept insisting¡­ that he wasn¡¯t as good as Denver. And now, here they were. Hadley had been right about one thing¡ªhe really was a bastard. But that didn¡¯t matter now. Right now, there was only one thing that mattered¡ªfinding her. Eric strode into the study, his movements swift, his mind racing. Pulling up the surveince footage, he fast-forwarded until he spotted Hadley. She had left less than twenty minutes ago. The grainy ck-and-white footage showed her stepping out of the house, wrapped only in a thin sweater, her arms crossed tightly over her chest against the biting cold. Eric¡¯s heart clenched at the sight. Damn it. Where could she have gone? She didn¡¯t have many friends in Srixby, which meant there was only one ce she could have gone¡ªher apartment at West Twelfth Alley. Wasting no time, Eric grabbed his keys and tore out of the house, driving straight into the snowstorm. ¡°Hadley, Hadley!¡± Eric pounded on the door of her apartment, his voice raw, his breath misting in the frigid air. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡± Eric murmured, pressing his forehead against the doorframe. His voice was low, almost pleading. ¡°Please¡­ open the door, okay?¡± No matter how many times he knocked, no matter how many times he called her name¡ªnothing. She was still furious. He had expected that. But still¡ª ¡°Why are you out here making so much noise?¡± Eric turned as a neighbor cracked open his door, his expressionced with irritation. ¡°Quit making a scene! No one lives there anymore¡ªwho are you even looking for?¡± What? . . . Chapter 514 ?Chapter 514: Eric¡¯s body stiffened. His fingers curled at his sides. How could that be? The man huffed, folding his arms. ¡°Tenant moved out weeks ago. ce has been empty ever since.¡± The neighbor shot him a smirk, sizing him up. ¡°Guess you two weren¡¯t as close as you thought, huh?¡± Then¡ªm. The door shut in Eric¡¯s face. Eric stood motionless, the world tilting slightly beneath him. Hadley didn¡¯t live here anymore. She was gone. She didn¡¯t even mention it to him! Eric¡¯s vision dimmed for a moment, his frustration mounting. Where could Hadley have gone? Leaving the building, he wasted no time¡ªcalling property management, Phillips, anyone who could help. By the time he made it back to Silver Vis, the surveince footage had already been retrieved. His gaze locked onto the screen. There she was¡ªHadley¡ªhurrying out of his house, slipping into a taxi. But the footage only captured part of the license te. Just a few digits. Not enough to trace. ¡°Phillips!¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± He didn¡¯t need to ask¡ªhe already knew what Eric wanted. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone look into it right away.¡± It wasn¡¯t much, but it was a lead. They had the car¡¯s color, model, and partial te number¡ªthat gave them something to work with. But that wasn¡¯t enough. They needed more. Hadley hadn¡¯t been back in Srixby long, and her circle was small. She didn¡¯t have many ces to turn. Eric¡¯s mind raced. Her colleagues at the dance troupe¡ªthere was one¡­ ???????? ???????? ???? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????[?]?????? The person she had trusted before. What¡¯s her name again? Right, Elissa! He vaguely remembered Hadley staying at Elissa¡¯s ce once to avoid Denver. And if memory served him right, that ce was in¡ªRedmarsh. Without another thought, he stepped on the gas and sped toward Redmarsh. Unfortunately, Elissa wasn¡¯t home. At this hour, she was at the dance troupe, just like the rest of Hadley¡¯s colleagues¡ªnone of whom had seen her. Eric¡¯s hands tightened into fists. Where else could she have gone? She had no deep connections in Srixby. When she hade to the Flynn family, she had been all alone. But then¡ªhis heart pounded. There was still¡­ Denver. He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but Denver was probably the person Hadley trusted most in Srixby. Would she have gone to him? He didn¡¯t waste another second. ording to Marshall, Denver hadn¡¯t been staying at his usual residence¡ªhe had been at his vi in Lion Bay since his return. Eric arrived at the vi within minutes, his mood dark and stormy. The door swung open, revealing Denver, who looked genuinely surprised to see him. ¡°Eric? What are you doing here?¡± Eric didn¡¯t respond. His gaze swept over Denver briefly before stepping past him without a word, moving through the house with purpose. He checked the living room, the hallways, the side rooms. Then, without hesitation, he made his way upstairs. . . . Chapter 515 ?Chapter 515: It was clear¡ªhe was looking for something. ¡°Eric!¡± Denver caught his arm, stopping him. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± ¡°Are you trying to stop me?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was low, tense. ¡°Are you hiding something¡ªor someone¡ªupstairs?¡± The conflicting emotions inside him threatened to boil over. Did he want to find Hadley here, or not? He wanted her to be safe¡ªbut not if it meant she had run to Denver. ¡°What?¡± Denver frowned in utter confusion. ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Eric spun toward the entrance, where Phillips was answering a call. ¡°There¡¯s news about Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s expression turned sharp. ¡°Talk now!¡± Phillips shifted uneasily, finally speaking, ¡°The taxi¡­ They¡¯ve located it.¡± ¡°What about Hadley?¡± Reluctantly, Phillips shook his head. ¡°Still no sign of her.¡± Rage erupted instantly within Eric. ¡°Then why are you even bothering to tell me?¡± Embarrassed, Phillips stared silently at the floor, unable to defend himself. Denver, however, noticed something rming in their conversation. ¡°Are you saying Hadley is missing?¡± This was why Eric hade here¡ªhe was searching for Hadley? Observing Denver¡¯s startled response, Eric realized immediately that Hadley wasn¡¯t here after all. g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ?????????? ???????? ???? ¡°Phillips, we¡¯re leaving.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Hold it right there!¡± But Denver wouldn¡¯t let him walk away easily this time; he grasped Eric¡¯s shoulder firmly, asking, ¡°What exactly happened to Hadley?¡± Witnessing Eric¡¯s frantic state reminded Denver suddenly of their heated confrontation earlier that day¡ªhadn¡¯t he and Eric just exchanged harsh words over her? Anger red uncontrobly inside Denver, shattering all caution. ¡°Eric! Did you do something to Hadley? Did you hurt her?¡± Silently, Eric turned his head aside, neither confirming nor denying. Though he¡¯d never exactlyid a hand on her, Eric knew the pain he¡¯d inflicted was just as damaging. ¡°You!¡± Denver¡¯s patience snappedpletely, and he hissed furiously, ¡°Eric, you bastard!¡± Denver grabbed Eric by the cor, his anger boiling over. ¡°You¡¯re pathetic! How dare you raise your hand against Hadley?¡± Immediately, Denver¡¯s fist crashed toward Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Eric absorbed the punch without flinching, and blood began to trickle from the corner of his mouth as Denver¡¯s fist made contact. Phillips rushed forward, desperate to intervene. ¡°Mr. Moran, please calm down!¡± But calming down was thest thing on Denver¡¯s mind. ¡°Get off me!¡± Despite Denver¡¯s efforts, Phillips¡¯ firm grip and his own injuries kept him from advancing on Eric. . . . Chapter 516 ?Chapter 516: His gaze bore into Eric, voice trembling with fury. ¡°Did you hit her? You actually did that? How could you?¡± Hadley¡ªthe one person he cherished deeply, someone he¡¯d never even raised his voice at despite everything she¡¯d put him through. Blood stained Eric¡¯s fingers as he wiped his mouth. Confrontationally, Eric grabbed Denver¡¯s cor, retorting, ¡°Had you not interfered constantly, would we ever be in this mess?¡± Denver stared, momentarily speechless, but thenughed bitterly. ¡°Ha¡­ hahaha.¡± Theughter vanished abruptly, reced by eyes burning red. ¡°Tell me, Eric¡ªis your real issue mistrusting Hadley, or is it yourself you can¡¯t trust?¡± What was Denver implying? Denver¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°She slipped on the snow and hit her headst night, knocking herself out, and I took her straight to the hospital. I stayed beside her until dawn. Call them yourself if you think I¡¯m lying!¡± Denver¡¯s voice resonated with usation. ¡°If you treat her like shit, what¡¯s the point in fighting me? If you can¡¯t care for her properly,¡­¡± ¡°Then let me do it instead!¡± ¡°Dream on!¡± Eric loosened his hold, shoving Denver away. A cold smirk crossed his lips. ¡°She belonged to me first. She belongs to me now. And guess what? She¡¯ll always belong to me.¡± He turned and walked away with determination. ¡°Eric, you heartless bastard! What sort of person acts this way?¡± Your favorite stories g¦Áln¦Òv???s Once they were in the car, Phillips¡¯ phone rang again, causing his expression to darken. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± He turned to Eric, his face etched with concern. Impatient, Eric asked, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Right!¡± Phillips stammered, gathering courage. ¡°They located the taxi driver. Turns out¡­ he recently got released from prison.¡± Released from prison? A former convict? A wave of frustration washed over Eric. His eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°What was he convicted for?¡± ¡°Sexual assault.¡± Phillips swallowed hard as a chilling aura enveloped him, emanating from Eric. Eric remained silent, his frustration evident as he rhythmically tapped his chin. Then he suddenly asked, ¡°Where is he now?¡± ¡°His shift ended, and he had returned the taxi. They¡¯re still tracking him.¡± ¡°Then get moving!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± With an aggravated sigh, Eric massaged his temples, the veins bulging visibly as dread and fury mixed inside him. ¡°Phillips, get the police on this.¡± But Phillips hesitated, then admitted, ¡°Mr. Flynn, the police might not ept the case.¡± A menacing look crossed Eric¡¯s eyes. ¡°Am I supposed to do your job?¡± ¡°Now? Seems I¡¯ve made things far too easy for you.¡± ¡°No, sir!¡± . . . Chapter 517 ?Chapter 517: He sat up straight, knowing better than to counter Eric. Typically, the police would dismiss such a case. However, Eric seemed prepared to leverage his influence to force their hands. But was his concern excessive? Think about Hadley¡ªindependent and strong-willed, she had chosen to leave on her own. Besides, it had been less than twelve hours since theyst heard from her. Despite his reservations, Phillips dialed the number. After ending the call, his eyes met Eric¡¯s in the reflection of the rearview mirror. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°What is it this time?¡± Feeling the weight of the moment, Phillips gestured to the back. ¡°It appears Mr. Moran is tailing us.¡± A quick nce in the mirror confirmed Eric¡¯s suspicions: Denver¡¯s high-end silver-gray car maintained a close distance behind them! News of Eric¡¯s search for Hadley also reached the Flynn family. When he arrived, Linda was scrutinizing the financials for the month, a role she had fulfilled for years within the Flynn family. After approving the documents, she passed them to Kira. ¡°Please proceed with these transactions.¡± ¡°Understood, Miss Harris.¡± The mood in the living room was tense. ¡°Oh dear.¡± N, troubled, addressed Eric while massaging her temples. ¡°This is disheartening. Just when things were looking up. If anything happens to Hadley, you won¡¯t be forgiven.¡± New chapters now on .c?m Eric opted not to justify his actions, instead turning to Ernest. ¡°Ernest, I need to speak with Quentin.¡± Ernest looked equally serious, giving a slow nod. ¡°Very well.¡± Although Ernest had spent years in aa, Quentin had remained active. Quentin was not just an employee; he was someone Ernest had once rescued. He was clinging to life when they discovered him. In the criminal underworld, Quentin¡¯s expertise was unrivaled. ¡°Thank you, Ernest.¡± Eric got to his feet, preparing to leave. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± N grabbed him. ¡°Preparations are in ce. There¡¯s no need to rush around!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t just sit here, Grandma.¡± ¡°Sit down!¡± It was Ernest whomanded. A hush fell over everyone; they turned to face him. Ernest¡¯s expression was grave, his frustration barely contained. ¡°Only now you feel the urgency?¡± ¡°Ernest¡­¡± Eric trailed off, his head dropping. ¡°Humph,¡± Ernest scoffed, disdain in his tone. ¡°Did I teach you to behave like this?¡± He paused momentarily. ¡°What aplete mess!¡± At that, Eric found himself at a loss for words. He realized he had indeed turned everything into aplete mess! N and Linda shared a look, choosing to remain silent. Linda¡¯s gaze lingered on Ernest, her heart heavy. It was the first outburst since his recovery. And it was directed at his most beloved brother! Surely, it had everything to do with Hadley. . . . Chapter 518 ?Chapter 518: Could Ernest be terribly worried about her as well? Late into the night¡­ The house was heavy with tension. Everyone remained gathered in the living room, waiting¡ªexcept for N, who had been too exhausted to keep up and was sent to rest by her grandsons. Then, atst¡ªQuentin strode in, his voice breaking the unbearable stillness. ¡°We found the driver!¡± The words had barely left his lips before Eric shot to his feet. ¡°Where is he?¡± Quentin didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Our people are on their way to him now.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was sharp, decisive. Without another word, he turned on his heel and headed for the door. ¡°Linda!¡± She turned to Ernest, blinking in surprise. ¡°What is it, Ernest?¡± Ernest met her gaze, his expression unwavering. ¡°We¡¯re going too.¡± What? Her hands curled slightly at her sides. Even in the dim light, the faint pallor in her face was noticeable. ¡°We? But your health¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Ernest brushed aside any hesitation with a decisive wave of his hand. ¡°Hadley is like a sister to me.¡± How could he possibly sit back when his sister was missing? His gaze snapped toward Linda, sharp and unyielding. ¡°If you don¡¯t want toe, then stay here.¡± Linda¡¯s fingers twitched, her forced smile barely holding. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she said lightly, masking the sting. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m worried about Hadley too.¡± R3ad the r3zt at g??lno¦Íels.?????? Like a sister? The thought almost made herugh. That was nothing more than a convenient excuse. But she had no intention of staying behind¡ªnot when she needed to keep an eye on him. Suppressing the flicker of irritation, she softened her tone. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you overexerting yourself.¡± With a smooth motion, she stepped forward, gripping the wheelchair handles. ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡± Ernest hesitated for a beat, but then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± The night air was crisp, heavy with anticipation. Eric stepped outside, his gaze sweeping over the lineup of cars. A sh of silver-gray caught his attention. Denver. So, he hadn¡¯t left? Eric barely spared him a nce. If the man wanted to tag along, so be it. Without another thought, he slid into his own car as the convoy roared to life. Meanwhile, Denver¡¯s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. A dull ache pulsed through his leg, growing sharper with every mile. Snow fell thick and heavy, nketing the deserted factory district in an eerie silence. There were no towering buildings in sight, just rows of dpidated structures, their metal sheets rusted from years of neglect. The air was damp,ced with a musty stench that clung to the concrete walls. Inside the low, shabby houses, the floor was nothing more than rough, unfinished cement. A single copper wire dangled from the ceiling, feeding into an old incandescent bulb that flickered with an irritating orange glow. The atmosphere reeked of unease. . . . Chapter 519 ?Chapter 519: In the dimly lit hall, a buzz-cut man, somewhere in histe thirties or early forties, sat slumped between tworge men gripping his arms. Unbothered by his predicament, he yawned, blinkingzily as tears welled up from exhaustion. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± he muttered, his voice thick with sleep. ¡°It¡¯ste. I need to get some rest.¡± The air shifted the moment Eric stepped inside. His gaze locked onto the buzz-cut man instantly. With slow, deliberate movements, he strode toward the table, nting both hands on the surface, his body leaning forward. ¡°Where¡¯s my¡­¡± ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡± The buzz-cut man blinked in confusion. ¡°Huh? Your wife?¡± ¡°Phillips!¡± At hismand, Phillips stepped forward, unlocking his phone and thrusting it toward the man¡¯s face. ¡°Look closely! Do you recognize her?¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± the man murmured, his voice dragging as he took in the photo. ¡°She¡¯s a real looker!¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the damn question!¡± Phillips gritted his teeth. ¡°Where did you take her after she got into your car?¡± The buzz-cut man paused, as if sifting through his scattered thoughts. Then, a slow,zy chuckle left his lips. ¡°How do you expect me to remember such details?¡± But the way his gaze flickered across the room, taking in the sheer number of men standing before him¡ªthe wealth, the power¡ªhe knew. This wasn¡¯t an ordinary situation. With a smirk, he tapped his temple. ¡°Let me think¡­ I remember, I remember, she¡ª¡± His gaze flicked toward Eric, his smirk deepening. It was clear. This man was the one in charge. A low chuckle broke the silence. The buzz-cut man smirked, raising his hand in a slow, deliberate motion, his fingers rubbing together as if he was counting money. ¡°If I tell you what you want to know, what do I get in return?¡± Eric¡¯s stare turned razor-sharp¡ªlethal. Phillips stepped forward, his voice snapping like a whip. ¡°If the information is real, money¡¯s not an issue!¡± ¡°Hold on.¡± Eric lifted a hand, halting Phillips in his tracks. ¡°What is it, Mr. Flynn?¡± His gaze drifted downward¡ªtoward something near the man¡¯s feet. His breath hitched, his body tensing as he slowly bent down, fingers closing around a red cashmere cardigan. Hadley¡¯s. Heat surged through him like wildfire. A slow-burning fury that erupted all at once. Without hesitation, Eric pivoted, his leg snapping out in a brutal kick, sending the chair, and the man in it, crashing to the ground! ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Phillips¡¯ voice rang out, followed by Linda¡¯s sharp gasp as she pushed Ernest¡¯s wheelchair into the room. But it wasn¡¯t over. Eric moved before anyone could stop him, grabbing the fallen man by his cor and yanking him upright. Then¡ªanother punch. A sickening crunch echoed through the room as blood sttered onto the cold concrete floor. . . . Chapter 520 ?Chapter 520: ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips hesitated, visibly unsettled. This wasn¡¯t like him at all. But Eric didn¡¯t care. His knuckles clenched, his voice a low, menacing growl. ¡°Where is my wife? What the hell did you do to her?¡± The buzz-cut man let out a strangled, bloodied chuckle. His lips curled into a twisted grin, his gaze shifting toward the red cardigan clenched in Eric¡¯s fist. ¡°Oh, so that woman is your wife?¡± he said, as if savoring the revtion. Leaning back slightly, he exhaled with a smirk. ¡°If you¡¯d just said so earlier, I might¡¯ve remembered sooner. Quite the beauty, that one¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re really going to push your luck today?¡± With a feral growl, Ericunched himself forward, fists flying¡ªeach punchnding with crushing force. ¡°Is this funny to you? What the hell did you do to her?¡± His fear had reached its breaking point. Hadley¡ªhis Hadley¡ªhad been at the mercy of this scum. And it was all his fault. If he had protected her better¡ªif he had never let her out of his sight, she wouldn¡¯t have ended up in this nightmare. Just as things spiraled out of control, Ernest¡¯s voice cut through the madness. ¡°Eric! Stop!¡± But Eric couldn¡¯t stop. That red cardigan¡ªHadley¡¯s cardigan¡ªwas something he had chosen for her, delivered by Four Hours, meant only for her. Fresh chapters are live at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s And now, ity crumpled and discarded, tainted by the hands of this filth. His mind recoiled at the horrifying images wing their way in¡ªHadley, vulnerable, fabric ripped away, trapped in fear. ¡°You dared toy your filthy hands on her? You¡¯re gonna fucking pay for it!¡± On the verge of breaking, Eric¡¯s mind spiraled, his breath ragged as he drove his fists forward, again and again, his voice hoarse, raw, repeating the same words like a fevered chant. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Phillips lunged forward, trying to pull Eric away¡ªonly to be shoved back with force. ¡°Get lost!¡± If this went on any longer, something terrible was going to happen. Linda felt it¡ªa bone-deep unease prickling across her skin. She had grown up with Eric, had practically known him his entire life. And in this moment, as she watched him spiral into violence, it was as if she was seeing the boy he used to be¡ªthe fierce, untamed fire hidden beneath the mask of a gentleman. ¡°Eric!¡± Taking a sharp breath, Linda rushed forward, throwing her arms around his waist. ¡°Stop! Please, stop! I beg you¡ªstop!¡± Her voice trembled as she tilted her face up to him, her grip tightening. ¡°If you kill him, how will we ever find Hadley?¡± She knew Eric better than anyone. ¡°You can kill him,¡± she murmured, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you. But at least¡­ wait until he tells us where Hadley is.¡± Finally¡ªEric stilled. His breaths came rough and uneven, his bloodshot eyes dark with realization. Yes. Hadley came first. . . . Chapter 521 ?Chapter 521: The buzz-cut many sprawled on the floor, a crumpled, bloodied heap. His breath rattled, his swollen face barely recognizable. ¡°Speak! Where is my wife? What did you do to her? Where is she?¡± ¡°No, please¡­¡± The man¡¯s body trembled, his battered frame wracked with pain. ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Eric¡¯s rage red hot again, his muscles coiling as he readied for another strike¡ªbut Linda¡¯s grip tightened. ¡°Then what do you know?¡± she demanded, her voice cutting through the room like steel. ¡°Talk. Now.¡± The man coughed, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll talk¡­ I¡¯ll talk¡­¡± The buzz-cut man wheezed, gasping through the pain, his body trembling from the brutal beating. ¡°Don¡¯t let her fool you¡ªthat woman is a menace! Even after I had her cornered, she smashed through the car window with a kick! She grabbed a ss shard¡ªstabbed me with it!¡± To prove his words, he yanked up his sleeve, revealing a mess of jagged cuts and dried blood. ¡°Look! She did this! All of it!¡± Tears streaked his face, his bravado shattered. ¡°Shut up!¡± Eric snapped. ¡°Stop your pathetic whining¡ªI asked you where she is!¡± ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know¡­¡± Still nothing. Eric¡¯s grip tightened, his rage swelling like a storm. Exhaling sharply, his gaze dropped to Linda, still clinging desperately to his waist. ¡°Linda.¡± He locked eyes with her, his tone dangerously steady. ¡°Move. I¡¯m going to kill him!¡± Find exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls The bastard wouldn¡¯t talk until he was staring death in the face. ¡°No!¡± Her pulse pounded, but she didn¡¯t waver. ¡°I think¡­ he really doesn¡¯t know!¡± ¡°I swear! I really don¡¯t know!¡± The man sobbed, his breath ragged. ¡°She stabbed me and then bolted out of the car! I tried, but I couldn¡¯t catch up!¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Linda¡¯s voice cut through the tension, her grip tightening around him as she looked up at his face. ¡°I think he¡¯s telling the truth. At this point, lying wouldn¡¯t help him.¡± Eric understood, but his chest felt heavy. Where the hell could Hadley have gone? If she had fought back with a ss shard, was she hurt, too? His eyes snapped open. ¡°Where?¡± The man blinked through his swollen face, confused. ¡°W-What? What do you mean¡ªwhere?¡± ¡°Unless you want to die, tell me where she ran off to?¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Linda tightened her grip, pulling him back just as his body tensed. ¡°I know! I know!¡± The man nearly choked on his words, his entire body trembling with fear. ¡°Rayton Road!¡± he blurted out, his voice cracking. ¡°She got off there! That¡¯s where we lost her!¡± His eyes darted around wildly, panic flooding his expression. ¡°I swear! I don¡¯t know anything else! She ran, and that¡¯s it! That¡¯s all I know! I swear on my life!¡± Rayton Road. . . . Chapter 522 ?Chapter 522: In his wheelchair, Ernest sat in quiet contemtion, his brows slightly furrowed. After a moment, he spoke. ¡°Eric, that¡¯s enough. You can let him go now.¡± Lowering his gaze, he regarded the shaking man on the floor with cold disdain. His voice was calm¡ªbut chilling. ¡°Listen carefully. If even one word you¡¯ve said is a lie¡ªI won¡¯t take your life, but here, in Srixby, I have ways to make every single day a living hell for you.¡± Without another nce, Ernest pressed a button on his wheelchair and turned away. ¡°Quentin.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Quentin immediately stepped forward, his movements crisp, professional. ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to Rayton Road right away.¡± Rayton Road. The intersection was eerily quiet¡ªan isted stretch with no signs of life. If Hadley had gotten off here, there was no telling where she could have gone. Quentin and Phillips had spent the entire nightbing the area, leading searches in every possible direction. But nothing. Eventually, dawn broke¡­ Eric hadn¡¯t closed his eyes all night. Sleep was impossible. After all, Hadley had been missing for almost 24 hours. She had left without a coat, without her phone¡ªwithout anything. She had no family, no close friends in Srixby. Where was she now? Alone? Freezing? Starving? And worst of all¡ªwhy was he still here, unharmed? Why wasn¡¯t he the one suffering? ¡°Any news?¡± N stood at the foot of the stairs, arms crossed, her face drawn with anxiety. ¡°Where could she have gone?¡± The report from Quentin and Phillips was grim. They had scoured every inch of Rayton Road. Still¡ªnothing. No check-ins at hotels, inns, or hostels. No sign of her at train stations, airports¡ªnot even a whisper in ident reports. She had vanished. As if she had never existed. Linda stepped into the room, attempting to soften the unbearable tension. ¡°N, Ernest, Eric¡ªbreakfast is ready. You should eat.¡± ¡°How can I?¡± N sighed, her voice heavy, her arms tightening around herself. Linda ced a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried. We all are. But you can¡¯t help Hadley if you¡¯re running on empty.¡± Her gaze shifted to Ernest, her tone turning more insistent. ¡°And you¡ªyou¡¯re still recovering. Skipping meals won¡¯t help.¡± Ernest hesitated, but then gave a short nod. ¡°Alright.¡± His eyes flicked toward Eric, who stood motionless, staring nkly at the floor. ¡°You should eat too.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was rough, barely above a whisper. ¡°Grandma, Ernest¡ªyou should eat, but I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda started, but then¡­ ¡°Let him be.¡± Ernest¡¯s voice cut through the room, calm yet absolute. ¡°He¡¯s the one in the wrong. Let him face the consequences.¡± Linda stiffened. Ernest wasn¡¯t just pitying Hadley, was he? He was taking her side. Upstairs. . . . Chapter 523 ?Chapter 523: Eric didn¡¯t return to his own room. Instead, his feet carried him toward Hadley¡¯s. He walked in, barely registering his movements, and copsed onto her bed fully clothed, his body heavy with exhaustion. Burying his face into her pillow, he inhaled deeply¡ªclinging to the faint traces of her scent. ¡°Where are you, Hadley?¡± He hadn¡¯t slept all night. But even here, lying in the warmth of her space, rest wouldn¡¯te. Closing his eyes only made the unease worse. Time blurred. At some point, a knock sounded at the door. Phillips. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Eric forced himself up, dragging his exhausted body to the door. His bloodshot eyes locked onto Phillips. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Phillips hesitated. He could tell Eric was in no mood for conversation, but thepany matters couldn¡¯t wait. Eric listened as Phillips ryed the situation, and then gave a tired nod. ¡°Okay. I get it. I¡¯ll get ready and head to thepany as soon as I can.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± A cold shower, a quick shave, fresh clothes¡ªnone of it made him feel any more awake. Just as he was straightening his sleeves, Linda appeared in the doorway. Her gaze swept over him, immediately noticing the red-rimmed eyes, the deep shadows under them. ¡°You¡¯re heading to thepany, aren¡¯t you?¡± Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. ¡°You should eat something before you go.¡± ¡°No need.¡± Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories ¡°Eric, please listen.¡± She reached out, gripping his arm firmly. ¡°If you were resting at home, I wouldn¡¯t push, but you¡¯re going to work¡ªrunning on nothing but stress and exhaustion. How long do you think you can keep this up?¡± ¡°Linda, please.¡± Eric inhaled deeply, his patience already wearing thin. ¡°How can I eat when I don¡¯t even know if Hadley is out there starving?¡± Then¡ªa bitterugh slipped past Linda¡¯s lips. ¡°And that¡¯s my fault?¡± she scoffed, eyes shing. ¡°Why are you taking it out on me?¡± Eric¡¯s restraint snapped. ¡°Linda,¡± he called out, his brows furrowing. ¡°From now on¡ªstay away from Hadley¡¯s things.¡± Her expression hardened. ¡°What did I take from her?¡± ¡°I know about that dress.¡± His voice was sharp, unforgiving. ¡°You knew it was meant for Hadley, yet you still took it.¡± Then¡ªsheughed again, this time in disbelief. ¡°Ha!¡± She scoffed, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re actually using me? Over a dress?¡± Eric said nothing, his jaw clenching. ¡°I¡¯m just saying¡­¡± His voice dropped. ¡°If Hadley had worn that dress¡ªif she had gone to that party¡ªmaybe none of this would have happened.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Linda took a step forward, her gaze drilling into his. ¡°Are you saying that I am to me for Hadley¡¯s disappearance?¡± Eric¡¯s brow furrowed, his jaw tight as he stood in silence for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m simply saying that this cannot happen again.¡± Turning sharply on his heel, he shouted, ¡°Phillips, let¡¯s go.¡± . . . Chapter 524 ?Chapter 524: ¡°Y- Yes!¡± Phillips didn¡¯t dare hesitate, falling into step behind him without another word. Linda remained rooted to the spot, expression nk,plexion pale. What was happening? Ernest had changed. And now, Eric too. Ever since Hadley returned¡­ everything started to be a mess. The moment Eric stepped outside, his gaze darkened¡ªthat silver-gray car was still there. Phillips cleared his throat. ¡°Mr. Moran has been following us. He hasn¡¯t left, not even once.¡± Like a ghost that refused to fade. Eric¡¯s jaw clenched. He didn¡¯t have the time or the patience to deal with this right now. Without another thought, he ducked into the car, and as they pulled away, the silver-gray vehicle followed once again. By the time they reached Flynn Group, a mountain of work awaited Eric. He forced himself to focus, burying his exhaustion beneath a relentless stream of documents, reports, and decisions. Most of the work was finally done by evening, but as for the usual business socializing? He didn¡¯t have the energy for it. Didn¡¯t have the patience, either. Descending to the garage, Eric slipped into the car, his movements stiff with fatigue. As they pulled onto the road, he exhaled sharply, his voice breaking the heavy silence. ¡°Still no news?¡± Phillips hesitated. Just for a moment. Then¡ªa quiet, weighted answer. ¡°No.¡± With a deep sigh, Eric shut his eyes, leaned back, and yanked the knot loose. Of course. He hadn¡¯t expected anything else. ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.??? If there had been any updates, Phillips would have said something by now. Still, he hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to speak. ¡°Mr. Flynn, maybe no news is good news,¡± he said, carefully choosing his words. ¡°Hadley might have friends we don¡¯t know about¡ªsomeone who¡¯s taken her in¡­¡± Before he could finish, the car jerked to a sudden stop. Phillips whipped around, his brows furrowing. ¡°Sebastian! You¡¯ve been driving for years¡ªwhat the hell was that?¡± Sebastian let out a sheepish chuckle. ¡°Just an ident. Sorry.¡± He gestured ahead. ¡°Look¡ªsome woman just walked straight into the road. How was I supposed to predict that?¡± Phillips nced forward. Sure enough, a young woman crouched on the icy pavement, gathering scattered belongings from the slick road. Phillips squinted, his memory clicking into ce. ¡°Mr. Flynn, isn¡¯t she from Hadley¡¯s dance troupe? I think her name¡¯s Elissa or something.¡± Eric remained stone-faced. Even if it was indeed Elissa¡ªwhat did it matter to him? Seeing no reaction, Phillips sighed before pushing the door open. ¡°I¡¯ll go help her.¡± Stepping out into the cold, Phillips bent down, scooping up thest of her things. ¡°Miss Hond?¡± He extended the item toward her. ¡°The roads are dangerous in this weather¡ªbe careful.¡± Elissa¡¯s lips curled into a small, grateful smile. ¡°Thank you for your kindness!¡± ¡°Your bag is ripped.¡± His tone turned lighter. ¡°Are you heading home?¡± ¡°We can give you a ride.¡± A flicker of hesitation crossed her face before she quickly shook her head. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary! I can walk from here. Besides, I don¡¯t want to trouble you.¡± . . . Chapter 525 ?Chapter 525: Phillips didn¡¯t push. Instead, he bent down, picking up a small box from the ground and handing it back to Elissa. ¡°Miss Hond, are you alright? This medicine¡­ are you running a fever?¡± ¡°Uh, yeah. I¡¯m a little under the weather,¡± she said lightly. Then, with a forced smile, she quickly grabbed the box and shoved it into her already torn bag. ¡°But I¡¯ll be fine. Thanks for this¡ªI should get going.¡± Without waiting for a reply, she clutched her things and hurried off, disappearing into the snowy street. Back in the car, Phillips turned to Eric. ¡°Mr. Flynn, Elissa didn¡¯t seem hurt at all, but she bought those supplies and even fever patches¡­ Strange, don¡¯t you think?¡± Eric didn¡¯t even spare him a nce. ¡°Sebastian, drive.¡± Sebastian didn¡¯t question it and pulled away from the curb. But Phillips wasn¡¯t done thinking about it. A few momentster, he nced out the window¡ªthen abruptly stiffened. ¡°Wait a second¡­ isn¡¯t that Elissa?¡± Phillips frowned. ¡°She¡¯s walking in the wrong direction,¡± he muttered. ¡°If she was heading home, she¡¯d be taking the road to Redmarsh. But instead, she¡¯s going the other way.¡± Eric¡¯s eyes snapped open. Phillips immediately fell silent, unsure. ¡°Uh¡ªMr. Flynn, should I just¡­ stop talking?¡± Eric didn¡¯t even bother replying to him; he simply gave instructions. ¡°Sebastian, follow her.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s takes you to new worlds Phillips was nowpletely thrown off. Follow Elissa? Why? Why did¡­ Eric suddenly cared? Even Eric didn¡¯t fully understand it. He just knew that if they followed Elissa, they might really find Hadley. As the car changed course, Eric bowed his head slightly, clenching his fists. Unaware she was being followed, Elissa hopped on a bus, eventually stepping off near Mayfield Road. Then, without hesitation, she made a turn and headed into Milnd Road. Phillips watched closely, brows furrowed. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what now?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was steady. Calm. Absolute. ¡°We go after her.¡± Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was Ernest. ¡°Hello?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was low, steady¡ªbut charged with something beneath the surface. ¡°I¡¯m at Milnd Road. I think Hadley¡¯s somewhere here.¡± The two brothers exchanged only a few curt words before the line went dead. On the other end, Ernest set his phone down, his expression unreadable. Then, without hesitation, he wheeled himself toward the door. ¡°Ernest, where are you going?¡± Linda¡¯s voice rang out behind him, but he barely nced back. ¡°There¡¯s news about Hadley. I¡¯m heading to Milnd Road.¡± Then, as if anticipating her reply, he added firmly, ¡°Just stay here with Grandma. Quentin wille with me.¡± Inside the small apartment, Hadley cradled Joy, her voice gentle and coaxing. . . . Chapter 526 ?Chapter 526: ¡°Be good, sweetheart. You need to get your shot,¡± she murmured, tucking a stray curl behind Joy¡¯s ear. ¡°If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll get sick, and¡­ Mommy will be really worried.¡± Joy, who had been pouting in resistance, suddenly perked up at the¡­ Last part. ¡°Like Mommy is now?¡± she asked sweetly. ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley said with a small smile. ¡°When Mommy gets sick, doesn¡¯t Joy worry too?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Joy answered without hesitation. She sat still for a moment, her tiny fists clenched, clearly torn between fear and bravery. ¡°I don¡¯t want Mommy to worry¡­ I¡¯ll get the shot.¡± Hadley¡¯s chest tightened with pride. ¡°Joy is such a good girl.¡± ¡°Well then!¡± Melba pped her hands and lifted Joy into her arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go, sweetheart! And if you¡¯re brave and don¡¯t cry, I¡¯ll buy you a candyter, okay?¡± Joy¡¯s head rested against Melba¡¯s shoulder, but she turned to Hadley for confirmation. ¡°Mommy, is that okay?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She added, ¡°But only one.¡± Joy beamed. ¡°Yay! Thank you, Mommy!¡± Snuggling closer to Melba, Joy then whispered happily, ¡°Thank you, Melba! I promise I won¡¯t cry!¡± ¡°Alright, brave girl,¡± Melba said warmly before heading out. Elissa, who had been watching from the side, let out a dreamy sigh. ¡°Joy is adorable,¡± she said wistfully, plopping into a chair. ¡°Your daughter is the kind that makes anyone want to have daughters.¡± She dropped her bag onto the table, and then gestured toward Hadley¡¯s bandaged hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t breathe a word about it. L??€$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@l§Ú?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m Alright, let me take a look at your hand. Do you need your dressing changed?¡± Hadley showed her palm to her friend. ¡°I think it¡¯s fine¡­¡± Elissa¡¯s brows furrowed as she carefully unwrapped the bandage. It didn¡¯t look fine at all. The wound looked inmed, the skin around it reddened, irritated. ¡°This doesn¡¯t look great,¡± she murmured. ¡°We should get you to a¡­¡± ¡°Hospital.¡± ¡°No¡ª¡± Hadley jerked back instantly, her face paling, shoulders trembling slightly. ¡°If I go to a hospital, he¡¯ll find me.¡± Hadley had learned from Elissa that Eric had been to the dance troupe, interrogating everyone, searching every corner of the city. He wasn¡¯t giving up. And Hadley¡­ she didn¡¯t want to see him. ¡°Alright, alright! No hospitals. We won¡¯t go.¡± Elissa nced at Hadley¡¯s trembling hands and softened her voice. In the elevator bank, Phillips studied the panel, his tone low but precise. ¡°Mr. Flynn, Elissa got off on the ninth floor.¡± Eric gave a small nod, barely acknowledging the words. With a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open. Eric stepped out first¡ªsharp, focused. At that exact moment, the doors of the adjacent elevator parted. From inside, Melba emerged, cradling Joy in her arms. ¡°Alright, sweet girl¡ªlet¡¯s get that candy!¡± As the doors clicked shut before him, Eric looked up. That child¡­ Was that¡­ Joy? . . . Chapter 527 ?Chapter 527: Eric wondered whether destiny was ying tricks on him. An unexpected feeling stirred in his chest, tempting him to rush over and pull the little girl close. Yet before he could act, Phillips yanked him back, and the elevator doors slid shut, sealing off his view. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what¡¯s gotten into you? That¡¯s dangerous! Besides, aren¡¯t we supposed to go upstairs?¡± Phillips snapped, shattering Eric¡¯s brief daze. He reminded himself of his purpose¡ªhe was here to find Hadley, not to be distracted by a child. The elevator chimed softly at the ninth floor. Two apartments upied this level, but since one stood empty, there was no question about his destination. In Hadley¡¯s apartment, Elissa sat at the edge of the bed, carefully pouring water into a ss and brushing Hadley¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not burning up as much now,¡± she said, pressing a fresh fever patch against her skin. ¡°You¡¯re still sure about skipping the medicine?¡± Elissa asked with concern. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Hadley replied softly, shaking her head as she took a few sips. ¡°I¡¯m already feeling better.¡± A chill had crept through her body, but with the possibility of pregnancy, she couldn¡¯t risk medication. ¡°All right then.¡± Respecting her friend¡¯s wishes, Elissa rose and picked up the melted ice pack. ¡°Let me get you a fresh one. Do you want something to eat? Melba prepared some chicken soup for you. Can you stomach anything right now?¡± ¡°I think I¡¯d like that¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s voice trailed off. Elissa stepped into the kitchen, but the sudden chime of the doorbell startled her. ¡°Just a minute!¡± she called over her shoulder. Opening the door, she froze. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± A mockingugh, bitter and sharp, drew her gaze back to Eric. Without waiting for an invitation, he pushed past Elissa and strode directly into the master bedroom. ???????? ???????? ???? ???? ????????????????: g????????¦Í???????????? Inside, Hadley flinched at his sudden appearance, clutching the nket tightly around herself and pressing back against the pillows as if they could shield her. He had found her after all. Somehow, he¡¯d managed to track her here. Elissa rushed inside, standing firmly in Eric¡¯s path with her arms stretched wide. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you have to leave right now. Hadley made it clear she doesn¡¯t want to see you!¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Eric paused, tilting his head slightly. An amused smirk yed at the corners of his mouth. ¡°And you believe you¡¯re capable of stopping me?¡± Then his expression darkened as he recalled something else. ¡°But I suppose you¡¯re good at hiding things, aren¡¯t you? Knowing everything and keeping it a secret from me all this time!¡± He dismissed her with an irritated wave. ¡°Get out of my way.¡± ¡°Never!¡± Elissa stood her ground defiantly, even though her legs shook and her face had drained of color. ¡°Hadley is hiding here precisely because she doesn¡¯t want anything to do with you!¡± Elissa might not understand the full picture, but she had no intention of abandoning her friend at a time like this. Eric released an exasperated sigh, his patience nearly gone. Wasting time arguing wasn¡¯t on his agenda today. Reaching forward abruptly, he seized Elissa¡¯s wrists. ¡°If you insist on getting in my way, I¡¯ll have no choice but to remove you myself.¡± With one swift motion, he moved her aside and roughly tossed her out of his path. ¡°Ah!¡± . . . Chapter 528 ?Chapter 528: Losing her bnce, Elissa fell backward, colliding with Ernest, who had just entered the room in his wheelchair. ¡°Watch out!¡± Reacting swiftly, Ernest reached forward and steadied her before she fell. Elissa¡¯s cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she realized she was nearly sitting in Ernest¡¯sp. Oh no! She¡¯d justnded on someone in a wheelchair. Was he hurt? Had she hurt him? ¡°Oh my gosh!¡± Springing up instantly, Elissa stumbled over her words in embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry! Are you all right? I didn¡¯t mean tond on you!¡± Instead of letting go right away, Ernest held her firmly until she regained her bnce. ¡°You¡¯re steady now, right? Can you stand?¡± ¡°Yes¡ªyes, I¡¯m fine!¡± Elissa replied anxiously, waving her hands to reassure him. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly steady now!¡± ¡°Good.¡± With a gentle nod, Ernest carefully withdrew his hands. For a moment, he studied Elissa¡¯s flushed face quietly before turning his attention elsewhere without another word. Meanwhile, Eric approached the bed and seated himself at its edge. ¡°Hadley.¡± Hadley turned her back to him, closing her eyes and ignoring his presence. Her cold reaction didn¡¯t surprise him. From this angle, he clearly noticed how damp and shaky her eyshes were. His gaze drifted to the bedside table, taking in the scattered medical supplies: fever patches, ice packs, antiseptic solution, and gauze. Frustration surged violently inside him, mingled with a powerful pang of guilt. ¡°Hadley.¡± g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home Gently, he enveloped her in his arms, pulling the nket around her. His voice trembled with regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hadley. I was a fool, and I hurt you badly.¡± Still stubbornly facing away, Hadley clenched her fists beneath the nket. Remembering his earlier cruelty made her want tosh out¡ªhow dare he act sorry now! ¡°Get your hands off me!¡± She fought against his embrace. ¡°Hadley, please!¡± Eric captured her wrists. ¡°You¡¯re furious, I get it. Go on, take a swing at me if it¡¯ll help you cool down!¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes shed angrily. ¡°You think I won¡¯t do it?¡± She swung her arm back sharply. ¡°Come on then!¡± Eric said, tilting his head back, bracing for the blow. ¡°Hit me until you¡¯re satisfied!¡± ¡°All right!¡± However, instead of a p, Hadley delivered a sharp kick. ¡°Ugh!¡± Eric doubled over, clutching his abdomen, gasping in pain. ¡°Okay, you can hit me, but please, aim carefully next time!¡± Hadley stared at his wincing face, a realization dawning on her¡ªhad she identally hit something¡­ sensitive? It wasn¡¯t that she cared about him, but she still needed him for now. Her heart raced, frustration boiling over. Why did she have to restrain her anger? Overwhelmed, Hadley broke down in tears. ¡°Why are you here? Can¡¯t you just leave me alone? I don¡¯t want to see you anymore. Just go!¡± Her involvement with him wasn¡¯t about affection. All she wanted was a child. Why couldn¡¯t they just avoid crossing paths otherwise? But he persisted, not only ignoring her wishes but also treating her harshly. Hadley seized his cor, her whole body shaking. ¡°Why can¡¯t I escape your shadow now?¡± Was he not capable of finding her back in the when she and Joy were desperately trying to make ends meet? He had the means to locate anyone easily¡ªyet he chose to leave her to fend for herself. Four long years! So why did he start caring? Why now? . . . Chapter 529 ?Chapter 529: Fury burned in her eyes, and she wished she could throttle him. ¡°You¡¯re despicable! Leave me alone!¡± ¡°I am despicable!¡± Eric agreed, closing his eyes and not resisting her usations. ¡°Please, stop crying. I ept all the me! I promise, never again!¡± What? This unexpected submission from Eric took Hadley aback; she was momentarily lost for words. Could it be? The usually haughty Eric Flynn was humbling himself? ¡°Hadley.¡± At the doorway, Ernest appeared, maneuvering his wheelchair. Tears clouded her vision as she looked up, stuttering, ¡°Ernest¡­¡± ¡°Here.¡± Ernest offered a handkerchief as he approached, his voice gentle. ¡°Dry your eyes. They¡¯re all puffy.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Taking the handkerchief, Hadley covered her face. Ernest¡¯s hand tenderly brushed her hair,forting her as he had in the past. His soothing tone enveloped her. ¡°There, there, Hadley. No more tears, okay?¡± Ernest sighed, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°Eric¡¯s been out of controltely. Let me talk to him for you.¡± His sharp gaze met Hadley¡¯s. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go home.¡± Hadley hesitated, but with Ernest speaking, how could she refuse? Besides¡­ she couldn¡¯t afford to sever ties with Eric just yet¡ªnot before she conceived. Ernest turned to Eric, his expression hardening. ¡°Eric,¡± he said firmly, brows furrowed, ¡°this is the first andst time. Listen carefully¡ªif you make Hadley cry again, I won¡¯t wait for her toe to me. I will step in, and I will make sure to separate you two.¡± His voice dropped slightly. ¡°Even if Grandma tries to intervene¡ªit won¡¯t change a thing.¡± ¡°Ernest!¡± L??t??¦Ó ch?¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.?§àm Eric¡¯s entire body stiffened. He knew his brother well. Ernest might seem gentle, but once he made a decision¡ªhe never wavered. If he said he¡¯d do something¡ªhe meant it. Eric lowered his head, his voice solemn and sincere. ¡°It won¡¯t happen again, Ernest. I promise.¡± Ernest studied him for a long moment, then gave a slow, measured nod. ¡°Good.¡± Without another word, he turned his wheelchair. ¡°Quentin, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Quentin responded immediately. ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was softer now, tentative, as he reached for her hand. Lifting it gently, he pressed it to his lips. ¡°Come back with me,¡± he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. ¡°How can you possibly live like this?¡± Hadley felt something inside her unravel. Exhaustion, thick and overwhelming, settled deep in her bones. She was already fighting injuries and illness¡ªand now frustration coiled around her chest, squeezing the air from her lungs. Her limbs felt heavy. Her breath came shallow. She closed her eyes, too drained to fight. Too weary to resist. Right now¡­ she simply wouldn¡¯t seed at pushing him away. Besides, any second now, Joy would return. And if Eric saw her, everything would fall apart. Eric didn¡¯t hesitate. He bent down, arms slipping beneath her, effortlessly lifting her against him. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go home.¡± The moment they stepped outside the building, snow whirled around them in silent waves. ¡°Put me down! Let me go!¡± Hadley¡¯s desperate cry sliced through the air. She thrashed against his hold, struggling fiercely. . . . Chapter 530 ?Chapter 530: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eric asked, his voice low and edged with concern. Reluctantly, he lowered her to the ground¡ªbut he didn¡¯t let go. His hands remained firm, anchoring her, holding her close. Hadley leaned against him, breathing unevenly. Her gaze, however, was fixed on someone else. Eric followed her line of sight. There, a short distance away standing in the snow, was Denver. The silver-gray luxury car behind him sat with its door wide open. Denver¡¯s posture was rigid, his limp more pronounced from the strain of the past few days. But his eyes weren¡¯t on Eric¡ªthey were locked onto Hadley. ¡°Hadley, are you okay?¡± he mouthed. Hadley¡¯s lips parted, quivering, tears welling up and threatening to spill. She knew exactly what he meant. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she forced her own lips to move. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Go. Forget me.¡± And just like that, she turned away. She didn¡¯t know if Denver understood, but she couldn¡¯t keep looking at him¡ªevery extra second her eyes lingered would only hurt him more. ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley¡¯s fingers curled around his arm, her grip faint but urgent. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Eric said quickly, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. ¡°I¡¯m so cold.¡± At her words, Eric reacted instantly. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his coat and draped it around her, even though she was already wrapped in a nket. Then he pulled her close, his warmth pressing into her. ¡°Just a few more steps,¡± he murmured, his breath fanning over her forehead. ¡°Once we¡¯re in the car, you¡¯ll be warm. Hang in there.¡± His arms remained tight around her, shielding her from the cold as he guided her to his car. ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Engines roared to life. One by one, the cars pulled away. Yet Denver remained frozen in ce, motionless, watching Hadley disappear into the distance. He understood what she meant. Hadley had said she was fine. Should he believe her? From the way Eric wrapped her in warmth, the way he treated her with such care¡ªit had to be true. Denver told himself he should be happy for her. Yet as thest traces of her car vanished from view, his gaze dropped to the snow beneath his feet. A whisper of defeat left his lips. ¡°But what if I can¡¯t forget you?¡± Inside the car, Eric sat in silence, holding Hadley close. His mind reyed the moment outside¡ªthe look she had given Denver. She had never looked at him like that. Hadley¡­ she still hadn¡¯t let go of Denver. The heavy snowfall slowed traffic to a crawl. At an intersection, the car rolled to a stop. Ernest nced out the window and caught sight of a familiar figure. Elissa was rushing toward the bus, weaving through the crowded stop, but just as she reached the doors a surge of passengers shoved past her. In the blink of an eye, the bus pulled away, leaving her behind. A second passed. Then another. Ernest exhaled sharply. ¡°Quentin, drive over there.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Quentin maneuvered the car alongside the bus stop and rolled down his window. ¡°Miss Hond, please get in. Mr. Flynn would like to give you a ride.¡± Elissa froze, then quickly shook her head. ¡°Please tell him I appreciate it, but no thanks!¡± Quentin arched a brow. ¡°I¡¯m not your messenger, and I don¡¯t deliver invitations,¡± he said coolly, gesturing to the backseat. ¡°If you want to thank him, say it yourself.¡± Huh? Elissa blinked. Was that a demand? Did that mean she actually didn¡¯t have a choice? Quentin tapped the steering wheel impatiently. . . . Chapter 531 ?Chapter 531: ¡°Hurry up. This is a busne¡ªwe can¡¯t exactly park here. Mr. Flynn is being nice. Do you want him to get a ticket?¡± What kind of twisted logic was that? Yet for some reason, it worked. Muttering under her breath, Elissa climbed into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, unease crept over her. Ernest sat beside her, silent and unreadable. Not a word spoken, yet his presence filled the space. Elissa swallowed. Her fingers brushed her dry throat while a thin sheen of sweat formed on her back. What was she supposed to say? ¡°Where to?¡± Ernest¡¯s voice cut through the tension, his gaze shifting toward her. ¡°Umm¡­¡± Elissa jolted. ¡°R-Redmarsh.¡± Ernest gave a curt nod. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± he asked Quentin. ¡°Loud and clear, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Good.¡± And just like that, silence fell again. Elissa sat rigidly, spine straight as a board, feeling like a schoolgirl under watchful eyes. Finally, they arrived and the car slowed to a stop. ¡°This is me¡ªthank you for the ride!¡± she blurted, hastily pushing the door open. Before anyone could respond, she darted into theplex. Ernest¡¯s eyes followed her retreating figure. Then his gaze flickered over the surroundings. So¡­ this was where she lived. In a ce like this? He took in the run-down buildings and aging infrastructure before looking away. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Back at Silver Vis, Eric didn¡¯t hesitate. Bending down, he scooped Hadley into his arms and carried her straight from the garage into the master bedroom. Carefully, heid her on the bed. Fresh chapters live g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í????s ¡°You¡¯re running a fever.¡± Eric pressed his palm gently to her forehead on the way back. It was still burning hot. ¡°I¡¯ll get the doctor¡ª¡± ¡°No!¡± Hadley¡¯s weak fingers grasped his wrist, faint but firm. ¡°Please, I don¡¯t want to take any medicine.¡± ¡°Hadley, please don¡¯t fight me on this.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was low and coaxing. ¡°Let the doctor check you out. If it¡¯s nothing serious, you might not even need medicine. But if it is¡­ I just can¡¯t take that chance.¡± Without waiting for another protest, he dialed his private physician and then called the housekeeper. Hadley needed rest, warmth, and proper nutrition, and Eric would make sure she got all of it. It wasn¡¯t long before the doctor arrived. After a thorough check-up, he offered his assessment. ¡°It¡¯s just a mild fever brought on by the cold. The cut isn¡¯t deep¡ªno stitches needed. I¡¯ve cleaned and bandaged it, but she¡¯ll need to keep it dry.¡± He hesitated, ncing toward Eric with an uneasy expression. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­ she¡¯s a woman, after all. Physically, she¡¯s not as strong as a man. In terms of¡­ physical intimacy, you might want to take it easy.¡± Cold sweat broke out across Eric¡¯s back at the doctor¡¯s careful warning. It mustered all his courage to hear it spoken aloud¡ªbut withholding the advice would have gone against the doctor¡¯s conscience. Clearing his throat, the doctor reached into his medical kit and pulled out a tube of ointment. With a neutral expression, he extended it to Eric. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­ you should apply this for her.¡± . . . Chapter 532 ?Chapter 532: Eric froze, mind nk for a moment. What did the doctor mean? Was it¡­ what he thought it was? The doctor¡¯s next words confirmed exactly what Eric feared. ¡°Also, Mr. Flynn, for now, please try to avoid any¡­ intimacy.¡± Eric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Got it.¡± His voice came out gruff, clipped. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave, then.¡± Once the doctor was gone, Eric turned back to the bedroom. Without a word, he walked into the bathroom, ran a warm bath, and then returned to the bed. Leaning down, he slipped an arm beneath Hadley. The moment her body lifted slightly off the mattress, her eyes snapped open. ¡°What are you doing now?¡± she demanded. ¡°You find me like this and you still can¡¯t help but take advantage of me?¡± Her breath hitched, but she didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Go find someone else. I don¡¯t want to see your face right now!¡± A slow, heavy feeling curled in Eric¡¯s chest. Was she trying to get under his skin? What kind of girlfriend would say that to her boyfriend? ¡°Hadley, I know you¡¯re mad at me.¡± His gaze locked onto hers, piercing and unreadable. ¡°But you¡¯re mine, just like I¡¯m yours. I¡¯m not the kind of man who strays¡ªwho looks elsewhere when things get hard. That¡¯s not who I am. No matter how upset you are, please don¡¯t throw words like that at me.¡± Hadley stared at Eric¡¯s tense expression, his features set in stone. ¡°Are you really that mad?¡± Eric said nothing. Wasn¡¯t this exactly what she wanted? To provoke him¡ªto push him just far enough to see if he¡¯d crack? Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction Hadley let out another soft chuckle, light and airy, as she looped her arms around his neck. Her fingers traced absent patterns along his cor, her touch feather-light. ¡°Why so serious?¡± she murmured, tilting her head ever so slightly. ¡°We¡¯re together, sure, but you don¡¯t like me. And I don¡¯t like you either.¡± The moment those words left her mouth, Eric felt a sharp, unseen force strike through his chest. She didn¡¯t like me? Or was she still thinking about Denver? Hadley, blissfully unaware of the brief flicker of pain in his gaze, kept smiling. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m a pretty open-minded person. These days, even marriages can be open. Spouses have their own thing, no expectations, no restrictions. Why should we be any different? Don¡¯t take this so seriously. Mr. Flynn¡­ don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve actually been faithful to Linda all these years?¡± ¡°Honestly¡­¡± Hadley continued, her fingers trailing lightly down his chest. ¡°You might not have a real girlfriend¡ªbut you¡¯ve always had someone, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cracked through the air like a whip. The teasing died on her lips as his heated, frustrated stare bore into her. ¡°Some things don¡¯t need repeating,¡± he said firmly. ¡°So listen carefully¡ªthis is thest time I¡¯ll say it. Linda and I were never more than friends. And whatever is between us now? It has nothing to do with her.¡± He took a breath, his tone softening and growing almost hesitant. ¡°And I don¡¯t dislike you. Do you really not know how I feel about you?¡± In one smooth motion, he scooped her into his arms, holding her close. ¡°The bath is ready. You¡¯ll feel better after a soak.¡± Hadley¡¯s breath hitched as he lifted her off the bed. What did he mean by not disliking her? And what about his feelings¡ªwhat exactly was she supposed to realize? Before she could gather her thoughts, the quiet click of the bathroom door sealed them inside. Eric set her down carefully, his arm steadying her as his free hand moved swiftly and confidently to unbutton her clothes. . . . Chapter 533 ?Chapter 533: ¡°Eric¡ªI¡­¡± She pressed her bandaged hand against his chest, brows drawn together. ¡°Let me do it myself.¡± ¡°You?¡± he murmured, eyes flicking pointedly to her injured hand. ¡°With that hand wrapped like a mummy? Or those legs that can barely keep you standing?¡± His hands moved faster, deftly removing the remaining fabric, driven by an urgency to keep her warm. Soon, her skin finally met the water¡¯s warmth. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Hadley sucked in a sharp breath as a jolt of pain rippled through her. The fact that she couldn¡¯t stand on her own was his fault in the first ce, wasn¡¯t it? It wasn¡¯t the cold making her legs unsteady¡ªit was the deep, tender bruises scattered across her body, especially on her thighs, each a painful reminder of the night before. Eric saw them clearly beneath the water¡¯s surface¡ªevery mark, every bruise¡ªhis doing. A heavy ache pressed against his chest. The doctor¡¯s quiet warning echoed back louder than ever. When he spoke, his voice was raw with guilt, each word weighed down by remorse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This was my fault¡­ I promise it won¡¯t happen again.¡± If there ever was a next time, Eric wouldn¡¯t need Ernest to step in¡ªhe¡¯d be unable to forgive himself first. ¡°Close your eyes,¡± he murmured gently, his voice wrapping around her like the steam filling the room. ¡°Lean back¡ªI¡¯ll take care of you.¡± Hadley eyed him warily but didn¡¯t resist. Some battles simply weren¡¯t worth fighting. Ever since that first night at Silver Vis, Eric had always tended to her in this gentle, attentive way. At first, Hadley found it peculiar, almost unsettling, but soon enough, it became familiar, evenforting. Perhaps this was just Eric Flynn¡¯s unique way of showing affection. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªhow many other women had experienced this tenderness from him? ??¦Ñ??¦Á?????? ?????? ???? ????????¦Í???????????? After carefully washing her hair and letting her soak peacefully, Eric lifted her effortlessly, wrapped her warmly in a soft towel, and carried her back to bed. He meticulously dried her hair before finally reaching for the ointment. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Hadley asked suspiciously, pulling back slightly. ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t want any medicine.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t something you need to swallow,¡± Eric said calmly, assuming her resistance was just childish stubbornness. The doctor had reassured him that fluids and rest would suffice for her fever if she remained opposed to pills. He could ept that¡ªbut this ointment was non-negotiable. ¡°It¡¯s topical. You don¡¯t ingest it.¡± He held her wrist softly, his tone gently persuasive. ¡°It¡¯s for the bruises. Didn¡¯t you just flinch from the pain?¡± Hadley hesitated. Would her continued refusal stir his suspicion? ¡°I¡¯m feeling a bit thirsty. Could you bring me some warm milk?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Eric answered immediately. ¡°I¡¯ll get it after applying the ointment¡ª¡± ¡°Are you going to get it or not?¡± Hadley interrupted sharply, her patience fraying. She still looked unwell¡ªeyes ssy, cheeks flushed with fever¡ªand Eric¡¯s heart fluttered inexplicably. His pulse quickened, his mouth went dry; how could he refuse her anything? ¡°All right, I¡¯ll get it now.¡± As soon as Eric stepped out, Hadley grabbed the ointment box and scanned the instructions until she found what she was looking for¡ªsafe for pregnant women. A wave of relief washed over her. Even though she wasn¡¯t pregnant yet, she was trying, and she couldn¡¯t risk anything unsafe. When Eric returned carrying a cup of warm milk, the herby scent of ointment still lingered in the air. He offered her the cup. ¡°Did you already apply it yourself?¡± . . . Chapter 534 ?Chapter 534: ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley epted the milk and sipped gently, careful of its heat. ¡°Could you reach everywhere yourself?¡± Eric asked with mild concern. ¡°You could¡¯ve waited for me.¡± ¡°I managed fine,¡± she replied lightly, finishing the milk and handing him the empty cup. Taking it, Eric gently probed further. ¡°Are you hungry? I made some pancakes. Want to eat a bit?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Hadley said weakly, waving off the suggestion. ¡°I just want to sleep.¡± She settled back into bed, showing no sign of further conversation. Eric didn¡¯t press¡ªhe tucked the covers around her and ced ice packs beneath her armpits. ¡°Rest now. I¡¯ll be right here if you need anything.¡± Hadley remained silent, turning her back to him. Eric sighed softly. Well, at least she was back. He would patiently win her over again. Turning off the main lights, he left only a soft glow from the wallmp. Hadleyy still, awake but quiet, sensing Eric had moved to the sofa, likely upied with work. As sleep finally began to im her, she heard him rise and enter the bathroom. Momentster, the bed dipped gently as he climbed in beside her, wrapping his arms protectively around her from behind. Hadley shut her eyes and said impulsively, ¡°Don¡¯t hold me like this. I can¡¯t sleep.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Eric asked, caught off guard. ¡°Isn¡¯t this how we always slept?¡± With a scoff, Hadley replied coldly, ¡°You said it yourself¡ªthat was in the past. Things aren¡¯t the same now as they used to be.¡± Her return to him didn¡¯t imply forgiveness. ¡°I don¡¯t want you touching me¡­ at least for now.¡± ?????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í??????????????? Feeling the tension, Eric¡¯s embrace tightened. ¡°For now? How long will thatst?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hadley responded, shaking her head. ¡°I can¡¯t specify a time for something I¡¯m still uncertain about.¡± In truth, if she was already carrying his child, this temporary distance might need to be permanent. His silence prompted her to speak again. ¡°What, is that not eptable?¡± She was ready for his objection. She knew he still had reasons to keep her close¡ªbecause he had promised Linda. As expected, the room fell silent for a long stretch before Eric finally yielded. ¡°Fine.¡± Yet no sooner had he spoken than he tightened his grip on her. Hadley tensed up. ¡°Hadley.¡± She was about to voice her difort when Eric whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll respect all your wishes. But can you promise me you¡¯ll let go of Denver and stay by my side?¡± After his request, he released her. ¡°Try to sleep. Good night.¡± He then rolled away, turning his back to her. In the quiet darkness, Hadleyy awake, her thoughts racing. What was he implying? Their rtionship was merely transactional, wasn¡¯t it? Why did his concerns extend beyond mere convenience? Wasn¡¯t he asking for too much? Why was he making such a request when she hadn¡¯t even mentioned his lingering thoughts about Linda? Exhaustion finally won out, and Hadley drifted off to sleep. Throughout the night, she dimly registered someone moving around¡ªrecing ice packs, offering her water, even helping her change her damp sleepwear. As dawn neared, the activity ceased, and Hadley slipped into a deep, undisturbed sleep. When she awoketer, she felt disoriented in the empty room. Her phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Joy, calling on Melba¡¯s phone. . . . Chapter 535 ?Chapter 535: ¡°Hello, Joy.¡± Hadley greeted softly. ¡°Mommy,¡± Joy said. ¡°You left yesterday without saying goodbye. I looked for you when I came home.¡± ¡°Are you sad about that?¡± ¡°Just a little. Mommy, are you okay? Is work making you tired?¡± Hearing her daughter¡¯s concern warmed Hadley¡¯s heart¡ªJoy truly was her little angel. Despite the challenges with Eric, she knew she could endure anything for Joy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, baby. Mommy¡¯s doing just fine.¡± After hanging up, Hadley nced at the clock and realized it was nearly noon. Feeling refreshed and free from difort, she slid out of bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. Sunlight poured in, and she shielded her eyes reflexively. ¡°Hadley!¡± In that moment, Eric entered, his face brooding. Confusion overtook her as she noticed his expression. What could be bothering him? ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± Eric closed the distance between them in an instant, wrapping one arm around her waist and lifting her slightly. ¡°Me?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°What have I done?¡± His sudden anger was puzzling. ¡°You¡¯re asking me?¡± Eric set her gently back onto the bed. ¡°Just stay here.¡± He stormed off to the closet and soon returned, kneeling in front of her with a pair of socks. He held her ankle gently and carefully pulled one sock over her foot, then the other. ?????????? ?????????? ????: g???????¦Í????????£®?????? Her feet, like the rest of her, were delicately shaped, with neatly trimmed, unpainted toenails that gleamed a healthy pink¡ªcharming and petite. After slipping the socks onto her feet, he paused before releasing her. His initial irritation at seeing her barefoot had almost dissipated. His voice remained firm, yet softened now. ¡°You¡¯ve just recovered from a fever. Walking around barefoot isn¡¯t wise. Do you understand?¡± Hadley blinked, perplexed. Wasn¡¯t this an overreaction? They were inside, after all. Despite the heavy snowfall outside, the house was equipped with central heating and the floors were carpeted. The interior wasfortably warm. ¡°Furthermore,¡± Eric continued, not yet finished with his lecture, ¡°you¡¯re a woman. Remember how you once ended up in the hospital with menstrual cramps? You need to be more cautious. People say keeping your feet warm is essential for good health. Please look after yourself even when I¡¯m not here.¡± He then cradled her feet in his hands, gently warming them. Hadley felt suddenly unsettled. What exactly was he doing? She recalled his plea from the night before to forget Denver and how attentively he had cared for her throughout the night¡­ What was driving his behavior? Was he worried she might reconsider their arrangement and disappoint Linda? That seemed like the only usible reason. With this realization, Hadley felt a wave of relief wash over her. She withdrew her feet from his grasp and said nonchntly, ¡°I get it¡ªyou can stop nagging now.¡± Eric rose, gently tidying her disheveled hair. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded, aware of her growing appetite. ¡°Good.¡± Eric let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Seeing you¡¯re ready to eat is a sign you¡¯re recovering.¡± He couldn¡¯t hide a trace of self-satisfaction. ¡°It¡¯s good I brought you here. Your fever eased during the night. You can eat in bed if you like¡ªwould that be all right?¡± . . . Chapter 536 ?Chapter 536: ¡°No.¡± Hadley scrunched her nose in objection. ¡°I don¡¯t eat where I sleep.¡± Eric arched an eyebrow at her particrity, then leaned down and lifted her effortlessly. ¡°I¡¯ll carry you downstairs. You haven¡¯t eaten muchtely¡ªhow would you have the strength to walk?¡± By the time they reached the dining area, the housekeeper had already prepared the table. The sight of the food made Hadley¡¯s lips tighten. Today, just this once, she decided she might eat a little extra. Eric noticed her resolve and served her a generous portion. ¡°Go ahead and eat,¡± he encouraged. ¡°Focus on getting better. You¡¯ve missed enough meals¡ªan extra helping today won¡¯t affect your weight.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Reassured, Hadley began to eat. Eric watched her with a pleased smile¡ªuntil his phone interrupted the moment. It was Phillips calling. Stepping away, Eric answered, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Go on¡­¡± The call concerned business matters. Since Hadley was just recovering from a fever, Eric had chosen to stay home instead of going to the office, relying on Phillips to keep him informed. Phillips managed things on his end, seeking Eric¡¯s advice whenever issues exceeded his authority. Their conversation stretched on for several minutes. Hadley had finished her meal, yet Eric was still engaged on the phone. She nced down at her feet, still d in socks. Remembering he had carried her downstairs, she realized she hadn¡¯t put her shoes back on. At that moment, her own phone rang. ¡°Hello, Elissa?¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± Elissa¡¯s voice carried a note of concern. ¡°Are you all right? Is he being kind to you?¡± ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? ¡°Yes. I¡¯m over the fever now. I¡¯m doing well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s reassuring.¡± Elissa exhaled a sigh of relief. ¡°He seemed quite intense, but he must care for you deeply¡­ Could there have been a misunderstanding? Surely someone who¡¯d fly a helicopter across cities to rush you to a hospital in a stormy night couldn¡¯t bepletely bad, right?¡± Hold on! As Hadley processed her friend¡¯s words, her expression slowly shifted to shock. ¡°Elissa, could you repeat that?¡± ¡°Helicopter? A stormy night? What are you talking about?¡± Hadley asked, her brow furrowing. Elissa blinked, equally thrown. ¡°You seriously don¡¯t know?¡± Hadley pressed her fingers to her temples as thoughts began to align. ¡°Wait¡ªso you¡¯re telling me the person who flew me to the hospital back when we were in Tidebourne was actually Eric?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ yeah,¡± Elissa replied slowly, confusion deepening her tone. ¡°You really had no idea? Didn¡¯t you see him when you woke up? It was such a huge deal¡ªhe never even mentioned it?¡± No, he hadn¡¯t. And Hadley hadn¡¯t thought to ask. Eric probably assumed she already knew, while she had spent all this time certain it had been Denver. Hanging up, Hadley shut her eyes tight as the realization overwhelmed her. She recalled Denver insisting he hadn¡¯t done anything special¡ªan honesty she had mistaken for modesty. But if it wasn¡¯t Denver, where had Eric been all that time? She hadn¡¯t seen him when she woke at the hospital¡ªhad he left before she regained consciousness? More baffling still was the idea of Eric piloting a helicopter from another city just for her. Denver doing that made sense¡ªhe had always been open about his affection. But Eric? Could he possibly care that deeply? . . . Chapter 537 ?Chapter 537: The thought was almostughable¡ªridiculous, even! As she wrestled with these questions, Eric finished his call and approached her, phone still in hand. Hadley lifted her gaze to his striking features. Without thinking, she reached out her arms. ¡°Hold me.¡± Eric froze, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing as he swallowed. The softness in her voice¡ªespecially at this early hour¡ªwas utterly disarming. Noticing his hesitation, Hadley teased him, eyes yful yet challenging. ¡°Why are you staring at me like that? You don¡¯t want to hold me?¡± She pouted, pretending irritation. ¡°I¡¯m barefoot. If I walk upstairs by myself, aren¡¯t you going to scold me again?¡± Seated below him, she tilted her chin upward, eyes glittering softly, drawing him in irresistibly. Truly, she was breathtaking. Eric had always known Hadley was beautiful¡ªbut in the past, he¡¯d never feltpelled to possess that beauty. Now, however, the idea of anyone else even ncing at her made his heart twist ufortably. ¡°I¡¯m more than willing to hold you,¡± Eric finally said, voice low and gentle. He leaned down and scooped her into his arms. ¡°In fact, it¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Effortlessly, he carried her upstairs andid her down on the bed with care. ¡°Want to sleep a little longer?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley replied softly, shaking her head. ¡°Too much sleep now, and I¡¯ll be up all night.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Eric stood, fetched a tablet, and ced it gently in Hadley¡¯sp. ¡°Here¡ªkeep yourself busy. Watch some shows or y games. I¡¯ll finish some work and be back soon.¡± Hadley rolled her eyes yfully, feigning irritation. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m not a child who needs constant attention.¡± ????? ??erfe???? check g???????¦Í???????????m ¡°All right, all right.¡± Heughed lightly, tucking the nket snugly around her. Just before leaving, he hesitated and turned back with a curious look. ¡°By the way, when did you n on telling me you¡¯d moved here?¡± Hadley¡¯s pulse quickened involuntarily. She shrugged nonchntly, her tone cool. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I had to. The old ce was cramped and outdated, and now I share an apartment with someone else. Yesterday was just an ident. Next time, don¡¯t barge in like that¡ªit¡¯s inappropriate.¡± ¡°Inappropriate?¡± Eric raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling something. ¡°Wait¡ªthe people you¡¯re living with¡ªthey have a child?¡± Hadley¡¯s breath caught, her palms growing mmy. ¡°How did you¡ª¡± Eric chuckled softly, pinching her cheek teasingly. ¡°Come on, did you think I wouldn¡¯t notice? Yesterday, I saw children¡¯s things lying around.¡± His expression suddenly darkened. ¡°You¡¯re not living with a couple, are you? That would mean a man¡ª¡± ¡°What nonsense are you thinking?¡± Hadley interrupted quickly, eager to protect Joy at all costs. She kept her tone convincingly casual. ¡°Rx. It¡¯s just a single mom and her kid.¡± Eric visibly rxed, relief washing over him. ¡°Ah, good.¡± ¡°So you really shouldn¡¯t keep dropping by whenever the mood strikes you,¡± Hadley seized the chance to reinforce her point. ¡°Please don¡¯t show up unannounced again.¡± With a sly smile, Eric leaned closer and pulled her gently against his chest. ¡°Fine. But promise me you won¡¯t just run away like this again. Do you realize how desperate I get when I can¡¯t find you?¡± Desperate? Hadley scoffed inwardly. He sure knew how to dramatize his concern. Feigning indifference, she replied yfully, ¡°You look fine to me now. Where¡¯s all this desperation you¡¯re iming? Maybe you weren¡¯t desperate enough.¡± . . . Chapter 538 ?Chapter 538: Eric sighed, utterly defeated by her stubborn charm. He didn¡¯t stay much longer, quickly retreating to the study to deal with his work. As soon as he stepped out, Hadley¡¯s yful facade faded. She tossed the tablet aside and sank deeper into confusion. Her thoughts twisted painfully, circling the same impossible question: could Eric actually have feelings for her? It seemed so improbable¡ªyet, given his recent actions¡­ what if it was true after all? Hadley was young and resilient, and thanks to Eric¡¯s careful attention¡­ She¡¯d regained most of her strength after only two days of rest. The bruises were fading, though a bandage still wrapped around her right hand, a lingering trace of that injury. Word of her ident had quickly spread through the dance troupe. Everyone knew she had some kind of connection with Eric Flynn. nche was still recovering and had yet to return, so the temporary manager thoughtfully adjusted Hadley¡¯s schedule¡ªcing her performances earlier so she could leave promptly and rest properly. For two evenings straight, Eric had personally picked her up and brought her back to Silver Vis. His reasoning was simple: her injuries weren¡¯t fully healed, and she needed care. Yet Hadley knew better. Now that Eric had discovered her new apartment, she didn¡¯t dare risk returning there and having him uncover Joy¡¯s existence. Her safest option was to y along and stay at Silver Vis until everything calmed down. That evening, Eric arrived promptly after her performance, waiting outside as usual. The moment Hadley settled into the passenger seat, he leaned over and fastened her seatbelt, eyes full of gentle amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to eat something niceter.¡± Hadley nced at him suspiciously. ¡°What are you plotting now?¡± Eric chuckled softly, amused by her caution. ¡°Rx, I know you¡¯re watching your diet. I¡¯m not reckless enough to sabotage that. I found a vegetarian ce¡ªdelicious food that¡¯s healthy and won¡¯t weigh you down.¡± ???????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????¦Í?????????????? Hadley hesitated, then finally nodded, curiosity winning out. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± Eric had a knack for discovering hidden gems. The restaurant he chose was tucked away in a lively downtown alley¡ªa ce Hadley never would have found on her own. Just as they exited the car, she spotted a familiar silhouette nearby. ¡°Wait¡ªwas that Elissa?¡± Eric gently grabbed Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°What are you looking at? Let¡¯s go inside.¡± ¡°Hold on.¡± Hadley pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing toward the direction Elissa had hurried off to. ¡°Is that a hotel?¡± ¡°Looks like it,¡± Eric answered casually, ncing at the glowing sign. ¡°The sign clearly says ¡®Hotel.¡¯¡± ¡°What would Elissa be doing at a hotel thiste?¡± Hadley whispered, confused. Eric arched an eyebrow, leaning closer with a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°Not to cast aspersions on your friend, but hotels in this neighborhood aren¡¯t exactly famous for innocent get-togethers.¡± Hadley whipped around, shooting him a pointed re. ¡°You seem suspiciously familiar with these sorts of establishments. Frequent visitor?¡± Eric froze for a heartbeat, momentarily taken aback. Then, with a sheepishugh, he tapped his forehead. ¡°All right, that was careless of me¡ªI was just joking.¡± He quickly wrapped an arm around Hadley, gently guiding her toward the restaurant entrance. ¡°Stop staring,¡± Eric said softly, tugging at her hand. ¡°She¡¯s an adult; she can handle herself. Let¡¯s eat first.¡± He had a point. The restaurant was expecting them: their table was reserved, and dishes arrived just as they settled into their seats¡ªwarm, inviting aromas rising from freshly prepared food. . . . Chapter 539 ?Chapter 539: ¡°Dig in,¡± Eric said warmly, encouraging Hadley as she took her first bite. ¡°How does it taste?¡± Hadley savored the delicate vors, her eyes lighting up in genuine surprise. ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s delicious.¡± The taste was subtle, yet unexpectedly satisfying. By the time they finished, she¡¯d eaten everyst bite. ¡°I¡¯m d it suits your taste,¡± Eric remarked with a satisfied smile. He slipped an affectionate arm around her waist as they exited the restaurant. ¡°I¡¯ll bring you back here next time if you like¡ªor we can find something new¡­¡± As he chatted enthusiastically, Hadley¡¯s attention snapped to the suddenmotion outside the hotel. Elissa had stormed out, locked in a heated argument with another woman. Elissa was at it again! In confrontations between women, the fights typicallycked strategy¡ªjust pulling hair and scratching faces, each strike meant to scar. Caught off guard, Hadley feltpelled to intervene. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re heading?¡± Eric swiftly held her back, his expression concerned. ¡°This is your friend¡¯s personal issue. Do you think she really wants your help?¡± Hadley stopped, torn. Just then, a man emerged hastily from the background. ¡°Let her handle it!¡± he shouted. He caught Elissa by the arm, yanking her back. His face disyed a mix of disgust and anger. ???????? ?????????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í??????©q?????? ¡°Elissa, have you no self-respect? Calm down, you¡¯re causing a scene!¡± Elissa halted, tears welling up, her hair a mess as she shot a re at the man. ¡°Robin! How much longer will you let this go on?¡± She gestured towards the woman next to him. ¡°A new girlfriend already? And she looks twice your age!¡± ¡°Who are you calling old?¡± The woman, clearly offended, seized the moment while Robin Torres held Elissa back to strike Elissa across the face. ¡°Mind your words, Elissa! I mean it!¡± The force of the p whipped Elissa¡¯s head to the side. Robin hesitated. He was about to say something more, but Elissa wriggled free and charged at the woman. ¡°You still want more?¡± Elissa sped her hands in the woman¡¯s hair. ¡°Ah¡­ Robin.¡± ¡°Elissa!¡± Robin quickly stepped in, pulling her away. ¡°Enough of this!¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± The woman smirked. ¡°You had thating for hitting me!¡± She scrutinized Elissa from head to toe with scorn. ¡°Tsk, what good is youth? It¡¯s useless if you can¡¯t hold onto a man¡­¡± Hadley had had enough and was about to intervene. ¡°Hold on!¡± Eric restrained her yet again. ¡°Let me go!¡± Hadley protested angrily. ¡°Don¡¯t you see? They¡¯re all against Elissa!¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric gave a knowing smirk and nodded toward the man. ¡°That¡¯s Robin Torres.¡± Hadley was taken aback. ¡°You know him?¡± . . . Chapter 540 ?Chapter 540: ¡°Only by association,¡± Eric exined. ¡°I¡¯ve done business with the Torres family. The point is, Robin¡¯s a married man.¡± He recalled being at Robin¡¯s wedding. Still, Eric tended to disregard those he deemed unimportant, and thus he couldn¡¯t recall what Mrs. Torres looked like. ¡°What?¡± Hadley was shocked. ¡°Robin is married? Was Elissa aware of this?¡± ¡°Robin is notorious for his personal escapades,¡± Eric murmured with a sigh. Despite being married, his disregard for his wife and his rampant infidelity were an open secret in their circles. Eric sighed, and then delicately asked, ¡°Does your friend know about Robin¡¯s marital status? If she¡¯s aware and still involves herself with him, I hate to say it, but she¡¯s setting herself up for trouble.¡± This revtion was tough for Hadley to digest initially. However, she had more pressing concerns to address at the moment. ncing around, her eyes caught sight of a small flower bed enclosed by bricks. With swift steps, Hadley approached, seized a brick, and made her way decisively toward Elissa. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric, taken aback, suddenly recalled an incident where Hadley had defended herself using half a brick against an assant, which had resulted in a police case! Without hesitating, he quickly followed after her. Bang! At the hotel¡¯s threshold, Hadley swung her arm, smashing the brick against the door frame and shouted, ¡°Enough!¡± The sharp sound halted everyone in their tracks. Elissa stood still, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Robin nced over. ¡°Is she with you?¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling ¡°Why do you care?¡± Brandishing the bluestone brick, Hadley¡¯s eyes zed as she warned, ¡°Let her go! Now!¡± She then turned to the older woman, grinning fiercely. ¡°Think this brick is just for decoration?¡± The woman recoiled, but then scoffed, ¡°Trying to frighten me? You think I scare that easily?¡± ¡°No joke,¡± Eric chimed in nonchntly as he ascended the steps, his demeanorposed and assured. He eyed Robin and gestured toward the older woman. ¡°Better take this seriously. My wife here will actually use it,¡± he warned. His wife? Hadley, taken aback, stared at Eric. Had he forgotten they were no longer married? Catching her gaze, Eric offered a warm smile. ¡°Need a hand with that brick?¡± Hadley scowled slightly, turning her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± The older woman stood stock-still. Where on earth did these lunaticse from? ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Though Robin didn¡¯t know Eric well, he recognized him. His eyes shifted between Hadley and Elissa. Did Elissa know Eric¡¯s supposed ¡°Wife?¡± Eric was not someone to provoke lightly, yet Robin found it hard to just walk away. With a strained smile, he said, ¡°Mr. Flynn, this is a private matter. You needn¡¯t involve yourself, right?¡± . . . Chapter 541 ?Chapter 541: He then let go of Elissa, adding, ¡°She provoked me first.¡± Elissa stumbled backward. ¡°Elissa!¡± Hadley swiftly moved to stabilize her friend, while Eric took the opportunity to relieve her of the brick, his expression easing. Why was she even handling bricks? Didn¡¯t she realize she could get hurt? His annoyance grew toward Robin, who had stirred up trouble right in front of Hadley. His gaze hardened as he addressed Robin, saying, ¡°Time for you to go, isn¡¯t it?¡± Robin, clearly startled, shot a nce at Elissa. ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯re leaving now.¡± He then turned to the older woman. ¡°Catch up!¡± The woman hurried to Robin¡¯s side, gripping his arm as they exited. Eric watched them leave with a shake of his head, disdain apparent. Men like Robin were not rare in their social circles, but Eric had little respect for them. Elissa¡¯s gaze followed Robin, her eyes brimming with hatred. ¡°Elissa,¡± Hadley said, supporting her friend. ¡°Should we head to the hospital to check on those injuries?¡± ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Elissa brushed off the suggestion, her expression forlorn. ¡°They¡¯re just minor scrapes.¡± The injuries were only on the surface. A hospital could mend her physical injuries, yet the deeper emotional scars would remain untouched. ¡°Do you want a ride home?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t press the issue further and simply changed the subject. Visibly tired, Elissa agreed. ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Eric drove them back to Redmarsh, where Hadley helped Elissa out of the car and into her apartment, while Eric waited outside. Inside, after Hadley applied simple first aid to Elissa¡¯s minor injuries, she hesitated before speaking up. ¡°Elissa,¡± she said cautiously. ¡°I usually stay out of others¡¯ private matters, but Eric let slip that Robin is married¡­¡± Elissa¡¯s expression changed briefly, and she attempted to speak but eventually stopped herself. Continuing, Hadley added softly, ¡°Moreover, Eric remarked on how turbulent Robin¡¯s personal life is. He seems indifferent about his partners. The woman he¡¯s with in the morning could differ from the one at night¡­¡± At this, Elissa shut her eyes, and silent tears began to stream down her cheeks. Elissa¡¯s tears hade so suddenly and intensely that Hadley couldn¡¯t bring herself to press further. She left the apartment building with a heavy heart, her mood noticeably subdued. Sensing Hadley¡¯s unease, Eric reached over, gently breaking the silence. ¡°Still thinking about your friend?¡± Hadley nodded quietly, her eyes fixed absentmindedly on the passing scenery. Eric tapped thoughtfully against the steering wheel, then spoke carefully, choosing his words with sensitivity. ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to say¡ªbut promise you won¡¯t take it the wrong way.¡± Hadley nced over briefly, signaling him to continue. ¡°Elissa¡¯s your friend, and it¡¯s natural to care about her, even help whenever you can. But her choices, her life¡ªyou can¡¯t take responsibility for that.¡± Eric paused, his voice softening. ¡°Try not to carry too much of her burden, alright?¡± . . . Chapter 542 ?Chapter 542: ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Hadley whispered softly, nodding again, yet unable to shake the heaviness from her chest. Her mind drifted back to Elissa¡¯s strange reaction. Earlier, she¡¯d explicitly mentioned Robin being married, but Elissa hadn¡¯t shown even the slightest surprise. She clearly already knew. But then, why continue to entangle herself with Robin? Elissa wasn¡¯t the sort of person to willingly involve herself with someone married¡­ was she? Hadley¡¯s thoughts turned restless, a troubling question echoing persistently within her¡ªwhat exactly went wrong? The drive to Silver Vis passed quietly, both lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the gate, the security guard greeted them cheerfully. ¡°Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Flynn! Wee back.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Eric replied smoothly, a pleased smile flickering across his lips. Hadley snapped her gaze toward him, startled. Right¡ªearlier, with Robin and Elissa, he had introduced her as his wife as well. A faint frown crossed her face, difort bubbling beneath the surface. She then asked sharply, ¡°Why did he just call me Mrs. Flynn?¡± ¡°Oh, that?¡± Eric said casually, clearly unbothered. ¡°Because I told him to.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Are you suffering from memory loss now? Have you forgotten we¡¯re divorced?¡± ???????? ?????????????? @ ?????????¦Í????????????? Eric was momentarily speechless. The car eased into the garage, and as he parked, he turned to face her directly. His gaze darkened thoughtfully, caught off guard by her intensity. Finally, he softened his voice and apologized. ¡°Sorry¡ªit¡¯s just habit. You¡¯ve been my wife for years, and the divorce¡­ well, it¡¯s still pretty fresh. I haven¡¯t quite adapted yet.¡± Really? Hadley wasn¡¯t convinced. She narrowed her eyes slightly, her voice firm. ¡°There¡¯s a clear difference between a wife and a girlfriend. Please remember that.¡± Eric hesitated briefly, but then nodded in reluctant surrender. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll be more careful.¡± Yet, even as he agreed, a restless unease stirred within him. Unable to hold back, he spoke again, disguising sincerity with yful charm. ¡°Still, Hadley,¡± he said cautiously, a hopeful glint entering his eyes. ¡°If things between us keep improving¡­ who knows? Maybe someday we¡¯ll reconcile and¡ª¡± ¡°Not a chance!¡± Hadley¡¯s interruption was instant and decisive, slicing through his words with merciless certainty. Eric froze, taken aback by how swiftly and harshly she rejected the idea. Her replynded hard, sending an unexpected ache straight through his heart. A wave of stubborn frustration surged through Eric. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s obvious,¡± Hadley replied firmly, reaching for her bag. ¡°We already tried marriage once, and we both saw how that turned out. Why should we repeat the same mistake?¡± Without waiting for his reaction, she opened the car door and stepped out, leaving Eric momentarily frozen in disbelief. . . . Chapter 543 ?Chapter 543: After a brief pause, Eric got out too, his expression darkening with quiet displeasure. Later that evening, freshly showered, Hadley rxed on the bed, idly scrolling through videos on her tablet. Eric soon joined her, slipping under the covers and drawing her close against him. ¡°What are you watching?¡± he murmured softly into her ear. ¡°Here.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t nce up, merely pointing distractedly at the screen. Eric nced over her shoulder, eyebrows lifting slightly. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve seen this one before. Not bad actually.¡± As he spoke, his hold around her waist tightened slightly, his touch growing restless. He pressed a gentle kiss against her hair, slowly trailing down toward her cheek. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Hadley sighed impatiently, lowering the tablet. ¡°Are you trying to annoy me on purpose?¡± ¡°Annoy you?¡± Ericughed softly, his voice low and inviting. ¡°Far from it.¡± His eyes sparkled with yful intensity as he studied her face. ¡°Hadley, it¡¯s been too long.¡± Indeed, it had been a while since they¡¯d shared a bed like this. And he, after all, was just a man. Having such a captivating woman lying next to him every night, yet unable to do anything¡ªit was bing unbearable. Eric gazed at her pleadingly, his voice tinged with desire. ¡°Hadley, can¡¯t you have a little mercy on me?¡± But Hadley¡¯s heart remained stubbornly unmoved. With a gentle yet firm push, she created distance between them. ¡°I told you, I¡¯m just not in the mood.¡± Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m Eric sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. ¡°You¡¯ve said that already¡ªbut hasn¡¯t it been long enough?¡± ¡°What, you can¡¯t handle it?¡± Hadley raised a teasing eyebrow, deliberately provoking him. ¡°If it¡¯s too difficult, maybe you should find someone else¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± His sharp voice cut her off abruptly. Eric¡¯s expression hardened, his lips tightening into a thin, tense line as he fought to control his irritation. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me near you, fine. But don¡¯t say things like that just to push my buttons.¡± Without another word, he tossed aside the covers and strode to the bathroom, leaving Hadley frozen in surprise. She stared after him, bewildered by his sudden reaction. What was that? Was Eric actually choosing self-restraint¡­ for her sake? Her pulse quickened slightly at the possibility. But she swiftly shook the thought away. No¡ªit couldn¡¯t be. For them, respect and devotion were dangerous emotions, warning signs she couldn¡¯t afford to ignore. The following day was a rare break for Hadley, and Eric had arranged his schedule so he could apany her to the golf course. Although he¡¯d nned some business there, Eric arrived early. Determined to spend quality time with her first, Eric was navigating the day effortlessly. Such informal settings were often where crucial business decisions took shape, and he handled them with ease. Hadley, having been groomed meticulously by N as part of her upbringing, was no stranger to these refined social pastimes. . . . Chapter 544 ?Chapter 544: Golf, in particr, had been one of N¡¯s requirements. Though Hadley rarely yed these days and felt her skills were only passable, she could managefortably enough in casual settings. After watching her swing, Eric¡¯s eyes widened slightly in pleasant surprise. ¡°Not bad. You¡¯re better than I expected.¡± Hadley lifted an eyebrow, casually shrugging. ¡°It¡¯s been a while¡ªI¡¯m rusty.¡± Just then, Marshall approached from a distance, apanied by a pair of men clearly waiting for Eric. Hadley nced toward Eric and nodded gently. ¡°They¡¯re waiting. You should go.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s okay.¡± Eric didn¡¯t rush to meet them. Instead, he gently removed the towel from his neck and leaned closer, carefully wiping away the fine sheen of sweat from her forehead. ¡°Dry yourself off,¡± he said softly. ¡°You¡¯ll catch a chill when the wind picks up.¡± Eric squeezed her hand lightly, nodding toward a nearby resting area. ¡°If you get tired, you can just rx over there.¡± Nearby, a lounge offered afortable spot with a pleasant view of the course¡ªperfect for unwinding while she waited. ¡°Alright,¡± she said, waving him off. But Eric still lingered. He hadn¡¯t always been this clingy. Was Eric getting older, or was something else changing in him? The way he fussed over every small detail suddenly reminded Hadley of her grandmother¡ªwarm yet endlessly nagging. ¡°Wait here for me,¡± Eric said warmly, pulling his hand back without protest. ¡°I¡¯ll take you somewhere nice for lunchter.¡± New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s Hadley made a face, clearly displeased. ¡°Eating surrounded by a bunch of scheming businessmen? I¡¯ll lose my appetite.¡± ¡°Rx, it¡¯ll just be you and me.¡± Eric chuckled, genuinely amused by her response. Her frankness. He found her blunt honesty refreshing. ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± Eric replied, smiling fondly as he turned away. ¡°Okay, go already!¡± she said, waving him off impatiently. Once he was gone, Hadley swung the golf club a few more times but quickly lost interest. With a small sigh, she headed toward the lounge. Eric, ncing back every so often as he talked business, noticed she¡¯d stopped ying sooner than expected. A quiet satisfaction settled within him. Was she bored because he wasn¡¯t by her side? Had Hadley grown that ustomed to his presence already? The thought brought an involuntary smile to his lips, but his amusement was then shattered by a sudden, deafening bang! Then came another, louder explosion. Eric spun around, his heart mming against his chest. In the distance, mes surged upward, thick smoke spiraling into the sky from the direction of the lounge! In that instant, Eric¡¯s world narrowed to a single, terrifying thought¡ªHadley was inside that lounge. His breath hitched, his pulse thundered, and before anyone could stop him, he flung the golf club aside and bolted toward the lounge. ¡°Eric¡ª!¡± Marshall barely managed to call out before Eric had already vanished into the chaos. The scene ahead was utter mayhem. ¡°What happened?¡± someone shouted amidst the panic. . . . Chapter 545 ?Chapter 545: ¡°A gas leak¡ªand some idiot lit a cigarette!¡± The explosion had torn through the lounge, ripping the doorframe from its hinges and reducing the outer ss wall to razor-sharp shards. Fire licked hungrily at the wreckage, thick smoke curling into the sky. Hadley¡­ Eric¡¯s stomach twisted violently. His heart pounded against his ribs as he pushed through the crowd, sheer desperation driving him forward. ¡°Eric, stop!¡± Marshall finally caught up to him, seizing his arm with all his strength. ¡°You can¡¯t go in there!¡± ¡°Let. GO.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was low, deadly, his entire body coiled with urgency. ¡°Hadley¡¯s in there!¡± ¡°I know, but you can¡¯t just charge in alone.¡± Marshall¡¯s grip tightened as he stared at Eric, stunned by his sheer recklessness. ¡°Since when did you be so irrational? What exactly do you think you¡¯ll aplish? You want to get yourself killed?¡± Before Eric could respond, a voice from the crowd suddenly cried out. ¡°Look!¡± ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Oh my God! Someone got blown away by the st!¡± ¡°Can you tell who it is?¡± A heavy silence fell over Marshall. His throat went dry as dread gripped his chest. Could it be¡­ Hadley? Eric¡¯s entire body coiled with tension, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His re burned into Marshall. ¡°Are you still going to stop me?¡± Marshall hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes. With a reluctant sigh, he finally loosened his grip. But then¡ªhe froze. His gaze locked onto something just beyond the panicked crowd. His expression shifted from fear to shock. Without thinking, he grabbed Eric¡¯s arm again. ¡°Marshall!¡± Eric roared, his patience snapping. ¡°I swear if you don¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Look!¡± Marshall cut him off, frantically pointing ahead. ¡°It¡¯s Hadley! It¡¯s her!¡± Eric¡¯s breath caught. His mind nked for a second, his vision narrowing to where Marshall was pointing. And there she was. About ten meters away, Hadley stood on her toes, peering over the crowdpletely unharmed. She held an ice cream cone in one hand, brow furrowed as she listened to people murmuring about the explosion. With a mix of curiosity and mild concern, she turned to someone beside her. ¡°Where are the firefighters?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been called, but it¡¯ll take a little time for them to get here.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± The distant sound of sirens suddenly cut through the chaotic atmosphere, growing louder with each second. ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± . . . Chapter 546 ?Chapter 546: ¡°The firefighters have arrived!¡± The golf course¡¯s staff moved quickly, stepping in to control the crowd. ¡°Everyone, please step back! Don¡¯t block the rescue efforts!¡± Hadley followed along with the shifting crowd, stepping back as instructed. ¡°Hadley!¡± A voice, urgent and unmistakable, rose above themotion. She turned toward the sound, her eyes scanning the mass of people until she saw him. Eric. Dressed in his sportswear, his hair slightly disheveled, his face unusually tense. ¡°Hadley!¡± He raised his arm high, waving to make sure she saw him. ¡°Wait right there¡ªdon¡¯t move!¡± Hadley frowned in confusion but nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± She barely had time to process what was happening before Eric finally broke through thest of the crowd,ing to an abrupt stop in front of her. His chest rose and fell heavily, his breath still unsteady. His hand lifted slightly, hovering as if to reach for her¡ªbut then hesitated. His gaze, however, moved freely¡ªsweeping over her, checking, scanning, as though trying to convince himself she was real. That she was unharmed. ¡°Are you¡­¡± His voice came out quieter than before, raw and strained. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Huh? Hadley looked down at herselfpletely intact, standing right here, ice cream cone still in hand. What kind of question was that? ¡°Yes. Yes, of course, you¡¯re fine.¡± Eric¡¯s expression was hard to read as he answered his own question. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold His usually sharp, controlled demeanor wavered, flickering between overwhelming relief and something else¡ªsomething deeper. Then, the realization hit. Her lips parted slightly in surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ Did you think I¡ª¡± ¡°Where the hell did you go?¡± Eric¡¯s sudden outburst startled Hadley, his voice sharp with raw emotion. ¡°Tell me!¡± His fists clenched at his sides as he stared at her. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stay in the lounge and wait for me?¡± Hadley blinked, caught off guard. ¡°I went to get ice cream.¡± She frowned, realization dawning. ¡°Wait. You¡ª¡± She narrowed her eyes, incredulous. ¡°You¡¯re not actually mad that I wasn¡¯t blown up, are you?¡± Before she could finish, Eric stepped forward and yanked her into his arms. Hadley stiffened, her mind nking. What was happening now? ¡°Thank God,¡± Eric murmured, his grip tightening, his hand cradling the back of her head as he pressed her against him. ¡°Thank God, thank God¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s breath hitched. She could feel the wild beat of his heart through his shirt, the warmth of his body radiating against hers. ¡°You made the best decision of your life, Hadley,¡± he whispered against her hair. ¡°I¡¯m d you decided to get ice cream!¡± Because of that one simple decision, she had unknowingly escaped disaster. Eric exhaled deeply, his body finally rxing, as though his soul had just been returned to him. For those agonizing minutes, he had felt like a dead man walking. But now, he could finally breathe again! His voice was softer now, tinged with relief. ¡°You¡¯re okay¡­ that¡¯s all that matters. You have no idea how scared I was.¡± Every word, every shaky breath reached Hadley¡¯s ears. . . . Chapter 547 ?Chapter 547: Hadley, still pressed against his chest, stared nkly ahead. Was he slowly going insane? Before she could process it, she felt him shift against her. His weight was getting heavier, pressing into her. She grunted. ¡°Eric¡ªhey! Get off! You¡¯re crushing me!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Eric muttered,pletely unbothered, resting his head heavily on her shoulder. ¡°My legs¡­ they feel weak. I can¡¯t stand.¡± ¡°You?¡± Hadley scoffed, unimpressed. ¡°Weak in the knees?¡± She then shoved at him, ring. ¡°Enough of the dramatics¡ªget up!¡± Eric tightened his embrace, resting his head against Hadley¡¯s shoulder, his breath warm against her skin. ¡°Don¡¯t you know why my legs feel weak?¡± The words stuck in her throat. She wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. Then, in a low whisper, Eric murmured against her ear, ¡°You scared me to death. Just let me stay like this¡­ hold me a little longer.¡± Hadley froze. For a brief moment, the chaos around them seemed to blur, the sounds of sirens and distant voices fading into the background. What¡­ did he mean by that? No. This wasn¡¯t good. Lately, Eric had been different¡ªdropping hints, subtle and not-so-subtle, that he cared about her more than he should. Finish the chapters at g???????¦Í????s. ??o?? Was she imagining it? If she wasn¡¯t¡­ That would be a disaster. Before she could untangle her thoughts, Eric suddenly lifted his head, his gaze falling on the item in her hand. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Hadley, still dazed, instinctively raised it. ¡°An ice cream cone.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Eric nodded thoughtfully, and then¡ªwithout warning¡ªleaned down and took a massive bite. Hadley blinked. She looked at the cone. Then at Eric. The ice cream she had just bought¡ªthe one she had been looking forward to¡ªwas now just a cone. ¡°Eric,¡± she said slowly, her voice dangerously calm. ¡°What did you just do?¡± Eric barely held back hisughter, his expression one of pure, mischievous delight. Then, unable to contain himself, he burst intoughter¡ªand ran for his life. ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley shrieked, fury igniting. ¡°Get back here! You owe me an ice cream! If you wanted one, why didn¡¯t you just buy your own? Huh!¡± Eric sprinted ahead, arms wide open like a carefree child. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you another one! In fact, I¡¯ll buy you the whole shop!¡± That ice cream shop had just saved her life! That night, in the dimly lit study, the air was thick with tension. Quentin stood before the desk, his expression unreadable. ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯ve nearlypleted our search through the orphanages and welfare homes. Still no sign of the child.¡± . . . Chapter 548 ?Chapter 548: Ernest¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Nothing?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Quentin confirmed. ¡°We¡¯ve cross-checked all the children around three years old¡ªfactoring in a margin of six months¡ªbut none match the profile.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Ernest exhaled slowly, the weight of disappointment settling on his shoulders. He tapped his fingers against the desk, deep in thought. ¡°If they¡¯re not in any of the orphanages, then we need to expand the search. There¡¯s a strong possibility they were adopted.¡± Quentin nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll adjust our approach immediately.¡± Ernest nodded in approval, but then, as if remembering something, he shifted his gaze back to Quentin. ¡°Speaking of which¡­¡± His voice took on a sharper edge. ¡°Any updates on the other matter?¡± Quentin gave a slight nod. ¡°Regarding that matter¡­¡± Ernest listened in silence, his expression darkening with each passing moment. His brow furrowed, thoughts turning over as Quentin ryed the details. By the time Quentin finished speaking, Ernest took a deep breath and gave a slow nod. ¡°Understood. It¡¯ste¡ªyou should get some rest.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± As the door closed behind Quentin, Ernest wheeled himself toward the bedroom, his mind still clouded with thought. Reaching the bedside, he paused, and then slowly pulled open the nightstand drawer. Insidey a small, aged box. He took it out, his fingers brushing over its surface before lifting the lid. There it was¡ªthe tortoiseshell hairpin. His fingers traced over its smooth, polished surface, absentmindedly rubbing the intricate patterns carved into it. g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????? ???????????????? ???? ¡°Ernest?¡± He turned his head just as Linda stepped inside, a cup of warm milk in her hands. ¡°I thought you were asleep,¡± she said softly. ¡°I knocked, but you didn¡¯t answer. What are you¡ª¡± Her voice abruptly cut off. Her expression shifted the moment she saw what was in his hand. Ernest tensed. Without thinking, his fingers closed tightly around the hairpin, trying to conceal it from view. But it was already toote. ¡°What are you hiding?¡± she asked, her voiceced with suspicion. Linda¡¯s expression turned ice-cold as she stepped forward, her voice sharp with usation. ¡°I saw it, Ernest! Don¡¯t bother hiding it.¡± Her free hand clenched at her side as she red at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you threw it away? Why is it still here?¡± ¡°Calm down,¡± Ernest said evenly, though his frown deepened. ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten what I promised you.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it!¡± Linda let out a strainedugh, though there was nothing amused about it. Her voice wavered¡ªon the edge of breaking, teetering between anger and pain. ¡°Ernest, I have endured so much for you! I¡¯ve swallowed my pride, madepromises I never thought I would! But that doesn¡¯t mean you can keep testing me like this!¡± Before he could react, she lunged at him. ¡°You promised me you¡¯d get rid of it! This thing shouldn¡¯t exist!¡± Her fingers wed for his hand, desperate to snatch the tortoiseshell hairpin from his grip. But Ernest was ready for her. Anticipating the move, he swiftly lifted his arm, blocking her with just enough force to stop her. . . . Chapter 549 ?Chapter 549: ¡°Calm down, Linda!¡± The momentum sent Linda stumbling backward. The cup of steaming milk in her hand slipped, tilting violently. ¡°Linda!¡± Ernest¡¯s breath caught. He had only meant to stop her¡ªhe hadn¡¯t meant for this. Panic shot through him as he wheeled forward, reaching out toward her. ¡°Are you alright? Let me see¡ªdid your arm get burned?¡± Linda sat there on the floor, her gaze unfocused, staring nkly at the spilled milk. Then, a hollowugh escaped her lips¡ªsoft, bitter, devoid of warmth. ¡°Ernest¡­¡± Her voice cracked. ¡°How could you do this to me?¡± She scrambled to her feet, clutching her burned arm. Without sparing him another nce, she turned and bolted out of the room. ¡°Linda!¡± Ernest pushed his wheelchair forward, trying to go after her¡ªbut how could he possibly catch up? Frustration wed at him. With a sharp breath, he snatched up his phone and dialed. ¡°Quentin, it¡¯s me.¡± That night, Srixby was coated in a thin veil of sleet, the air damp and¡­ Heavy with gloom. After returning from the golf course, neither Eric nor Hadley had any intention of stepping outside again. They had settled into afortable routine¡ªafter dinner, Hadley connected her phone to the TV, picking up where she had left off in her show. As the minutes passed, restlessness stirred within Eric. He shifted closer, pressing warm, lingering kisses from the crown of her head downward. Read the rest on g??l nov els.???? ¡°Hadley,¡± he murmured against her skin, his voice low and coaxing. ¡°How about tonight? It¡¯s been days.¡± Before she could even react, the doorbell rang. Hadley bit back a smile. ¡°Guess that¡¯s your answer.¡± She nudged him lightly. ¡°That¡¯s definitely for you. Go see who it is.¡± Reluctantly, Eric untangled himself from her warmth and got up. Who the hell could it be at this hour? And in this weather? With a scowl, he strode toward the door and swung it open. ¡°Linda? What¡ª¡± Before he could say another word, Linda rushed inside. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face pale from the cold. The second she saw Eric, herposure crumbled entirely¡ªtears streamed down her face. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda took two firm steps forward and copsed into his arms. Eric stiffened. His arms shot up instinctively, his entire body turning rigid with shock. ¡°Linda, you¡ª¡± His voice was strained, confused. His mind scrambled for the right words. ¡°Who is it?¡± A cool,posed voice cut through the moment. Hadley walked over, arms crossed, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, a slow, knowing smirk ying at her lips. Eric immediately panicked. Cold sweat prickled at his skin. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± . . . Chapter 550 ?Chapter 550: He raised his hands, as if to say he had no idea what was going on and why Linda was holding him. Hadley tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her eyes. Her chuckle was soft, mocking. She deliberately lowered her voice, drawing out the words. ¡°Should I give you two some privacy?¡± Hearing her, Linda stiffened. She finally lifted her head from Eric¡¯s chest. ¡°You¡­¡± Linda blurted, clearly caught off guard. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Hadley arched an eyebrow, her smile deepening. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± ¡°Linda,¡± Eric interjected quickly, his voice firm. ¡°Hadley is my girlfriend.¡± Linda¡¯s lips pressed together. ¡°I know.¡± Of course, she knew. But seeing it¡ªwatching the way Eric stood next to Hadley, realizing they were living under the same roof¡ªit was something else entirely. Were they living together? Hadley let out a quiet, icyugh, her gaze flickering toward Eric with an unreadable expression. ¡°So, your darling seems to think I don¡¯t belong here.¡± She tilted her chin at him. ¡°Should I get out of your way?¡± Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and pointed toward the staircase. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll just head upstairs then.¡± A secondter, she paused, reconsidering. ¡°Actually¡­ no. I think I should just leave.¡± After all, his precious sweetheart was here now. What was she still doing hanging around? With an exaggerated nod of understanding, Hadley spun on her heel and strode toward the entrance. ¡°Okay, bye.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist, paning his voice. Your storytelling begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, ¡°Don¡¯t be like this¡­¡± Hadley turned back with wide, innocent eyes. ¡°Like what? I¡¯m just giving you two some space that you very much need. Isn¡¯t that what you want?¡± ¡°Hadley, please just¡­¡± Linda, who had been silent for a moment, snapped. Watching Hadley toy with the situation so effortlessly only made her angrier. ¡°Hadley, that¡¯s enough!¡± Linda snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a de. ¡°Is this how you treat Eric?¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley casually shook off Linda¡¯s outburst, her toneced with amusement. ¡°Then enlighten me¡ªhow should I treat him?¡± Linda scoffed, her sharp gaze burning into Hadley like she was trying to tear through herposure. ¡°From the moment I walked in, every word out of your mouth has been nothing but mockery toward him!¡± Linda¡¯s voice trembled with frustration. ¡°And this isn¡¯t even the first time! This is the second time you¡¯ve pulled this in front of me! Do you not have the slightest respect for your own boyfriend?¡± Hadley gasped theatrically, clutching her chest in faux rm. ¡°Oh my, Linda! Why would you think that? Are you saying that Eric liking you is an insult to him?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Both Linda and Eric spoke at the same time. Hadley blinked in exaggerated innocence. ¡°Goodness,¡± she said, feigning exasperation. ¡°I¡¯m not deaf, you know. No need to shout.¡± . . . Chapter 551 ?Chapter 551: Linda¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°Enough with the act, Hadley.¡± Her hands clenched into fists as she stared Hadley down. ¡°Eric and I grew up together¡ªwe¡¯re closer than just ordinary friends! Maybe you don¡¯t understand that kind of bond, but at the very least, have the decency not to insult it!¡± ¡°You really are something else¡­¡± Hadley exhaled, shaking her head with a half-smile, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just step aside to give you two some space? And now you¡¯re using me of insulting him¡­ so tell me, Linda¡ªwhat exactly do you want?¡± ¡°Hadley, that¡¯s enough!¡± Eric¡¯s voice finally cut through the tension. His grip tightened around Hadley¡¯s wrist, his expression darkening¡ªnot quite angry, but strained, as if trying to keep his patience in check. ¡°Go upstairs and wait for me.¡± Hadley arched an eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure you want me to stay?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± This time, Eric¡¯s voice held a sharper edge, his tone leaving no room for argument. She sighed dramatically, throwing up her hands. ¡°Fine, fine.¡± With an indifferent shrug, she stepped back. ¡°I¡¯ll be upstairs then.¡± She was just about to turn when¡ª The doorbell rang again. Linda¡¯s entire body tensed, her fingers mping onto Eric¡¯s arm like a vice. Panic shed in her eyes. ¡°Eric! Don¡¯t open the door! Don¡¯t let him in¡ªI don¡¯t want to see him!¡± ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.?????? Was Linda talking about Ernest? A puzzled look crossed Eric¡¯s face. His memories of Ernest and Linda painted a picture of harmony; they rarely disagreed. Ernest, in particr, had always been amodating ever since they started dating, always putting Linda¡¯s wishes first. But what had changedtely? Ever since Ernest woke up from hisa, tension seemed to have grown between them. Yet, Eric couldn¡¯t just ignore Ernest¡¯s situation. ¡°Linda, perhaps it¡¯s best to discuss everything openly with Ernest.¡± He reached for the door. Soon after, Ernest entered, his hair and shoulders lightly covered in snow. ¡°Linda,¡± he said as he maneuvered his wheelchair closer. ¡°Let¡¯s not trouble Eric and Hadley any further. It¡¯s gettingte; they need their rest. Let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°I will not go anywhere with you!¡± Linda¡¯s refusal was adamant, as Eric had anticipated. Linda¡¯s eyes were red as she sneered. ¡°What¡¯s the rush to take me away? Scared I¡¯ll spill your secrets?¡± Her gaze deliberately shifted to Hadley. Confused, Hadley wondered why Linda was involving her in this spat. This was between Linda and Ernest, wasn¡¯t it? Linda continued, ¡°Scared they¡¯ll learn their respected brother is nothing but a cheat and a scoundrel?¡± Shocked, Hadley could hardly believe what she was hearing. She nced at Eric, who appeared unfazed by the usation. Did he already know? ¡°Linda,¡± Ernest said, his expression tight with frustration yet marked by a refined handsomeness. . . . Chapter 552 ?Chapter 552: He made another attempt to calm her. ¡°Please,e home with me. You¡¯re misunderstanding the situation.¡± But Linda stood firm. ¡°I won¡¯t leave!¡± No plea from Ernest could sway Linda. ¡°Get out of my sight! I can¡¯t stand looking at you!¡± ¡°Linda, please!¡± Ernest called out desperately as he grabbed her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s not cause a scene here, not in front of Eric and Hadley.¡± ¡°Ow!¡± A sharp pain made Linda grimace. As tears began streaming down her cheeks, she said, ¡°Release me! You¡¯re hurting me!¡± Upon realizing his mistake, Ernest¡¯s expression softened; he had inadvertently grasped the area where Linda had been burned by spilling milk. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said quickly, a look of sincere regret crossing his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. Remember, your burn needs more care.¡± Carefully, he switched his hold to her other arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go home now, Linda.¡± ¡°No way!¡± She resisted fiercely, pulling away from his grip. In desperation, Linda turned to Eric, pleading, ¡°Eric, help me, please. I can¡¯t go back there with him.¡± ¡°Linda¡­ Ernest.¡± Eric surveyed the tense scene before him, his gaze finally settling on Linda clutching his arm. He made his position clear. ¡°If Linda isn¡¯t willing to go back, we shouldn¡¯t force her.¡± ¡°What?¡± Ernest shot a questioning look at Hadley, his brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Are you suggesting we let Linda stay here?¡± Stories live now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s.c¦Ïm Eric avoided a direct response, suggesting instead, ¡°Given Linda¡¯s reluctance, perhaps it¡¯s best to let her settle down first.¡± ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± Ernest openly expressed his disagreement, turning to remind his brother, ¡°Did you even consider asking Hadley if Linda could stay?¡± Caught off guard, Eric turned to Hadley, realizing he had overlooked her opinion. He had already extended the invitation without her input. What if Hadley objected? Their past disagreements loomedrge, not to mention the recent re-up¡­ Hadley watched, her arms folded and an eyebrow raised, wondering if he was too intimidated to even consult her. His girlfriend was right there, yet Eric had the nerve to invite another woman to stay over? Luckily for him, it didn¡¯t bother her in the least. The room grew quiet, the tension was evident. Ernest gave Linda another look and extended his hand, pleading, ¡°Linda, pleasee with me. Don¡¯t impose on Eric and Hadley.¡± ¡°I refuse!¡± Linda believed Ernest was merely siding with Hadley. Did he hold Hadley in such high regard that he¡¯d stand up for her so openly? She was determined not to yield today. ¡°This is Eric¡¯s home. If he agrees to let me stay, why shouldn¡¯t I? I¡¯m staying right here, no matter what you say!¡± Ernest¡¯s expression turned grim. Noticing his brother¡¯s irritation, Eric intervened. ¡°Ernest, let¡¯s let Linda stay tonight. You can try talking things over after she¡¯s had time to calm down, alright?¡± . . . Chapter 553 ?Chapter 553: After a tense pause, Ernest finally nced at Linda, who stubbornly avoided his gaze. ¡°Fine, if you¡¯re set on staying, then stay. We¡¯ll talk when you¡¯re ready.¡± With that, he maneuvered his wheelchair to leave. Eric hurried alongside to help him exit. ¡°Ernest, let me help.¡± Quentin was waiting outside. Eric assisted Ernest into the car, his expression one of restrained curiosity. ¡°Ernest¡­¡± Catching his brother¡¯s look, Ernest gave a small chuckle. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± With a tense jaw, Eric asked, ¡°Is there really someone else in your life?¡± Immediately, Ernestpsed into silence. For an extended period, he remained mute. ¡°Ernest?¡± ¡°I¡¯m weary. Time to head home.¡± Ultimately, Ernest evaded a direct reply. To Quentin, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± As the vehicle pulled away, Eric was left rooted in ce, burdened by a deep unease. Familiar with Ernest¡¯s mannerisms, Eric dreaded that the rumors could be true. Now, what steps would Linda take? Hadley stood in the living room, her arms crossed, stifling a yawn. Eric came back inside. ¡°Perfect timing,¡± Hadley said, questioning his ns. ¡°Should I head out now?¡± Eric approached and gently caught her wrist. ¡°No need for drama. Head upstairs, will you?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Hadley quirked an eyebrow. ¡°How am I causing drama?¡± She gestured towards Linda. ¡°She¡¯s staying, right? Wouldn¡¯t my presence be awkward?¡± Stay updated with g?ln¦Òv???s ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s grip slightly tightened. ¡°Linda¡¯s sleeping in the guest room downstairs. Please go upstairs.¡± ¡°Guest room?¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened, surprise evident. ¡°You¡¯re letting her stay in the guest room?¡± What was she even thinking? Trying to prevent another outburst, Eric held back his irritation. ¡°What else did you expect?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Hadley muttered, her frown deepening as she shot him a re. ¡°I¡¯m going up.¡± She grasped the situation. Ernest¡¯s visit required that Eric keep her around. If he were left alone with Linda, exnations to Ernestter might getplicated. Indeed, she served as an effective shield. Releasing herself from Eric¡¯s grasp, Hadley pivoted towards the staircase. Linda, caught off guard, observed the interaction. It was her first glimpse of Eric showing such tenderness to a woman¡­ The once impulsive young man had mellowed, it seemed. As Hadley¡¯s silhouette vanished upstairs, Eric exhaled a sigh of relief and faced Linda. She looked a mess¡ªhair damp, shoulders wet, eyes puffy from tears. ¡°Linda,¡± Eric motioned towards the couch, ¡°Please, have a seat. I¡¯ll grab the first aid kit.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± He went to retrieve the kit. Returning, he found Linda had prepared herself for treatment, her coat removed and sleeve rolled up, exposing the burn. . . . Chapter 554 ?Chapter 554: The wound was serious¡ªarge red patch covered in clusters of tiny blisters. With all the dressing and undressing, some had burst, leaving behind a mix of fluid and blood. Eric¡¯s brows knit together as he reached for a disinfectant swab. ¡°This might sting,¡± he warned. ¡°I¡¯m prepared.¡± Linda flinched as the swab touched her skin, but Eric was quick. ¡°Just about finished.¡± He then gently applied ointment to the burn. ¡°We¡¯ll check how it¡¯s healing in the morning,¡± he said. ¡°Okay.¡± As Eric tidied up the first aid supplies, Linda¡¯s voice quivered, a noticeable tightness in her tone. ¡°Eric, are you heading upstairs already? Maybe you could stay a little longer¡­ could we talk?¡± Eric lowered his gaze slightly, giving a small nod. ¡°Alright. What is it you want to say?¡± Linda¡¯s lips pressed together before she spoke, her voiceced with quiet frustration. ¡°Aren¡¯t you even going to ask how I got hurt?¡± That question¡­ Without answering right away, he reached for the medical kit, closing it carefully before exhaling. ¡°I may not know the details, but I don¡¯t believe Ernest would have done it on purpose.¡± Linda¡¯s fingers curled slightly, her smile turning wry. ga??????¦Í??????.k??n ¨C ?????????? ???????? ???????? ¡°No, he didn¡¯t.¡± Her voice softened, tinged with something almost fragile. ¡°But sometimes, the worst wounds don¡¯te from deliberate cruelty¡­ Theye from carelessness.¡± Eric had no immediate response. Some things¡ªespecially emotions¡ªwere too personal for outsiders to untangle. Even well-meaning interference often backfired and made things worse. ¡°Eric.¡± Her voice carried an odd weight now, something deeper than before. ¡°If¡ªand I mean if¡ªErnest truly betrayed me¡­ would you help me?¡± ¡°What are you talking about? He won¡¯t hurt you like that!¡± Eric¡¯s chest tightened slightly. He didn¡¯t want to entertain that thought. ¡°I¡¯m asking you¡ªwhat if I¡­¡± Linda¡¯s insistence sharpened, her eyes growing red as she pressed on. ¡°Eric, you once promised me¡ªyou said you¡¯d always be good to me, that you¡¯d help me no matter what. Did you mean it?¡± Eric frowned, his expression unreadable as he let the weight of her words settle. Finally, he spoke, his tone measured but firm. ¡°If that day everes¡­ I won¡¯t turn a blind eye. I won¡¯t abandon you.¡± That was all he could give her. With that, he picked up the medical kit and stood. ¡°You can sleep in the guest room downstairs tonight. I¡¯ll bring you a change of clothes.¡± Eric stepped into the master bedroom, where the only light came from¡­ The soft glow of the wallmp illuminated the room. . . . Chapter 555 ?Chapter 555: Hadley was already in bed, her breathing slow and steady, but he wasn¡¯t convinced she was fully asleep. Moving quietly, he entered the walk-in closet, retrieved a set of clothes, and returned to sit at the edge of the bed. He hesitated for a second, then spoke softly, not wanting to startle her. ¡°Hey.¡± No response. But he wasn¡¯t fooled. The slight flutter of her eyshes gave her away. He continued anyway. ¡°Linda is staying in the guest room downstairs tonight. I took a set of your clothes for her. Do you think this set is okay?¡± At that, Hadley¡¯s eyes slowly opened. She didn¡¯t look at the clothes. Instead, she let out a quiet chuckle, her voice tinged with amusement and mild irritation. ¡°I was just about to fall asleep, and you woke me up for this? Why does it even matter?¡± Eric reached for her hand, feeling the slight tension in her fingers. ¡°Because they¡¯re your clothes,¡± he said gently. ¡°I figured I should ask you.¡± Hadley let out a soft,zyugh. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that, Eric. Everything here is yours, not mine. You make the decisions, not me. Didn¡¯t you already decide to let Linda stay without asking me?¡± Eric¡¯s jaw tightened slightly. ¡°That¡¯s because¡ª¡± His expression darkened slightly as he lowered his voice. ¡°It¡¯ste, she was upset, and she refused to go home. If she went out alone at this hour, something could have happened.¡± How thoughtful of him, indeed! Hadley didn¡¯t bother arguing. It wasn¡¯t worth the effort. Eric let out a slow breath. ¡°The situation was urgent¡ªI didn¡¯t have time to ask you. That was my mistake¡­¡± He paused, studying her expression carefully. ¡°I¡¯ll be more mindful next time.¡± ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????? He wasn¡¯t blind. He could tell she wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled after everything that had happened tonight. ¡°As for these clothes,¡± he added, ncing at the neatly folded set in his hands. ¡°I noticed you hadn¡¯t even removed the tags, so I figured you didn¡¯t like them much. Linda can have them, and I¡¯ll have new ones sent to you¡ª¡± Hadley exhaled sharply, waving a dismissive hand. ¡°Go on. She¡¯s waiting, isn¡¯t she? Don¡¯t keep her waiting.¡± Her tone was indifferent, but Eric felt no relief. In fact, an unexpected tightness settled in his chest. Why did it bother him that she was letting it go so easily? ¡°Umm?¡± Hadley arched a brow when she noticed he was still sitting there. ¡°Why are you still here? Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± Eric hesitated for half a second before finally standing up. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go. Get some rest.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Hadley gave a small nod, rolling over to face away from him. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to turn off the lights¡­¡± ¡°I will.¡± ¡°Oh, and one more thing¡ª¡± Eric had just reached for the light switch when she continued, ¡°If you¡¯re noting back tonight, can you lock the door for me? I¡¯m used to sleeping with the door locked¡ªI don¡¯t rest well otherwise.¡± It was a habit she had formed during her time in the. Living alone with Joy had taught her to be cautious¡ªto instinctively safeguard her space, to lock every door at night. . . . Chapter 556 ?Chapter 556: ¡°What did you just say?¡± Eric¡¯s fingers hovered over the light switch, ready to plunge the room into darkness¡ªuntil her words froze him in ce. ¡°What do you mean¡­ if I¡¯m noting back?¡± His voice was lower now,ced with something unreadable. Why was it so hard to understand what she was implying? Hadley opened her eyes again, unfazed. She turned over to face him, her expression calm. ¡°Isn¡¯t Linda staying?¡± Her lips curled into azy smile. ¡°I figured you¡¯d want to keep herpany. Especially since she¡¯s so upset!¡± What was wrong with what she said? ¡°Hadley, enough!¡± Eric¡¯s tone sharpened, his patience wearing thin. From the moment Linda showed up at their doorstep, Hadley had been throwing veiled jabs at him, testing the waters, pushing buttons. Until now, he had held back. But this¡ªthis was thest straw. His voice darkened. ¡°I¡¯ve told you time and time again¡ªthere is nothing between Linda and me. What will it take for you to believe me?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t even hesitate. She shook her head with an easy, knowing smile. ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie to me! I¡¯m not Ernest, Eric!¡± She leaned back against the pillows, her tone turning almost analytical. ¡°You looked so concerned about her earlier¡­¡± Her wordsnded precisely where they were meant to. ¡°For you, following Ernest¡¯s lead has always been second nature. But tonight?¡± She arched a brow. ¡°You contradicted him. For her.¡± Hadley then gave a small, deliberate shrug. ¡°Just a reminder¡ªif you don¡¯t want Ernest to suspect anything¡­ maybe try a little harder to hide it.¡± ?????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ¡ú g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°I was concerned about her because¡­¡± Eric faltered. His mind scrambled for the right words, but none came. How was he supposed to exin? Hadley arched an eyebrow, watching him stumble over himself. ¡°Because what?¡± Her lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. ¡°Let me tell you why.¡± She propped herself up slightly, her gaze sharp. ¡°Because you simply care about her. You can¡¯t stand seeing her suffer, and for a moment¡ªyou lost control.¡± Then, something clicked. ¡°Oh, right¡­¡± Her expression turned shrewd as she narrowed her gaze at him. ¡°Is it true? That Ernest is two-timing?¡± Her smirk deepened. ¡°And if he is¡ªdo you see this as your chance?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I see it now!¡± Hadley pped her hands together,ughing lightly. ¡°It is your chance, isn¡¯t it?¡± She waved him off, her toneced with amusement and derision. ¡°Go on, Eric! What are you still doing here? Don¡¯t waste time with me¡ªgo be her hero!¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s temper finally snapped. His voice, tight with anger, cut through the air like a whip. ¡°Do you really think so little of me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t even hesitate. Tonight, she had seen enough. She was sick of it. Hadley had always known their rtionship was transactional, a mutual convenience. She had never been under any illusions about that. But did he and Linda really have to be so tant about it? At the very least, they could have had the decency to keep their flirtation out of her sight. . . . Chapter 557 ?Chapter 557: Her gaze flicked toward the set of clothes in Eric¡¯s hands. A smirk tugged at her lips. ¡°What¡¯s this act for?¡± She gesturedzily. ¡°Coming to ask my opinion? Spare me. There¡¯s not a single piece in that closet that actually suits me. Are these the only ones with the tags still on?¡± She arched a brow. ¡°Because there are plenty more¡ªall of them Linda¡¯s style.¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡± His brows furrowed slightly. ¡°You don¡¯t like any of them? Why didn¡¯t you say something?¡± Was that really the point? Hadley let out a softugh, shaking her head. ¡°There was nothing to say.¡± Her voice was calm, almost detached. ¡°I know exactly what I am to you¡ªjust a convenient cover. And honestly? I don¡¯t care.¡± Hadley continued, her tone light but razor-sharp, ¡°But if possible, let¡¯s avoid situations like tonight, alright? What I mean is¡ªif you¡¯re going to do¡­¡± ¡°It, at least don¡¯t do it in front of me.¡± It wasn¡¯t jealousy. Not even close. ¡°In my book, getting involved with your own brother¡¯s wife is just¡­ disgusting.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s face darkened instantly. His entire demeanor shifted, his expression shadowed by a storm of emotions. Hadley had already lost interest in the conversation. With a tired sigh, she waved him off. ¡°Go ahead¡ªrun along to your beloved.¡± Her lips curled slightly, her next words deliberate. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªI won¡¯t tell Ernest about you two. I¡¯ll just tell him you spent the night with me instead¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Eric¡¯s temper finally snapped. A sharp pain pulsed at his temples, irritation ring in his eyes as he let out a low, bitterugh. M??? ?????????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.??0?? As Eric turned to leave, Hadley remained seated, staring nkly ahead. A strange hollowness settled over her after her outburst. Everything had escted too quickly, unraveling into something ugly and exhausting. He was gone¡­ And he probably wasn¡¯ting back. Being his shield wasn¡¯t easy¡ªespecially when it meant watching Eric and his brother¡¯s woman act so close, so intimate. Sighing, Hadley closed her eyes for a brief moment, whispering a silent prayer. If fate ever decided to bless her with a child¡­ Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn¡¯t have to endure moments like this anymore. Eric¡¯s expression was grim as he descended the stairs. Linda immediately noticed. She epted the clothes from his hands, her lips curving into a knowing smile. ¡°Is she upset that you¡¯re letting me stay here?¡± Eric exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡°No.¡± But the tightness in his chest told a different story. Linda let out a sneer, her eyes flickering with amusement. ¡°Don¡¯t bother lying to me¡ªI know she¡¯s upset.¡± She tossed the clothes onto her arm, lips curling in distaste. ¡°But why should she be upset?¡± Her voice turned sharp, biting. ¡°When I met you, she probably wasn¡¯t even born yet. What right does she have to feel anything?¡± Linda scoffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Who does she think she is? She¡¯s not even your wife. And even if she were¡ªshe¡¯d have no right to treat me like this.¡± The more she spoke, the deeper the irritation etched into Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Linda, it¡¯ste.¡± His voice was clipped, sharp. ¡°Get some rest.¡± . . . Chapter 558 ?Chapter 558: Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode toward the stairs. Linda froze. Was he¡­ mad at her? Or was he just eager to go back upstairs? To Hadley? Linda¡¯s grip tightened around the fabric in her hands, knuckles turning white as her gaze followed Eric¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°Hadley, this is all your fault!¡± she murmured. Hadley never imagined Eric would return¡ªlet alone so soon. He didn¡¯t bother switching on the light. Instead, he slipped into bed beside her in the darkness, his long arms curling protectively around her. She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes, catching a faint blend of perfume and disinfectant on him. Atst, she spoke. ¡°Could you sleep in the other room tonight?¡± Rather than letting go, he just tightened his hold. ¡°This is my bed. I belong here.¡± Hadley abruptly sat up. ¡°Please, just for tonight. Just one night¡­ I¡¯m asking you.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric switched on the bedsidemp, shadows dancing across his face. ¡°It¡¯ste. How long are we going to keep doing this?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to cause trouble,¡± she murmured, taking another calming breath. ¡°But there¡¯s a smell on you¡ªit¡¯s bothering me. I can¡¯t sleep.¡± ¡°What smell?¡± he said, tugging at his pajama cor and inhaling deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t smell anything weird.¡± Of course, he wouldn¡¯t¡ªwhy would Linda¡¯s perfume smell off to him? Hadley regarded him in silence. Eric¡¯s face fell, clearly annoyed, as though she were starting a fight for no reason. After a pause, he controlled his irritation and relented. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take a shower.¡± Dive into tales at g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, But as he headed for the bathroom, Hadley seized her pillow and¡­ Hadley dashed out of the room. If Eric wouldn¡¯t leave, then she would. She refused to share a bed with him tonight. ¡°Hadley!¡± He spun around, just a second toote to stop her from slipping into the adjacent room and mming the door shut. ¡°Hadley!¡± He ran after her and twisted the knob, but she¡¯d already locked it. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Linda appeared at the top of the stairs, concern in her voice. Amid the mor, Linda had heard it all. Catching sight of Eric stranded in the hallway, she quickly grasped the situation, letting out a causticugh. ¡°Does she always treat you like this?¡± Eric¡¯s face was set in a grim expression, neither confirming nor denying. ¡°It¡¯s just a misunderstanding,¡± he said. ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± Linda repeated with a bitter smirk. ¡°No, it¡¯s not even that¡ªit¡¯s more like a one-sided argument.¡± ¡°Linda!¡± Eric¡¯s tone dropped in warning, his brow creasing in displeasure. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about her that way. Hadley isn¡¯t irrational. If she misunderstood something, there¡¯s a reason for it.¡± He had to admit¡ªLinda held a special ce in his life. But for Hadley, that brand of ¡°special¡± was an entirely differentnguage. ¡°You¡¯re taking her side even though she¡¯s acting like this?¡± Linda asked, taken aback. . . . Chapter 559 ?Chapter 559: Once her initial surprise faded, a strange twinge of hurt welled up inside her, something she couldn¡¯t quite name. ¡°Eric.¡± Linda¡¯s voice slipped into a softugh. ¡°Are you actually in love with Hadley?¡± Love? For a moment, Eric looked as though he¡¯d been struck. What was love? It was a word too heavy to toss around casually. Rather than answering directly, he sidestepped. ¡°Hadley¡¯s my girlfriend. Of course I¡¯d make allowances for her.¡± He really said that? The corners of Linda¡¯s mouth lifted into a taut, chilly smile. He seemed to have forgotten that Hadley was once his wife¡ªsomeone he certainly hadn¡¯t cared for this much back then. He¡¯d changed. Suddenly, Linda felt a pang of regret¡ªmaybe urging Eric and Hadley to stay together in order to keep Ernest close hadn¡¯t been such a good n after all. Eric barely managed to rest that night. He rose early and wandered downstairs, only to find Linda awake even sooner. ¡°Eric, you¡¯re up?¡± Linda called from the kitchen, giving him a warm wave. ¡°Come sit down¡ªcoffee¡¯s ready.¡± He pulled out a chair at the table, and Linda came over with a steaming mug. ¡°Have some coffee first. I¡¯m making breakfast. Toast with butter, eggs, and bacon¡­ You still like them, don¡¯t you? It¡¯s been ages since Ist made any for you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re making breakfast?¡± Eric echoed, setting aside the coffee he¡¯d just lifted to his lips. ¡°What time did you get up?¡± L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g?lnov?ls.?¦Ïm ¡°I couldn¡¯t really sleep,¡± Linda said, offering a wry smile. ¡°I saw we had everything we needed in the fridge, so I decided to make us breakfast.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°With Hadley staying here, it¡¯s simpler to cook at home.¡± Normally, he¡¯d just eat out when he was by himself. At those words, Linda¡¯s smile tightened ever so slightly. Linda let out a gentle sigh. ¡°You¡¯re so considerate toward Hadley¡­ Ernest never bothered with the little things like that for me.¡± She had spent so many years by Ernest¡¯s side. True, he was amodating¡ªbut only if she voiced her needs. When she looked back on it, he almost never took the initiative to anticipate what she might want. Eric noticed the sadness in Linda¡¯s eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on it. Your situation with Ernest is different. Aren¡¯t you in charge of the Flynn family¡¯s finances?¡± Eric believed that because she held the purse strings, she rarely had to go through Ernest to get what she needed. ¡°No¡­¡± Linda shook her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. ¡°It¡¯s not about money. It¡¯s about the gesture¡ªshowing me that he cares. Sometimes¡­ I don¡¯t think Ernest worries about me nearly as much as you do.¡± The conversation veered into dangerous territory. ¡°Linda!¡± Eric interjected, a furrow forming on his brow. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking things. You know Ernest¡ªonce he makes a promise, he always follows through. And he made a promise to you, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Linda nodded, though her agreement felt hollow. ¡°Try not to worry,¡± Eric continued, assuming his words had set her mind at rest. ¡°Ernest would never betray you.¡± . . . Chapter 560 ?Chapter 560: Never? She¡¯d once believed that wholeheartedly. Now, she wasn¡¯t so certain. ¡°Let¡¯s just drop it,¡± Linda murmured, regaining herposure. She went back to preparing breakfast, shing a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since you had my cooking. Make sure you eat plentyter.¡± ¡°Thank you, but this was too much trouble,¡± Eric said. ¡°The housekeeper will be here soon¡­¡± ¡°Hey, Eric.¡± Linda suddenly looked up and interrupted him. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find any ketchup earlier. Did you run out?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric stood immediately, concern creasing his forehead. ¡°I can go out and buy some!¡± ¡°No, there¡¯s no need!¡± Linda tried to stop him with a smallugh. ¡°I only mentioned it in passing. If we have it, great¡ªif not, it¡¯s fine. You know I¡¯ve never really been a big fan of ketchup.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t work. Hadley needs it¡ªshe won¡¯t eat without ketchup. The store nearby should have some.¡± ¡°Hey, Eric¡­¡± Linda began, but he was already on his way out. She watched him go, her eyes darkening slightly. He¡¯d been so thoughtful toward Hadley these days. Eric came backter than expected, a bottle of ketchup in hand, which he ced on the table. ¡°That took a while,¡± Lindamented. He exined, ¡°The store downstairs didn¡¯t have the brand Hadley likes, so I had to look elsewhere.¡± g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey As he spoke, footsteps sounded from the staircase¡ªHadley wasing down. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric stood immediately, his gaze locked on her, reading every shift in her expression. ¡°You¡¯re up already? This early?¡± ¡°Yeah, but I see you and Linda beat me to it,¡± she replied with a slight smile. Her choice of ¡°and Linda¡±¡ªneatly lumped them together. Eric pushed aside the faint difort in his chest and took Hadley¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come have breakfast. Linda made something nice for us.¡± Hadley let him lead her into the dining room. Linda was busy cooking but turned when she heard them enter. ¡°Hadley, good morning,¡± she said. Only Hadley noticed the unmistakable contempt in Linda¡¯s eyes. ¡°Go ahead and sit,¡± Eric said, letting go of Hadley¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll help Linda.¡± He moved to Linda¡¯s side, gently guiding her away from the stovetop. ¡°I¡¯ve got this. You go sit. You¡¯ve already done so much.¡± Since Linda had already put in the effort, he felt it would be rude for him and Hadley to merely wait idly for their meal. Linda offered him a tight smile and stepped back. ¡°Alright. Bacon¡¯s done. You can fry some eggs with the grease¡ªthey¡¯ll be great.¡± That left her and Hadley alone at the table, facing each other. ¡°Wow!¡± Hadley inhaled deeply. ¡°Smells amazing. I¡¯ll bet it tastes just as good.¡± Linda¡¯s face chilled. ¡°I didn¡¯t make them for you.¡± . . . Chapter 561 ?Chapter 561: ¡°Excuse me?¡± Hadley lifted her eyes slowly, her lips curving in a¡­ A subtle smile. ¡°I know. But Eric insists I eat, so¡­ what can I do?¡± ¡°You!¡± Linda spat, livid at Hadley¡¯s self-assured smirk. In that instant, all the frustration and jealousy she¡¯d been storing¡ªover Eric and Ernest¡ªcame roaring to the surface. She couldn¡¯t stand seeing Hadley¡¯s perfect yet infuriating face for even another second. ¡°Get out! Go! Right now!¡± Linda snapped. Hadley¡¯s easy smile vanished in an instant, reced by an icy stare. ¡°What did you just say to me?¡± Linda¡¯s sneer deepened, her voice low and sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you didn¡¯t hear me. I said get out of here.¡± Hadley shot a sidelong nce toward the kitchen, where Eric was busy ting the food. ¡°What do you think he¡¯d do if I told him exactly what you just said?¡± With an unimpressed arch of her brow, Linda answered coolly, ¡°Do it. Think a few days of ying house with him outweighs the ten, twenty years we¡¯ve known each other? Please, I insist!¡± Just then, Eric emerged, carefully carrying a te in each hand. ¡°Breakfast¡¯s ready!¡± Linda sniffed. ¡°If you insist on staying, then eat. I¡¯ll pretend I¡¯m feeding a stray.¡± ¡°Hadley, Linda¡­¡± Eric ced the tes on the table, shooting them both a wary look. Even his less-than-perfect intuition picked up on the tension. Unsure how to handle it, he quietly sat down beside Hadley. ¡°Sorry for the dy. Shall we eat?¡± ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Linda replied, breaking the ufortable silence. She reached for a piece of crispy bacon¡ªnot for herself, but to extend it toward Hadley. ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? ? ??????????¦Í??????©q?????? ¡°Go on, Hadley. Try it. I was up before sunrise making these.¡± The morsel hovered inches away; all Hadley had to do was open her mouth. But Linda¡¯s jab about feeding a ¡°stray¡± echoed in her head. There was no way she¡¯d take even a bite. ¡°Come on!¡± Linda prodded, pushing the food closer. ¡°My arm¡¯s getting tired¡­¡± Suddenly¡ªsmack! Without fully realizing it, Hadley pped Linda¡¯s hand away. The fork¡ªalong with the bacon¡ªslipped from Linda¡¯s grip and thudded to the floor. ¡°Hey!¡± Linda sprang up in exaggerated rm. ¡°Hadley, what the hell is wrong with you?¡± Hadley felt her stomach twist with revulsion at Linda¡¯s theatrics. She didn¡¯t need Linda to drive her out; she¡¯d leave on her own. She sprang to her feet and was ready to storm out. ¡°Stop!¡± Eric¡¯s voice was ice-cold as he mped a hand around Hadley¡¯s arm and stood. He glowered down at her, jaw taut with suppressed anger. ¡°You¡¯ve been throwing a fit all night, and I¡¯ve let you. Hasn¡¯t that been enough?¡± He nced at the bacon lying on the floor, teeth clenched in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve done my best to humor you, and you just don¡¯t care? You let something so trivial blow up like this?¡± After a tense pause, he inhaled slowly, and then spoke again in a frosty tone. ¡°Linda got up early to make breakfast for us. You need to apologize to her!¡± Linda tugged on his sleeve, pretending to be forgiving. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Eric¡­ it¡¯s no big deal.¡± . . . Chapter 562 ?Chapter 562: ¡°No!¡± Eric shook his head, his gaze never leaving Hadley. ¡°Hadley, this behavior is uneptable. You should apologize!¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes glinted with a razor-sharp mockery. ¡°You really expect me to apologize to her?¡± ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was as cold as ice. ¡°You were raised by my grandmother, a renowned socialite in Srixby, so you should at least learn basic courtesy from her. When you do something wrong, you take responsibility and apologize.¡± Hadley let out a scornful littleugh. ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Her unwavering defiance caught Eric off guard; his features darkened¡­ In response, In that instant, he saw the Hadley of years ago¡ªstubborn, proud, utterly undaunted. Gritting his teeth, he finally snapped, ¡°You haven¡¯t changed one bit! Four yearster, and you¡¯re still as arrogant, overbearing, and willful as ever!¡± ¡°Haha! Hahaha!¡± A peal ofughter erupted from Hadley¡¯s lips, unrestrained and wild. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she doubled over, unable to contain her mirth. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharp with exasperation. ¡°You¡¯re entirely correct!¡± Hadley chuckled, her eyes sparkling with vitality, devoid of any resentment. She genuinely found the situation humorous. ¡°Four years have slipped by, and I¡¯m still the same. So are you.¡± Just as in days past, no matter the circumstance, Eric unfailingly stood by Linda¡¯s side without a flicker of doubt or pause! The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Hadley let out a quiet sigh. Did he even realize how her notorious reputation hade to be all those years ago? This¡ªhis partiality¡ªwas precisely the root cause! Eric only ever witnessed her outbursts and missteps, never pausing to wonder what had provoked them! But time had marched on, and now, four yearster, the things that once held such weight in her heart and bothered her so much no longer did. After herughter subsided, Hadley spoke with anguid air. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll never offer an apology. Not in a million years. Isn¡¯t that why you¡¯re here, Mr. Flynn?¡± She cast a sly smile at Eric. ¡°You¡¯re Linda¡¯s ever-faithfulpdog. With your pitiful devotion¡ªpathetic even, you¡¯re bound to find some ways to keep her smiling, just like old times.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice thundered with rage as Hadley abruptly swept her arm across the table, sending its contents tumbling to the floor in a chaotic tter. ¡°Oh, gosh!¡± Linda leapt to her feet, startled. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s anger fully boiled over, his temples throbbing, veins bulging as he spat her name through gritted teeth. ¡°Right here for you,¡± Hadley replied coolly, meeting Eric¡¯s re with a faint, defiant smirk. ¡°Let¡¯s raise the stakes! Be sure to pamper her until she is positively glowing!¡± Hadley wasn¡¯t the pushover she once was. If Linda wanted more drama, then Hadley would happily grant her wish. They could all wallow in misery together if that was what it took! With that, she turned on her heel, her expression nk, and strode out. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda¡¯s voice trembled slightly. ¡°Are you all right?¡± Eric stood rooted to the spot, a frigid aura radiating from him. . . . Chapter 563 ?Chapter 563: ¡°Eric¡­¡± Linda hesitated before giving him a gentle nudge. ¡°This is my fault¡ªI¡¯ve caused a rift between you two. Why don¡¯t you go after her? She doesn¡¯t have a car; she can¡¯t have gotten far.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not chasing after her!¡± Eric¡¯s jaw tightened as he spun around. Why should he pursue her? Look at the havoc she had wreaked! Even the bottle of ketchup he had dashed two streets to fetch for hery toppled amidst the mess. What was the point of treating her kindly? She was nothing but an ungrateful troublemaker! Calling him pathetic? Fine, so he was pathetic! Pathetic for bending over backwards to treat her well! As Hadley boarded the bus departing Silver Vis, her racing heart began to settle. She had to admit¡ªshe had acted on impulse. Those two might be insufferable, but it wasn¡¯t as though their nature was news to her. For Joy¡¯s sake, she should have bitten her tongue. Yet she hadn¡¯t. Eric hadn¡¯t been entirely off the mark¡ªold habits were tough to break. She hadn¡¯t changed one bit. Her temper still red too easily, a far cry from Linda¡¯s poised demeanor. A misstep on her part. What now? Was this truly the end for her and Eric? Your story hub is g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??????? It would be a simple matter for him to find someone new, but for her, he was an indispensable asset, a tool like no other. Did she truly have to return and attempt to mend things with him? Humble herself and plead for his pardon? She sighed, closing her eyes and reclining in her seat. What was done was done, she reasoned. There would be no sense in dwelling on it anymore. Besides, she hadn¡¯t exactly been in the mood to cater to his whims that day. Upon her return to the city, Hadley made her first stop at her apartment. Joy, who hadn¡¯tid eyes on her mother in days, was positively buzzing with excitement, her words tumbling out in a ceaseless stream. ¡°Mommy, mommy!¡± ¡°Yes, darling, yes,¡± Hadley replied with equal enthusiasm, not the least bit exasperated. Each time Joy called out, she responded with a warm smile. All morning long, Joy trailed her mother like a shadow¡ªeven to the bathroom. ¡°Mommy,¡± Joy chirped, perched on a tiny stool just outside the door. ¡°Why¡¯re you taking so long?¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, though she felt a touch exasperated. How could she exin that having her little one glued to her side made certain tasks¡­ trickier? ¡°Be a good girl, Joy,¡± she said gently. ¡°Go y with Melba for a bit. Mommy will be out in no time.¡± ¡°Okay, mommy,¡± Joy agreed with a nod. After having lunch with Joy and tucking her into bed for a nap, Hadley left home and set off for the dance troupe. . . . Chapter 564 ?Chapter 564: As she reached the end of the staff corridor, her gaze fell upon Elissa. She wasn¡¯t alone. Standing beside her was that man from before¡­ Robin, if memory served. ¡°Speak your piece and be quick about it,¡± Elissa said icily, tilting her head with an air of impatience. ¡°I¡¯ve got work to do. Let¡¯s not dawdle.¡± ¡°What¡¯s with that tone of yours?¡± Robin snapped, his patience clearly wearing thin as a scowl creased his brow. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t blocked my number, do you think I would have bothereding here?¡± ¡°Humph,¡± Elissa scoffed, her lips curling into a sneer. ¡°You know, no one¡¯s forcing you to show up!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Robin faltered, pointing at Elissa, momentarily at a loss for words. ¡°I¡¯m not here to bicker! I came to tell you toe home for dinner this weekend.¡± The Torres family held a monthly gathering, a tradition no one dared skip. Elissa smirked. So he still cared about keeping up appearances, did he? ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Robin barked, clearly done with the conversation. ¡°And take me off your cklist while you¡¯re at it!¡± With that, he spun on his heel and stormed off. Hadley, observing from a distance, couldn¡¯t catch the details of their exchange and instead made her way to the locker room. Shortly after, Elissa returned, clutching her stomach and looking as pale as a ghost, visibly unwell. ¡°Elissa, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Hadley hurried over, guiding her to a seat as she noticed her friend gripping her midsection. g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive ¡°Is it that time of the month again?¡± Hadley asked quietly. ¡°Yes.¡± Elissa nodded weakly. ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± Hadley said with haste. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch you a ss of water.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Elissa murmured. ¡°No need to thank me,¡± Hadley replied with a reassuring smile. Momentster, Hadley returned with a cup in hand and passed it to Elissa. ¡°It¡¯s warm¡ªit should help soothe you. I¡¯ve also got some painkillers if the difort gets worse.¡± ¡°Not just yet,¡± Elissa said with a faint smile, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s not quite that unbearable.¡± Primarily, Elissa¡¯s mood remained shadowed by her earlier sh with Robin, the sting of their exchange still lingering like a stubborn fog. ¡°Alright, if the pain sharpens, just give me a shout,¡± Hadley offered gently. ¡°Will do.¡± Elissa managed a small smile, nodding in appreciation. ¡°You¡¯re always ready for anything, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Naturally.¡± Hadley chuckled softly. ¡°Every time that monthly visitor arrives, it¡¯s like a tempest sweeping through¡­ wait!¡± Hadley¡¯s thoughts screeched to a halt, her breath catching in her throat. Why hadn¡¯t her own cycle made its appearance this month? With a flicker of urgency, she reached for her phone and pulled up her calendar. Her eyes scanned the dates¡ªno mistake about it¡­ she was already a week overdue! Could it be? Her pulse quickened, a wild hope fluttering in her chest. Could it possibly be the answer to her quiet dreams? . . . Chapter 565 ?Chapter 565: ¡°Steady now, Hadley! Steady!¡± she chided herself, trying to tame the whirlwind of her emotions. She could settle her nerves with a quick trip to the pharmacy. With the evening¡¯s performance still hours away, Hadley slipped out during a break in rehearsals and made her way to a nearby drugstore. After purchasing what she needed, she hurried back to the dance studio, her heart thudding like a drum as she locked herself in a bathroom stall and unwrapped the pregnancy test. She pored over the instructions with care, following each step as if it¡­ Were it a sacred ritual, Then, closing her eyes, she pressed her hands together, her lips moving in a silent plea. ¡°Please, oh please,¡± she whispered to herself. ¡°Please let it show two lines.¡± If it did, she might finally be free from the shadow of Eric¡¯s ever-changing moods! Five agonizing minutes ticked by. Hadley¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her breath held tight in her chest as she lifted the test with trembling fingers. And there, staring back at her, she saw¡­ Without a doubt, Hadley saw it¡ªtwo distinct lines. A gasp escaped her lips as she sped her hand over her mouth, a surge of exhration washing over her. It was a positive result! She was indeed expecting! She had hoped for this, but she hadn¡¯t expected it to be this effortless! How long had it been since she and Eric had been together? And now, a pregnancy! g?????0¦Í??????.?????? ¨C Continue reading Reflecting on her first pregnancy with Joy, the ease of it all echoed simrly. Barely two months into their marriage, having been intimate only a few times, and she was expecting. ¡°Oh, this is truly marvelous!¡± Overwhelmed with joy, Hadley found herself performing a spontaneous dance. Her earlier regrets from the morning¡¯s missteps faded; all was now right in her world. She was pregnant! She no longer needed to worry about lowering herself before Eric¡ªbecause she didn¡¯t need him anymore! ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡± A rush of excitement surged through Hadley as she whispered gratefully, ¡°Thank you, God.¡± She felt a profound sense of being cared for. ¡°Eric, thank you as well,¡± she added quietly. If this pregnancy could lead to saving Joy, she was ready to let go of all past grievances against him. The next time they crossed paths, she would engage him with the detached kindness due to a stranger. As the evening unfolded, the performance proceeded as nned. She wasmitted topleting the schedule already set. Having experienced pregnancy with Joy previously, she was familiar with how to take precautions. Soon, she nned to discuss her resignation with nche. This baby represented not just a personal joy but a lifeline for Joy¡¯s survival. To this end, Hadley was prepared to sacrifice all else. Though this decision might dy many of her future ns¡ªincluding those rted to her career¡ªshe felt no hesitation or regret. Living well in the present was her priority. Following her performance, Hadley retreated to her dressing room. As anticipated, her phone buzzed. . . . Chapter 566 ?Chapter 566: On the line was Eric, just as she expected. Hadley¡¯s lips curled into a soft smile as she answered the call. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± On the line, Eric¡¯s voice carried a hint of tension. Memories of their morning dispute yed in his mind, causing his throat to tighten ufortably. ¡°Are you done? I¡¯m outside waiting,¡± he said, his voice filled with anticipation. Hadley paused deliberately, letting the silence linger for a couple of seconds before responding, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m finished. Just give me a moment.¡± ¡°Okay. Take as long as you need,¡± Eric responded, his tone bright with relief and devoid of any impatience. He had been worried that Hadley might still be upset and possibly refuse to meet him. Determined to make amends, he prepared himself mentally to apologize sincerely and ept whatever response she might have. After ending the call, Hadley¡¯s eyes sparkled with a trace of excitement. She turned to Elissa, who was nearby, and simply said, ¡°Elissa.¡± ¡°Need something?¡± Elissa asked while organizing costumes. ¡°Actually, yes,¡± Hadley responded with a smile, a n forming in her mind. ¡°I need a favor.¡± ¡°Tell me what you need,¡± Elissa said, setting aside her work. ¡°Well, here¡¯s the thing¡­¡± After getting ready, Hadley stepped outside. ???????????????? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????.?????? ¡°Hello, Hadley.¡± Eric greeted her with his usual considerate demeanor, assisting her into the car. Before he could start the engine, Hadley suggested, ¡°How about we stop at a caf¨¦ for a bit?¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± Eric agreed readily. At this moment, Eric was prepared to amodate any of Hadley¡¯s requests. He drove them to a nearby caf¨¦. Once they were settled, he inquired, ¡°Hungry? Maybe a brownie? And what would you like to drink? A cappino, perhaps?¡± ¡°Just a hot milk for me, thanks,¡± Hadley responded with a gentle smile, settling into her newmitment to self-care during her pregnancy¡ªno caffeine, no alcohol. ¡°Got it.¡± Eric ordered a hot milk for her and lime water for himself. Once the beverages were served, Hadley took a slow sip of her milk before dropping a bombshell. ¡°We should break up.¡± Eric looked up sharply, his expression one of disbelief. ¡°Come again?¡± ¡°Was I not clear?¡± Though she saw his stunned look, Hadley repeated firmly, ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡± Silence hung heavy for a moment. Trying to mask his distress with a strained smile, Eric asked, ¡°Why? Haven¡¯t I been good to you?¡± ¡°You have.¡± Hadley acknowledged, her tone neutral. ¡°Aside from how you handled things with Linda, you¡¯ve treated me really well.¡± . . . Chapter 567 ?Chapter 567: This brought a more serious look to her face as she straightened up, ready to exin further. ¡°Truly, thank you for everything you¡¯ve done.¡± Hadley acknowledged the significant role Eric had yed in Joy¡¯s chance for a better life. Her gratitude was genuine. Eric couldn¡¯t believe his ears. He believed it all spiraled out of this morning¡¯s unfortunate events. Eric managed augh, but it wasced with sarcasm. ¡°You want to end things over a single disagreement? What rtionship doesn¡¯t have its ups and downs? Hadley, this is childish. You¡¯re acting so impulsively.¡± ¡°It¡¯s irrelevant.¡± Hadley was dismissive, unwavering in her decision. ¡°You may see me as impetuous and immature, but I¡¯ve made my decision. We¡¯re breaking up.¡± ¡°Come on, Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s frustration was evident; his eyes darkened with desperation. ¡°Be rational. Weren¡¯t you also at fault this morning?¡± ¡°I acknowledge that.¡± Hadley conceded without hesitation. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have caused a scene with Linda¡¯s dishes. That one¡¯s on me.¡± Eric sensed herck of sincerity. ¡°You admit your mistakes readily, but do you genuinely believe you were at fault? Empty apologies aren¡¯t necessary.¡± Hadley let out a softugh. ¡°I do acknowledge my error, truly.¡± ¡°Then if that¡¯s true¡­¡± Interrupting him, Hadley¡¯s smile was cold. ¡°However, acknowledging my mistake doesn¡¯t change that you¡¯ve upset me. I no longer wish to continue this rtionship. It¡¯s over.¡± Finishing her milk, she set down the cup neatly. No sense in leaving anything behind. She then stood up. L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.?????? ¡°Stay seated!¡± Eric¡¯s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back down. ¡°Really?¡± Surprised and irritated, Hadley stared back at him sharply. ¡°Mr. Flynn, this is unnecessary. We agreed that we could end things if it stopped.¡± ¡°Working for either of us. That was your promise.¡± She arched an eyebrow. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a man of your word? Not keeping your promise now?¡± At a loss for words, Eric opened his mouth but remained silent. ¡°Hadley!¡± Elissa entered the caf¨¦ at that moment, pushing the door wide open and signaling to Hadley. ¡°All set? I¡¯vee to pick you up.¡± ¡°Sure, just a second.¡± Hadley shot Eric a look as she stood up, freeing herself from his grip. ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯m deeply disappointed. You chose to protect another woman rather than support me, your own girlfriend. Remember how you once described me? ¡®Arrogant, overbearing, and willful.¡¯ Well, I can¡¯t tolerate being second to anyone, and frankly, you¡¯ve be a nuisance. Goodbye!¡± She made her way over to Elissa. ¡°Did I keep you waiting?¡± ¡°Just got here,¡± Elissa responded, looping her arm through Hadley¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s freezing outside. Let¡¯s get moving.¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Back at the table, Eric sat frozen, watching Hadley leave. What a miscalction on his part! He had thought they could smooth things over. Instead, Hadley dropped a bombshell, decisively cutting him off. This was his first real attempt at romance, and it had ended in a public rejection¡ªunexpected and abrupt. . . . Chapter 568 ?Chapter 568: It was both humiliating and incredibly painful, a sting that was new to him. Hadley returned to her apartment to find Joy already tucked in for the night. Melba, however, was still awake, seated on the sofa and foldingundry fresh from the dryer. Noticing Hadley enter, Melba whispered, ¡°Hey, you¡¯re back? Joy¡¯s asleep. Once I finish here, I¡¯ll go sit with her.¡± ¡°Thank you for everything, Melba,¡± Hadley said earnestly. It wasn¡¯t mere courtesy; she meant every word. Joy¡¯s special needs demanded extra care, even during thete hours. Though Melba waspensated, tending to Joy¡¯s nighttime routine required more than just a paycheck¡ªit took genuine kindness. ¡°You¡¯re too sweet,¡± Melba replied with a gentleugh. ¡°I raised my daughter on my own too, so I know how tough it can be sometimes.¡± Because Melba had navigated the challenges of single parenthood herself, she deeply understood Hadley¡¯s situation. Hadley nodded. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯ll go wash up. You should get some rest too.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Melba replied, smiling. As Hadley headed toward the bathroom, she called back, ¡°I¡¯ll stay with Joy tonight. You deserve a break.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Melba said, returning to the clothes she was folding, a look of relief crossing her face. Half an hourter, Hadley stepped into Joy¡¯s room. The little girl was sprawled across the bed like a tiny frog, head turned sideways, with her small mouth slightly open and a gentle snore escaping her lips. ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? ¡ú g????????¦Í????????????? ¡°Such a little snorer,¡± Hadley murmured, smiling fondly as she touched her daughter¡¯s forehead. With the heater on, Joy¡¯s skin felt¡­ Warm beneath the light nket, beads of perspiration dotting her brow, Hadley stretched out on the narrow bed beside her child, though she wasn¡¯t quite sleepy yet. She couldn¡¯t deny that ever since returning to Srixby, their life had been steadily improving. And now, she was expecting again¡­ ¡°Joy,¡± Hadley whispered, softly squeezing her daughter¡¯s plump little fist. ¡°My brave, strong darling¡ªjust a bit more time, and you¡¯ll be going to school and making friends, just like any other kid.¡± She closed her eyes, blinking against the sudden wetness gathering there. The next morning, the rich aroma of breakfast wafted through the kitchen. Hadley emerged from the bedroom, gently carrying Joy and settling her on the sofa before handing her a bottle. ¡°Drink some water first, sweetie,¡± she said. That morning ritual was something Hadley had taught Joy early on. ¡°Okay,¡± Joy said, grasping the bottle with both hands, her wide eyes darting around happily. ¡°Mommy, it smells so good.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a keen nose, little one.¡± Hadley smiled, tapping the tip of Joy¡¯s nose. ¡°There¡¯s a fruit pie in the oven. You want some?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Joy¡¯s face lit up. ¡°I love those! Did you make it, Mommy?¡± ¡°Sure did.¡± ¡°Amazing!¡± Joy eximed, practically bouncing with excitement. ¡°Even though you¡¯re busy, you still made my favorite pie. Thank you, Mommy!¡± She flung her arms around Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss to her cheek. . . . Chapter 569 ?Chapter 569: ¡°You¡¯re wee, honey.¡± A tiny pang of guilt tugged at Hadley; she¡¯d been busytely and hadn¡¯t spent enough time with Joy. But that was going to change¡ªno more wasting energy on irrelevant people or drama. Today was her day off, and she could devote it entirely to her. ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s get you a slice of that pie.¡± Hadley lifted Joy and carried her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken the pie from the oven and ced it on the table. The fruit pie looked golden and mouthwatering. Hadley sliced a piece and ced it on Joy¡¯s special te, passing her a small spoon. ¡°Dig in.¡± ¡°Thanks, Mommy,¡± Joy said, carefully scooping up a bite and blowing on it before tasting. ¡°Hot! Hot!¡± Joy squeaked. Hadley nodded with a gentleugh. ¡°Yes, be careful. You¡¯re such a smart girl, blowing on your food so you don¡¯t burn your tongue.¡± ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡± Joy tucked her face closer to the te and took another bite. ¡°So yummy. Nobody cooks better than you, Mommy.¡± ¡°Slow down,¡± Hadley said to her, standing up. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some milk.¡± Once she prepared the milk and handed Joy the bottle, Hadley¡¯s phone rang. Seeing Eric¡¯s name on the screen, she frowned. What could he want now? She let the call go unanswered. ????????¡¯?? ?????? ??????????: ???????????¦Í?????????????? Almost immediately, a text appeared. ¡°I¡¯m outside your apartment building. Can youe down, or should I juste up?¡± Hadley felt her heart jolt. She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that Eric¡¯s car was indeed parked right below. Had he been keeping watch? The phone rang again, leaving her with little choice but to answer. His voice was calm yet insistent. ¡°I¡¯m aware you share the apartment with someone else and they have a child. I¡¯d prefer not to intrude, but I¡¯m concerned about you¡ªand when I¡¯m worried, convenience doesn¡¯t matter. You understand, don¡¯t you?¡± After a moment¡¯s pause, he added, ¡°Hadley, are youing down?¡± She exhaled a weary sigh, knowing she couldn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Just give me a minute.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡± Five minutester, Hadley found herself stepping outside to meet him. ¡°Hi,¡± Eric said the moment she emerged. He stepped out of his car and gestured toward the passenger seat. ¡°Get in.¡± She frowned, clearly reluctant, but it was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this dragged on. With a sigh, she slid into the car. They pulled away from the neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. ¡°What¡¯s going on? If there¡¯s something you need to say, just say it.¡± . . . Chapter 570 ?Chapter 570: Eric kept both hands on the wheel, a slight smile touching his lips. ¡°I¡¯m taking you somewhere. You¡¯re off work today, right?¡± Hadley eyed him warily. ¡°What do you mean, taking me somewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t forget¡ªwe broke up. Justst night!¡± He gave no reply, as if he hadn¡¯t heard her. She felt her nerves spike. ¡°I asked you a question! Where are you taking me?¡± She had no intentions of going on another date with him! ¡°Rx,¡± he said calmly, sparing her a quick nce. ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there.¡± Hadley then recognized the route almost immediately¡ªit led straight to Irondeer Road, a hub of upscale boutiques. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Eric was taking her there. When they finally arrived, Eric brought her into FOUR Hours, a familiar spot known to be part of the Flynn family¡¯s fashion line. The moment they approached the entrance, the store manager and staff hurried out to greet them. ¡°Mr. Flynn, wee,¡± the manager said, then turned to Hadley with a warm smile. ¡°Hello, Miss Pearson.¡± Hadley raised an eyebrow. They actually knew who she was? ¡°Please,e inside,¡± the manager urged. Eric gave a brief nod and led Hadley into the store. The manager followed closely, addressing her in an apologetic tone. Apparently, Phillips had called and mentioned that Hadley wasn¡¯t happy with the items she¡¯d receivedst time¡ªand that, in turn, had displeased Eric, which terrified the store manager. g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all ¡°Miss Pearson, we¡¯re so sorry the clothes we sent previously didn¡¯t meet your expectations. Could you let me know what style you prefer? I¡¯ll be more than happy to suggest some new pieces,¡± the manager exined. What? Hadley frowned slightly, ncing at Eric in confusion. Just what was going on here? Eric gestured discreetly to the store manager and the sales assistants, indicating they should give them some space. ¡°Of course, Mr. Flynn,¡± replied the manager before he swiftly guided the staff away. ¡°Look here, Hadley.¡± Eric encouraged as he gently took her hand, guiding her to the gleaming disy case. ¡°What catches your eye?¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Hadley quirked an eyebrow, her voice tinged with amusement. ¡°Are you in the mood to shop for my wardrobe?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric confirmed with a nod. Wasn¡¯t that apparent? ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± Hadley responded with a yful smile, yet her words dripped with irony. ¡°Really, I¡¯m all set with my current wardrobe.¡± She began to withdraw her hand, seeking to escape his grasp. ¡°Wait, Hadley,¡± Eric said, holding her gaze firmly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that nothing at Silver Vis appeals to you anymore?¡± Before she could respond, he earnestly continued, apologizing for earlier misunderstandings. Eric acknowledged his oversight with a hint of regret. ¡°I should have consulted you before making ns. Let¡¯s go have a look now, shall we?¡± He motioned toward the array of clothing behind the ss. ¡°We have a few pieces here, but there¡¯s more to see. What catches your eye? They can bring out additional selections if you¡¯d like. Does that sound good?¡± . . . Chapter 571 ?Chapter 571: Hadley¡¯s smile widened as she absorbed his words. ¡°Listen, Hadley,¡± Eric murmured as he drew nearer, his presence almost encircling her. His breath was a whisper against her ear, his tone verging on desperate. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to address your concerns. Please, let¡¯s not end things, okay?¡± Hadley tilted her head, pondering his plea. What was she expected to say in return? She found herself amused by Eric¡¯s apparent naivety. ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley finally spoke, her toneced with incredulity. ¡°Do you really believe some new clothes will mend our issues?¡± ¡°And what more should I do?¡± Eric asked, his voice steady and sincere. He gave her space to speak. ¡°Just tell me what you need. I¡¯m here to make it right. Please, just don¡¯t leave me.¡± Hadley felt uneasy with Eric so near. She touched his chest and gently pushed him back. ¡°Eric, it¡¯s clear you know Linda¡¯s preferences. You¡¯ve tailored an entire wardrobe to her taste, yet you seem clueless about what I¡ªyour own girlfriend¡ªlike. How can I possibly stay with you after realizing this?¡± Eric was taken aback, his expression frozen as he struggled to find the right words. After a weighty silence, he said, ¡°I¡¯ve just been around her longer¡­¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°Just give me a chance,¡± Eric pleaded, holding her hand earnestly. ¡°I¡¯ll get to know your preferences too, given some time¡­¡± Hadley, however, was not swayed by his appeal. She smiled slyly, cutting through his protestations. ¡°There¡¯s one way to put all this breakup talk to rest.¡± L§Ñ¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.?????? ¡°What would that be?¡± Eric¡¯s face brightened, hope flickering in his eyes. ¡°Anything you say!¡± With a mischievous tilt of her lips, Hadleyid out her terms. ¡°Have Lindae over and personally apologize to me.¡± What? Eric¡¯s expression hardened, a frown forming on his face. ¡°Why should she apologize?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Hadley flipped her hair back, a look of triumph in her eyes. ¡°First off, her staying at my boyfriend¡¯s ce was way out of line. Then there¡¯s the matter of her being in the kitchen, cooking for you. If it wasn¡¯t for her breakfast, we wouldn¡¯t be having issues right now!¡± She sparked all this trouble. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Here¡¯s the deal.¡± Hadley held her head high, confidence radiating from her. ¡°She apologizes, and we¡¯re good.¡± Eric looked at her, feeling utterly defeated. It was impossible. Asking Linda to apologize to Hadley? Given her temperament, it was a far stretch. ¡°So, you can¡¯t make it happen?¡± Hadley grinned, doubting he wouldply. ¡°There¡¯s another option, though.¡± ¡°What?¡± A spark of hope flickered in Eric¡¯s eyes. With a sharp exhale, Hadley¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°It¡¯s actually simpler.¡± She yfully tugged on his tie, looping it around her finger. ¡°Just promise you¡¯ll never see her alone again. Stay out of her affairs. Is that within your power?¡± . . . Chapter 572 ?Chapter 572: A heavy feeling settled in Eric¡¯s stomach. This request seemed just as unattainable as the apology from Linda. ¡°Hadley.¡± He began to make his case. ¡°Linda has been a part of my life since childhood. She¡¯s important to me¡­¡± ¡°You can¡¯t do it, can you?¡± Hadley dismissed his attempts with a wave of her hand, her interest waning. ¡°Why continue discussing this then?¡± She knew he wouldn¡¯t agree. That was precisely her point¡ªto ask for something he couldn¡¯t provide. ¡°So.¡± Hadley gave a resigned shrug. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not offering you a chance, it¡¯s that you¡¯re not showing any realmitment. It seems we can¡¯t move forward together.¡± Hadley released his tie and threw up her hands. ¡°You actually don¡¯t need me, Eric. Any woman could serve as a tempt for you. Given your position, there¡¯s no shortage of candidates.¡± She offered a dry smile. ¡°I sincerely hope you find someone suitable quickly. Farewell.¡± With those final words, her smile waned, and she turned away, her back to him. Eric¡¯s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression growing darker by the second. The following day was different for Hadley. Instead of her usual dance rehearsals, she was scheduled for a photo shoot for promotional material, involving an external crew. Upon arriving, she noticed Elissa and the makeup artist were already present. ¡°Am Ite, Elissa?¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± Elissa gestured dismissively toward the venue. ¡°Might not even matter today. We might be dyed.¡± ?????? ???????????????? ???????? ¡ú g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Take a look.¡± Elissa lowered her voice. There was an issue with the venue¡ªthe previous team who had booked it was still upying it. With only ten minutes left, they showed no intention of wrapping up. The dance troupe wouldn¡¯t be able to start on time. ¡°It¡¯s a big star,¡± Elissa whispered, her tone dropping even further into gossip mode. ¡°Who is it?¡± Hadley engaged with a light chuckle, ready to dive into the rumors. Elissa whispered, revealing the name discreetly¡ª¡±Linda Harris.¡± Hadley hesitated for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. A big star indeed. ¡°They¡¯re filming amercial. There¡¯s a standoff between Linda and the director,¡± Elissa said, her lips forming a tight line. ¡°Typical big star behavior, even arguing with directors.¡± With the space still upied, their ns were stalled. Hadleymented with a grin, ¡°I need to use the restroom. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Elissa responded casually. As Hadley walked away, herck of familiarity with the venue led her astray, mistakenly wandering into the filming area. ¡°Sorry to interrupt,¡± Hadley said, ncing around uncertainly. She was just about to request directions, asking, ¡°Could you show me the way to¡ª¡± However, she was cut off mid-sentence as the person she approached spun around to face her. ¡°Linda.¡± She recognized her instantly, as Linda stood with her arms crossed and a smirk. ¡°Over there is your way out,¡± Linda pointed dismissively. . . . Chapter 573 ?Chapter 573: Surprised by the encounter, Hadley managed a stiff nod. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Be careful,¡± Linda said, her tone dripping with feigned concern. As Hadley moved to continue, Linda subtly shifted, extending her leg into Hadley¡¯s path¡­ Hadley¡¯s foot caught on something, causing her to lose her bnce and lurch forward. For a moment, everything went nk, but instinctively, she threw out her hands, her palms and knees absorbing the impact of the fall. Hadley managed to avoid hitting the groundpletely. Linda watched with a smirk, arms crossed, and then turned to walk away. Was Linda leaving just like that? With a swift motion, Hadley regained her footing, seized Linda¡¯s arm, and struck her sharply across the cheek. Linda froze, touching her face in shock. ¡°Hadley, you wretch!¡± Wretch? A cold sneer crossed Hadley¡¯s lips as anger zed in her eyes. If not for her quick reflexes, the fall might have endangered her unborn child. ¡°Consider that p a kindness,¡± Hadley hissed, her voice cold. ¡°Hah?¡± Linda¡¯s disbelief erupted into scornfulughter, and then, in a swift motion, she twisted Hadley¡¯s arm behind her back. ¡°You think you¡¯re tough? I¡¯m charging you with assault! I¡¯m calling mywyer this instant! Come with me!¡± ¡°Release me!¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± ¡°Unhand her immediately!¡± Elissa leaped forward, aiming her finger at Linda. ¡°You really ought to let her go!¡± Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, ¡°And you are?¡± Linda scoffed at Elissa. ¡°Do you actually believe I¡¯ll release her just because you demand it?¡± With her phone in hand, Elissa brandished it confidently. ¡°I¡¯ve captured everything on video! You deliberately tripped my friend! You¡¯re thinking about legal action? Good, we¡¯re ready for court!¡± She then looked reassuringly at Hadley. ¡°Don¡¯t stress! We don¡¯t even need awyer. One video post and her celebrity days are done!¡± Upon seeing an opportunity, Hadley¡¯s expression brightened, and she¡­ Hadley quickly nodded in agreement. However, Linda suddenly charged toward Elissa in an attempt to grab the phone. ¡°Hand it over! Right now!¡± ¡°Not a chance!¡± Elissa clutched her phone protectively. ¡°Ahh!¡± Elissa cried out sharply. The sharp pain from Linda¡¯s nails digging into her flesh made Elissa exim, ¡°You call others wretches, yet here you are, the epitome of one!¡± Linda paid no heed and intensified her grip, embedding her nails deeper. ¡°Elissa!¡± Hadley sprinted to intervene. However, before Hadley could reach them, Elissa, driven by pain, bit Linda¡¯s hand forcefully, sparing no mercy. ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Linda¡¯s shriek pierced the air. The pain was unbearable, pushing Linda to react violently. She flung her arm, and thebined force caused both women to lose their bnce. ¡°Elissa!¡± Hadley reached her friend just in time to stabilize her. ¡°Watch out!¡± . . . Chapter 574 ?Chapter 574: Elissa steadied herself and shed a grin. ¡°I¡¯m alright!¡± But just as she spoke, a loud crash echoed, followed by a scream of agony from Linda. Hadley and Elissa nced toward the sound¡ªLinda was sprawled on the ground, a heavy metaldder trapping her leg beneath it. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads as they exchanged a look of rm. What should they do? Linda¡¯s injuries appeared severe. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Elissa¡¯s voice shook. She had pushed Linda¡ªmaybe not intentionally, but it still happened. ¡°We need to lift thisdder off her, now!¡± ¡°Right!¡± Rushing to Linda¡¯s side, Hadley and Elissa worked together to remove thedder. Despite her animosity toward Linda, Hadley knew they couldn¡¯t just leave her in pain. Thedder was heavy and unwieldy, challenging their strength. As they struggled, Linda¡¯s cries grew louder. Her leg was severely injured, bloodied, and she seemed to be on the verge of losing consciousness from the intensity of the pain. ¡°It¡¯s not moving¡­¡± Sweat poured down Hadley¡¯s forehead as she called out desperately, ¡°We need more hands here!¡± At her shout, several people hurried over to assist. With theirbined effort, they finally managed to free Linda from under thedder. In that moment, Hadley turned to Elissa. ¡°Run, now!¡± Elissa, confused and hesitant, paused before realizing what Hadley meant. She shook her head vigorously. ¡°I can¡¯t leave¡­ It was my push.¡± g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you ¡°Go!¡± Hadley insisted, her expression tense. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this.¡± Hadley knew that if it weren¡¯t for her, Elissa wouldn¡¯t be caught in this mess. She couldn¡¯t stand by and let her friend take the fall¡ªthis wasn¡¯t who she was. ¡°No, I¡¯m staying!¡± Elissa stood her ground, adamant. She couldn¡¯t abandon Hadley, especially with Linda severely hurt. She had to face the consequences too. Meanwhile, Linda¡¯s assistant helped her onto a stretcher and then pointed usingly at Hadley and Elissa. ¡°Stop them!¡± she shouted. ¡°They can¡¯t leave!¡± Eric was finishing a meeting when Phillips approached him, his expression concerned. ¡°Mr. Flynn, your phone has been buzzing¡­¡± Incessantly, it seemed urgent¡ªan unrelenting buzz. ¡°It¡¯s from Miss Harris¡¯ assistant,¡± Phillips said, looking at Eric with concern. ¡°Something must be wrong,¡± Eric thought, his brow furrowing. He had been actively involved with Linda¡¯s affairs since Ernest was still recovering and couldn¡¯t handle the stress. Taking his phone, Eric quickly dialed back. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± The assistant¡¯s voice was frantic. ¡°Linda has been injured on set. Something heavy fell and pinned her leg!¡± What? Eric¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°What happened? Aren¡¯t you supposed to prevent these things? If you can¡¯t manage that, I might as well find someone who can!¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn, please,¡± the assistant replied, trying to remain calm despite the scolding. ¡°It wasn¡¯t an ident. Someone did this on purpose.¡± On purpose? Eric¡¯s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing into slits. ¡°Who was responsible for this?¡± The sharp tone of his voice conveyed the gravity of his concern. Who would daremit such an act? . . . Chapter 575 ?Chapter 575: ¡°Hadley and her friend Elissa,¡± the assistant said sharply. For a moment, Eric was stunned, disbelieving what he had just heard. A wry smile briefly crossed his face. ¡°Repeat that, please.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Hadley and Elissa!¡± the assistant repeated, her voice carrying a tone of outrage. ¡°Mr. Flynn, their behavior waspletely uneptable! It was two against one! And now, we¡¯re not even sure about the extent of the damage to Linda¡¯s leg¡­¡± Eric remained silent, absorbing the information without interjecting. After ending the call, he turned to Phillips. ¡°I need you to handle something for me.¡± ¡°Of course, Mr. Flynn.¡± At the police station, Hadley sat in one interrogation room while Elissa was in another. They started with Elissa, leaving Hadley to wait her turn. By the time she was headed to the station, Hadley had gathered herposure and was clear on her next steps. The door swung open, and a police officer stepped in. Hadley sat up straight, bracing herself for what wasing. ¡°Officer¡­¡± ¡°Hadley Pearson.¡± To her astonishment, the officer went straight to her and unlocked her handcuffs. ¡°You¡¯re free to go.¡± Confused, Hadley responded, ¡°But I haven¡¯t even been questioned yet.¡± ¡°You¡¯re cleared to go. Your involvement isn¡¯t confirmed,¡± the officer exined. Hadley couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Elissa had shouldered the entire me. She couldn¡¯t ept that without her ount being considered. The rest of the chapters at g??ln o vels.???? ?? Exiting the interrogation room, Hadley inquired of the officer, ¡°May I see my friend now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s still under questioning,¡± the officer replied honestly. ¡°Thanks,¡± Hadley acknowledged his response. Once outside the police station, Hadley quickly put her n into action. Knowing time was crucial, she hailed a taxi and made her way directly to the hospital. During the ride, she dialed Linda¡¯s number. ¡°It¡¯s me, Hadley. We need to talk¡­¡± This call ensured her ess to Linda¡¯s hospital room, which would have otherwise been difficult due to Linda¡¯s prominent status. A nurse guided Hadley to Linda¡¯s room upon her arrival at the hospital. ¡°This way, please.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hadley responded graciously. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Inside, she observed Eric sitting next to the bed, soothingly asking Linda, ¡°How are you feeling now? Is the pain still too much?¡± ¡°Much better, thank you,¡± Linda said, resting back against the headboard. Herplexion was still a bit washed out, but her smile was reassuring. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear. Ernest will be here shortly. Drink some water in the meantime,¡± Eric suggested warmly, picking up a ss with a straw from the bedside table and assisting her to sip without needing to use her hands. There was a gentle double knock at the door. ¡°Excuse the intrusion,¡± Hadley¡¯s voice came through as she tapped lightly. Eric, without turning, remained beside the bed in silence. ¡°Is that Hadley?¡± Linda¡¯s expression brightened a touch as she saw who it was, signaling her closer. ¡°Come in, please.¡± . . . Chapter 576 ?Chapter 576: She gave Eric a quick look that clearly meant, ¡°Could you give us some space?¡± Without a word, Eric stood, retreating a few steps to stand by the wall with his hands casually tucked into his pockets. ¡°I¡¯d rather stand,¡± Hadley said, her gaze fixed on Linda and deliberately avoiding Eric. ¡°There¡¯s something I need to talk to you about¡ªjust the two of us,¡± she added, her tone suggesting it was time for Eric to leave the room. ¡°Alright.¡± Linda, having a rough idea of what Hadley wanted to talk about, turned towards Eric. ¡°Could you give us a minute, please?¡± Eric¡¯s response was immediate and firm. ¡°I can¡¯t do that. Ernest asked me to stay with you until he gets here.¡± Did he think Hadley posed a risk to Linda? A mockingugh escaped Hadley¡¯s lips, though she kept her voice low and her gaze cold. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eric. The room is under surveince. If I were to attack her, you¡¯d have all the evidence you need to have me arrested.¡± Eric flinched, surprised by her implication. Was Linda¡¯s safety his concern? Of course not! Did Hadley even know that he was the reason she had been released from custody so quickly? Did she just automatically assume that he sided with Linda? Yet, he chose not to rify, particrly not with others listening. His patience wearing thin, Eric retorted more sharply than he intended, ¡°What, should we wait for you to hurt her before we intervene? The police can handle you after the fact, but they can¡¯t undo the harm done to Linda.¡± Caught off guard by his reaction, Hadley¡¯s features hardened, and she fell silent, her ns momentarily disrupted by his words. Was he making his feelings obvious now? His concern for Linda was unmistakable! Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con Indeed, when someone he cared about was in danger, it was natural for him to get protective. Unable to sway him, she directed her question to Linda instead. ¡°What do you say? You want him to stay?¡± ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± Linda, ever the ¡°mediator,¡± intervened. ¡°Eric, please, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be safe. Hadley and I just need a moment to speak. Could you leave us alone for a bit?¡± Eric¡¯s brow creased in suspicion. What could they need to discuss that couldn¡¯t be said in his presence? He suspected Hadley¡¯s visit had a purpose, perhaps to advocate for Elissa. But she was appealing to the wrong person; she should be speaking to him instead¡­ Still, he decided to bide his time, waiting for her to realize her approach was futile and seek him out. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave.¡± Eric nced at his watch. The timing couldn¡¯t be better; Ernest was due to arrive soon. He decided to go get him. Outside the room, Eric instructed Phillips, ¡°Keep your eyes peeled. If anything happens, intervene immediately.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± The atmosphere in the room grew calmer. Hadley let out a silent sigh of relief. Clearly, a word from Linda held more sway than her own long exnations. Turning to Linda, Hadley knew it was time to address the pressing issue. ¡°You¡¯re aware of what we need to discuss, aren¡¯t you?¡± A nervous swallow betrayed Linda¡¯s apprehension. Hadley continued, ¡°You¡¯re aware of the real circumstances of your fall. It was an ident, and honestly, the whole thing was initiated by you.¡± . . . Chapter 577 ?Chapter 577: ¡°What is it that you want?¡± With each word, Linda¡¯s difort grew. The shock of her assistant calling the police still lingered; she hadn¡¯t anticipated such an oue. ¡°It¡¯s straightforward,¡± Hadley said, her gaze firm and her thoughts sharp. ¡°Elissa has a video on her phone that shows you tripping me¡­ I need you to withdraw the charges. I need to ensure Elissa is safe.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Linda quickly consented, aware of the stakes involved. The thought of the video leaking terrified her¡ªno entertainer today could survive such a scandal. Despite the protection of the Flynn family, a damaged public image would undoubtedly lead to her being ostracized. Such an incident would certainly spell disaster for her career. ¡°But¡­¡± Linda¡¯s hands were tightly clenched, her palms slick with perspiration. ¡°I must have her phone to ensure the evidence is utterly obliterated.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± Hadley responded, nodding firmly. ¡°The police currently hold Elissa¡¯s phone. As soon as she¡¯s released, it will be in your hands.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± Linda acknowledged, nodding in return. She felt no real concern over Hadley retracting her promise. If the phone wasn¡¯t delivered, she could simply reverse her decision. After all, they were both deeply entangled in this predicament. At that very moment¡­ Ernest had arrived, though he hadn¡¯t notified Eric beforehand. Instead of heading directly to Linda¡¯s room, he chose first to visit the doctor¡¯s office to check on Linda¡¯s medical status. ¡°She arrived covered in blood, which looked severe, but the injuries are superficial. There¡¯s just a minor fracture, no bones were seriously harmed, so no surgery is necessary,¡± the doctor exined. Your escape begins with ga ln ov els . Ernest exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± the doctor replied. The doctor hesitated but then continued, ¡°However, Mr. Flynn¡­ her fainting was due to intense pain from a weakened constitution. Apparently, her recovery from the miscarriage hasn¡¯t been that well.¡± Being aware of the Flynn family¡¯s prominence in Srixby made the doctor especially thorough. ¡°Mr. Flynn, should you consider having children again, she will need extensive care.¡± Miscarriage? A flicker of surprise crossed Ernest¡¯s face, though he maintained hisposure, giving a slight nod. ¡°I appreciate the advice.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee, Mr. Flynn. Please, take care.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Ernest maneuvered his wheelchair to leave the doctor¡¯s office, his outward calm belying his inner turmoil. The news of Linda¡¯s miscarriage was a shock. His face grew somber as he processed the news. ¡°Ernest!¡± Eric hurried over. ¡°Did you just get here? I was at the entrance looking for you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been speaking with the doctor about Linda¡¯s situation.¡± ¡°Good news, her injuries aren¡¯t severe. Come on. I¡¯ll take you to her now.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Arriving at the ward, they found Hadley had already left. . . . Chapter 578 ?Chapter 578: ¡°Ernest,¡± Linda said, her voice breaking as tears formed in her eyes. ¡°Linda.¡± Ernest reached out tofort her, taking her hand. ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot. Rest assured, those responsible will face¡­¡± ¡°Consequences.¡± ¡°Yes, Ernest,¡± Eric agreed with a nod. ¡°Now, tell me where it hurts the most?¡± ¡°Here¡­ it¡¯s very painful¡­¡± Feeling out of ce, Eric decided to step outside, gently closing the door behind him. He pulled out his phone to check for any messages from Hadley. Was she avoiding him? Or perhaps too ashamed to face him? Regardless, he knew she¡¯d have to reach out eventually, for Elissa¡¯s sake. The following morning, Phillips arrived at Silver Vis to pick up Eric and brought some important news. ¡°Mr. Flynn, the police station just called. Miss Harris has withdrawn her charges, and Elissa has been released!¡± ¡°What?¡± Shock shed through Eric¡¯s narrowed eyes, disbelief etched across his face. ¡°How did this happen?¡± Everything had been settled¡ªhe¡¯d personally intervened¡ªand regardless of the confusion, Elissa had clearly shoved Linda! ¡°The police informed me that Miss Harris dropped all charges.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± Eric was even more confused. Had things really unfolded this way? ???????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????? Tension hardened Eric¡¯s features, his voice bing cold with urgency. ¡°We¡¯re going to the hospital¡ªnow.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± A loud crash echoed as Eric forcefully swung the hospital room door open. ¡°Eric?¡± Linda had barely opened her eyes when she saw Eric storming toward her, his barely restrained fury tightening her chest. Smiling nervously, Linda asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Who¡¯s managed to make you this angry so early?¡± A cold smile twisted Eric¡¯s lips, and his chilly re intensified the heavy silence in the room. He went straight to the point, voice sharp and using. ¡°Exin why you dropped the charges.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Linda raised an eyebrow in mild surprise before smoothing her hair casually. ¡°Are you referring to Elissa? Hadley visited me yesterday, and well¡­¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Eric scoffed, his sarcastic amusement thinly veiled. ¡°You¡¯re saying you suddenly became merciful because Hadley begged you?¡± Linda¡¯s irritation grew steadily beneath his harsh tone. Her smile remained carefully controlled as she answered coolly, ¡°Hadley is still a Flynn by adoption, isn¡¯t she? Family members help each other. Since she asked, it was natural for me to consider her feelings.¡± ¡°Stop pretending you care!¡± Eric¡¯s rage erupted, overwhelming any remaining restraint. His voice sliced sharply through the silence. ¡°You think I¡¯ve been blind this whole time? I know exactly how you feel about Hadley. Do you seriously expect me to believe you¡¯d suddenly show mercy just because she asked nicely?¡± ¡°Eric¡ª¡± Linda faltered, her confidence slipping as her face turned pale. She stared at Eric and said, ¡°You¡¯re right, kindness isn¡¯t in my nature. But if I¡¯d refused her, don¡¯t you think she would¡¯vee running straight to you?¡± . . . Chapter 579 ?Chapter 579: For a brief moment, Eric hesitated, but then his lips curved into a bitter, knowing smirk. ¡°Perfect! You nned it all along. You knew I was just waiting for her to reach out, didn¡¯t you? And you made sure that never happened.¡± ¡°Yes, I did!¡± Linda met his troubled eyes with an unwavering stare. Her voice softened, filled with conviction. ¡°Eric, face it¡ªyou and Hadley just aren¡¯t right together. Why drag this out? Just end it already.¡± ¡°What?¡± The shock on Eric¡¯s face froze him. He stood there silently, as though she¡¯d pped him awake. Soon, disbelief spilled out asughter. ¡°Really, Linda?¡± His eyebrow curved mockingly. ¡°You think we¡¯re not right?¡± ¡°Do you honestly think you are?¡± Surprise shed across Linda¡¯s face at his unexpected reaction, and irritation followed close behind. ¡°Hadley barely tolerates you!¡± ¡°And you¡¯re speaking for her now?¡± Eric snapped back, his voice rumbling with barely restrained frustration. ¡°How could you possibly know how she feels?¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Anger darkened Linda¡¯s eyes as she bit her lip in frustration. ¡°Eric, use your head! Hadley¡¯s the one constantly doubting there¡¯s something going on between us. She never trusted you, never liked you! Tell me, how can feelings even grow from that?¡± ¡°Is that right?¡± Eric wouldn¡¯t budge. He straightened, towering over her in his ck suit, its sharp lines entuating hismanding presence as he eyed her coldly. L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï?? ¡°How about you, Linda? Ernest insists there¡¯s no one else, but you refuse to believe him. By your standards, doesn¡¯t that mean you don¡¯t really care for Ernest?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far!¡± Linda¡¯sposure shattered, tears welling as her voice trembled with grievance. ¡°Have you lost your mind? You¡¯re actually putting Hadley and me on the same level?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± His eyes narrowed skeptically. ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly what you¡¯re doing to me?¡± ¡°Eric, you¡ª¡± Ovee by rage, Linda grasped at her chest, gasping as words failed her. ¡°Linda.¡± Eric paused, eyes closed, gathering himself before speaking again. ¡°I didn¡¯te here intending to fight. There¡¯s something important you need to understand. Years ago, you pulled me back from death¡¯s doorstep. Without your help, I wouldn¡¯t be here today. I¡¯ve repaid you by looking after you and the Flynn family ever since. But gratitude doesn¡¯t entitle you to run my life!¡± ¡°Run your life? Is that a joke?¡± Bitterness tainted Linda¡¯sughter. ¡°You¡¯re exploiting Hadley¡¯s closest friend just to make her crawl back to you. That¡¯s maniption, Eric! You can¡¯t bully someone into loving you.¡± Eric visibly stiffened, hisposure barely holding together. In a voice disturbingly calm, he replied, ¡°If I¡¯m the one making the move, and I¡¯m satisfied with the result, who gave you the right to judge me?¡± Linda stood motionless, stunned. Did he really just say that? She was at a loss for words, unable to find a rebuttal. . . . Chapter 580 ?Chapter 580: Eric cast her one final, steely nce. ¡°Consider this yourst warning. Stay out of my private life from now on.¡± ¡°Eric, wait¡­¡± He ignored her, disappearing before she could protest further. Thankfully, at least she¡¯d secured Elissa¡¯s phone. Going back on promises¡ªthat was Eric¡¯s decision and his problem to deal with, not Linda¡¯s. Predictably, Hadley appeared at the hospital that same afternoon. ¡°Linda!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin,¡± Linda said quickly, raising her palms in helpless surrender. ¡°I kept my promise and dropped the charges, but Eric refuses to let it rest.¡± She sighed, continuing softly, ¡°I did all I could to change his mind, but he¡¯s determined to press charges anyway.¡± ¡°But that makes no sense,¡± Hadley said, confused lines creasing her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re the victim, and even you aren¡¯t pursuing this.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. But assault is considered a crime. The victim¡¯s forgiveness doesn¡¯t always stop thew.¡± What? Hadley¡¯s mind was on the verge of snapping! She nced at Linda, a bitterugh escaping her lips¡ªhow naive she¡¯d been,pletely misjudging Eric¡¯s devotion to Linda. A woman he treasured, someone who haunted his memories, had been harmed. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t let it slide. Even if Linda had forgiven everything, Eric would still demand justice for her pain. Silently, Hadley turned and walked away. Linda squinted after Hadley¡¯s departing figure, a subtle smile of satisfaction curling at her lips. Who could¡¯ve guessed she¡¯d be the ultimate winner in thisplicated game? Read the next part at ?????????¦Í??????o?? True, her leg was injured¡ªbut she now held Elissa¡¯s phone in her hands. Judging from Hadley¡¯s wounded pride, she probably despised Eric by now. Would Hadley still seek him out? Linda silently prayed that Hadley wouldn¡¯t. She simply couldn¡¯t stand the idea of Eric and Hadley being together again. In fact, Hadley had no intention of returning to Eric, either. Her hesitation wasn¡¯t due to pride. Rather, Eric¡¯s fierce protection of Linda had reached such extremes that Hadley suspected even begging wouldn¡¯t change his mind. Yet, no matter what, she had to confront him. This mess was her fault. Elissa shouldn¡¯t suffer the consequences alone. Still, she wouldn¡¯t humiliate herself in front of Eric. Hadley had her own strategy¡ªthough it might not be entirely honorable. After stepping outside the hospital, Hadley headed directly to the Flynn Group. Standing before the building, she dialed Eric¡¯s number. To her surprise, the call connected after only a few rings. ¡°Hello¡­¡± ¡°Hello?¡± The voice that answered belonged to Phillips, not Eric. ¡°Hadley? Are you trying to reach Mr. Flynn? He¡¯s upied at the moment. Why don¡¯t youe upstairs and wait for him?¡± With Phillips¡¯ words smoothing the way, Hadley effortlessly entered the Flynn Group, ascending directly to the top floor that housed the CEO¡¯s imposing office. This wasn¡¯t unfamiliar territory; even the secretaries greeted her warmly, their subtle smiles of recognition clear. Hadley noticed her photo discreetly disyed at their desks, a silent testament to her standing¡ªshe was the woman their boss himself had marked as important, someone they absolutely needed to remember. . . . Chapter 581 ?Chapter 581: ¡°Good morning, Miss Pearson,¡± one of the secretaries greeted cheerfully, gesturing gracefully toward the door. She paused respectfully, allowing Hadley to proceed unapanied. ¡°Thanks,¡± Hadley responded softly, offering an appreciative nod. ¡°Of course.¡± Stepping inside, Hadley was immediately struck by the unexpected calm. Contrary to Phillips¡¯ description of a CEO consumed by relentless activity, Eric appeared surprisingly at ease. And, to her growing intrigue, he wasn¡¯t alone. Eric was loungingfortably in his leather chair, his eyes closed in quiet rxation. Behind him stood a young woman, her striking figure entuated by a spaghetti strap gown that grazed her ankles. Her makeup was bold, amplifying her allure. Neither seemed to notice Hadley¡¯s quiet entry. The woman lifted her graceful hands, gently working her fingers into Eric¡¯s tense shoulders. With a yful lilt, she asked, ¡°Is this pressurefortable, Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Eric murmuredzily, a serene expression softening his features. ¡°That¡¯s good, but you can go a bit firmer.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The woman¡¯s eyes widened slightly in uncertainty. Firmer pressure? Was he genuinely treating her like some sort of masseuse? Hadley cleared her throat lightly. ¡°Excuse me. Didn¡¯t mean to interrupt.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The young woman nced up sharply, her initial relief swiftly reced by unease. Before her stood another woman whose beauty was effortless, unadorned yet strikingly superior to her own carefully crafted appearance. Stay tuned at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s A pang of insecurity surged through her instantly. ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± the woman inquired cautiously, maintaining an overly sweet smile to mask her irritation. ¡°Do you need something?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t acknowledge the woman¡¯s question, focusing instead entirely on Eric. ¡°Phillips sent me. He mentioned you wanted to meet.¡± Eric continued as if he hadn¡¯t heard, seemingly absorbed in the massage. Hadley¡¯s brows knitted slightly as uncertainty crept in. Should she leave? But remembering Elissa, she resisted the urge to walk away, choosing instead to remain firm. After a lengthy pause, Eric finally opened his eyes, though he still didn¡¯t acknowledge Hadley¡¯s presence immediately. ncing briefly at his watch, he instructed calmly, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn,¡± the woman responded promptly, stepping back and assuming a poised stance. Eric rose leisurely, adjusting his shirt. He then turned toward Hadley with feigned surprise, eyebrows raised in mock amusement. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here? Why didn¡¯t you speak up sooner?¡± Was he putting on a show? Hadley forced herself to smile politely. ¡°You seemed busy, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to bother you¡­¡± ¡°Busy? Ah, yes.¡± Eric suddenly grasped the woman¡¯s arm, guiding her forward toward Hadley. ¡°What¡¯s your impression of her?¡± he asked. . . . Chapter 582 ?Chapter 582: ¡°What do you mean?¡± Hadley responded, momentarily baffled by the sudden question. Eric¡¯s tone sharpened with impatience. ¡°I¡¯m asking for your opinion.¡± ¡°She¡­¡± Hadley hesitated, choosing her words delicately. ¡°She¡¯s very attractive and has a lovely figure.¡± The awkwardness hung thick in the air, making it difficult for Hadley to even nce at the other woman. ¡°Exactly.¡± Eric shed an approving smile, examining the woman. ¡°Allow me to introduce you. She¡¯s my new girlfriend.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Both women reacted simultaneously, stunned. The woman¡¯s face lit up with joy, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she reached tentatively toward Eric¡¯s hand. Yet Eric didn¡¯t even spare her a nce, his focus fixed entirely on Hadley. He continued, smiling faintly, ¡°You see, you made a valid point. I¡¯m certainly not desperate. If I wanted a girlfriend, couldn¡¯t I easily find one? After all, I¡¯m single now.¡± A stark contrast to the four years when their marriage still technically existed. ¡°Of course! You could have a girlfriend if you want,¡± Hadley acknowledged gently. But what was his purpose in telling her this? Was her indifferent response all he sought? Eric¡¯s expression suddenly darkened, the yful smile vanishing. Grasping the woman¡¯s hand firmly, hemanded curtly, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ¡°Oh¡ªyes, Mr. Flynn,¡± she quickly said. What was going on? Hadley stood frozen, disbelief flooding her senses. Were they actually going to leave just like that? She hadn¡¯t even mentioned Elissa¡¯s situation yet. Without thinking twice, Hadley quickly trailed after them. ¡°Mr. Flynn! I have something important to tell you¡ªabout Elissa¡­¡± Before she could finish, Eric stopped abruptly, ncing back at her. ¡°I have something urgent to handle.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart sank. Did he genuinely not have time for her? Or was he deliberately brushing her off, hoping she¡¯d give up on her own? He definitely wouldn¡¯t let Elissa off easily. ¡°Come with me,¡± he said decisively. ¡°We can talk on the way.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes brightened instantly. ¡°Oh! Yes, of course!¡± Once in the garage, Eric opened the rear door to his car. The woman automatically started to climb inside. ¡°Who told you to get in there?¡± Eric¡¯s voice was cool, indifferent. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± The woman hesitated, confusion clouding her features. Where was she supposed to sit then? Eric frowned impatiently, nodding toward the front seat. ¡°You¡¯re riding up front.¡± ¡°What?¡± The woman¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. Hadley was equally taken aback. Eric was letting his girlfriend sit in the passenger seat while he wasn¡¯t even driving? What exactly was happening here? . . . Chapter 583 ?Chapter 583: ¡°Get in!¡± Before Hadley could even react, Eric grabbed her wrist and firmly guided her into the backseat. As the car sped away, Hadley remained dazed, her gaze fixed nervously on the back of Eric¡¯s girlfriend, seatedfortably up front. A chill crept down her spine, her palms turning mmy. ¡°Hey!¡± Eric¡¯s irritated voice then snapped Hadley¡¯s attention back to him. He was clearly displeased by her continuous staring. In a low,manding tone, he reminded her, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have something to tell me?¡± ¡°Oh¡ªyes!¡± Hadley jolted upright, nervously gripping her knees as sheposed herself. Her voice trembled slightly, yet sincerity colored her words. ¡°Mr. Flynn, about Elissa injuring Linda¡­¡± ¡°What did you just call me?!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration surfaced immediately, his patience thinning. ¡°Mr. Flynn?¡± Hadley hesitated. Was something wrong with the way she addressed him? His frown confirmed her suspicion. What else could she call him? Tentatively, Hadley tried again, softer this time. ¡°Eric¡­?¡± His expression didn¡¯t soften much, but at least it didn¡¯t darken further. With an impatient wave of his hand, he signaled her to continue. Hadley drew a steadying breath. ¡°Elissa didn¡¯t intend to hurt Linda. They had an argument, and Linda understands this too. She already dropped thewsuit¡ª¡± ???????????? ???????????????? ?????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°So?¡± Eric rested his chinzily against his hand, his gaze piercing as he watched her. ¡°Could you¡­¡± Hadley struggled to find the courage to continue. ¡°Could we possibly resolve this amicably? We¡¯ll cover Linda¡¯s medical expenses and personally ensure she¡¯s taken care of at the hospital¡­¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Eric gave a dismissiveugh, scorn evident in his eyes. ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t handle a few medical bills? Or hire someone to look after her? Do I really look like someone who¡¯scking funds?¡± Hadley smirked, just as she had anticipated. Fortunately, she had a backup n up her sleeve. Although she had made a pact with Linda, she made sure to be careful. Earlier that morning, before passing Elissa¡¯s phone to Linda, she had made a subtle shift. She recorded the video Elissa had captured of Linda tripping her. In this age of advanced smartphones, any hint of uploading or transferring could easily leave traces behind¡­ So how could Linda not notice? That was because Hadley didn¡¯t send the video to her phone directly; she recorded the video anew using her own phone instead! She had also tucked it away in her cloud drive. Taking a deep breath, Hadley picked up her phone, opened the video, and ced it in front of Eric. ¡°Could you take a quick look at this?¡± ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Eric asked, feigning nonchnce as he stared at the screen. His brows knitted together sharply¡­ Linda actually pushed Hadley! Was it true? Was Hadley hurt? Where were her injuries? ¡°You¡­¡± . . . Chapter 584 ?Chapter 584: But before he could voice his thought, Hadley cut him off. She tucked her phone away. ¡°Flynn Group owns East Entertainment Media. I trust you can imagine the fallout if this video sees the light of day. If you release Elissa, I promise to destroy the video.¡± What? Eric was momentarily taken aback. So she wasn¡¯t showing him the video to y the victim! She was leveraging it to coerce him into freeing Elissa? No wonder she hadn¡¯t asked for his help outright¡ªshe had this ace up her sleeve! Quite clever indeed. ¡°Did you use this to convince Linda to drop thewsuit yesterday?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, nearly certain he felt cornered. How could he jeopardize Linda¡¯s reputation and future? Hadley¡¯s lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°As long as Elissa is released, I¡¯ll keep my part of the bargain and¡ª¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± Suddenly, Eric leaned in closer, closing the space between them as if he intended to hold her. The cold glint in his eyes revealed his displeasure. ¡°Threatening me, are we? Hmm?¡± Hadley opened her mouth, her expression hardening. ¡°Do you want to safeguard Linda¡¯s reputation and future, or do you want Elissa to pay the price for Linda¡¯s wrath? The choice is yours!¡± g?????0¦Í??????.??????. ?????????????? ???????????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? She steeled herself, lifting her chin and meeting his gaze without flinching. ¡°I don¡¯t want to resort to this, but since you¡¯re so invested in Linda, this is my only course of action¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Eric suddenly raised his hand, pressing his thumb against her lips to silence her. Her mouth kept moving, failing to utter the words he actually wanted to hear. She kept insisting he cared about Linda, even learning how to threaten him! So clever, yet why couldn¡¯t she see that everything he did was for her? It was maddening! Feeling suffocated, Eric suddenly loosened his tie, gasping for breath. Hadley blinked herrge eyes, bewildered. What was happening now? As they reached a¡­ Stalemate, Eric¡¯s ¡°new girlfriend¡± in the passenger seat turned her head, pouting in silent grievance. Yet she dared not voice her anger, softly reminding him, ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± ¡°Be quiet!¡± The woman flinched, on the verge of tears. ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯ve arrived.¡± It turned out the car hade to a stop. Phillips knocked on the window twice, also chiming in, ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯re here.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± Fueled by frustration, Eric had no choice but to relent, releasing Hadley and stepping out of the car. . . . Chapter 585 ?Chapter 585: The moment Eric¡¯s new girlfriend reached out, her hand trembling as it brushed against his arm, Eric cast a fleeting nce downward, causing her to flinch. Yet, to her relief, Eric didn¡¯t scold her or push her away! As they strolled ahead, Hadley hurried to keep pace. ¡°Eric, what¡¯s your take on what I mentioned earlier? Deal or no deal?¡± ¡°Heh.¡± He chuckled softly. Eric came to a halt, his hands buried in his pockets, his eyelids lifting slightly. ¡°Let me mull it over.¡± With that, he ambled off with his new girlfriend, not sparing a backward nce. What? Hadley hadn¡¯t expected that response¡ªhe needed time to think? When it came to Linda, was there really any hesitation? But how long would this deliberationst? The longer he pondered, the more Elissa would suffer. If he took too long, it could even jeopardize Elissa¡¯s job at the dance troupe. What was she to do? ¡°Hadley.¡± To her surprise, Phillips turned around, extending his arm toward her. ¡°Mr. Flynn suggests you wait inside. Come on.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± Hadley nodded, clinging to hope. She knew Eric couldn¡¯t possibly be indifferent to Linda. Keeping her in suspense, not giving an immediate answer, was likely a way to release some of Linda¡¯s frustration. M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò? The banquet hall buzzed with familiar faces for Hadley, yet none were truly hers. She found a quiet corner, asionally ncing up to catch sight of Eric. Now that she had a chance, she squinted, taking a closer look at Eric¡¯s new girlfriend. Something about her seemed familiar. Had she seen her on television? Like Linda, was she a celebrity? If she were a wealthy heiress, she wouldn¡¯t be so deferential in Eric¡¯s presence. Which celebrity could she be? Hadley didn¡¯t have much time to watch TV shows or follow the glitterati, so the name eluded her. Discreetly, she pulled out her phone, opened the camera, and zoomed in on the new girlfriend. Click! With the photo captured, she initiated an image search. ¡°Got it!¡± Hadley muttered to herself. ¡°A Ramirez. Only twenty? So young! Mr. Flynn really has a penchant for youngerpanions¡­¡± Exiting the search engine, she turned to Twitter and typed in A¡¯s name. It turned out A was an artist under East Entertainment Media, meaning she was one of Eric¡¯s own. Though a neer, A had been gaining quite a bit of exposuretely. Hadley recalled N mentioning that Linda had scaled back her workload to care for Emest, likely focusing on family for the foreseeable future. So, it seemed A was being groomed by East Entertainment Media to¡­ Step into Linda¡¯s shoes. . . . Chapter 586 ?Chapter 586: Hadley pursed her lips. ¡°Who knows, this sessor of Linda¡¯s could end up being her sister-inw¡­¡± ¡°What are you whispering about?¡± Startled, Hadley felt a presence close to her neck, the voice sending shivers down her spine! It was scary to be crept up on by someone like this. Jumping in surprise, her phone slipped from her fingers, plummeting toward the floor. But Eric was quick on the draw, his long arm reaching out to catch the device. The screen still glowed, revealing¡­ A¡¯s image? Hadley was looking into A? Heh. Eric raised an eyebrow, his mood brightening instantaneously. ¡°Here you go.¡± Handing over Hadley¡¯s phone, Eric gently teased, ¡°Is my presence that intimidating?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley responded, taking the phone with slight hesitation. ¡°And, thank you.¡± She was reliant on his assistance, though she tried not to let her face show it. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind now?¡± Eric inquired, noticing the change in her demeanor. His mood seemed lighter than before, a stark contrast to his earlier anger. With a half-smile, he asked, ¡°You¡¯re not still scared of me, are you?¡± Hadley started to object, but Eric was quicker. He caught her hand and pulled her towards him. Caught off guard, Hadley lost her bnce and tumbled into his chest. Eric caught her smoothly, his hand securing her waist, while his other hand gently moved a strand of her hair back from her face. Continue at ?a????o¦Í????????????? Laughing softly, he murmured close to her ear, ¡°You do still have feelings for me, right?¡± What? Hadley¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. How could Eric suggest such a thing? She hadn¡¯t shown any affection towards him¡ªhow could he misunderstand so profoundly? Eric sensed her surprise and cleared his throat, his gaze softening under her intense scrutiny. Hadley¡¯s features were striking, particrly her eyes, which held him in their depth. Silence had be her newpanion, unlike before when she¡­ Would fill the air with her chatter. In her quietness, her eyes sparkled with an unusual intensity that Eric found himself drawn to. ¡°Why the sharp look?¡± Eric asked, his voiceced with curiosity. ¡°Have I misread the situation?¡± He pointed towards her phone. ¡°If you¡¯re truly indifferent, why look into A secretly?¡± Hadley paused, taken aback. That was what this was about? Seriously, was Eric delusional? His conclusions were wildly imaginative. ¡°Eric¡­¡± She attempted to rify. ¡°I¡¯ve reconsidered our earlier conversation,¡± Eric said, interrupting her. At that, Hadley stopped mid-sentence, inhaled sharply, and pressed her lips tightly together. Clutching her phone, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll hand over the phone once Elissa is free. And¡­ I assure you, there¡¯s no backup this time!¡± . . . Chapter 587 ?Chapter 587: She didn¡¯t aim to ruin Linda; her priority was securing Elissa¡¯s safety. ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s voice had lost its earlier harshness and sounded gentler now. ¡°I want you to return to me, to be my girlfriend again.¡± What? Hadley was taken aback. Could he really be serious? Defending Linda one moment and pursuing her the next? ¡°Eric¡­¡± Hadley was baffled. ¡°Are we even on the same page? Don¡¯t you remember the video I have of Linda?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fully aware of that,¡± Eric casually mentioned, his hands rxed in his pockets. ¡°So, what¡¯s your n? Broadcast it online? Do it. Every attempt you make to upload it, I¡¯ll have it removed. If you post it again, I¡¯ll block it again,¡± he said with a slight lean forward, his presence almost overwhelming. ¡°Curious to find out who¡¯s quicker¡ªyou or my entirepany¡¯s resources?¡± Hadley felt a chill, standing rigidly as her skin broke out in a cold sweat. ¡°You don¡¯t worry about your employees seeing Linda¡¯s less ttering side?¡± she snapped. Eric shook his head with ease. ¡°Not at all. They¡¯re loyal to Flynn Group. Throw enough money their way, and no secret ever gets out.¡± His eyes fixed on her, and he smirked subtly. ¡°Doubtful? Try me. At my signal, your phone, your online presence¡ªany step you take could be neutralized.¡± Feeling cornered, Hadley closed her eyes tightly, her eyshes fluttering against the tension. How could she possibly prevail against someone as formidable as Eric? Yet, agreeing to his demands wasn¡¯t an option for her! ?????? ???????????? ?????????????????? ???? g??l??ov¨¨????.?????? She had only agreed to be with him because she needed to conceive his child¡ªshe had no desire to entangle herself with him again now that she was expecting! Moreover, what if she went back to him and he discovered that she was now pregnant? ¡°Eric,¡± Hadley interjected, steeling herself to stand her ground. She gestured towards A. ¡°You already have a girlfriend. I¡¯m not necessary in your life.¡± ¡°Oh, her,¡± Eric responded with a light chuckle, lifting his brow but offering no further rification. ¡°I considered your advice, ventured into dating someone else, finding a new partner¡­¡± His eyes then settled on Hadley, capturing her gaze. ¡°But you know what? I gave it a try¡­ and it just didn¡¯t feel right. None of thempare to you. You¡¯re the one I truly desire.¡± His breath was warm on her skin, causing Hadley to shudder involuntarily. She fixed him with a stern look, her lips sealed tightly, choosing to¡­ Remain silent. Eric¡¯s softughter echoed around them, patient and unhurried. ¡°Not talking? It¡¯s okay. This isn¡¯t a small decision. Take all the time you need to think it through. When you¡¯re ready, call me. However¡ª¡± Eric¡¯s friendly demeanor dimmed, his voice bing more stern. ¡°You have only one shot at this. I¡¯m interested in your choice, not your excuses.¡± Then, he reached for her hand. ¡°What?¡± Hadley recoiled slightly, puzzled. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Was he nning to forcibly take her with him now? ¡°Rx, okay?¡± Eric gave a slight shake of his head, his expression one of resignation. ¡°No need to worry. I promised you time, and I¡¯ll honor that. Since you came here with me, it¡¯s only right that I take you back.¡± Surely, he couldn¡¯t just leave her here by herself, could he? . . . Chapter 588 ?Chapter 588: Given that it waste and considering her status as a young, attractive woman, especially after the incidents she had already faced in Srixby, he felt a responsibility to ensure her safety. ¡°Come on. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡± He guided Hadley out of the hall. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± A hurried after them, breathless, her eyes filled with desperation as she looked at Eric. Her gaze flickered to Hadley, who held Eric¡¯s hand, and a sharp sting of jealousy crept in. Feigning confusion, she asked, ¡°Are we all heading back together?¡± ¡°Just the two of us,¡± Eric confirmed, tightening his grip on Hadley. ¡°Not you.¡± A¡¯splexion lost its color, the foundation failing to hide her dismay. The young girl, clearly out of her depth, burst into tears. ¡°But Mr. Flynn, you called me your girlfriend. Are you just going to leave me here?¡± Eric¡¯s expression hardened. Who at East Entertainment Media had thought this novice was ready for the limelight? Couldn¡¯t she grasp that her role as his ¡°girlfriend¡± was just a temporary facade? He barely recognized her until today. Did she not realize she was merely a pawn meant to spark jealousy in Hadley? Nheless, the n seemed to have stirred something; Hadley had indeed been doing some digging on A. ¡°Okay.¡± Eric cut to the chase, saying firmly, ¡°We¡¯re done. It¡¯s over.¡± He didn¡¯t pause, continuing to guide Hadley away. Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m ¡°Wait¡­¡± Hadley was still processing everything and nced back at A. Tears were streaming down the young girl¡¯s face. Shocked, Hadley stared at Eric, appalled by his ruthlessness. ¡°What now?¡± Eric noticed her looking up at him. ¡°Got something to say?¡± Hadley scoffed. ¡°You dismiss her so easily. Why can¡¯t you let me go when I ask to break up?¡± ¡°You think you can dictate terms to me?¡± Eric halted, fixing his eyes on her sharply. His look was piercing. ¡°Alright, agree to be my girlfriend first! Listen, Hadley, if we get back together and stay true, you¡¯re not walking away from me on a whim ever again!¡± What kind of nonsense was that? Hadley and Eric were no longer together. But now he was making promises? The most bewildering aspect for Hadley was why Eric seemed so determined to cling to her. She tried to unravel the mystery. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a puppet on a string?¡± she asked. ¡°A puppet on a string?¡± Eric chuckled, hisughter echoing absurdly. It was utterly ridiculous! Hadley rolled her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t stand Linda, yet here you are, pushing to stay with me. That means I¡¯ll keep bumping into her, we¡¯ll keep butting heads, and who knows, we might end up like we did on set¡ªgetting physical!¡± She genuinely didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Isn¡¯t that bothering you? Wasn¡¯t dating supposed to be a joyride? . . . Chapter 589 ?Chapter 589: Why would anyone willingly dive into a rtionship rife with constant conflict? Was Eric out of his mind, or did he somehow relish in the chaos? Eric smirked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What, feeling sorry for me?¡± Hadley actually felt a mix of annoyance and disbelief. ¡°Same old song and dance,¡± Eric said, his lips curling into a teasing smile. ¡°If you want to call the shots or feel pity for me, you¡¯d first have to be my girlfriend. Right now, we¡¯re not exactly in a rtionship, so this isn¡¯t exactly appropriate.¡± Hadley inhaled deeply, her fists tightening. Did he really think she was ying hard-to-get or something? Elissa was still in custody, waiting for someone to step in! Overwhelmed by urgency and anger, Hadley shot Eric a fierce re. ¡°Mr. Flynn, do you really believe ordinary lives can be so carelessly¡­¡± ¡°Manipted?¡± Eric paused, let out a heavy sigh, and lowered his gaze. ¡°Who¡¯s truly holding the reins here? With just a word, you can alter both my fate and your friend¡¯s. If anyone¡¯s being manipted, it¡¯s me ¡ª by you.¡± What absolute nonsense! Hadley¡¯s gaze sharpened as she locked eyes with him. In that moment, there was no teasing, no anger¡ªjust a steady, inscrutable stare. It was intense and unwavering. ¡°My phone is always on, waiting for your call,¡± he whispered. Hadley was taken aback, speechless. It made no sense! What on earth was Eric after? Why her? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? @ g?????????¦Í????????©q?????? Eric drove Hadley back to her ce. That night, she was destined to toss and turn, unable to find peace. It wasn¡¯t until the early hours that she finally sumbed to sleep. Exhausted from her restless night, she ended up sleeping in the next morning. It was Joy who finally roused her. ¡°Mommy, mommy.¡± Joy leaned on the edge of the bed, careful not to startle her. Her mother had taught her that waking someone too suddenly could scare them. ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley blinked awake and pulled her sweet-smelling daughter into her arms. ¡°My darling.¡± ¡°Mommy, are you feeling okay?¡± Her daughter was clearly worried. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Hadley pinched Joy¡¯s chubby cheeks affectionately. ¡°Mommy¡¯s just being a bitzy today.¡± ¡°Ha ha.¡± Joy giggled, snuggling closer. ¡°Then I will bezy with Mommy too!¡± ¡°Sounds like a n.¡± As she held her daughter, Hadley felt a pang of heartache mixed with guilt. ¡°Joy, I¡¯m going to be busy again. I¡¯ll work hard to put an end to all this soon though,¡± Hadley thought. Leaving her apartment, she headed to Silver Vis. No matter what, she had to tackle Elissa¡¯s crisis first. . . . Chapter 590 ?Chapter 590: Everything else could wait¡ªshe¡¯d deal with events as they unfolded. Meanwhile, at Flynn Mansion. After breakfast, Quentin helped Emest, who was leaning on a cane, into the study. Lately, he had been trying to move around without the wheelchair. Thanks to his physical therapy, he could now shuffle around with a cane, though his pace remained slow. ¡°Speak.¡± Ernest settled into the sofa, cing the cane beside him. He had sensed Quentin had something important to convey since entering the house. He had held his tongue in front of N earlier, trying not to worry her. ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± Quentin instinctively lowered his voice, as if the very act of speaking louder would shatter the fragile atmosphere. ¡°Do you know who hurt Miss Harris?¡± A shadow danced in his words, hinting at deeper currents beneath the surface. Ernest frowned, grappling with the impossible task of reading minds. How was he supposed to pull a name from thin air? ¡°Someone I know?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Quentin nodded, his expression grave. ¡°It¡¯s Elissa.¡± ¡°Elissa?¡± The realization hit Ernest like a thunderp. Ernest was momentarily paralyzed, his hand clenching tightly on his thigh as a wave of realization washed over him. The air grew thick with tension. ???????????? ???????????? ??????: g???????¦Í???????????? He fell silent, and Quentin, sensing the weight of the moment, dared not breathe a word. After what felt like an eternity, Ernest furrowed his brow and finally spoke. ¡°Get the car ready. We¡¯re heading to the police station. And call Cristian.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Flynn.¡± Once Cristian¡¯s name slipped from Ernest¡¯s lips, Quentin understood the gravity of the situation. At Silver Vis, Hadley lingered at the door, her hand trembling slightly before she finally pressed the doorbell. ¡°Come in.¡± Almost immediately, the door swung open, and Eric¡¯s voice echoed through the inte, as if he had been standing just on the other side, waiting for her arrival. Drawing in a steadying breath, Hadley exhaled slowly and stepped over the threshold. ¡°You made it?¡± Eric was leaning casually against the hallway wall, arms crossed, nodding toward the floor. ¡°I¡¯ve got slippers for you.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± He turned and made his way into the living room, flopping down on the sofa. Gone were the tailored suits; today he wore a cozy cashmere sweatshirt paired with smart casual pants. His hair was tousled, bangs brushing his forehead, giving him an air of rxed charm. ¡°Take a seat.¡± Eric gestured to the spot beside him. Hadley paused, weighing her options, and then made her way to the separate sofa across from him. . . . Chapter 591 ?Chapter 591: Instantly, Eric¡¯s demeanor shifted, his gaze darkening. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, I thought you¡¯d made your decision.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Hadley met his eyes, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Eric¡¯s voice wasced with a mix ofughter and nervous anticipation, as if he were standing on the precipice of something monumental. ¡°So, what¡¯s it going to be?¡± Hadley pressed her lips together, her gaze unwavering. ¡°I agree¡ªwe¡¯ll reconcile.¡± YES! Fantastic! Just as he had hoped! Eric felt a surge of tion bubbling up inside, the corners of his mouth betraying him as he patted the spot beside him. ¡°Come closer then; why the distance?¡± Hadley frowned, a storm brewing in her expression. ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± ¡°What? I¡¯m all ears.¡± Eric nodded with eagerness. ¡°Do you have conditions? Justy them out.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley then unleashed the thoughts that had churned in her mind throughout the night. ¡°You once said that without a fundamental issue, breaking up isn¡¯t an option. I need to rify what you mean by ¡®fundamental issue.''¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that crystal clear?¡± Eric chuckled, brushing off the concern. ¡°Look, you don¡¯t have to worry; I won¡¯t stray. You¡¯re the only one for me.¡± ¡°Eric, listen closely.¡± Hadley cut him off, not wanting to hear empty derations. Her tone was gentle yet resolute. New stories uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls ¡°Here¡¯s what I think. Should a situation arise again with Linda like thest time, and you choose to protect her over me, it¡¯s over. You¡­¡± ¡°You can¡¯t put me in that position again and expect me to brush it off.¡± Her eyes, clear and unwavering, bore into his. ¡°Can you promise that? If you can, then let¡¯s forget about breaking up. If not, then don¡¯t push me around.¡± To make it more real, Hadley¡¯s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice steady despite the emotion that threatened to spill over. ¡°I need to be the most important person in my boyfriend¡¯s life.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Noticing the tears welling up in her eyes, Eric could tell he¡¯d hurt her deeply. Clearly, her heart was still tied to his. In the end, Eric knew he¡¯d pushed her too far and wounded her deeply. Which girl would tolerate her boyfriend standing guard over another woman? Hadley hadshed out and walked away precisely because she¡¯d cared so deeply. Eric finally grasped it¡ªwhy had he been so blind until now? Without warning, Eric rose sharply, stepped toward Hadley, and lowered himself to one knee, gently capturing her hands in his own. ¡°Whatever you want, Hadley. I¡¯ll promise you everything!¡± With genuine remorse reflected in his eyes, he said quietly, ¡°It was me who made a mess of things. I reacted badly, so you have every right to be angry. You¡¯ve ignored me these past days, and I deserved every moment of it. Are you still upset? If you are, take it out on me¡ªtell me exactly what it¡¯ll take for your heart to mend.¡± . . . Chapter 592 ?Chapter 592: Hadley scoffed bitterly. Seeing Eric now, anyone watching might be easily fooled by his act of devotion. At that moment, she had no interest in arguing or exchanging insults with him. Meeting his gaze firmly, she said with quiet intensity, ¡°You¡¯re the one who insisted on getting back together, Eric. Let¡¯s be clear about something¡ªI have a bad temper, and that¡¯s nothing new to you. This is who I am. If I bring chaos into your life and leave everything in ruins, don¡¯t you dare me meter.¡± ¡°What?¡± Heughed softly, a teasing smile ying across his lips. ¡°You¡¯re actually worried about me, aren¡¯t you?¡± His fingers tightened gently around hers. ¡°Take it easy. Unless you¡¯re nning to leave again, there¡¯s nothing you could throw at me that I can¡¯t take.¡± Hadley clenched her teeth. Frustration got the better of her as she retorted, ¡°I¡¯m not joking. What¡¯s your problem? Wouldn¡¯t life be smoother with a sweet, agreeable girlfriend instead?¡± ¡°And miss all the excitement?¡± Eric tilted his head, eyes dancing with mischief. ¡°I want a girlfriend, Hadley, not someone who nods at everything I say. Why settle for someone who never challenges me?¡± For the first time, Hadley found herself without a response. Considering that, she hoped he understood exactly what he was signing up for¡ªnoiningter, no second thoughts. She wasying all her cards on the table now, and he¡¯d better live up to his confident promises. At the police station, Elissa had woken up early. Days had blended together into a blur, filled with repeated trips in and out of a holding cell. Nobody could expect a young woman like her to get ustomed to such a nightmare. Your next story starts here g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Appetite long abandoned, sleep stolen by worry¡ªshe wore her exhaustion inly. ¡°Elissa Hond.¡± A voice broke through the haze, calling her clearly. Slowly, Elissa raised her head, eyes rimmed red. ¡°Yes, officer,¡± she said, rising to her feet at once. The metallic ng of the gate echoed through the room. ¡°Step outside.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± A brief sh of confusion crossed her face. ¡°Is it time for more questions?¡± ¡°No,¡± the officer said, shaking his head. Near the gate, another officer stood waiting, her posture rxed and reassuring. ¡°You can go with this officer. She¡¯ll guide you through the paperwork.¡± After that, you¡¯re free to go. What? She was really free? The female officer offered her aforting smile. ¡°Come with me, please.¡± ¡°Of course. Thank you, officer.¡± Elissa trailed behind quietly, filled out all the forms as instructed, scribbled her signature, and retrieved her belongings without fuss. ¡°All set. You¡¯re officially released.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, officer.¡± As Elissa stepped through the building, she embraced the sudden sunlight, taking a deep breath as warmth spread across her skin. She reached for her phone and immediately dialed Hadley¡¯s number. Sitting in Eric¡¯s car, Hadley saw the iing call, Elissa¡¯s name glowing brightly on the screen. ncing toward Eric, she marveled silently at how quickly he¡¯d managed it all. . . . Chapter 593 ?Chapter 593: Their talk had barely ended, yet Elissa was already calling with news of her release. Hadley answered the call without hesitation. ¡°Elissa! Hey.¡± ¡°Oh, Hadley,¡± Elissa said, relief flooding through her until tears streamed freely. ¡°I¡¯m finally out. Thank you!¡± Who else but Hadley would havee to her rescue? Following the chaos, even contacting Robin had be impossible. Elissa doubted he¡¯d lift a finger even if the authorities needed someone to identify her remains. ¡°You don¡¯t owe me a thing.¡± Atst, a weight lifted from Hadley¡¯s chest. This happened because of me. Now, just head home and rest up, and we¡¯ll catch upter when you¡¯re stronger.¡± ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll call youter, Hadley!¡± Elissa ended the call and turned toward the bus stop, her pace quickening, her heart lighter than it had been in days. Across the street, beneath the shade of an old oak, Ernest observed quietly from inside his parked car as Elissa disappeared among the crowd. Quentin said carefully, ¡°Sir, should we get going now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With a faint nod, Ernest shifted his attention away. Quentin continued, ¡°Mr. Flynn, throughout this entire mess, her husband never bothered to appear. Perhaps we should¡ª¡± ¡°No need.¡± Ernest interrupted before Quentin could finish. His expression betrayed no emotion, his voice neutral but final. ¡°As long as she¡¯s unharmed, what she chooses to do from now on is none of my business. Am I clear?¡± ?????????????????.????? = ?????? ??????? Quentin¡¯s shoulders tensed slightly, a chill running down his spine. ¡°Perfectly clear, sir.¡± On Irondeer Road, at FOUR Hours. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please take a look¡­¡± The store clerk cheerfully led the way, followed by Hadley, who had just changed clothes. Following their earlier chat, Eric had practically dragged her here, determined to have her select something she actually liked. The outfit she currently wore was the one he had picked personally. Linda always leaned toward graceful,dylike elegance, but the style Hadley wore now was rxed and effortlessly refined, with subtle touches of charm. ¡°You¡¯re stunning.¡± He squeezed Hadley¡¯s hand, his smile deepening. ¡°I knew this would suit you. Are you happy with it?¡± ¡°Well¡­ yes.¡± Although Hadley was reluctant to admit it, she actually liked what she wore right now. Part of her wanted to disagree and prove him wrong, yet the truth was undeniable¡ªhe had genuinely chosen well this time. ¡°Really? That¡¯s great.¡± Sliding an arm gently around her waist, Eric drew her near, openly¡­ Pleased and entirely self-satisfied. ¡°Told you I knew your taste. You never give me enough credit.¡± However, Eric wasn¡¯tpletely innocent here. . . . Chapter 594 ?Chapter 594: Earlier, he¡¯d only asked FOUR Hours to send women¡¯s clothing to Silver Vis but neglected to specify any details. Taking the initiative, FOUR Hours naturally delivered items reflecting the Flynn family¡¯s typical choices¡ªclothes for Linda. The store, in its own way, had yed a hand in this as well. Feeling too intimately pressed against Eric, Hadley gently pushed back. ¡°We¡¯re in public. People will stare.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Ericughed softly, entirely unconcerned, keeping her firmly beside him. ¡°Who exactly?¡± The employees, sensing a romantic moment, had already discreetly vanished into the background. ¡°Hadley.¡± Gently turning her toward the full-length mirror, Eric whispered yfully, ¡°Look at us. Tell me we don¡¯t match perfectly. With someone like you by my side, it¡¯s tough for others topete.¡± She blinked, momentarily stunned. Was this apliment for her, or was Eric praising himself? How could anyone be this confident? ¡°Hadley.¡± His voice shifted abruptly, uncertainty creeping into it. ¡°Listen, I think¡­ maybe I might have¡­ I mean, I really am¡­¡± She stared nkly. What was he trying to say? Why was he suddenly stumbling over his words? Holding her just a bit tighter, Eric finally managed to say clearly, ¡°I think I¡¯m starting to fall in love with you.¡± Eric whispered his confession, pressing his flushed face against Hadley¡¯s shoulder, too afraid to look up. Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm He was nervous! At this point in his life, Eric had never imagined himself saying anything like that. His heart pounded wildly, so fast it felt like it would leap out of his throat. Hadley stood motionless, her eyes glued to their reflections, seeing nothing but the tall man pressed anxiously behind her and her own startled expression staring back. Did Eric really just say what she thought he said? Was he confessing feelings for her? This had to be some kind of ridiculous prank! Who in their right mind would buy that story? Once they¡¯d left FOUR Hours behind, Hadley decided it was time to return to her own apartment. Eric, still basking in their reunion, wasn¡¯t thrilled about ending their day so soon. ¡°Why the rush to leave? We could spend tonight¡ª¡± ¡°I need rest,¡± Hadley interrupted firmly, sinking back wearily into the car seat. Noticing the exhaustion shadowing her face, Eric softened his tone. ¡°You really worn out?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± She shot him an exasperated look. ¡°It¡¯s your fault I¡¯mpletely drained. Please, Eric, just let me go home and catch up on sleep. I haven¡¯t seen a good night¡¯s rest in days.¡± A yawn escaped her lips, emphasizing her point. ¡°So tired¡­¡± Still reluctant to part, Eric persisted gently. ¡°If you¡¯re exhausted,e sleep at Silver Vis instead. It¡¯s way morefortable. Your apartment is tiny¡ª¡± . . . Chapter 595 ?Chapter 595: ¡°Eric.¡± Hadley gave him a sharp look. ¡°Do you really think that just because we¡¯re back together, you¡¯re suddenly entitled to special treatment?¡± Yet secretly, she admitted to herself that spending this time together with Eric had taught her something¡ªEric was surprisingly manageable, as long as she steered clear of mentioning a breakup or crossing paths with Linda. She replied sharply, ¡°If that¡¯s your idea, you might as well forget it right now. The things you said to me that day¡ªthey still sting. Don¡¯t assume I¡¯ve let it go.¡± ¡°The things I said? That¡¯s¡ª¡± Immediately, Eric scrambled to justify himself. ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley tilted her head skeptically. ¡°Are you denying it?¡± Eric sighed quietly, shoulders sinking as he admitted, ¡°No, you¡¯re right.¡± Back then, he¡¯d used her of being willful, overbearing¡ªeven arrogant. ¡°Humph.¡± Hadley smirked, leaned back, and closed her eyes. ¡°Just take me to my ce.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Clearly, she hadn¡¯t gotten over it. Eric knew there was nothing else to do but reluctantly drive her home. Once they reached the gate, Hadley gestured for him to stop. ¡°You can stop here. Your car always attracts extra attention at security, and it¡¯s annoying.¡± Honestly, she was terrified he might bump into Joy if he drove inside. Joy would usually be out strolling with Melba at this hour, increasing the odds of an awkward encounter. Scooping up her bag, Hadley quickly hopped out and began jogging into the neighborhood. ¡°Be careful!¡± Eric poked his head out of the car window, calling out after her, ¡°Send me a text or give me a call when you reach home safely!¡± Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls ¡°I will!¡± Without ncing back, Hadley casually waved a hand, her voice fading softly into the crisp winter air. From his vantage point, Eric watched her disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat¡ªnewly collected from FOUR Hours¡ªher long hair dancing gently in the breeze. ¡°She¡¯s really breathtaking,¡± Eric whispered to himself, his eyes fixed on the empty street long after she¡¯d vanished, finally pulling away only when he could no longer justify lingering. Cruising aimlessly along the road, he wondered bitterly what to do with the rest of his suddenly empty day. His fingers tapped restlessly on the steering wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He suddenly mmed on the brakes. Did he just see correctly? Was his mind ying tricks? A jolt shot through him. He backed up slightly for another look¡ªand this time, there was no doubt. It was Joy. He hadn¡¯t been mistaken! Near the city¡¯s winding river sat the apartmentplex where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its sprawling riverside park. Melba brought Joy there every day to socialize and y. Several other neighborhood kids gathered too, often escorted by grandparents or caretakers, much like Melba herself. Laughter and yful shouts echoed through the park as the grown-ups sat together on benches, exchanging small talk while watching the children having fun. Joy stood out among them, being one of only two girls in the group¡ªher sweet personality quickly winning over everyone around her. A little boy approached her eagerly, clearly determined to catch her attention. . . . Chapter 596 ?Chapter 596: ¡°Joy, look¡ªI brought this for you.¡± In his tiny palm sat a bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in shiny paper she had never seen before. ¡°Does it taste good?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling. ¡°It¡¯s the best candy ever.¡± The boy nodded earnestly and peeled off the wrapper like a little gentleman. ¡°Joy, open your mouth¡­¡± Joy parted her lips trustingly, letting him drop the candy onto her tongue. ¡°What do you think?¡± ¡°It¡¯s delicious!¡± Joy smiled, her eyes curving. ¡°It¡¯s sweet and sour, really tasty. It¡¯s my first time having this candy.¡± ¡°You really liked it?¡± Excited, the little boy bounced enthusiastically. ¡°I¡¯ll bring even more tomorrow. My dad bought tons from his trip, so I can share two¡ªwait, five¡ªwith you¡­¡± He started counting clumsily on his fingers, eager but unsure. However, Joy tilted her head thoughtfully, confused by one of the words he¡¯d used. ¡°What¡¯s that word you said¡­ ¡®dad¡¯? What¡¯s a dad?¡± Puzzled himself, the boy stared back nkly. ¡°Well, my dad is just my dad.¡± Seeing Joy still puzzled, he exined earnestly, ¡°You know how you have a mom, right? A dad is the other person you have at home.¡± Suddenly, the boy¡¯s mother called him. Hearing the familiar voice, the little boy nced upward eagerly. ¡°Mommy!¡± Your update hub: g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s?c?m Excitedly, he turned back to Joy, waving energetically. ¡°My mommy¡¯s calling me¡ªI gotta go now! But I¡¯lle back tomorrow and bring more candy for you. Bye-bye, Joy!¡± He dashed away, leaving Joy standing behind, still caught up in her confusion. ¡°Joy.¡± Crouching quietly beside the small girl was Eric, who had reversed his car after spotting her from the street. ¡°Hey, kiddo.¡± He offered her a warm, friendly grin. ¡°Do you still remember who I am?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Joy tilted her head slightly, nodding slowly. ¡°I do remember. You¡¯re the man who writes notes to Mommy with me and buys me strawberry milk. Hello.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a sharp memory.¡± Reaching out gently, he lightly tousled the child¡¯s soft hair. Today, Joy had on an adorable hat with fluffy bear ears that framed her small face perfectly. Yet something about her seemed off. The usual sparkle in her eyes was missing, reced by a serious frown. ¡°Something troubling you, Joy?¡± Children weren¡¯t his area of expertise, but Joy was different¡ªshe had earned his patience somehow. ¡°Is there something making you sad?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sad.¡± Her small face was thoughtful as she carefully asked, ¡°Does every child get to have a mom and¡­ a dad?¡± Eric paused, momentarily lost for words at her unexpected question. He finally nodded slowly. ¡°Usually, yes.¡± . . . Chapter 597 ?Chapter 597: Joy hesitated briefly, and then continued softly, ¡°Then¡­ do moms and dads always belong together?¡± ¡°They do,¡± Eric said gently, feeling touched by the innocence of her question. ¡°That¡¯s how it usually works¡ªa mom and a dad form a family. Then, there goes their baby.¡± But why was she asking this all of a sudden? When Eric first met Joy in the, he had always found it peculiar how the little girl frequently spoke of her mother but never mentioned her father. Today, she posed a question that sparked his curiosity. ¡°Joy¡­¡± Eric was on the verge of asking more, but then¡ª ¡°Joy!¡± A sudden shout cut through the air. It was Melba! She had been watching closely from the sidelines, her gaze unwavering. Who would have thought that even with such sharp attention, a stranger could approach unnoticed? Melba, panting from her sprint, scooped Joy into her arms and shot Eric a fierce re. ¡°Who do you think you are, approaching a little girl like that? Back off, you perv!¡± Without giving Eric a chance to defend himself, she turned and dashed away, treating him as though he were some lurking predator. As she clutched Joy close, Melba whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, Joy. I¡¯m here! Remember, you mustn¡¯t talk to strangers. I¡¯m so d I got here in time. If anything had happened to you, losing my job would be the least of my worriespared to how your mother would cope¡­¡± Tears welled in Melba¡¯s eyes as she spoke. L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm ¡°You are the light of your mother¡¯s life!¡± ¡°Melba,¡± Joy lifted her chubby little hand to gently dab at Melba¡¯s tears, ¡°Don¡¯t cry. He¡¯s not a bad person. I¡¯ve seen him before.¡± ¡°You have?¡± Melba raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across her face. ¡°Where did you see him? What¡¯s his name?¡± Joy opened her mouth but faltered, unable to respond. ¡°You must have mixed him up with someone else,¡± Melba concluded. ¡°You¡¯re just a little kid; what do you know? Never mind, I¡¯ll keep an even sharper eye on you from now on!¡± Eric stood there, feeling utterly helpless. Had he really been mistaken for a predator? But what did Joy mean with her words? Were her parents at odds? Had her father walked out on them? How could anyone abandon such a delightful daughter? And now Joy was gone, and he hadn¡¯t even had the chance to buy her the strawberry milk she adored so much. Back at the apartment, Hadley noticed that Joy seemed unusually quiet, as if a shadow hung over her. She checked Joy¡¯s temperature¡ªno fever. Feeling a sense of relief, Hadley was pulled aside by Melba, who began recounting the entire encounter with the stranger. ¡°This was on me,¡± Melba said, her voiceced with remorse. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll make sure I never take my eyes off Joy again.¡± Her sincerity was palpable; she was still shaken by the incident. If anything had happened to Joy, not even her life would suffice to atone for it. ¡°Melba,¡± Hadley said softly, ¡°it¡¯s not your fault. Who could foresee such unpredictable circumstances?¡± . . . Chapter 598 ?Chapter 598: ¡°Besides, you handled it well. Joy is fine now, right?¡± ¡°Fine?¡± Melba pointed to Joy, who appeared distressed. ¡°No, she¡¯s frightened.¡± Seeing the tears welling in Melba¡¯s eyes, Hadley realized just how rattled she truly was. ¡°Melba, why don¡¯t you take a breather? I¡¯ll look after Joy. I can help her settle down.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Melba nodded. ¡°Joy feels closest to you. Just being near you will help her forget the scare.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Hadley said, offering a gentle smile. That night, as Hadley bathed Joy in the soothing warmth of the bathroom, she ced Joy¡¯s favorite rubber duck in the tub. But Joy didn¡¯t giggle as she usually did. Hadley sensed that something was seriously amiss. ¡°My dear Joy, is something bothering you today?¡± ¡°Mom.¡± Joy looked up, her big eyes blinking, hesitant to speak. ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley felt a twinge of anxiety. ¡°What¡¯s troubling you, Joy? Can¡¯t you share it with Mom?¡± ¡°No, I just¡­¡± Joy shook her head. Though young, she sensed that her question might disturb her mother, which was why she had kept it bottled up. But now, under her mother¡¯s gentle gaze, she felt the weight of her thoughts pressing down. ¡°Mom, every child has both a mom and a dad, right? With both a mom and a dad, that¡¯s how I came to be, isn¡¯t it?¡± Hadley froze, her mind momentarily nk as the question hung in the air like a delicate thread. She had never imagined that Joy¡¯s worries would revolve around this. ???????? ???????????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? From the moment Joy took her first breath, Hadley had known this day would eventually arrive. Joy wasn¡¯t conceived from love between her parents¡­ Her father harbored resentment toward her mother. Over the years, Hadley had skirted the issue, never once mentioning it in Joy¡¯s presence. But what was destined to happen couldn¡¯t be avoided. ¡°Mom.¡± Joy¡¯s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she tugged at her mother¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Do I have a dad too?¡± Hadley¡¯s heart twisted painfully, and she managed to nod. ¡°Yes, of course.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡± Joy¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Mom, where is Dad? Why hasn¡¯t he evere to see me? Doesn¡¯t he like me?¡± Hadley¡¯s heart felt as if it might crumble. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it¡­¡± Her eyes reddened. ¡°How could that be? Dad loves you very much. When you were little, Dad was with you.¡± Though only for a fleeting moment, when Joy was still nestled in her mother¡¯s womb. ¡°Really?¡± Joy¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°I don¡¯t remember. I must have been too young! So why doesn¡¯t Dade to see me now?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because¡­¡± Hadley struggled for words, her voice trembling as she tried to soothe her daughter. ¡°He is very busy. His work keeps him extremely upied, more than you can imagine.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Joy seemed to understand. ¡°Then, when Dad finishes his work, will hee to see me?¡± Looking into her daughter¡¯s hopeful eyes, Hadley reluctantly nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± . . . Chapter 599 ?Chapter 599: ¡°Mom.¡± Joy¡¯s spirits seemed to lift a bit. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Dad ever call me? You called me even when you were busy.¡± Hadley had oncee to Srixby alone and would often pick up the phone to talk to Joy. She froze, a chill running through her. Hadley¡¯s heart ached so deeply it felt as if it might stop. Choking back tears, she said, ¡°That¡¯s because Dad¡¯s work is special. He can¡¯t just make calls.¡± Lies flowed easily, but she preferred crafting a fairytale for Joy rather than revealing the truth about her father¡¯s coldness and irresponsibility. She would shoulder the burden of Eric¡¯s disdain alone. Joy would remain blissfully unaware of who her father really was; she would live in a beautiful illusion about him. Her Joy had already been dealt a tough hand; Hadley couldn¡¯t bear to add more sorrow. ¡°I see.¡± Joy epted her mother¡¯s words, nodding with innocent belief. ¡°I will wait at home for Dad.¡± ¡°Good girl.¡± For a fleeting moment, a sharp pang pierced Hadley¡¯s heart, and she struggled to meet her daughter¡¯s gaze. Joy would never get the chance to meet her father¡­ Just as Hadley had once been, a child cast aside by her own father. In a moment of daze, Hadley saw her younger self crying out loud. ¡°Dad, please! I¡¯m begging you! Dad, please take me with you. I promise to be good, I won¡¯t eat much, and I¡¯ll help take care of my siblings¡­¡± Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Throughout the night, Hadley drifted in and out of restless dreams, waking with puffy eyes and a throbbing headache. When she finally managed to open her eyes, she found her daughter, Joy, curled up peacefully in her arms. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± she whispered, pressing a tender kiss to Joy¡¯s forehead. Just then, her phone buzzed, pulling her attention to a new message from Eric. ¡°Good morning, darling. I¡¯ve headed to the office. I¡¯ll be there to pick you up after your performance tonight.¡± Hadley rolled her eyes and turned off her phone screen, choosing not to reply. Arriving early at the dance studio, Hadley was greeted by Elissa, who pulled her into a tight hug. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Elissa!¡± Hadley hugged her back, her voice bright with relief. ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you¡¯re doing well!¡± Elissa grinned. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m feeling much better! But there¡¯s something you should know¡­¡± She hesitated before continuing. ¡°We won¡¯t be performing starting this weekend.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What? Howe? Who told you?¡± Her mind raced with worry about the uing shows. ¡°Didn¡¯t you check the bulletin board when you came in?¡± Elissa asked, a yful smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°It was Ms. Nicolson¡¯s decision.¡± nche, the troupe leader, had made the difficult call to pause performances following the the scandal, which had left the group exhausted and demoralized. After much deliberation, the leadership agreed that a break was necessary to recover. Ding! Ding! Both Hadley and Elissa¡¯s phones buzzed simultaneously, lighting up with a notification from their workgroup. Scanning the message, they read about the halted performances¡ªbut also the new tasks assigned to them. . . . Chapter 600 Chapter 600: Though the shows were on hold, one thing was clear: their responsibilities weren¡¯t going anywhere. Hadley scrutinized her new duties. She would manage the practice sessions for the younger trainees. These trainees weren¡¯t full-time members of the troupe, so her supervision would be brief each day. This lighter schedule was a wee respite from her usual demands. Elissa nced at the n andughed. ¡°You¡¯ve earned this break. Enjoy the downtime¡ªyou¡¯ve been pushing yourself too hardtely.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hadley replied, smiling as she made her way to the trainees¡¯ ss. By noon, a member of the security team approached her. ¡°Hadley, there¡¯s someone here to meet you.¡± ¡°Thanks so much!¡± Hadley answered, curiosity piqued as she exited the practice room. Surely it couldn¡¯t be Eric at this hour. Approaching the lobby, her eyesnded on a figure standing near the bulletin board. Her heart dropped, and a quiet scoff escaped her lips before she turned to leave. ¡°Hadley!¡± To her astonishment, the figure spotted her just as she was turning away and quickly caught up, grasping her arm. ¡°Hadley! Why are you walking off?¡± ¡°Let go!¡± Hadley demanded, pulling away sharply as she scanned the area, her tone firm. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± The man, Cade Jenkins, offered a strained smile as he gestured toward the poster on the bulletin board, which featured Hadley captured in mid-leap. ¡°You¡¯ve really excelled. I bet your mom and grandma are looking down on you in heaven with pride.¡± ?????????? ???????? ????????: g???????¦Í??????©o????? ¡°Stop talking!¡± Hadley eximed, her eyes beginning to tear up. ¡°How dare you bring them up? Don¡¯t you think they¡¯d haunt you for it?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Cade chuckled sadly. ¡°I wish they would visit me. It¡¯s been ages, and not once has your mom appeared to me.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley was stunned, unable toprehend his words. She then lowered her voice. ¡°What do you want? Get to the point, then leave.¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± Cade looked around cautiously. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t discuss this here. Can we find a more secluded spot?¡± Hadley weighed her options. She was at work, and airing personal grievances here could lead to unwanted drama among her colleagues. ¡°Okay, fine.¡± ¡°Excellent,¡± Cade responded, visibly relieved. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He guided her to a nearby caf¨¦. ¡°What would you like to drink?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want anything.¡± Hadley dismissed the offer and fixed her gaze on him. ¡°We didn¡¯te here to rx and catch up, did we? Just spit it out.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Cade nervously took a few sips of lemon water. ¡°So, here¡¯s the thing¡­¡± He pushed his sses up his nose. ¡°Do you recall our old ce on Maple Street?¡± Hadley frowned, processing the question. The house on Maple Street? Of course she remembered¡ªit was her very first home, despite her memories being dim and distant. ¡°What¡¯s the reason for bringing that up?¡± ¡°Here¡¯s why¡­¡± Pausing to sip his water again, Cade¡¯s eyes appeared watery. ¡°It¡¯s your brother¡­¡± ¡°Stop spouting nonsense!¡± Hadley cut in sharply, disbelief etched across her face. ¡°I was an only child. There¡¯s no brother in my family.¡± . . .
Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä- . Chapter 601 ?Chapter 601: ¡°Actually,¡± Cade said with an awkward grin, ¡°I meant Brady. It¡¯s Brady who¡¯s in trouble.¡± He paused, covering his eyes with a hand, his voice breaking. Hadley¡¯s reaction was a mix of shock and confusion. Brady in trouble? ¡°What was that supposed to mean?¡± Hadley¡¯s voice trembled with a mix of anxiety and annoyance. ¡°What are you trying to say? Am I supposed to just sit here and watch you cry?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡ª¡± Cade dabbed at his eyes and adjusted his sses. ¡°Brady was in an ident recently. He¡¯s suffered serious liver damage, and his condition is critical.¡± Hadley¡¯s lips twisted into a sardonic smile. ¡°Brady is dying? Well, Cade, it looks like your past is catching up with you.¡± Cade tensed, his eyes reddening instantly. ¡°Hadley, you may despise me, but Brady has done nothing wrong. It¡¯s unfair to hold him ountable¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s innocent? Well, whatever. His fate is none of my concern anyway.¡± Hadley scoffed. Noticing the tension rise, Cade leaned forward. ¡°Listen¡ªdoctors said Brady urgently needs a liver transnt. With timely surgery, he could recover.¡± The news visibly shook Hadley, her body quivering as she stared at Cade in astonishment. ¡°You¡¯re not suggesting I donate my liver to him, are you?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Cade eximed, grabbing her arm to prevent her from leaving. ¡°Your blood type matches Brady¡¯s, and as his sister, you¡¯re the best match for a donor!¡± As Cade spoke, a cold dread spread through Hadley¡¯s chest, sending shivers down her spine. Why did the air feel so bitterly cold? The man standing before Hadley was the one she was supposed to call father. And look at what he¡¯d done! Once, Cade had sworn undying love to his wife, whispered sweet promises of forever, and shared the kind of moments that should have been unbreakable. He had been overjoyed at Hadley¡¯s birth, cradling her in his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world. g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away But all of it¡ªthe love, the devotion¡ªhad been a lie. One day, everything changed. He abandoned his wife and child for his wife¡¯s sister without so much as a backward nce, leaving them to fend for themselves as if they had never mattered at all. Not once did he look back. Not once did he reach out. If the Flynn family hadn¡¯tter taken Hadley in, she didn¡¯t even want to imagine what her life would have be. And now, after years of silence, after treating her like she didn¡¯t exist, he had the gall to show up and ask her for a favor? Not just any favor. He actually wanted her liver. Hadley¡¯s lips curled into a sharp, humorlessugh. Did Cade really think she was that easy to manipte? Cade remained calm, unfazed by her reaction. His voice was smooth, practiced¡ªlike a salesman closing a deal. ¡°Hadley, I wouldn¡¯t ask you to do this for nothing.¡± He paused, as if setting a trap. ¡°The house on Maple Street¡ªthe one filled with your mother¡¯s memories. If you agree, I¡¯ll sign it over to you. That¡¯s what you want, isn¡¯t it?¡± Hadley stilled, her breath catching. So that was what this was. He wasn¡¯t asking. He was bartering. Theughter bubbled out of Hadley, sharp and unrestrained, growing louder until it filled the space between them. . . . Chapter 602 ?Chapter 602: Cade stiffened. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± There was an uneasiness in his voice, a flicker of hesitation. Truthfully, he hadn¡¯t wanted toe here. If it weren¡¯t for his son¡ªif it weren¡¯t for his wife Noreen relentlessly pushing him¡ªhe never would have swallowed his pride and sought out the daughter he had abandoned. Deep down, he had known Hadley wouldn¡¯t agree. He knew she would refuse him. And now, seeing the raw amusement on her face, watching herugh as if his very presence was a joke, Cade immediately regretteding. Grinding his teeth, he forced the words out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hadley. Just¡­ forget I said anything.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley¡¯sughter halted abruptly. She tilted her head, regarding him with cold eyes. ¡°What¡¯s this? Not desperate to save your precious son anymore?¡± Cade exhaled sharply and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll find another way!¡± he muttered. ¡°Hadley, I¡ªI shouldn¡¯t havee. Just act like I was never here today.¡± With that, he turned on his heel and strode toward the door. As his fingers brushed the handle, instinct made him nce back. Hadley hadn¡¯t moved. She still sat in the same ce, eyes locked on a distant point, lost in thought. In that moment, she looked so much like her mother. A pang of something stabbed through Cade¡¯s chest. But instead of lingering, he forced himself to step through the doorway and leave. Hadley remained seated andughed freely again, herughter slowly fading. The hollow echoes of it still rang in her ears. Gradually, it melted away, reced by something deeper¡ªsomething far heavier. Sadness. ?????????? ????????????: g??????¦Í????????????? Back at the dance troupe, the trainees¡¯ session that she supervised¡­ The session ended at 4:30 PM. With no further obligations for the day, Hadley changed into her casual clothes and left the studio. She needed air. Without much thought, she made her way to a small flower shop nearby. She absentmindedly browsed through the arrangements, reaching out to touch the soft petals. Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. ¡°Hey, Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice was light, almost cheerful, as if he were in an unusually good mood. ¡°Where are you? I¡¯m at your dance studio.¡± Hadley blinked in surprise. ¡°You are?¡± It was still early¡ªwasn¡¯t he supposed to be neck-deep in work right now? ¡°Yeah,¡± Eric replied casually. ¡°I finished early today. There was a meeting, but nothing major, so I decided to skip it. Phillips can handle it.¡± His tone softened slightly, turning almost yful. ¡°I wrapped up early to spend time with you. Are you happy?¡± Hadley scoffed quietly. Not at all. She forced a smile, effortlessly dodging the question. ¡°I¡¯m not at the studio anymore¡ªI already left.¡± ¡°What?¡± The surprise in Eric¡¯s voice was evident. ¡°Where did you go?¡± ¡°Out to buy flowers,¡± she answered tly. Before he could respond, she continued, her tone brisk and detached, ¡°I have other ns today. You should go back to work¡ªwe¡¯ll meet another time. Bye.¡± And with that, she hung up. ¡°Hello? Hadley?¡± Eric stared at his phone, stunned. She hung up. Just like that. His jaw tightened, irritation bubbling to the surface. ¡°That woman is really getting out of hand.¡± . . . Chapter 603 ?Chapter 603: Lately, her attitude had be sharper, more indifferent, more impossible to predict. And the worst part? He had no idea how to handle it. Meanwhile, in the flower shop, Hadley remained utterly indifferent to¡­ Eric¡¯s reaction. If he was annoyed, good. If he really couldn¡¯t take it anymore and wanted to break things off? Even better. ¡°Could you wrap these for me?¡± The florist smiled, carefully gathering the bouquet¡ªa mix of elegant lilies and soft carnations. ¡°Of course,¡± the florist replied. ¡°Please wait just a moment.¡± ¡°How much is it?¡± Hadley inquired, phone in hand as she approached the cashier. ¡°That¡¯ll be $136 in total. Thank you.¡± Just as she was about to pay, the doorbell chimed softly, signaling someone¡¯s entrance. Hadley barely had time to react before Eric stepped inside, heading straight for her without hesitation. ¡°There you are!¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She turned to face him, startled. ¡°How did you even find me?¡± Eric smirked, the look in his eyes filled with quiet confidence. ¡°When you really want to find someone, it¡¯s not difficult.¡± He gestured around the shop. ¡°You said you were buying flowers. There aren¡¯t many florists around¡ªI figured I¡¯d check a few, and here you are.¡± Damn. Hadley sighed, already regretting mentioning it earlier. L??e$? ??¦¤T??R? 1¦Ð ???lnovels.c??m ¡°Your order is ready.¡± The florist approached, handing over the bouquets. ¡°I¡¯ll take that!¡± Before Hadley could take them, Eric smoothly intercepted, gathering the flowers in one arm while slipping his other hand into hers. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Hadley gave him a pointed look. ¡°I don¡¯t have the time or the patience for a date right now.¡± Since agreeing to reconcile, she had never intended to go back to the¡­ way things were. Eric¡¯s expression flickered¡ªjust for a moment. His mood seemed to dip slightly, the corners of his lips tightening. Was he annoyed? Good. That was exactly what she wanted. If he was frustrated, he could walk away. If he couldn¡¯t handle this and ended things himself, even better. She¡¯d wee it. But Eric didn¡¯t argue. He didn¡¯tin. Instead, he silently walked to the car, set the flowers carefully in the trunk, and then pulled the door open for her. ¡°Get in.¡± ¡°Eric?¡± ¡°Just get in!¡± His tone was steady, unmoving. He had made his choice¡ªnow, he had to embrace all of her, every sharp edge and untamed piece. Why was he so persistent? He wasn¡¯t the type to tolerate this kind of push-and-pull. And yet, he was still here. Still holding on. Eric nced at her, his voice softer this time. ¡°Where are the flowers going? I¡¯ll drive you,¡± he said simply. ¡°Not a date. Just a ride.¡± Hadley exhaled slowly. Fine. . . . Chapter 604 ?Chapter 604: If he wanted to be her driver so badly, so be it. Hadley gave a small nod, slid into the passenger seat, and casually rattled off an address. ¡°Dresse Town.¡± Eric raised an eyebrow but nodded, inputting the destination into the GPS. ¡°Dresse Town?¡± He repeated, ncing at her. ¡°Alright.¡± As the engine rumbled to life, he stole another nce her way. ¡°What are you nning to do there?¡± Hadley didn¡¯t bother answering. Instead, she leaned back against the seat, shutting her eyes. ¡°Just drive. Why the interrogation?¡± Eric blinked, slightly taken aback. Was it really that wrong to ask? Noticing the car hadn¡¯t moved, Hadley cracked one eye open, irritation creeping into her voice. ¡°Are you driving or not? Because if you¡¯re not, I¡¯ll get out¡ª¡± ¡°Chill out!¡± Eric reached out instinctively, cing a firm but gentle hand on her arm. His lips curled into a mix of amusement and exasperation. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll drive. You really have a short fuse, you know that?¡± Even the smallest setback, and she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to throw a tantrum. The car rolled forward, the city slowly fading behind them as they drove toward Dresse Town. Hadley¡¯s mind drifted with the passing scenery. Dresse Town¡­ her grandmother re¡¯s hometown. After her parents¡¯ divorce, her mother had brought her here, trying to rebuild a life in the quiet town. But in the end, it became the ce where her mother wasid to rest¡ªbehind her grandmother¡¯s old house. More ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í???????????? Hadley had rarely returned, even after moving back to Srixby. The memories here weren¡¯t easy to confront. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to visit her mother. She just¡­ couldn¡¯t face her. As the drive neared its end, the sun still lingered in the sky, casting golden streaks over the horizon. ¡°Stop here.¡± Hadley directed him to a small clearing at the foot of a hill. ¡°Okay.¡± Eric obeyed without question, stepping out and retrieving the flowers from the trunk. He took in the quiet, solemnndscape and then nced at Hadley. ¡°Are you here to visit someone?¡± he asked, his voice softer now, more thoughtful. ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded, her tone barely above a whisper. ¡°My mother.¡± Eric was caught off guard. Hadley had never brought up her mother around him before, at least not that he could recall. Pausing for a moment, he asked, ¡°Is your mother buried here?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Her gaze was locked on the distant mountain, her expression filled with mncholy. Without a word, Eric reached out and took her hand, noting her pallor. ¡°Is it a special day for her, like a birthday or an anniversary?¡± Hadley shook her head, letting out a long sigh. ¡°I just really miss her today. I felt drawn here.¡± Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, shimmering with sadness. Feeling her sorrow, Eric squeezed her hand tighter. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡± . . . Chapter 605 ?Chapter 605: Navigating the challenging mountain path, Eric was cautious, supporting her at every difficult step. ¡°Take it slow here.¡± Clinging to his arm, Hadley stepped onto stable ground and paused, looking earnestly into his eyes. Eric, confused, asked, ¡°Have we arrived?¡± ¡°Eric.¡± She shook her head gently. ¡°Please stay here. I don¡¯t want my mother to see you.¡± ¡°What?¡± What did she mean by that? Eric almost instantly understood, but with that came a surge of uncontroble anger. ¡°Hadley!¡± he eximed, releasing her hand and starting to pace. He stopped abruptly in front of her and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t want her to see me?¡± Hadley shook her head, her expression open and genuine. She seemed perplexed by his growing irritation. ¡°Does this upset you?¡± ¡°Should I not feel this way?¡± Eric asked with a bitterugh, hisplexion turning ashen. ¡°Given the nature of our rtionship, shouldn¡¯t I be here to honor your mother?¡± ¡°Our rtionship?¡± Hadley echoed his words, her expression void of emotion, her tone icy. ¡°What exactly are we to each other, Eric? Are you my ex-husband, or are you still my boyfriend while having feelings for someone else?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say anything.¡± Exhaustion weighed on Hadley, leaving her unwilling to argue any further. ¡°My mother loved me. She worried about me until herst moments¡­ I can¡¯t stand the thought of her knowing how messy my personal life has be.¡± L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.???? Her gaze lifted to meet his, her eyes brimming with tears that threatened to spill, her face on the verge of crumbling. ¡°Remember your promise to treat me better from now on? Was that just empty talk?¡± Eric found himself speechless. He had made promises, but could they hold any weight now? Yet, seeing Hadley¡¯s distraught face, he couldn¡¯t deny her. ¡°Please wait here,¡± Hadley said softly, her plea gentle. ¡°I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± Eric managed to curb his frustration, nodding stiffly. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± He handed her the bouquet and watched her slowly move away. The urge to follow was strong¡­ yet he merely entertained the thought. In that moment, he knew he didn¡¯t deserve to meet her mother. Once, perhaps he had, but who was to me for that changing? He was once her husband. At that moment, however, he failed to appreciate that status. Regrets wouldn¡¯t change anything. He silently vowed to one day reim that role. Approaching the grave, Hadley hesitated briefly before kneeling to arrange the bouquet of flowers. Her mother¡¯s tombstone featured a photograph of her in her youth, full of life. Memories of her mother¡¯s passing flooded back¡­ . . . Chapter 606 ?Chapter 606: No matter the passage of time, the memories always left Hadley feeling choked, followed by a wave of profound grief. If only she hadn¡¯t been involved, perhaps her mother would not have met with that tragic ident¡­ ¡°Mom, mom.¡± Her fingers tenderly traced the photo of her mother as tears streamed down her face. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s Hadley. I¡¯m here.¡± Guilt and yearning overwhelmed her simultaneously. She wrapped her arms around the tombstone, as if hugging her mother, whispering through her tears, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± Yet, no matter how heartfelt her apologies were, they would never reach her mother¡¯s ears. ¡°Hadley?¡± Suddenly, a female voice sounded behind her. Startled, Hadley turned her head slowly. ¡°It really is you, Hadley!¡± Noreen approached, holding flowers, tears welling in her eyes as she knelt beside Hadley. ¡°After all these years, you¡¯ve grown so much!¡± Her gaze swept over Hadley, assessing her. To anyone else, Noreen might appear to be a caring rtive. Yet Hadley¡¯s eyes remained cold. Noreen was her aunt and the very woman who had torn her family apart, leaving her in a state of dependence. A shameless person who had stolen her sister¡¯s husband, deceiving all who knew her. What was her aim with these games? Why did she not shed a single tear? Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Tears during those shameful moments? Following the shocking scandal, Noreen¡¯s father¡¯s life ended in fury, while her mother cut all ties¡­ Was she now crying for Brady? Such despicable people, she and Cade; perfectly matched in their malevolence¡ªone leaving, the other quick to follow! Cade had sumbed to bribery, but Noreen¡­ what was her angle now? ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Pointing at the tombstone, Noreen said, ¡°Throughout your years away from Srixby, I¡¯ve been the one tending to your mother¡¯s grave. We even had this tombstone restored justst year¡­¡± ¡°And your point?¡± Hearing her voice for a moment was enough to sicken Hadley. ¡°Do you really believe these gestures can erase your mistakes?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡± Overwhelmed, Noreen stopped to cover her face, weeping quietly. ¡°Hadley, we acknowledged our faults ages ago! We were young and overwhelmed by emotion¡­ Aren¡¯t you old enough now to understand? The heart¡¯s desires between men and women are beyond our control. But we¡¯ve already acknowledged our mistakes.¡± How disgusting! Hadley rose, refusing to witness her charade any longer. ¡°Hadley!¡± Desperate, Noreen reached out and grasped Hadley¡¯s arm, her cheeks damp from her tears. ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you, save Brady. I¡¯ll do anything¡ªjust save him. He¡¯s your brother! Can you really stand by and watch him die?¡± . . . Chapter 607 ?Chapter 607: ¡°Yes, I can.¡± Hadley averted her gaze, peering downward at her. ¡°He¡¯s always been nothing but trouble. Perhaps this is for the best.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Noreen was left speechless, seething with fury. ¡°Humph.¡± With a scoff, Hadley taunted, ¡°Are you upset? Do you even have that right to be? When you shattered my family, did you ever anticipate retribution like this? It¡¯s almost poetic, isn¡¯t it?¡± She broke away from Noreen¡¯s grasp and turned around. ¡°Hadley!¡± Realizing her pleas were ignored, Noreen¡¯s face twisted with rage. ¡°I destroyed your family? Stop lying to yourself! The real reason¡­¡± ¡°Your mother died because of you¡­ Hadley! You were the one who killed her!¡± Hadley stopped in her tracks, her vision suddenly turning blood-red. She couldn¡¯t remain here a moment longer. Her fists clenched, she began to walk faster. ¡°Haha! Hadley, where do you think you¡¯re going? You¡¯re a heartless, selfish monster¡ªa curse to everyone around you! It was you who took your mother¡¯s life, always you! Ha!¡± With each taunt, Hadley¡¯splexion turned ever more ashen, her legs barely supporting her. She had to run, stumbling as she went. Where was she? ¡°Hadley?¡± Out of nowhere, a familiar voice reached her ears. Eric noticed her from a distance, quickened his pace to her side, and grasped her arm. Continue reading on g???????¦Í?????c???? ¡°Hadley, what happened? You look so¡­¡± He noticed how shaken she seemed. Yet, he couldn¡¯tplete his thought as Hadley copsed into his embrace, clutching him tightly. Suddenly, a flood of emotions washed over Eric, leaving him frozen in ce. Although he often appeared to lead in his rtionship with Hadley, in truth, she held the reins. He wanted no one else but her. Still, she remained distant, as if she could walk away at any moment. Yet now, she soughtfort in his embrace, like he was her anchor. Compelled by his feelings, Eric leaned in to hold her close, her fragrance enveloping him, utterly captivating. Her scent was mesmerizing,pletely intoxicating. ¡°Eric,¡± she whispered faintly. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well. Would you mind helping me down the hill?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Casting a worried nce at her, Eric caressed her cold cheek, noticing the chill of her hands as well. With no time to hesitate, he lifted her in his arms and hurried down the hill. Upon reaching the car, he gently set her inside, handed her a water bottle, and helped her drink. ¡°Have some water.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley sipped a little and then gestured for no more. Eric wanted to ask about what had happened on the hill, but her pale face held him back. He gently stroked her hair. ¡°Just rx and get some rest.¡± . . . Chapter 608 ?Chapter 608: ¡°Alright.¡± With a weak nod, Hadley closed her eyes and reclined, letting exhaustion take over. As they drove off, Eric, concerned for herfort, turned the heater up. He navigated the car gently, wary of causing her any additional unease. Hadley¡¯s head was slightly tilted, her eyes shut. It seemed like she had drifted into a dream. ¡°Mmm¡­ mmm¡­¡± From his position, Eric could only catch her faint sobs, his worry deepening. He decided to pull over. Taking her hand in his, he softly inquired, ¡°Hadley? Are you awake?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± She did not open her eyes, continuing to murmur, ¡°Mom¡­¡± Leaning in, Eric listened intently. It was clear Hadley longed for her mother. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I made a mistake, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± she murmured, obviously trapped in her dream. Eric was confused. Why would a daughter feelpelled to apologize to her mother, even while dreaming? ¡°Mmm, I was wrong¡­ wrong¡­¡± Seeing Hadley in such a vulnerable state deeply moved him. Silently, Eric held her, his whisper soft in her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Your mom wouldn¡¯t me you.¡± He might not have grasped the full situation, but what kind of mother would me her own child? As the quiet settled around them, Hadley¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her gaze filled with bewilderment as she looked at him. ???????????? ???????????? ????????: ??????????????????[?]?????? ¡°Are you fully awake now?¡± Touching her face, Eric felt its increased warmth. With a sense of relief, he brushed away her tears. ¡°It was just a bad dream. I had to intervene. I held you,forted you. Do you feel any better?¡± In fact, Hadley hadn¡¯t fully fallen asleep¡ªher mind was in a daze. She faintly recognized Eric¡¯s efforts and knew he spoke the truth. She nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯m doing much better. Let¡¯s drive.¡± As the sky grew darker, there was a looming threat of treacherous roads from rain or snow. ¡°Alright.¡± They resumed their drive into the city. Eric, casting a concerned nce toward Hadley, suggested, ¡°Maybe we should stay at my ce tonight?¡± He was genuinely worried about her condition. ¡°No,¡± Hadley responded firmly, shaking her head. ¡°I need to get back to mine.¡± She desperately wanted to hold her daughter. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± ¡°Do you n to drive me, or should I get out here?¡± Hadley, brimming with frustration, abruptly sat up and fixed her gaze on Eric. ¡°Just let me out if you¡¯re not serious about this.¡± Her fingers were already curling around the door handle. ¡°I will drive you.¡± . . . Chapter 609 ?Chapter 609: Eric, seeing her resolve, felt he had no choice. He steered the vehicle toward her apartment. Silence enveloped the car as Eric nced at Hadley from time to time, reminding himself to showpassion. Today was one of those days when Hadley missed her mother terribly. Her emotions were raw and understandable. His concern for her grew, yet he knew patience was essential. Why rush things? They had only reconciled for a few days. Building rtionships took time. As was his custom, Eric stopped at the apartmentplex¡¯s gate, eager to walk her in. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ll just tell the guards to let us in.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to.¡± Hadley dismissed the idea with a wave. ¡°Thanks for everything today. I¡¯m worn out and need some alone time. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡± Then, quite unexpectedly, she leaned in and kissed Eric. ¡°Goodnight.¡± The kiss sent a surge of emotions through Eric, leaving him tingling from head to toe. As he watched Hadley walk away, he whispered, ¡°Goodnight, Hadley.¡± She always knew just how to get to him! Eric had originally intended to head back to Silver Vis. However, the thought of the empty house without Hadley made him change his mind; he drove toward Flynn Mansion instead. Upon arrival, after a quick word with their housekeeper, Eric made his way to the backyard where he spotted Ernest settling down after his therapy session. ¡°Ernest,¡± Eric called out, pulling up a chair to sit beside him. Ernest looked up, puzzled. ¡°What brings you here today?¡± Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°I came to check on you and Grandma,¡± Eric said with a mischievous grin, yet his tone shifted as he leaned in. ¡°Ernest, there¡¯s something I need to know. Are you aware of how Hadley¡¯s mother died?¡± Having been closer to Hadley than his brother ever was while she was still with the Flynns, Ernest was more familiar with her past. ¡°Her mother?¡± Ernest¡¯s expression turned somber. ¡°Grandma once mentioned it was a tragic ident. She disappeared for two days and was eventually found at the bottom of a mountain cliff. It seems she fell.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Eric nodded. He hesitated before asking, ¡°How old was Hadley at that time?¡± ¡°She was around six or seven, I believe.¡± Ernest fixed a prating gaze on his brother. ¡°You seem quite invested in Hadley¡¯s past; does this mean you finally care for her now?¡± ¡°Um¡­¡± Caught off guard by Ernest¡¯sment, Eric stammered, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be more involved? I feel like it¡¯s the least I can do.¡± ¡°A little self-reflection, huh?¡± With an unreadable look, Ernest asked pointedly, ¡°Do you have genuine feelings for Hadley?¡± Eric paused, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Look, Ernest, this is all new to me. I¡¯m not sure how deep my¡­¡± ¡°Feelings go, but I do know that I want to be with her.¡± That deration seemed to hold weight. Ernest¡¯s emotions were mixed as he considered Eric¡¯s words. He gave Eric a meaningful look and let out a resigned sigh. ¡°You¡¯re really growing up.¡± . . . Chapter 610 ?Chapter 610: The desire to settle down with someone always signaled a new chapter of maturity. Ernest¡¯s thoughts drifted to Linda, and he sighed gently. ¡°Just make sure you treat Hadley right. I¡¯m already looking forward to celebrating your marriage.¡± ¡°Hehe.¡± Flushing with awkwardness, Eric teased, ¡°Hold on, you¡¯re the older one. Shouldn¡¯t we be celebrating your wedding with Linda first?¡± Him and Linda? With a slight smile, Ernest tapped his leg. ¡°Just you wait.¡± He got up, relying on his cane. Eric moved to assist him, but Ernest dismissed the help with a gesture. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve got this.¡± Quentin was already nearby, prepared. Driven by curiosity, Eric inquired, ¡°Where are you headed, Ernest?¡± Ernest let out a light sigh, his frown deepening as he looked back at Eric. ¡°Oh, Eric¡­¡± ¡°What did I do now?¡± Eric looked confused, hoping Ernest would borate. Instead, Ernest simply shook his head and dismissed the conversation. ¡°Never mind.¡± ¡°Ernest,¡± Eric¡¯s curiosity grew, along with a sense of helplessness. ¡°You can¡¯t just start something and not finish it. What¡¯s the mystery here? What are you hiding?¡± Ernest chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s save it for another time. Right now, I need to visit Linda at the hospital. Why don¡¯t you go have dinner with Grandma?¡± So this was about Linda. ¡°Alright,¡± Eric responded, nodding. Yet, Eric was left with a nagging suspicion that Ernest was still hiding something from him. C???????????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð?? What was bothering him so much that he couldn¡¯t even share it? Throughout the night, Eric¡¯s thoughts were preupied with Hadley. The following day, rather than going straight to his office, he detoured to her ce. Although he knew Hadley often visited the dance studio in the afternoons, he wanted to check on her in the morning before heading to work. He hesitated as he picked up his phone. Was it too early? Was Hadley even awake? Despite wanting to go up to her apartment, Hadley had been clear that it wasn¡¯t allowed¡ªit wasn¡¯t convenient. Amidst his indecision, he spotted Hadley exiting the gate. She was briskly walking with a bag in hand, appearing somewhat hurried. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric quickly drove up and pulled over next to her. ¡°Where are you off to? Hop in; I¡¯ll give you a lift.¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Recognizing him, Hadley didn¡¯t hesitate and climbed into the car. As they drove off, Eric stole a nce at her. She looked a little tired, perhaps still groggy from sleep. He asked, ¡°You just got up?¡± ¡°Yep.¡± Hadley paused, giving a nod as she nced in the mirror. Was herte start that noticeable? She couldn¡¯t fall asleep until early morning, which led to her waking upte. Unaware that the studio had temporarily stopped their performances, Melba hadn¡¯t woken Hadley, assuming her usual schedule was in ce. . . . Chapter 611 ?Chapter 611: Continuously checking her phone, Hadley urged Eric, ¡°Could you speed up a bit?¡± Tardiness at the studio meant not only a cut in pay but also missing out on her attendance bonus. ¡°Got it.¡± Eric elerated, though the traffic was thickening by the minute. He looked over at Hadley, concern evident in his voice. ¡°Did you skip breakfast in your rush?¡± ¡°I did.¡± Hadley nodded, not in the mood to think about that now. Without hesitation, Eric grabbed his phone and made a quick call. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me. Swing by Grandma¡¯s Kitchen, grab a batch of their donuts, and take them to Lightning Dance Studio¡ªfast!¡± Hadley caught every word. Was he arranging this for her? After hanging up, Eric assured her with a nod. ¡°Hold on, you¡¯ll have something to munch on shortly. Donuts from Grandma¡¯s Kitchen¡ªyour favorites, right?¡± Indeed, they were. But how had he remembered? Overwhelmed by a sudden surge of emotions, Hadley responded with a raspy, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± The remainder of the drive was quiet. Arriving at the studio, Hadley quickly expressed her gratitude, saying, ¡°Thanks so much!¡± She exited the car swiftly. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric called out. ¡°Hold on, the donuts will be here any second!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not waiting!¡± Rejecting his plea, Hadley responded quickly, ¡°I have to check in now! Appreciate the gesture though!¡± ?????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í???????????? With a quick wave, she dashed into the building without looking back. ¡°What¡¯s the point of only your gratitude?¡± Eric sighed, speaking to himself. ¡°Skipping breakfast isn¡¯t good for you.¡± He was genuinely concerned for her health. Securing donuts from Grandma¡¯s Kitchen had proven difficult, and he ended up waiting over ten minutes for their arrival. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± ¡°Right here!¡± Receiving the bag, Eric instructed, ¡°Please inform Phillips I¡¯ll be dyed by about forty minutes. He should handle things till I get there.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± With the bag in hand, Eric proceeded towards the studio. Luckily, his role as an executive meant he had no set schedule, unlike Hadley. Once inside, Hadley had managed to clock in just in the nick of time, barely two seconds before beingte. She now took her time changing in the locker room. As it was a weekday, there were no morning sses scheduled for the trainees, affording some free time. ¡°Hadley.¡± The call came from the entrance of the locker room. ¡°You have a visitor at the east side door.¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Grateful for the heads-up, Hadley grew curious about who awaited her. The east side door was typically used by staff and rarely known to visitors. Was it someone familiar who waited there? She secured her locker and proceeded to the east side door. . . . Chapter 612 ?Chapter 612: Eric, just reaching the locker room, unexpectedly bumped into Elissa. ¡°Do you know where I can find Hadley?¡± he asked. Elissa peered inside. ¡°She¡¯s not here. I heard she went to meet someone at the east side door.¡± ¡°Thanks a lot!¡± Eric shed a grateful smile at Elissa and then headed out. Elissa lingered for a moment, impressed. Eric really did have a captivating smile, and his charm was undeniable. It was clear why Hadley might be drawn to someone like him. At the east side door, Hadley scanned the area, wondering who might be looking for her. No one was in sight, yet a dusty van parked nearby caught her attention. It looked as if it hadn¡¯t seen water for weeks. Suddenly, she noticed something unsettling about the van¡ªitcked a license te. This was bad! Hadley felt a surge of panic and started to flee. At that moment, the van¡¯s door flung open, and a young man leaped out, grabbing Hadley. ¡°Let¡­ mmph¡­¡± Before she could scream, his hand was over her mouth. The man, strong and imposing, hoisted Hadley into the van effortlessly. ¡°Silence her!¡± Inside the van was another aplice¡ªa woman. ?????????? ???????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? She quickly gagged Hadley with a towel and tossed a rope to her aplice. ¡°Tie her up!¡± Then she slid into the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine. The van began to move as the man secured the door. At that moment, Hadley caught sight of Eric making his way toward her, and their eyes met. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°Mmph!¡± Hadley tried to move toward the sound of his voice, her heart pounding with the urge to call back. Yet, she was forcefully restrained. The man securing her bindings scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it! You¡¯re not going anywhere. Thinking of escaping? Dream on!¡± The driver mmed the elerator, making the van surge forward. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric sprinted furiously, watching helplessly as the van sped away with Hadley inside. He never slowed down, not even to catch his breath. Continuously, he sprinted, pursuing the van on foot. As he ran, he managed to pull out his phone and make a call, ¡°Where are you? Get back here now! I¡¯m by the east side door of the studio, hurry!¡± He was reaching out to the same man who had delivered the donuts, knowing he was definitely still nearby. Once the call ended, Eric pushed his limits, clenching his teeth as he raced after the van. ¡°Hadley! Hang in there! I¡¯ming for you!¡± . . . Chapter 613 ?Chapter 613: Inside the van, the man was baffled. ¡°He¡¯s still behind us? How is he running like this?¡± Both captors and Hadley were shocked. She wondered, could Eric truly sustain that pace? His face, contorted in pain, suggested it was a struggle. How much longer would he keep running? How far was he willing to go? Eric was visibly fatigued, yet luck was on his side as one of his subordinates arrived just in time. The vehicle slowed to a crawl rather than aplete stop, the door flinging open. ¡°Mr. Flynn! Jump in!¡± With momentum still carrying him, Eric hurled himself into the car, clumsily hitting his limbs as he did so. ¡°Mr. Flynn, are you alright?¡± ¡°Just drive!¡± Eric retorted, dismissing his own difort. He urgently gestured towards a van ahead, missing its license te, as he fought to catch his breath. ¡°Follow that van!¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn!¡± Having issued themand, Eric grasped his chest, wincing from the sharp stings of pain caused by his rushed breathing. Regaining someposure, he retrieved his phone to contact Phillips. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­¡± Meanwhile, in the van they were chasing, the man began to show signs of distress. ¡°He¡¯s almost on us!¡± ???????????? §ã??¦Á¦Ñ???????? g??????????????©q????? ¡°What¡¯s got you so flustered?¡± With a stern re, the woman scolded him. ¡°Show some backbone! You¡¯re more frightened than a woman!¡± Though her words were sharp, her own nerves were fraying. No time for second thoughts now. She pressed the gas pedal, pushing the van to its speed limit. Hadley, caught off guard, was thrown forward, banging her forehead. Something about the woman struck a chord of familiarity. But Hadley was sure they had never met; so why did she feel like she knew her? Who were these kidnappers, and what did they want with her? Ransom seemed unlikely¡ªshe wasn¡¯t rich. Had she unwittingly upset someone? Being a minor yer in Srixby, she couldn¡¯t think of anyone she might have offended that would warrant this. Confusion swirled through Hadley¡¯s thoughts. The van¡¯s speed intensified the ride¡¯s roughness, causing Hadley¡¯s stomach to churn, particrly because her mouth was gagged with a towel. As they ventured beyond the city limits, the surroundings grew increasingly deste. Was their destination on the outskirts? This was uncharted territory for Hadley. Where were they taking her? She yearned to nce back, hoping to see if Eric was still in pursuit. ¡°Ugh!¡± Her attempt to turn was thwarted as the man forcefully gripped her shoulder. ¡°Stay still! What are you looking at?¡± Reluctantly, Hadley ceased moving. The grip on her shoulder was excruciating, blurring her vision with pain and inducing a cold sweat. . . . Chapter 614 ?Chapter 614: ¡°Mmm, mmm¡­¡± Muffled by the gag, her cries were silent. Darkness soon overtook her, and she lost consciousness. As Hadley regained consciousness, a wave of pain washed over her. Blinking open her sweat-drenched eyes, she felt the dampness of her clothing clinging to her skin. Where had they taken her? A musty smell of dust mingled with the tang of seawater filled the air. Dim light seeped into the space, revealing what appeared to be a cargo hold¡ªa setting she recognized from countless films and television dramas. ¡°Finally awake now.¡± Before her, a pair of women¡¯s shoes came into view. The earlier woman¡ªor more precisely, a girl barely in her twenties¡ªcrouched before her. Curiously, the girl studied Hadley¡¯s face, an unusual tactic for a kidnapper. Typically, wouldn¡¯t they conceal their identities? Yet, these two had been brazen, their faces exposed throughout, hardly the behavior of skilled criminals. Perhaps concealing their identities wasn¡¯t a concern for them? ¡°Who are you?¡± Hadley managed to utter, her gaze locked on the young girl. ¡°Oh¡­¡± The girl¡¯s response was a light chuckle, her smile carrying a trace of youthful mischief. Hadley was then taken aback by her next words. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember me, Hadley? It¡¯s been years, but I recognized you right away.¡± Could it be someone she knew? Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, Hadley¡¯s brow creased in thought; the familiarity she felt suddenly made sense. ¡°Are you¡­¡± Her eyes meticulously traced the girl¡¯s face, recognition dawning slowly. A sh of memory hit her. ¡°Is it really you¡­?¡± The girl¡¯s smirk broadened as she propped her chin on her hands. ¡°Finally figured it out? Hi, sis.¡± It was Astrid Jenkins! A deep frown marred Hadley¡¯s features. Why hadn¡¯t she connected the dots earlier? Who else could it be but the Jenkins family, whom she had unwittingly crossed in Srixby just yesterday? Hadley had adamantly declined to donate part of her liver to save Brady. Now, after Cade had tried bribing and Noreen had pleaded, Astrid¡­ Their daughter had turned to abduction? ¡°Ha.¡± The irony made Hadley chuckle. ¡°So, you¡¯ve kidnapped me for your brother, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Astrid smirked, cocking an eyebrow. ¡°Clever, aren¡¯t I?¡± However, Hadley wasn¡¯t impressed by Astrid¡¯s tactics. Did she really think that kidnapping would make Hadley consent to the liver donation? ¡°Astrid.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was strained, her shoulder pain ring up as she spoke. ¡°Let me go. You can¡¯t coerce me into surgery; the hospital won¡¯t operate without my consent!¡± ¡°Take it slow.¡± Astrid¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver; she seemed unfazed. . . . Chapter 615 ?Chapter 615: She produced a phone from her pocket. ¡°Do you really think I haven¡¯t thought this through?¡± Tapping her temple, she added, ¡°I¡¯m not as naive as you assume.¡± Astrid brandished her phone with a threatening grin. ¡°I¡¯m going to take some photos of you¡ªnaked.¡± What? Hadley¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Was this young woman out of her mind to resort to such depraved tactics? ¡°Haha.¡± Astrid¡¯sughter echoed as she stood, moving toward Hadley menacingly. ¡°Scared? Good. You¡¯ll look so pretty in those photos,¡± she taunted, reaching for Hadley¡¯s shirt buttons. ¡°Astrid!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice shook with fear and anger. ¡°You¡¯re insane! This is illegal!¡± ¡°Illegal?¡± Undeterred, Astrid continued with her actions, her expression hardening. ¡°My brother needs that transnt to survive. All I care about is that you¡¯re the key to saving him!¡± What a maniac! The whole Jenkins family must be insane! Hadley¡¯s body shook uncontrobly, her teeth chattering from fear. ¡°Why don¡¯t you donate yours, Astrid? You¡¯re his full sister. Aren¡¯t you willing to give a part of your liver to save your brother?¡± Astrid shrugged with exaggerated innocence. ¡°That sounds painful! And what if something goes wrong during surgery?¡± ?????????? ???????? ???? ????????¦Í???????????? What? Hadley was left dumbfounded. Was she seriously abducted because Astrid didn¡¯t want to suffer? The audacity was astounding, a true daughter of Cade and Noreen! Chuckling, Astrid said, ¡°I¡¯m showing some sisterly love here. See, I¡¯m taking your photos myself instead of letting Soren do it. That¡¯s considerate, right?¡± Soren Powell was the aplice. ¡°Just cooperate with us.¡± Astrid¡¯sughter filled the room as she continued, ¡°It¡¯s just a few photos. Once you agree to donate your liver and save my brother, I¡¯ll ensure these photos never see the light of day.¡± Astrid fumbled with Hadley¡¯s clothing, visibly confused. ¡°What¡¯s this? Why can¡¯t I undo it?¡± Hadley¡¯s dancewear was designed with hidden fasteners, a detail only someone familiar with such clothes would recognize. With a barely audible, cold chuckle and heavy breaths, Hadley instructed, ¡°It¡¯s at the back, around the waist.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Astrid, bold yet not without her foolishness, quickly leaned over, her hands searching for the fasteners at Hadley¡¯s back. But something didn¡¯t feel right. Pausing, Astrid sensed a trap¡ªwhy would Hadley even guide her to undress herself? ¡°Ah!¡± Suddenly, a scream shattered the silence of the warehouse. Hadley took advantage of Astrid¡¯s closeness, forcefully driving her knee into Astrid¡¯s midsection. . . . Chapter 616 ?Chapter 616: As a skilled dancer, her movements were not only graceful but precise, wielding her physical strength with exacting control. Her limbs were restrained, yet notpletely immobilized. A powerful kick from Hadley sent young Astrid flying backward,nding her directly against a wooden crate with a resounding crash. The impact was so severe it seemed her spine might have cracked. ¡°Ah, ah¡­¡± Struggling for breath, Astrid clutched her abdomen, her voice seething with anger as she pointed at Hadley. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this, just wait¡­¡± Then, turning her head with difficulty, she called out, ¡°Soren!¡± ¡°Right here!¡± Soren, a typical street tough, hadn¡¯t strayed too far. He burst into the room upon hearing Astrid shout. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Astrid?¡± He looked from Astrid to Hadley. ¡°Did she do¡­?¡± ¡°Take off her clothes!¡± Astrid grimaced in pain, fury contorting her features. ¡°And start taking pictures!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Do it now!¡± ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Without hesitation, Soren stepped forward, cracking his wrists in preparation. ¡°You think you¡¯re brave for attacking Astrid?¡± He sneered at Hadley. ¡°We¡¯ll see how strong you really are!¡± Chapter updates at g??ln ov els.???????? Soren¡¯s approach was far more aggressive than Astrid¡¯s. With a swift motion, he grasped Hadley¡¯s cor and ripped it, tearing her shirt apart. Chilled by the sudden exposure to cold air, Hadley couldn¡¯t help but shiver. ¡°Ha!¡± With a sneer, Soren was about to continue when a deafening sound erupted. It was like an explosion, reverberating through the warehouse and causing everything to shake. Everyone froze for a moment. ¡°What the¡­ was that an earthquake?¡± Soren looked over at Astrid, puzzled. Then, another thunderous crash resonated. ¡°They¡¯re ramming the door!¡± Soren shouted, suddenly understanding. He rushed towards the entrance. However, his steps halted abruptly. His face registered total shock. A ck car, its front battered and dented, was hurtling directly toward them, unstoppable. ¡°Shit!¡± In a desperate move, Soren dodged to the side, barely escaping the car¡¯s path! He and Astrid tumbled into a disorganized pile. The ck car screeched violently as it crashed into a stack of crates,ing to a halt amidst a rising cloud of dust. Choking on the dust, Astrid stammered, ¡°Who is that?¡± As the car door flew open, Eric emerged swiftly. Soren recognized him. ¡°That¡¯s the guy who was after us!¡± Astrid¡¯s face contorted with anger. ¡°You were supposed to shake him off!¡± . . . Chapter 617 ?Chapter 617: ¡°I lost him! I really did!¡± Soren defended himself. ¡°Idiot!¡± Eric marched through the dust towards them, his eyes finding Hadley instantly. Seeing her in such a state, his face darkened with intense anger. ¡°Hadley!¡± He quickly removed his jacket and covered her with it. Then, ring at his stunned subordinate, his voice cut through the tension. ¡°Stop staring! Do you still want your eyes?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Eric¡¯s subordinate quickly averted his eyes while nervously exining, ¡°Mr. Flynn, I assure you¡ªI saw nothing!¡± Eric snapped, demanding, ¡°Is there a nket in the car?¡± ¡°Uh? Oh yes, right away!¡± Scrambling, he dashed to retrieve a nket. Eric knelt down, swiftly unbinding Hadley¡¯s wrists and ankles. He lifted her gently, carefully brushing away the hair from her face. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for arrivingte.¡± Hadley, supported in his arms, was visibly suffering, herplexion turning pale as beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Startled by her difort, Eric urgently asked, ¡°Are you hurt? Where did they hurt you?¡± ¡°My¡­ my shoulder.¡± Her voice was faint, barely a whisper as she tried to findfort leaning against him. ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í????????©o????? ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Eric adjusted his hold on her, trying to ease her pain, but even the smallest shift seemed to cause her more distress. ¡°Does that hurt?¡± Panic-stricken, he blurted out, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ll try to be more careful.¡± By the time Eric had repositioned her, his shirt was drenched in sweat. ¡°Does this feel any better?¡± Gently, he said, ¡°Hold on. We¡¯re going to the hospital soon.¡± Hadley managed a nod, overwhelmed by pain. She was dazed, not truly believing he would find her, much less rescue her. Faintly, she tried to raise her hand toward Eric. ¡°What do you need?¡± He quickly caught her hand. ¡°Tell me.¡± She weakly shook her head, gesturing towards his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding¡­¡± Eric halted, feeling his forehead. It was a minor cut from when he¡¯d rammed the door with the car. He downyed his injury with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch, nothing serious.¡± Hadley remained silent, her emotions churning. In the meantime, Astrid and Soren, realizing the tables had turned, quietly stood and attempted to sneak away. At that moment, the subordinate arrived with the nket, spotting the pair¡¯s escape. ¡°They¡¯re getting away!¡± He turned to Eric, rmed. ¡°Mr. Flynn! Should we go after them?¡± But it was toote. The two were already speeding away from the warehouse in their car. They had just one vehicle, and Hadley urgently needed medical attention. . . . Chapter 618 ?Chapter 618: Eric frowned and asked Hadley, ¡°Do you know who those people were? Why did they take you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with them,¡± Hadley replied, her voice weak. ¡°They nned to takepromising photos to use as leverage against me.¡± Her statement was urate but didn¡¯t reveal everything. Eric scoffed at the audacity. Were these people that desperate for money? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll track them down as long as they¡¯re still in Srixby.¡± ¡°Uh.¡± Hadley winced suddenly, gripping Eric¡¯s arm tightly. ¡°It¡¯s really painful.¡± Startled by her pain, Eric turned to his subordinate sharply. ¡°Stop staring and bring the car over now!¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Flynn!¡± As Eric helped Hadley toward the vehicle, he asked cautiously, ¡°Can you make it on your own, or should I carry you?¡± Overwhelmed by pain, Hadley slumped into his arms, unable to maintain her bnce. What now? In a state of high alert, Eric reassured her, even though he was careful not to touch her sore shoulder. ¡°Tell me exactly where you¡¯re hurting?¡± Eric noticed Hadley clutching her stomach in agony. What had those two done to her? Could they have harmed her stomach? He immediately lifted her into his arms. ¡°Eric!¡± Curled up in his embrace, a wave of fear washed over Hadley. The intense pain in her lower stomach sparked a horrifying thought¡­ her child might be in danger. ?????? ???????? ?????????? ????: g????????¦Í???????????? Gripping Eric¡¯s shirt tightly, her voice filled with desperation, Hadley pleaded, ¡°Please, hurry to the hospital! Save me, Eric! Please!¡± ¡°Hang tight!¡± Eric¡¯s voice cracked with urgency, sweat streaming down his temples. ¡°We¡¯re heading to the hospital immediately! You¡¯ll be okay¡ªI swear I¡¯ll protect you. Nothing bad will happen on my watch!¡± He barely waited for the car door to close before his subordinate took the driver¡¯s seat, swiftly starting the engine. Eric¡¯s fingers trembled slightly as he dialed Phillips¡¯ number. ¡°Phillips! Alert the medical team¡ªwe need surgeons, specialists in orthopedics¡ª¡± ¡°And obstetrics!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice sliced through his instructions sharply. Eric froze, phone nearly slipping from his grasp. ¡°Hadley, wait¡ªwhat did you just say?¡± Time seemed to stretch unbearably as she met his gaze, eyes glistening with urgency and fear. She hadn¡¯t nned to reveal this, especially not now¡ªbut silence was no longer an option. If she stayed quiet, she risked losing the fragile life growing inside her. She knew the risk, knew Eric likely hadn¡¯t nned for this child¡ªbut desperation overshadowed her. Grasping his sleeve tighter, her voice shook, raw with pleading. ¡°Eric, please¡­ You have to save my baby! I understand if you don¡¯t want this child¡ªI¡¯ll take full responsibility and raise the child alone. I won¡¯t ask anything from you, I promise. But please, help us!¡± Her voice dissolved into a sob, her free hand gently cradling her abdomen. . . . Chapter 619 ?Chapter 619: As she met his gaze, her face pale, eyes wide with fear for her unborn child. Child? Hadley was pregnant? Eric finally snapped back to reality, his voice suddenly sharp as he screamed into the phone, ¡°Did you catch that? Obstetricians! Get the¡­¡± ¡°Obstetricians ready now!¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± He ended the call abruptly, hesitating only briefly before gently cing his shaking hands onto Hadley¡¯s stomach. Hadley leaned into him instinctively, and he wrapped her protectively in his embrace. Beneath his palms, within Hadley¡¯s womb, rested their child. Here, in his embrace, he held both his beloved and their flesh and blood¡ªan unexpected miracle. Eric¡¯s heart thundered wildly, a trembling sensation spreading through his chest. Of all the countless experiences life had thrown at him, nothing had ever struck him with such overwhelming intensity, such raw, unfiltered emotion. He lowered his head, pressing a tender, trembling kiss to her forehead. ¡°Is this really true?¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t glimpse Eric¡¯s expression clearly, but something in his voice felt utterly unfamiliar. Was he¡­ actually pleased? She remained silent, too overwhelmed to reply, yet Eric was oblivious, caught entirely within his own whirlwind of emotions. Check new story at g????????¦Í??????.?????? He pressed another urgent kiss to her forehead, questions tumbling out in rapid session. ¡°How long have you known? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± His voice softened into a nervous rush. ¡°I¡¯ve read about it¡ªthe first trimester is critical. You should¡¯ve been extra cautious¡ª¡± He stopped abruptly, remembering she¡¯d just endured a kidnapping. His jaw tightened with anger. ¡°Damn it.¡± Eric¡¯s eyes turned cold, darkening dangerously. ¡°Those two¡ªI want them found immediately. Whatever it takes, they will regretying a finger on you.¡± Hadley stared up at him in confusion, her heart racing. Did Eric truly care this much about their child? ¡°Wait a second!¡± Eric abruptly recalled, his tone sharpening. ¡°What did you mean when you said I don¡¯t want this child?¡± His face grew colder, confusion creasing his brows deeply. ¡°Why would you assume something like that? Did you ever ask me how I felt? Did those words evere from my lips?¡± Hadley opened her mouth, but the words wouldn¡¯t form¡ªthere was simply no exnation that made sense now. ¡°Ugh¡ª¡± An agonizing pain sliced through her abdomen, forcing her eyes shut as she avoided exining. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric exhaled sharply, torn between frustration and deep concern. With a sigh, he drew her closer, gently pressing his lips to her sweat-slicked forehead. . . . Chapter 620 ?Chapter 620: ¡°You always jump to conclusions without ever talking to me first. We¡¯re nearly at the hospital¡ªjust hold on a bit longer.¡± Hadley remained quiet, sinking further into his embrace. Right now, nothing about Eric made sense. If he never truly cared for her, why wasn¡¯t he bothered that she¡ªsomeone he supposedly didn¡¯t love¡ªwas carrying his child? As the hospital loomed into view, the pain intensified, twisting relentlessly. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, her hand desperately clutching his. ¡°Eric!¡± His response was immediate, fierce, and reassuring. ¡°I¡¯m right here¡ªI¡¯m not going anywhere!¡± Eric¡¯s pulse spiked with panic. ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°I¡ª I¡­¡± Tears surged uncontrobly into her eyes, her voice fragile and terrified. ¡°I¡¯m bleeding.¡± Bleeding? The word echoed chillingly in Eric¡¯s mind. He knew exactly what this meant for a pregnant woman. Instantly¡­ Memories of Linda¡¯s miscarriage four years ago surged vividly. His grip tightened fiercely around Hadley¡¯s trembling hand, pressing it urgently to his lips. ¡°You¡¯ll be alright,¡± he whispered desperately, his voice shaking despite his attempts to sound reassuring. ¡°You have to be alright.¡± But dread clung heavily to each word. Eric knew far too well what might lie ahead. Pulling Hadley even closer, he shouted frantically at the driver, ¡°Drive faster! Damn it, push the elerator!¡± F???????? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.?????? ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± the driver replied tensely, desperation evident in his voice. ¡°We¡¯re already going as fast as we possibly can!¡± Eric fell silent, the crushing helplessness hitting him harder than he¡¯d ever known. For the first time in his life, Eric faced a crisis without answers. Hadley gripped his hand desperately, tears slipping silently down her pale cheeks. Eric gently lowered his head, brushing his lips tenderly over her tear-soaked eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± he murmured softly. ¡°It¡¯s too early to lose hope.¡± He hesitated, his throat tightening painfully. ¡°Even if¡ª¡± The words caught, strangling his voice before he could finish. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to voice such a devastating thought, offering instead a shaky, fragilefort. ¡°We¡¯re still young. We¡¯ll have another chance¡­¡± ¡°No! No, Eric!¡± Hadley shook her head fiercely, eyes red and flooded with tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want another¡ªI only want this one!¡± ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Eric quickly agreed, his voice breaking slightly as he stroked her hair gently. ¡°Just this one, then. We¡¯ll keep this one safe, I promise!¡± Hadley stared up at him, unable to speak. What did Eric know about her pain? His reassurances meant nothing¡ªjust like he understood nothing! If she lost this child, she wouldn¡¯t merely lose her baby, but also Joy¡¯s only hope! The car screeched to a halt. The subordinate quickly exited, opening Eric¡¯s door with urgency. ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯ve arrived!¡± ¡°Hold on, Hadley¡ªyou¡¯re safe now!¡± Eric swiftly lifted Hadley from the car, his grip gentle yet firm. Phillips and a team of medical staff were already rushing forward, guiding a gurney toward them. . . . Chapter 621 ?Chapter 621: Eric carefully ced Hadley onto the gurney, his hand lingering on hers. ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be fine. We¡¯re here now.¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Panic red in Hadley¡¯s eyes as he started pulling away. She grasped at his hand desperately. ¡°Please, save our child¡ªyou have to save our baby!¡± ¡°I will!¡± He promised. ¡°Trust me!¡± The gurney rolled swiftly across the hospital tiles, the chaotic noises of the hallway swirling around Hadley as they approached the emergency room. Through the curtains, she overheard fragments of conversation. ¡°Mr. Flynn, this is the head obstetrician of our hospital.¡± ¡°Doctor.¡± Eric¡¯s voice remained steady yet filled with a rare vulnerability. ¡°My wife and child are counting on you.¡± Even in such a critical moment, Eric held onto hisposure, addressing the medical team with utmost respect¡ªaware that his family¡¯s lives depended on them. ¡°Please, save my wife and our child. I beg you,¡± he pleaded earnestly. ¡°Mr. Flynn, there¡¯s no need for formality.¡± The obstetrician reassured him warmly. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything in my power.¡± Hadley shut her eyes tightly, tears quietly escaping down her cheeks. Following their brief exchange, the curtain was drawn aside, and the¡­ The obstetrician approached Hadley, fully prepared and focused. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, I¡¯m going to begin your examination now,¡± the doctor gently said. The obstetrician spoke gently but gravely, her tone heavy with sympathy. ¡°Mrs. Flynn¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± The words echoed painfully, shattering Hadley from within. A chill raced through her veins, freezing every nerve. The world blurred, and her breath caught sharply. g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, home to the best fiction Beyond the curtain, Eric felt the same icy dread seize his heart. He didn¡¯t need to hear more¡ªhe knew what had happened. Their child, the one he¡¯d barely begun to grasp the existence of, was gone before he¡¯d even truly known them. He ignored hospital protocol, yanking the curtain aside and rushing desperately to Hadley¡¯s bedside. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you can¡¯t go inside!¡± A nurse called urgently, stepping forward to stop him. But Eric brushed past her, desperate to reach Hadley¡¯s side. ¡°Move aside!¡± Rules be damned¡ªnothing would keep him away from Hadley now. ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric rushed frantically to her bedside, pulling her into his embrace, as though sheer strength alone could shield her from the devastation. He red furiously at the medical team, his voice a raw, anguished usation. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you doing anything? First, you let our child slip away and now you¡¯re standing idle while my wife suffers?¡± His arms tightened instinctively around Hadley¡¯s trembling frame. Yet just as suddenly, his anger faded, reced by a fragile tenderness as he turned to Hadley. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± he murmured softly into her hair, his voice breaking slightly. ¡°We¡¯re young. We¡¯ll have another chance¡­ I promise, we¡¯ll try again.¡± Though he attempted reassurance, Eric¡¯s eyes betrayed his sorrow. Reddening with tears he refused to let fall, Eric held Hadley in his arms, his emotions raw. Hadley remained quiet, dazed in his embrace. Was he truly¡­ grieving their child? ¡°Ugh.¡± . . . Chapter 622 ?Chapter 622: Just then, another sharp wave of pain seized her, wrenching a cry from her lips. Eric snapped again, desperation bleeding into his anger. ¡°Are you deaf? Do something, damn it! Don¡¯t just stand there!¡± The staff exchanged hesitant nces, tension heavy in the silence, until all eyes settled anxiously on the obstetrician. The obstetrician cleared her throat gently, stepping forward cautiously. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please understand. Your wife¡ªshe didn¡¯t lose the child. There was never a miscarriage. Mrs. Flynn¡­ she¡¯s not pregnant.¡± Eric¡¯s furious expression froze instantly, confusion sweeping in to rece his rage. ¡°Wait¡­ What did you say?¡± Eric stood frozen, stunned into silence. He blinked nkly, shifting his gaze slowly between the obstetrician and Hadley. But Hadley¡¯s reaction was far more visceral. She shot upright, neck stiffening in shock. ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± How could this be? Her period had nevere, and she¡¯d even taken a test. Had the results lied to her? ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric murmured gently, immediately moving to support her. He allowed her to lean heavily against him before addressing the doctor again, his voice steady but edged with quiet intensity. ¡°Are you absolutely certain? My wife wouldn¡¯t have said something like this without being sure.¡± The obstetrician, perspiration beading subtly on her forehead, maintained her professional calm despite the tension. False pregnancies were rare but not unheard of. Read it now at g??l??¦Ï¦Í????s.?????? She turned her attention gently to Hadley. ¡°Mrs. Flynn, how exactly did you confirm your pregnancy?¡± Hadley recounted everything honestly, her heart sinking further with every word. ¡°Could the test have been faulty?¡± ¡°It¡¯s unlikely,¡± the doctor exined cautiously, ¡°but certainly not impossible. There¡¯s also another possibility¡ªyour body might have reacted misleadingly due to stimnts like ovtion-inducing medications¡­¡± Hadley¡¯s heart jolted painfully at the doctor¡¯s words, her grip tightening involuntarily on the bed sheets. She had indeed taken such medication, eager to conceive as quickly as possible. Could that eagerness have led to this cruel deception? The doctor gently continued, ¡°For absolute certainty, it¡¯s always best to confirm pregnancy through blood tests at the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, please consider doing so next time.¡± Hadley closed her eyes, exhaustion overwhelming her as she sank weakly into Eric¡¯s supportive embrace. The revtion was devastating, yet at least now Eric¡¯s anxious heart could find peace. Eric looked tenderly down at Hadley, noticing her quiet suffering. His voice softened, concern clear as he gently asked, ¡°Your shoulder¡ªit still hurts, doesn¡¯t it? Should I call an orthopedic specialist?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley whispered faintly, nodding as she allowed herself to lean more fully against him. The obstetrician quietly exited, reced momentster by an orthopedic specialist who promptly assessed Hadley¡¯s injury. After a brief but careful examination, he confirmed her shoulder was indeed dislocated. Skillfully, he reset it. . . . Chapter 623 ?Chapter 623: After securing her shoulder with a firm yet careful bandage, the doctor offered a reassuring nod and gently instructed them on follow-up care. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. Just avoid any strenuous activity for the next week and maintain a bnced diet.¡± With that, the medical team finalized their prescriptions, carefully¡­ Exining the dosage and timing before dering her fit for discharge, the doctor wrapped up the conversation. While Eric¡¯s subordinate handled the paperwork, Eric focused entirely on Hadley, carrying her out of the hospital and straight to the car. She kept her eyes shut the entire time. The weight of the misunderstanding pressed heavily on her, making it impossible to look at him. She had been so certain¡ªso prepared for an inevitable conclusion. The baby, she had thought, would be the end of their entanglement. A clean break. Even though she had chosen to return to him for Elissa¡¯s sake, this situation now felt entirely different¡ªfar moreplicated, far more uncertain. Now, without the pregnancy, their connection remained open-ended. Unresolved. And she wasn¡¯t ready for that¡ªnot physically, not mentally. Eric, however, mistook her silence for awkwardness. Reaching out, he brushed his fingers gently against her cheek, his touch warm and grounding. ¡°Hadley, do you know something?¡± His voice was softer than she expected, almost¡­ pleased. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been this¡­¡± Happy? Hadley¡¯s eyes fluttered open, confusion flickering in them. Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m Happy? For a moment, she wondered if she had misheard. What could he possibly be happy about? Yet as she met his gaze, she saw it¡ªjoy, pure and unguarded, lighting up his features. He wasn¡¯t lying. But why? Eric reached for a stray lock of her hair, tucking it gently behind her ear before his fingers lingered, tracing down to her jaw. His expression was unreadable, yet undeniably warm. ¡°Even if the pregnancy wasn¡¯t real,¡± he murmured, his voiceced with something deep, something almost tender. ¡°Your intention was.¡± He held her gaze, unwavering. ¡°You wanted to have my child, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hadley parted her lips as if to speak, but no words came. Of course, he didn¡¯t need her to say it aloud. The truth was already there, in and undeniable. Without hesitation, Eric leaned in, wrapping her in his arms. ¡°Hadley,¡± he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡± Pregnancy wasn¡¯t just a fleeting decision; it was a monumental journey, a sacrifice. The toll on a woman¡¯s body was immense¡ªnot just the strain of carrying a child for months, but the risks, theplications, the sheer ordeal of childbirth. And even after that, there were thesting changes, the struggles with recovery, postpartum depression, and everything else that came with it. His lips brushed against her ear as he murmured, ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to imagine the weight of what you were prepared to endure¡ªfor me, for us.¡± . . . Chapter 624 ?Chapter 624: Even if the pregnancy itself had turned out to be a misunderstanding, her willingness, her intention, had been real. Turning slightly, he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her cheek. ¡°Hadley,¡± he whispered, his voiceced with quiet resolve. ¡°Thank you. I swear to you¡ªI¡¯ll treat you well. I won¡¯t let you down.¡± Hadley remained in his arms, her lips parting slightly, but still no words came. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Compared to the shock of the false pregnancy, Eric¡¯s words in this moment struck Hadley just as deeply¡ªperhaps even more so. Was he truly speaking from the heart? She didn¡¯t care whether he would eventually let her down; she had long since outgrown the illusion of love conquering all. What mattered now was something far more significant¡ªhad he truly epted the possibility of a child between them? She didn¡¯t need his love. She only needed him to love their child. But could she trust him with that? ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Flynn? Here are the prescriptions.¡± Eric¡¯s subordinate returned, carrying the prescribed medication. Without missing a beat, Eric took the medicine and turned back to Hadley. His voice was firm yet gentle. ¡°Please,e back to Silver Vis with me. Your shoulder needs proper care.¡± Hadley hesitated, but he pressed on. ¡°Besides, you can¡¯t expect to get proper care in a small ce with someone who has a child. What if they identally bump into you?¡± More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m What choice did she have? Life had a cruel sense of humor, weaving their fates together again and again, ensuring she remained tangled with this man, no matter how much she tried to escape. ¡°Okay.¡± With a quiet sigh of resignation, Hadley gave a small nod. That night, in a dimly lit study, Quentin stepped forward, his expression carefullyposed as he delivered his report to Ernest. ¡°Mr. Flynn, good news.¡± He paused for effect before adding, ¡°The child has been found.¡± For Ernest, this was nothing short of extraordinary news! After a brief discussion with Quentin, he gave his instructions without hesitation. ¡°Make arrangements for a house at Lion Bay.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± Quentin responded promptly, already setting the n in motion. Back at Silver Vis, Eric carefullyid Hadley down on the bed, making sure she wasfortable. ¡°Rest for a bit,¡± he murmured. ¡°I¡¯ve already contacted the housekeeper and a nurse¡ªthey¡¯ll be here soon.¡± Hadley nodded lightly. ¡°Okay.¡± She knew he had already sacrificed half his day for her, and his work was waiting. ¡°You should go,¡± she said, not meeting his eyes. She still wasn¡¯t sure how to face him. Eric didn¡¯t argue. ¡°I¡¯ll leave once they arrive,¡± he simply said. ¡°Your forehead¡­¡± Hadley frowned, gesturing toward his head. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you taken care of that?¡± . . . Chapter 625 ?Chapter 625: ¡°Huh? Oh, that!¡± Only then did Eric remember the minor injury, brushing it off with an easy shrug. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch. Nothing to worry about.¡± He grabbed a tissue, dabbing at the blood as if that was enough. Hadley¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°At least disinfect it and put on a Band-Aid.¡± Eric sighed dramatically. ¡°But I can¡¯t see it.¡± Then, with a small smirk, he leaned slightly toward her. ¡°How about you help me out?¡± Hadley hesitated for a moment before exhaling. With a small nod, she agreed. Eric had saved her again today. If not for his relentless pursuit, she might have fallen victim to Astrid¡¯s schemes. With her approval, he eagerly retrieved the first aid kit, as if tending¡­ Tending to his wound suddenly became the most important thing in the world. The cut on his forehead wasn¡¯t deep¡ªjust a quick swab of iodine and a bandage, and it was done. ¡°All set.¡± It barely took a minute. Eric reached up, pressing his fingers lightly against the bandage before shing her an amused grin. ¡°Not bad. You¡¯re pretty good at this.¡± Hadley blinked. Seriously? Sometimes, he was the coldest, most ruthless man she had ever known. Other times, he had the innocence of a child. ???????????? ????¦Ñ???????? ?????n??¦Í???????????? Who was the real Eric Flynn? Before long, the nurse and housekeeper arrived. Eric reluctantly let go of her, his fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary. ¡°I¡¯m heading out. Get some rest, and if you need anything, just tell them. Don¡¯t push yourself.¡± He hesitated before adding, ¡°I¡¯ll probably bete tonight¡ªdon¡¯t wait up for me.¡± ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± Hadley nodded, watching as he finally turned to leave. Because of her shoulder injury, Eric didn¡¯t want Hadley returning to work anytime soon. Hadley, however, quickly reassured him. ¡°The troupe isn¡¯t performing right now. I¡¯m just supervising the trainees¡¯ practice sessions¡ªit really isn¡¯t stressing me.¡± Eric remained unconvinced. ¡°Can you promise me you won¡¯t dance until your shoulder gets better?¡± ¡°I promise.¡± Only then did Eric finally sigh in defeat. ¡°Fine.¡± Personally driving her to the dance studio, he pulled up to a stop, but before she could step out, he reminded her onest time. ¡°Remember what you said¡ªno dancing. I¡¯ll pick you up tonight. If anything happens, you¡¯re staying home tomorrow.¡± Hadley exhaled sharply, feeling smothered. ¡°Can you stop nagging?¡± she huffed, rubbing her temple. ¡°You¡¯re talking my ear off!¡± ¡°Alright, alright. No more nagging.¡± Seeing her frustration, Eric immediately backed down, his lips curving into a helpless smile. Reaching out, he gently caressed her cheek. ¡°I just worry about you, that¡¯s all. No need to get mad at me¡­¡± . . . Chapter 626 ?Chapter 626: Hadley shot him a sharp look. ¡°Eric! Enough already!¡± She raised a fist in mock warning. ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Eric lifted his hands in surrender, then, with a teasing grin, mimed zipping his lips shut. Hadley turned on her heel and jogged toward the building. ¡°Slow down!¡± Eric¡¯s voice followed her,ced with concern. ¡°Doesn¡¯t your stomach still hurt? It¡¯s only the second day! I¡¯ll pick you up tonight¡ªdon¡¯t even think about leaving on your own!¡± The more he talked, the more irritated she became. Since when was he this chatty? Annoyed, she quickened her pace, pretending not to hear him. The dance troupe was bustling with activity today. Since there weren¡¯t any sessions scheduled that morning, Hadley took the opportunity to stretch in the practice room, enjoying a rare moment of quiet¡ªuntil a familiar voice called out. ¡°Hadley!¡± She turned to see Elissa beaming at her from the doorway. But she wasn¡¯t alone. Beside her stood a woman with striking features, someone Hadley hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. ¡°Look who¡¯s here!¡± Elissa announced. Hadley¡¯s breath hitched for a second before recognition clicked. ¡°Alice?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± The woman¡ªAlice Carrillo¡ªgrinned as she hurried forward, pulling Hadley into a warm embrace, exchanging cheek kisses in greeting. To an outsider, they might have seemed like old friends catching up. Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s But the truth was far deeper than that. Hadley and Alice weren¡¯t just friends. They were both survivors. She was the dancer from the¡¯s Red Choreography¡ªthe girl who had been strapped to a bomb alongside Hadley, the one who had carried Hadley¡¯s unconscious body to safety despite the chaos. ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you!¡± Alice said, pulling back slightly, her eyes warm with relief. ¡°Same here!¡± Hadley studied her, curiosity flickering in her gaze. ¡°What brings you to Srixby? Are you here with the troupe?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± Alice nodded. ¡°After everything that happened, we couldn¡¯t perform locally anymore.¡± The Red Choreography¡¯s central hall had been bombed¡ªrebuilding it would take time, a lot of time. Resuming performances in the simply wasn¡¯t an option for now. Alice continued, ¡°The boss arranged a tour, so we¡¯ve been hopping from venue to venue, wherever we can find space.¡± She shed a yful smile, pointing between herself and Hadley. ¡°And since we had ayover in Srixby, I figured I had toe see you.¡± Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, Alice gestured between them dramatically. ¡°So¡­ does this mean we¡¯re officially¡ª¡± ¡°Friends bonded by life and death!¡± Hadley finished with a grin. Aliceughed, delighted. ¡°Yes! Friends bonded by life and death!¡± Hadley made sure to give Alice a warm and genuine wee¡ªafter everything they had been through together, it was the least she could do. Since Alice had a flight to catch in the evening, their time together was limited, so they settled on lunch, with Elissa joining them. With Hadley¡¯s arm still in a sling, they didn¡¯t venture far. Instead, they chose a nearby restaurant, one that served authentic Srixby cuisine, eager to introduce Alice to the local vors. . . . Chapter 627 ?Chapter 627: By noon, the restaurant was buzzing with life. Elissa, being the quickest on her feet, spotted an open window seat and waved them over. ¡°Hadley! Alice! Over here!¡± ¡°Coming!¡± Settling in, the three of them browsed the menu, debating what to order. Hadley nced at Alice, a small furrow of concern on her brow. ¡°Alice, I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ll like the food here. We¡¯ll order some, and if it¡¯s not to your taste, we can always grab a burgerter.¡± Alice waved off the concern with a grin. And when the food finally arrived, she proved it. ¡°Mmm! Delicious, delicious!¡± Hadley and Elissa exchanged amused looks before encouraging her. ¡°Then have some more!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do!¡± Alice, never one to hold back, happily piled more food onto her te as the three of themughed and chatted. But then¡ª ¡°Huh?¡± Alice suddenly paused, her gaze snapping toward the TV screen mounted in the corner of the restaurant. She pointed. ¡°Isn¡¯t that him?¡± ¡°Who?¡± Hadley followed her gaze. On the screen, a financial news segment was ying. And the man currently being featured was¡­ Eric. ¡°Oh!¡± Alice pped her hands, eyes lighting up. ¡°Is this guy famous in Srixby?¡± Explore captivating tales at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o?? ¡°Sort of.¡± Hadley nodded, still puzzled. ¡°Wait¡ªAlice, do you know him?¡± Elissa leaned in, equally curious. ¡°Yeah, Alice, you seem like you know him well.¡± Alice waved a hand dismissively, grinning. ¡°Not really.¡± Then, as if suddenly remembering something, her expression shifted. She turned to Hadley, her tone teasing yet oddly serious. ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t you ask me before about the person who saved you?¡± Hadley stiffened slightly. She had asked. After her rescue, she had pressed Alice for details, desperate to know who had pulled her out of that nightmare. But at the time, Alice was also shaken and had struggled to describe him. She could picture that face in her mind, but it was still elusive. Yet Alice simply didn¡¯t know how to put it into words. In the end, all she could tell Hadley was that it was a young man, incredibly handsome. ¡°Look!¡± Alice¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile as she lifted a finger, pointing at the TV screen. ¡°Isn¡¯t it him?¡± Alice asked, her voice filled with certainty. ¡°Hadley, what¡¯s his name again¡­? Yes! Eric, right? Well, there you have it¡ªhe¡¯s your savior!¡± Hadley froze, her eyes widening in shock. Could it really have been Eric? Elissa, just as stunned, stole a nce at Hadley before voicing the question that was stuck on her lips. ¡°Are you sure, Alice?¡± she asked, her toneced with skepticism. ¡°Could you have mistaken him for someone else?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m totally sure,¡± Alice¡¯s response was firm and unwavering. ¡°A man that handsome? Trust me, he¡¯s not the kind of face you forget.¡± Elissa said nothing more, and Hadley sat in silence, her thoughts spinning. . . . Chapter 628 ?Chapter 628: A feeling stirred in her chest¡ªAlice had to be right. At that time, Eric had been in the. She remembered the injuries he carried back then. But she had never asked. Never cared enough to question them. Now, everything was starting to click into ce. After seeing Alice off at the airport, Hadley and Elissa returned to the dance studio. As they walked through the halls, Elissa let out a deep sigh. ¡°Mr. Flynn is really something. Does he just go around saving people without ever taking credit for it?¡± Hadley exhaled slowly, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say to that.¡± Hadley and Eric had met as children, given their grandmothers¡¯ friendship, and they had also spent years together under the same roof. Yet she couldn¡¯t say she truly knew him. As a child, Eric had been quiet, reserved¡ªdistant. Perhaps it was because they hadn¡¯t spent much time together back then. By the time she was adopted into the Flynn family, he had changed a lot¡ªshort-tempered, unpredictable, a storm that could never quite be tamed. Maybe that was just how people were. Layers uponyers, contradictions upon contradictions. The Eric she had known was ruthless enough to exile her abroad for four years without hesitation, yet at the same time, he was also the man who had risked his own life to save her. Hadley found herself wondering¡ªif she told him the truth now¡­ If she looked him in the eyes and finally said it¡ªthat she had been innocent. That she had never pushed Linda. That there was more to the story. Would he believe her? ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here Could she trust him with the truth? That afternoon, Hadley¡¯s phone buzzed with a message from Eric. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up around 6:30. Dinner at the mansion with Grandma.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± she replied simply. Since she would finish work before five, she took the opportunity to stop by her apartment first. Hadley had no choice but to keep dealing with Eric, but that didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t carve out time to be with Joy. Thankfully, Joy was an easy child¡ªgentle, well-behaved, and never difficult to care for. Spending time with her gave Hadley a rare sense of peace. By the time she returned to the dance studio, she was right on schedule. Exactly five minutester, Eric¡¯s car pulled up outside. He stepped out immediately, reaching for her hand as soon as she approached. ¡°Did I keep you waiting? Sorry, I got caught up in something.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hadley replied as they got into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, Hadley studied him for a moment before speaking. ¡°You were so different as a kid. Quiet, reserved. Not at all like you are now.¡± Eric¡¯s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. His expression didn¡¯t change much, but there was a flicker in his eyes. ¡°Was I?¡± His tone was light, but his smile was faint. ¡°I don¡¯t remember much from back then.¡± Hadley nodded, lost in thought. As a child, her visits to the Flynn Mansion had been rare, usually limited to the times she apanied her grandmother to visit N. ¡°You were always off in your own world¡ªreading or just staring off into space. Even when I was around, you barely acknowledged me.¡± . . . Chapter 629 ?Chapter 629: Eric arched a brow, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°That bad, huh? Sounds like I was a bit of a snob.¡± ¡°You were.¡± Hadley sighed yfully. ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot since then.¡± Eric shrugged casually. ¡°People grow up. You can¡¯t expect them to stay the same forever.¡± Then, ncing sideways at her, he added smoothly, ¡°Haven¡¯t you changed too?¡± Hadley considered that for a moment. He wasn¡¯t wrong. Hadley knew one thing for certain¡ªshe had changed. After everything she had been through, how could she not? And yet, sitting beside Eric now, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that he had changed too. The man beside her wasn¡¯t quite the same as the one she had known four years ago. ¡°Eric¡­¡± Hadley hesitated. ¡°Mm?¡± He nced at her, his tone casual but attentive. ¡°What is it?¡± Hadley opened her mouth, but then faltered. She couldn¡¯t be impulsive. Not yet. She still wasn¡¯t sure about him. And then there was Ernest. The situation between him and Linda was anything but simple. The incident from back then¡ªthe one that had sent her away for four years¡ªwas bound to be far moreplicated than it seemed. Was she really ready to step back into the chaos of the Flynn family? Her thoughts tangled. Hadley exhaled softly. ¡°Just focus on driving.¡± That evening, the Flynn Mansion was unusually lively. Linda had been discharged from the hospital, her leg injuries healing well enough that, as long as she wore pants and avoided any strenuous movement, no one could tell. Adding to the energy, Eric had brought Hadley along¡ªsomething that made N beam with delight. Fresh updates now on g??ln????e??s.c??m ¡°It¡¯s so nice to have everyone together again,¡± she said warmly. ¡°We can finally enjoy a proper family dinner.¡± The meal was pleasant, even lighthearted at times. After dinner, Hadley and Eric carried a tter of fruit toward the living room, nning to enjoy a nice chat over coffee and fruit. But just before they could enter, a sharp voice rang through the air. ¡°Ernest! What is the meaning of this?¡± It was Linda. Her voice wasced with grievance and barely restrained fury. Eric immediately frowned. ¡°What is it now?¡± Hadley cast him a sideways nce. ¡°Have they been arguing often?¡± Eric didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded, his expression grim. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but ever since Ernest recovered, they¡¯ve been fighting constantly.¡± ¡°Ernest?¡± N¡¯s tone was gentle but troubled as she addressed her eldest grandson. ¡°Linda is asking you a question. Please, say something.¡± Ernest met his grandmother¡¯s gaze briefly before shifting his eyes to Linda. His voice remained calm, controlled. ¡°What exactly do you want me to exin? It¡¯s just a new property purchase¡ªwhy is this an issue?¡± Linda let out a sharp scoff. ¡°No issue?¡± She folded her arms, her expression hardening. ¡°Fine. Then tell me¡ªwhy did you even buy a house at Lion Bay? It¡¯s not a new development, there¡¯s no nned demolition or renovation, and yet you invested in it. Are you seriously telling me there¡¯s nothing unusual about that?¡± Hadley observed quietly. Linda¡¯s suspicions weren¡¯t entirely unfounded. However, Ernest remained unfazed, his tone even as he countered, ¡°Then tell me, Linda¡ªwhere exactly do you think the issue lies?¡± His lips curved slightly, though there was no warmth in the expression. . . . Chapter 630 ?Chapter 630: ¡°Do you think I¡¯m hiding someone at Lion Bay?¡± Linda¡¯s mouth opened, but no words came out. Despite her suspicions, she hadn¡¯t found any concrete evidence of that. Taking the silence as an opportunity, N sighed. ¡°Linda, you can¡¯t be so quick to jump to conclusions over every little thing. Rtionships aren¡¯t built on constant suspicion.¡± Linda¡¯s frustration only deepened. She couldn¡¯t exin it, couldn¡¯t prove it, but her gut told her¡ª¡±Something¡¯s wrong. There has to be something wrong!¡± Ernest hadn¡¯t expected Linda to catch onto the purchase so quickly. Quentin was usually thorough, but it seemed Linda¡¯s control over the Flynn family¡¯s internal affairs had grown more extensive than he had realized. ¡°Linda,¡± Ernest exhaled sharply, his patience wearing thin. ¡°What will it take for you to trust me?¡± His voice wasced with exasperation. ¡°You keep stirring up arguments¡ªbig and small. When does it stop?¡± Linda stared at him, stunned by his words. For a moment, something flickered in her gaze¡ªhurt, maybe disappointment. And then, she said it. ¡°Marriage.¡± Silence fell over the room. All eyes turned to Linda, the tension palpable. She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before locking eyes with Ernest. ¡°Ernest, you heard me. Let¡¯s get married¡ªright here, right now!¡± Ernest didn¡¯t respond. ?????????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????? His expression tightened, brows knitting together as his gaze flickered¡ªnot to Linda¡ªbut to Eric, and then to Hadley, as if searching for something he couldn¡¯t quite grasp. ¡°Ernest!¡± Linda¡¯s voice cracked with frustration, raw emotion bleeding into every word. ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question! Why are you hesitating?¡± She stepped forward, her breath uneven, anger and vulnerability colliding in her chest. ¡°Do you even want to marry me?¡± A bitter, humorlessugh slipped past Linda¡¯s lips, sharp as a de. ¡°We should have been married long ago! But instead, I waited. And waited. Four long years, Ernest!¡± A few beats of silence passed before Ernest let out a quiet, helpless sigh. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to.¡± Then, after a moment of contemtion, he gave a small nod. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go with your decision¡­ let¡¯s get married.¡± Linda froze, caught off guard by the words she had been waiting for years to hear. For a moment, she simply stared at Ernest, unsure whether to believe it. Then, her vision blurred as tears welled up and spilled over. Without hesitation, Ernest stepped forward, reaching for her hand. His voice softened as he gently reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t cry¡­ I only have you. No one else.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Linda whispered, her voice fragile, uncertain. ¡°Yes, I swear it.¡± N, watching the exchange, pped her hands together,ughing joyfully. ¡°Wonderful! Now, we finally have a good reason to celebrate!¡± The joy was infectious¡ªnot just for N, but for Eric as well. Later that evening, back at Silver Vis, Eric¡¯s excitement was still impossible to hide. Hadley observed him curiously, arms crossed as she leaned against the couch. ¡°They¡¯re getting married, and you¡¯re this happy?¡± . . . Chapter 631 ?Chapter 631: Eric didn¡¯t hesitate for a second. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m happy!¡± His response was immediate, almost instinctive. ¡°Ernest and Linda grew up together. They¡¯ve always been close¡ªthey promised to be together for life.¡± Hadley studied him, her mind churning with unspoken thoughts. Was that really it? Could someone love another person so deeply that their only happiness came from seeing them happy with someone else? Had Eric truly let go of Linda? Or was he just convincing himself that he had? ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Eric¡¯s voice broke through Hadley¡¯s thoughts before she could hide them. With a teasing smirk, he reached out and flicked her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking again,¡± he said yfully. ¡°How many times have I told you¡ªthere¡¯s nothing between Linda and me? And yet, you still don¡¯t believe me.¡± Hadley wasn¡¯t convinced¡ªnotpletely. But right now, that wasn¡¯t the biggest mystery on her mind. Something about this whole situation felt off. Four years ago, Linda had miscarried, and now there were whispers of Ernest¡¯s infidelity. Could they really put all of that behind them and walk down the aisle? Regardless of her concerns, the wedding proceeded as nned. As the Flynn family¡¯s eldest grandson, Ernest would continue living at the Flynn Mansion even after the wedding. There was no need for a new house¡ªjust a simple rearrangement of his current living quarters. Meanwhile, N insisted that every detail of the wedding¡ªfrom the venue to the dress¡ªbe left entirely to Linda¡¯s preferences. After all, a wedding was meant to be the bride¡¯s day, and above all else, her happiness was the priority. Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï?? But what truly caught Hadley off guard was Linda¡¯s unexpected decision. Instead of working with a renowned designer, she had publicly announced an open call for submissions to design her wedding dress. It was a bold move. In reality, the Flynn family could afford the best designers in the world, and with Linda¡¯s standing in the entertainment industry, securing a luxury brand sponsorship would have been effortless. Yet, she deliberately rejected that option. Instead, Linda turned the entire process into a public spectacleunching an openpetition and vowing to select a design that¡­ truly spoke to her. And just like that, even before the wedding was officially confirmed, news of the grand wedding had spread like wildfire across Srixby. To Hadley, this didn¡¯t feel like a simple bridal decision. This was a statement. A challenge. But to whom? Most likely, the other woman Linda had long suspected Ernest was involved with. At lunch, Hadley and Elissa sat across from each other, catching up over their meal, when Elissa suddenly scoffed, shaking her head. ¡°Ernest Flynn is getting married! And to Linda of all people?¡± There was an unmistakable edge of sarcasm in her tone¡ªunsurprising, given her past run-ins with Linda. Hadley took a sip of her drink before responding casually. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Elissa clicked her tongue. ¡°Well¡­ let¡¯s just say he has very unique taste.¡± ¡°Pfft¡ª¡± Hadley chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°To each their own.¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Elissaughed along, but then leaned in slightly. ¡°By the way, I also submitted a design for thatpetition.¡± Hadley¡¯s brows lifted in surprise. ¡°For the wedding dress?¡± ¡°Yep.¡± Elissa nodded, a yful glint in her eyes. ¡°Why do you look so shocked?¡± Hadley hesitated before realization dawned. Oh¡­ right. She had momentarily forgotten Elissa had studied fashion design. But in the industry, she was still just a small, unknown name. . . . Chapter 632 ?Chapter 632: Hadley frowned slightly, concern flickering in her expression. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid Linda mighte after you?¡± Elissa exhaled and then grinned. ¡°Of course, I am. But so what? I have to take the chance.¡± She pursed her lips, determination shing in her eyes. ¡°This is an opportunity. What if they actually like my design? It could finally get my name out there.¡± Hadley considered that and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true. At the end of the day, it¡¯s about the work. If she really decides to target you, it¡¯s not like you¡¯ll lose anything.¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Elissaughed and then leaned back in her chair with a wistful sigh. ¡°I have to admit, though¡ªLinda is incredibly lucky. The Flynn family¡ªthe most powerful dynasty in Srixby. And Ernest¡­¡± She smirked slightly. ¡°Well, he is quite the looker.¡± Hadley arched a brow. ¡°Hmm? You¡¯ve met him?¡± ¡°Yeah, I have.¡± Elissa shot her a knowing look. ¡°Rememberst time? When you and Eric had that huge argument, and he stormed off to your apartment? Ernest was there too.¡± Then, as if recalling the moment in vivid detail, she added with a touch of admiration, ¡°He even gave me a ride home. And let me tell you¡ªhe¡¯s really handsome. Elegant. Refined. The perfect gentleman.¡± Hadley made another visit to the clinic¡ªthis time, for fertility medication. She had arranged the appointment discreetly through Colleen¡¯s connections. Even now, she couldn¡¯t shake the weight of her previous failure. ¡°Doctor, I followed all your instructions, but¡­ I still didn¡¯t get pregnant.¡± The doctor offered a calm, reassuring smile. ¡°Take it easy. Stress is one of the biggest obstacles to conception. Even with medication, there¡¯s never a guarantee.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Hadley nodded, understanding the logic. But how could she not be anxious? g???????¦Í??????.??????, original website The doctor studied her for a moment before asking, ¡°Do you want to continue the medication?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The doctor, unaware of the deeperplexities of Hadley¡¯s situation, offered some gentle advice. ¡°You¡¯re still young. There¡¯s no need to put so much pressure on yourself. You shouldn¡¯t rely on this medication too frequently. Ites with risks¡ªthere can be side effects.¡± Hadley already knew that. Colleen had warned her as well. But she had no other choice. She forced a small smile. ¡°I understand. Thank you for your concern¡ªI appreciate it.¡± The doctor sighed but didn¡¯t push further, writing the prescription. ¡°If you experience nausea or dizziness, make sure to get some rest.¡± ¡°I will. Thank you, doctor.¡± That evening, when Eric returned to Silver Vis, Hadley was waiting for him¡ªthis time with a bright, weing smile. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± she purred. Before he could respond, she moved in, slipping her arms around his waist and pressing herself close to him. Eric took it as an invitation. His fingers found her waist, his other hand tilting her chin up as he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a deep, searing kiss. The moment ignited too quickly, spiraling out of control before either of them could stop it. But even in the heat of the moment, Eric didn¡¯t forget to ask. ¡°Are you sure? Can we really do this?¡± . . . Chapter 633 ?Chapter 633: Hadley met his gaze and nodded without hesitation. ¡°Yes.¡± And with that, they headed upstairs¡­ That night, Hadley was different. There was an urgency in her, a fire that hadn¡¯t been there before. She was more passionate than ever, her touch unrestrained, her body responding to him in ways that sent Eric spiraling into bliss. Yet, curiosity flickered in his eyes as he whispered, ¡°Did something happen today?¡± Hadley stretchedzily in his arms. ¡°What do you mean?¡± she murmured, feigning innocence. Eric let out a low chuckle, burying his face against her neck. ¡°Come on, Hadley. It¡¯s been a while. You missed me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hadley closed her eyes, refusing to answer. But Eric only tightened his hold on her, his voice dipping lower, softer. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it¡ªI already know.¡± He tilted her chin, brushing his lips against her temple. ¡°Hadley, you like me a little, don¡¯t you?¡± Hadley froze. What led him to that conclusion? Yet Eric continued, utterly pleased with himself. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how happy this makes me!¡± After all, wasn¡¯t itmonly said that women were different from men when it came to sex? If a woman didn¡¯t like a man, she wouldn¡¯t initiate intimacy, right? That logic made perfect sense to him. And the more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. ¡°Earlier, you nearly devoured me!¡± He chuckled, his voice teasing. g?????0¦Í??????.??????; ???????????? ???????? Wasn¡¯t that proof enough that she liked him? Hadley had no idea what was running through his mind. If she did, she would have immediately corrected him¡ªwomen could initiate things even without liking a man. For instance¡­ when they were desperate to conceive. Later, in the bathroom, Hadley took the initiative again. Eric¡¯s gaze darkened slightly, flickering with something unspoken. Why wouldn¡¯t she just admit that she liked him? The next morning, at breakfast, Hadley sat across from Eric, casually peeling a hard-boiled egg. She removed the yolk and pushed it toward him. She never ate egg yolks, and he had gotten used to it by now. Without hesitation, Eric took the offering and ate it. After swallowing, he wiped his mouth and nced at her. ¡°You¡¯re off this weekend, right?¡± Hadley nodded. ¡°Right.¡± The dance troupe was on a short break, and weekends were usually free. Eric leaned back slightly, lips curving into a small smirk. ¡°Then let¡¯s spend it together! We haven¡¯t gone out on a date in a while!¡± A date? Hadley was surprised by the seriousness in his voice. ¡°Is there a reason for this?¡± Eric¡¯s smile held a hint of secrecy as he evaded her question. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± All this secrecy? Hadley thought for a moment, then dismissed her own birthday, which had already passed, and his, which was still ahead. After carrying feelings for him for so many years, she remembered his birthday clearly. Could it be an anniversary? Yet, what anniversary could there possibly be for them, given they were now separated? . . . Chapter 634 ?Chapter 634: Baffled, she resolved to find out directly from him when the asion arose. On Saturday morning, after dropping Hadley at the dance studio, Eric reminded her, ¡°Remember our date tonight. I¡¯ll be there to pick you up.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Hadley responded, fighting the impulse to roll her eyes. How often would he repeat himself? Yet, with each reminder, her curiosity deepened. What was so critical about this day? Later that afternoon, as Hadley was getting dressed, her phone buzzed. It was Melba, sounding panicked. ¡°Hadley! Are you free to leave right now? It¡¯s urgent¡ªJoy is really sick!¡± What? A wave of concern washed over Hadley. ¡°What¡¯s happened to Joy? Where are you now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea¡­¡± Tears clouded Hadley¡¯s eyes momentarily. ¡°I¡¯m calling an ambnce. We¡¯ll meet at the hospital, okay?¡± ¡°Alright!¡± After hanging up, Hadley quickly finished changing and dashed to the hospital. Arriving directly from the dance studio, she reached the emergency center before the ambnce, anxiously awaiting its arrival. As the ambnce pulled up, Melba emerged, cradling Joy in her arms. ¡°Joy!¡± Hadley approached quickly and gently received Joy from Melba. She hid her worry, maintaining a calm demeanor for Joy¡¯s sake. Children often mirror their parents¡¯ emotions, and a mother¡¯s fear could easily make a child uneasy. ?????????????? ???????????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°Mommy,¡± Joy whispered, nestling closer in her mother¡¯s arms, her eyes glistening with tears. ¡°I feel sick.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby. Mommy¡¯s here.¡± Hadley softly caressed her daughter¡¯s moist cheek. ¡°Hang in there, love. The doctor will make you feel better soon.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Joy¡¯s sniffles were muffled as she clung tighter to her mother. ¡°Just let the doctor check you, okay, Joy?¡± The doctor, after a thorough check-up, diagnosed Joy with acute gastroenteritis. Considering Joy¡¯s other health concerns, they decided to keep her in the hospital for close monitoring. With the hospitalization process underway, Hadley reached out to Colden. As Joy¡¯s regr physician, he was deeply familiar with her medical history. Colden was off duty that evening, but he arrived promptly after receiving Hadley¡¯s urgent call. After checking on Joy, he confirmed the initial diagnosis. ¡°She has acute gastroenteritis. Given her delicate condition, staying in the hospital is the best course.¡± ¡°Thank you, Dr. Torres.¡± A wave of relief washed over Hadley as she expressed her gratitude. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡± With a reassuring smile, Colden responded, ¡°Not a problem. You did the right thing. Always call me right away if it¡¯s about Joy.¡± He paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°She¡¯s stable for now. Continue with her usual treatments and check-ups. Don¡¯t hesitate to call if you need anything.¡± ¡°Thanks so much.¡± After bidding Colden goodbye, Hadley settled in beside Joy. Joy, still teary-eyed with a raspy voice, looked up at her mother. . . . Chapter 635 ?Chapter 635: ¡°Mommy, are you going to leave?¡± Her bravery was evident as she added softly, ¡°Mommy, it¡¯s okay. I can stay by myself here.¡± Hadley¡¯s heart clenched at those words, and a wave of sorrow welled up inside her. Wiping away her tears, she embraced Joy tightly. ¡°Mommy¡¯s here to stay. I won¡¯t go anywhere, okay?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Hope lit up Joy¡¯s teary face. ¡°Really, Mommy?¡± Yet, she hesitated, her small voice filled with concern. ¡°But Mommy, won¡¯t you have other things to take care of?¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± Cradling her daughter closely, Hadley reassured her in a gentle tone, ¡°There¡¯s nothing more important than this moment with you.¡± ¡°Hehe. Alright!¡± Joy¡¯s spirits finally lifted, and she nestledfortably against her mother. Meanwhile, Eric was persistently trying to reach Hadley by phone. He arrived at the dance studio at six, just as they had nned, only to find her phone off and no replies to his messages. What could have happened? Eric¡¯s forehead creased in confusion. At that moment, he noticed Elissa exiting the building. ¡°Elissa!¡± he called out, stopping her in her tracks. ¡°Excuse me, have you seen Hadley?¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Elissa appeared taken aback. ¡°Oh, she left almost an hour ago.¡± She already left? L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov?ls.????m A shadow fell over Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Do you know where she might have gone?¡± ¡°No idea. She didn¡¯t mention anything,¡± Elissa replied, shaking her head. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± As Elissa walked away, Eric¡¯s concern deepened. Hadley had left already? But where to? Was there an emergency? Her phone seemed to be off. If something urgent hade up, surely she would have informed him. He nced at his watch, his expression darkening¡­ Had she perhaps forgotten about their date tonight? Worry clouding his thoughts, Eric tried calling Hadley¡¯s number once more. As expected, he got no response. Trying to keep hisposure, he texted her again. ¡°Where are you? Is everything okay? Do you need me toe and get you?¡± Still, no reply came. As night fell, Eric remained in his car, checking his phone repeatedly for any sign of a call or message. He was so frustrated that he instinctively reached for a cigarette. Instead, his hand found a box of candies¡ªHadley had convinced him to quit smoking. With a sigh of irritation, he unwrapped a candy and put it in his mouth. Mouth full of candy, Eric instantly regretted it as the sweetness overwhelmed him. So, what could have possibly taken Hadley away tonight? Here he was, enduring these candies for her sake, yet she was nowhere to be seen. As minutes turned to hours, Eric¡¯s frustration gradually shifted to concern. Recalling a past incident where Hadley had a scary encounter with a cab driver, and another where she was kidnapped, he couldn¡¯t help but fear the worst. . . . Chapter 636 ?Chapter 636: He dialed her number over and over, growing more anxious with each attempt. Still, her phone remained unanswered. ¡°Hadley! Please pick up the phone!¡± Concern etched deeply into Eric¡¯s expression. If he didn¡¯t hear from her soon, contacting the police seemed inevitable. At the hospital, Joy was now sound asleep, having taken her medication. Melba whispered, ¡°You look worn out. You haven¡¯t eaten anything since you got here. I¡¯ll stay with Joy; you should grab some food.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley agreed and grabbed her bag from the bedside table. As she checked her phone, shock overtook her¡ª97 missed calls and more than 99 unread messages! All were from Eric! Oh no! She gasped in horror, suddenly recalling their nned date for tonight. ¡°Melba, can you look after Joy for a bit? I need to handle something urgent!¡± ¡°Sure, go on.¡± Hadley hurried out and dialed Eric¡¯s number. He picked up instantly, his voice a mix of annoyance and worry. ¡°Hadley? Is that you? Where have you been? Is everything alright?¡± Caught off guard by his evident concern, Hadley paused before replying, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡± Relief washed over Eric upon hearing her voice, easing the stress that had built up. But soon, his feelings shifted to disappointment and frustration. ¡°Why weren¡¯t you here? Was there something¡ªor someone¡ªmore important than our date?¡± What could be more important than our time together¡­? g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s hosts great fiction Of course, Hadley knew that Joy meant more to her than Eric ever could. How could he evenpare? But that wasn¡¯t something she could say out loud. She took a steadying breath, gripping her phone. ¡°Where are you?¡± Pressing her lips together, she tried to soothe him. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in person, okay?¡± On the other end of the line, Eric let out a low, self-mocking chuckle. ¡°Where am I?¡± he echoed, his toneced with bitterness. ¡°Take a guess.¡± Hadley exhaled softly. She didn¡¯t need to guess¡ªthey had already agreed he¡¯d pick her up from the dance studio. ¡°I understand.¡± Her brows furrowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯ming over now. Just wait for me, alright?¡± But Eric didn¡¯t reply. The call ended in silence. Without wasting another second, Hadley grabbed her things and rushed to the studio. The moment Hadley arrived, her eyes immediately found Eric¡¯s car parked by the curb. She hurried over, reaching for the passenger door¡ªit wasn¡¯t locked. Without hesitation, she slipped inside. The warm air from the heater wrapped around her. Hadley took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself for what was toe. ¡°Speak.¡± Eric¡¯s voice cut through the silence, low and sharp. Turning his head, he fixed his piercing gaze on her. ¡°Where were you? And why?¡± Hadley faltered, still piecing together how to exin. ¡°Something came up unexpectedly.¡± ¡°What kind of thing?¡± His voice darkened, his frustration evident. ¡°That can¡¯t possibly be your exnation!¡± Hadley hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°It was my housemate¡­ she needed something.¡± . . . Chapter 637 ?Chapter 637: ¡°Seriously?¡± Eric¡¯s disbelief turned colder, sharper. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± A sharp scoff escaped Eric, his disbelief turning into something colder, sharper. ¡°I waited for you all night, Hadley,¡± he said, his voice edged with restrained anger. ¡°And you ditched me¡ªfor a housemate?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley lowered her gaze, her fingers curling slightly in herp. She knew she had let him down. She had broken their ns, and he had every right to be upset. And yet¡ªshe couldn¡¯t risk pushing him too far right now. So instead, she softened her voice, reaching for whatever fragile truce she could manage. Hadley inhaled deeply, steadying herself before meeting Eric¡¯s gaze. Her voice was quiet but sincere. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not showing up. It was my fault¡­ I¡ª¡± ¡°Save it,¡± Eric¡¯s voice sliced through her apology, sharp with frustration. ¡°Just tell me the truth, Hadley,¡± he pressed, his eyes fixed on her, unrelenting. ¡°What was so important that you blew me off? That you couldn¡¯t even pick up the damn phone?¡± Hadley¡¯s fingers clenched in herp. She averted her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t tell me?¡± Eric snapped. ¡°What kind of answer is that?¡± Something inside Eric snapped. His fingers instinctively tightened around her shoulders, not in anger, but in sheer frustration. ¡°What am I to you, Hadley?¡± His voice was rough, unsteady¡ªa storm barely contained. ¡°You disappear on me, ignore me all night¡ªand I don¡¯t even deserve a real answer? Do you have any idea¡ªdo you even know¡ª¡± How he had spent thest agonizing hours? Caught between the gut-wrenching fear that something had happened to her and the fury that she hadpletely disregarded their ns. Torn between worrying about her safety and resenting her silence. And now, after all that, she was refusing to even tell him why? ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m your boyfriend. Do I mean nothing to you?¡± His voice dropped, raw with disappointment. ¡°Do my feelings not matter to you at all?¡± For a moment, she said nothing. Then, in barely more than a whisper, she murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was my fault.¡± That was it? That was all? Eric¡¯s lips curled into a cold, humorless chuckle¡ªa hollow sound that carried no amusement, only resignation. His expression shifted, his gaze hardening as if something inside him had finally given up. ¡°Do whatever you want.¡± Eric released his grip on Hadley, his hands shifting to the steering wheel as he restarted the car. As the vehicle rolled forward, his voice finally broke the heavy silence. ¡°Are youing with me?¡± Hadley, momentarily caught off guard, blinked before nodding quickly. ¡°Of course.¡± But even as she answered, she couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling curling in her chest. His tone was detached. His expression¡ªcold, unreadable. He was really angry. The drive back to Silver Vis was silent. Eric didn¡¯t look at her. Didn¡¯t speak. It was as if she wasn¡¯t even there. When they arrived, he parked the car and got out, walking straight inside¡ªupstairs, without a single nce back. Hadley sighed softly and then followed. Upstairs, she expected him to head for the bedroom, but he didn¡¯t. Instead, he went straight to the study. She hesitated before following, stopping outside the door. Raising a hand, she knocked gently. ¡°Eric?¡± . . . Chapter 638 ?Chapter 638: Silence. Hadley swallowed, knocking again. ¡°Eric, I know I messed up tonight. Please don¡¯t shut me out¡ªopen the door, okay?¡± Still, no response. ¡°Eric?¡± Knock! Knock! Inside, Eric stood by the liquor cab. He reached for a bottle of whiskey, twisting off the cap with a practiced motion before pulling open the bottom drawer. From inside, he retrieved a pack of cigarettes. Lighting one, he inhaled deeply, the burn of nicotine and alcohol settling into his system like an old habit. Hadley had always nagged him about quitting drinking and smoking. But why should he bother changing himself for someone who couldn¡¯t even be honest with him? She didn¡¯t care. So why should he? Just as he took another drag, he suddenly froze. Had he imagined it? No¡­ he hadn¡¯t. The hallway outside had gonepletely silent. Had she left? Just like that? So soon? Was that all the patience she had for him? ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s breath came out ragged, frustration and anger tightening in his chest. With a sharp motion, he yanked off his tie and tossed it aside, grabbed the bottle of whiskey, and then took a long, burning drink. The silence outside stretched. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven With a heavy sigh, Eric sank onto the sofa, rubbing his temples as his head pounded. What was she doing? Had she already gone to bed? Ha! What a heartless woman! He had done everything for her. Was it all for nothing? So much to ask for even the smallest effort in return? Just as he was about to take another swig, he suddenly heard a noise outside the door. It wasn¡¯t knocking. It was the sound of metal scraping against the lock. Frowning, he stilled, listening. Someone was trying different keys. Another click. Another failure. Then, finally¡ªA soft click. The lock gave way. ¡°This is the one!¡± Hadley¡¯s voice muttered from the other side, satisfied with her discovery. Before she even stepped inside, a sharp wave of alcohol and nicotine hit her. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Hadley strode inside, her eyes immediatelynding on the whiskey bottle on the table and the ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts. How much had he already downed? And more importantly¡ªwhy the hell was he drinking and smoking again? The air was thick with smoke and alcohol, suffocating, almost dizzying. Hadley¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. Without a word, she strode over to the window, jerking the curtains aside and pushing it open, letting the crisp night air cut through the heavy fumes. Upon turning back, her gazended on Eric, who was still raising the cigarette to his lips,pletely unfazed. Hadley marched forward, plucked the cigarette from his fingers, and crushed it into the ashtray without hesitation. ¡°Tsk.¡± . . . Chapter 639 ?Chapter 639: Eric¡¯s brows twitched in displeasure, but he didn¡¯t object. Hadley exhaled sharply, and then finally spoke. ¡°Is this it now? Just whiskey and cigarettes? Do you even care about your health?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Eric tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a mocking smirk. ¡°What¡¯s this? You worried about me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She didn¡¯t hesitate. Eric let out a short, humorlessugh, his exhale sending a thin trail of smoke curling into the air. ¡°Now, that¡¯s interesting.¡± His smirk deepened, eyes glinting with something unreadable. ¡°You? Worried about me? Weren¡¯t you the one who didn¡¯t give a damn?¡± ¡°I, uh¡­¡± Before she could even process a response, his hands suddenly gripped her waist, yanking her onto hisp. A small gasp escaped Hadley¡¯s lips as she found herself pressed against his chest. ¡°Hadley¡­ tell me the truth.¡± His voice was low, rough around the edges. ¡°Do you even like me? Yes or no?¡± Her pulse hammered against her ribs. What was she supposed to say? What answer was he looking for? Something told her he wanted her to say yes. That he needed to hear it. But she couldn¡¯t. ¡°Say something.¡± His fingers traced slow circles against her waist, his touch gentle but insistent. But instead of leaning into him, her body stiffened. Her eyes darted away. And that was when Eric knew. Something inside him hollowed out, went cold. His hand stilled against her waist. ¡°I get it.¡± Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????? For a moment, he just sat there, his expression unreadable. Then, with a hollow chuckle, he leaned back. ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t.¡± His lips curled¡ªnot in amusement, but in something far more self-deprecating. ¡°I should¡¯ve known better. This whole time, it was just me, wasn¡¯t it? I was the one holding on to something that was never there.¡± And just like that¡ªhe let go. His voice was quieter now, almost resigned. ¡°Go on. I won¡¯t stop you again.¡± What could this possibly mean? Hadley¡¯s gaze lingered on Eric, trying to decipher if he was suggesting they break up. A wave of panic washed over her. She said cautiously, ¡°Eric¡­¡± ¡°Leave!¡± There was a touch of sorrow in Eric¡¯s eyes as he dismissed her with a tired gesture. ¡°Go, quickly. Leave before I reconsider. Just go!¡± Stunned, Hadley froze. ¡°Go!¡± Eric¡¯s voice rose sharply, jolting her. Her shoulders shook as she frowned, hesitated briefly, and then turned to leave. Her footsteps echoed away, and the study door clicked shut behind her. Eric¡¯s expression sharpened as he rose and made his way to the liquor cab. The burn of the strong alcohol felt stark as he swallowed, pondering if anyone remembered what day it was. It was his birthday¡ªnot the public figure Eric Flynn¡¯s, but his, alone. It seemed no one remembered anymore. In earlier times, Linda would have stealthily presented him with gifts and celebrated with him. . . . Chapter 640 Chapter 640: Those days had faded into silence¡­ Tonight, all he desired was to celebrate his birthday with someone special, but even that modest hope seemed out of reach. And the very person he cared for, he had sent away. Hadley was gone, wasn¡¯t she? It was bound to happen. After all, her staying had always felt forced. The night was deep and dark outside. Could she possibly be safe? Eric was filled with regret. Sending her away at such an hour was a mistake. Mistake; he should have at least waited until morning. He reached for his phone, intent on calling her. Unlocking the screen, he hesitated before shutting it off. Fear crept into his heart¡­ Knock, knock. Someone was at the study door again. Eric¡¯s head snapped up as the door swung open¡ªit was Hadley! She hadn¡¯t left? His expression unreadable, he watched her approach. He bit down on his tongue, pain shooting through him. This was indeed reality. ¡°Hey,¡± she murmured as she drew nearer, her sigh soft in the quiet. Hadley reached for his hand, her eyshes casting delicate shadows as she said gently, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t drink on an empty stomach. It¡¯ste, have you eaten? I¡¯ve made some pasta. Would you like to join me?¡± Eric¡¯s eyes darted to their entwined arms, and he swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Dive into the story world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s?c?m She hadn¡¯t left. Instead, she had prepared a meal for him? However, her next words were resolute. ¡°I actually don¡¯t like pasta.¡± For a moment, Hadley was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him seemed an impossible task. Nheless, she persisted, saying, ¡°I prepared everything myself¡ªit¡¯s not like the ones at restaurants. Why not try it?¡± Eric merely raised an eyebrow, nomittal. ¡°Come on,¡± she said, linking her arm with his and pulling him toward the door. ¡°I bet you¡¯ll find the pasta I made exceptionally tasty. There¡¯s also some soup.¡± Eric remained silent as Hadley guided him to the staircase. Arriving at the dining table, two tes of pasta were neatly arranged¡ªone noticeablyrger than the other. Therger te was set before him, while the smaller portion awaited her. She was cautious about her diet, particrly avoidingte meals. Eric¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°You haven¡¯t had dinner yet?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley confirmed with a slight shake of her head. ¡°Tsk.¡± With a click of his tongue, Eric couldn¡¯t resist a sarcastic remark. ¡°Was your housemate too stingy to offer you a meal?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t go there to eat,¡± she replied calmly. Handing him a fork and spoon, Hadley then scooped up some broth and brought it toward his lips, coaxing, ¡°Try the soup first.¡± Eric eyed the spoon warily, pausing momentarily before relenting and opening his mouth. . . .
Message from Noah: Have a great week dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ? . The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 641 ?Chapter 641: Hadley¡¯s face lit up with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling as she asked, ¡°Do you like it?¡± Eric felt a tickle in his throat and gave a slight nod. ¡°Mm.¡± ¡°Try some of the pasta too.¡± With a deft motion, she twirled a forkful of pasta. ¡°I¡¯ve really outdone myself with this.¡± Without hesitation, Eric opened his mouth to ept the forkful. ¡°Hehe.¡± Hadley¡¯s grin widened, her eyes twinkling with delight. ¡°Good, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Eric nodded, impressed by the pasta¡¯s perfect texture. His curiosity piqued, he asked, ¡°Where did you pick up such cooking skills?¡± Originally from the privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley had never needed to handle kitchen duties. Reflecting on her past, Hadley recalled the challenging times in the that had honed her culinary skills. Yet, she replied cheerily, ¡°Oh, my grandmother taught me when I was very young.¡± ¡°Your grandmother did well,¡± Eric said. ¡°She taught you valuable life skills.¡± He took the fork from her hand, gesturing toward her te. ¡°Let me handle this. You eat too. It¡¯s not as good when it gets cold.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± A quiet spell followed as they both focused on their meals. Eric managed to finish his portion quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant demeanor throughout. ¡°Done eating?¡± Hadley nced at him. ¡°Yes.¡± Eric confirmed, using a napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly in his chair. Hadley¡¯s brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Was that enough for you?¡± Unfortunately, that was all she had prepared; there wasn¡¯t any more food. ¡°Should I make something else for you?¡± She paused, fork in hand, ready to rise from her seat. ¡°No need for that.¡± Eric stopped her, gently grasping her wrist. ¡°Finish your meal. I¡¯m pretty much full.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Resuming her seat, Hadley continued with her meal, but she could feel Eric¡¯s eyes on her, which cast an ufortable shadow over their dinner. She had decided to stay despite his earlier request for her to leave, even going as far as making pasta in an attempt to appease him. Now, with the meal over, they were back where they started¡­ Would he send her away again? How would she handle it if he did? ¡°Hadley.¡± Startled by her name, Hadley jerked her head up, nervously biting her lip. ¡°I haven¡¯t finished eating yet.¡± Really? Eric peered at her nearly empty te. It was an obvious fabrication. What was her angle? Staring out the window, he drummed his fingers on the table, muttering thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s getting quitete¡­¡± The unfinished sentiment made Hadley¡¯s pulse quicken. Was this the moment he would tell her to leave? She abruptly rose, starting to clear the table, feigning ignorance of his implication. ¡°Indeed, it iste. You should think about heading to bed.¡± Eric watched silently from his chair as she bustled about, gathering the dishes and taking them to the kitchen. . . . Chapter 642 ?Chapter 642: He got up and followed her. Inside the kitchen, Hadley loaded the dishwasher and reached for the detergent. ¡°Stop.¡± Eric¡¯s voice was a soft exhale as he grasped her wrist, his expression troubled. ¡°Do you realize what you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Caught off guard, Hadley responded, ¡°Just washing up.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± His eyes locked onto hers intensely. ¡°You know what I¡¯m really asking.¡± He inhaled sharply before questioning once more, ¡°Do you truly understand your actions?¡± Lightly nibbling on her lip, Hadley gave a slight nod. Narrowing his gaze, Eric drew her close into his arms, his other hand gently lifting her chin. ¡°Kiss me. If you truly understand, do it now.¡± Eric¡¯s gaze was unwavering, filled with a quiet resolve that left no room for retreat. He was gambling now¡ªtesting the waters, searching for any sign that this woman felt something for him. Did Hadley even have a choice? Her clear eyes met his for a moment, unreadable. Then, ever so slightly, she nodded. Rising onto her tiptoes, she whispered against his lips, ¡°Okay.¡± Her mouth brushed against his¡ªa kiss so soft, so fleeting, that it barely lingered before pulling away. But that single touch was all it took. Desire coiled instantly in Eric¡¯s chest. Before she could step back, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her in, pressing her close. His lips found hers again¡ªbut this time, there was nothing hesitant about it. Then, his mouth parted against hers. ¡°Mmm.¡± Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? This wasn¡¯t just a kiss. It was a im. A bite. A warning. Hadley winced, a sharp sting pulling her out of the moment. Her brows furrowed as she whispered, ¡°Eric, that hurt.¡± ¡°Did it?¡± Eric¡¯s breath was heavy as he pulled back, his hands still cradling her head. His gaze flickered over her face before settling on her now-swollen lips. Regret crossed his features. Lifting a hand, he traced her lips gently, his touch a stark contrast to the roughness of the kiss moments before. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He had lost control. His forehead pressed against hers, his palms framing her cheeks. His voice, low and husky, carried both tenderness and a dangerous edge¡­ ¡ªMuch like his own contradictions. ¡°You kissed me, Hadley. There¡¯s no escaping now.¡± Before she could react, his lips captured hers again. ¡°I gave you a choice once, and you chose to stay.¡± His voice was low, his breath warm against her skin¡ªa quiet promise, a firmmand. ¡°There¡¯s no chance for regrets now!¡± Hadley leaned into him, her fingers tightening around his shirt as she shook her head. ¡°I never nned to regret it.¡± Just that one sentence¡ªsimple, unadorned¡ªmeant more to Eric than any confession, more than a thousand sweet words or empty reassurances. His heart, which had plummeted with disappointment earlier, soared. A slow smirk curled his lips as his thumb brushed her cheek. ¡°Alright then, since you seem sincere, I¡¯ll let you off the hook for tonight.¡± . . . Chapter 643 ?Chapter 643: Hadley chuckled. ¡°Thank you, ah¡ª!¡± Before she could finish, Eric suddenly lifted her off the floor, her toes barely grazing his feet. Her eyes widened, but his expression remained serious. ¡°Be serious. I¡¯m talking business.¡± ¡°Oh. Of course. Business.¡± Hadley bit back augh, clinging to his shoulders before mimicking his stern expression. Eric arched a brow, clearly enjoying this. ¡°Like I said, I gave you the choice to leave, but you chose to stay.¡± His voice was steady, sure. ¡°This time, it wasn¡¯t me forcing you¡ªit was your decision. Right?¡± Hadley exhaled softly, seeing no point in denying it. ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded. Eric¡¯s mood shifted, the weight of his frustration lifting just a little. ¡°If you really didn¡¯t want to be here, Hadley, you wouldn¡¯t be.¡± His voice was lighter now, teasing but certain. ¡°Admit it¡ªbeing with me wasn¡¯t entirely against your will.¡± After all, she had the perfect opportunity to walk away tonight¡­ and she hadn¡¯t. Yet, she stayed. But still, he knew¡ªher feelings for him weren¡¯t deep enough. Not yet. Not enough to make her choose him without hesitation. The fact that someone else¡ªjust a housemate¡ªcould pull her away so easily. That was the part that stung. But whatever. A real man didn¡¯t get petty over such things. ¡°Hadley.¡± Instead, he smirked and pulled her close, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll make you fall for me, Hadley¡ªmore than you already have. More than you¡¯re willing to admit.¡± His gaze locked onto hers, the usual turbulence in his dark eyes reced by something rare¡ªconviction. A quiet certainty that cut through all the unspoken doubts between them. ???????? ???????? ???? ??????????????: g?????????¦Í???????????? ¡°Do you trust me?¡± For just a fleeting moment, her heart stammered. A warmth she wasn¡¯t prepared for. But Hadley masked it effortlessly, the corners of her lips curving into a smile. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll just have to wait and see.¡± Neither a yes nor a no¡ªa challenge in disguise. That night, as distance melted and the walls between them crumbled, the lines of their rtionship fell back on track. The next day¡­ Hadley stirred awake, blinking against the soft daylight streaming through the curtains. The clock read almost eleven. Carefully, she moved Eric¡¯s arm off her waist and slipped out of bed. After a quick shower, she emerged wrapped in a towel, running a brush through her damp hair in front of the mirror. Behind her, she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening. Eric had woken up too. Still toweling off his hair, he walked past her, but then suddenly turned. ¡°Oh, right. I have something for you.¡± Before she could respond, he left the room. Hadley frowned slightly. Where was he going? Yesterday, in a surge of frustration, Eric had tossed something into the backseat and left it there¡ªforgotten in the heat of the moment. A few minutester, he returned, holding a small box. cing it on the dressing table, he nodded toward her. ¡°Go on¡ªopen it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Hadley hesitated but set her brush down and lifted the lid. . . . Chapter 644 ?Chapter 644: Inside, nestled in velvet, was a sleek, elegant wristwatch. The design felt strangely familiar. She furrowed her brows, trying to ce where she had seen it before. Eric smirked knowingly. ¡°Looks familiar?¡± Before she could answer, he plucked the watch from the box, gently taking her left wrist and fastening the strap. ¡°Perfect fit.¡± His voice was smooth, satisfied. ¡°Your wrist is so slender, and the strap sits just right. The colorplements your skin tone too.¡± Hadley frowned, pulling her wrist back slightly. ¡°Eric, this is too expensive.¡± ¡°Expensive?¡± He arched a brow. ¡°It¡¯s just a watch.¡± Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he added, ¡°Besides, it¡¯s a pair¡ªwith mine.¡± Realization dawned on her. That was why it looked familiar¡ªhe had the exact same one. Only his was slightlyrger¡ªthe men¡¯s version. Eric chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be ready so soon, but since they had mine as a reference, they basically just replicated it.¡± Indeed, a bespoke timepiece. One of only two in the world. Suddenly, Hadley felt the weight of the watch on her wrist. It was too much¡ªtoo extravagant, too valuable. She hesitated, fingers brushing over the sleek surface. ¡°Maybe I should just put it away.¡± Her voice was light, but there was a tinge of unease. ¡°It¡¯s too precious. If I scratch it or¡ªworse¡ªlose it, wouldn¡¯t that be a shame?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Before she could take it off, Eric caught her hand, holding it firmly in ce. ¡°Scratches can be fixed. And losing it?¡± He smirked, shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± His fingers traced the strap as he spoke. ¡°Each watch has a unique serial number¡ªlike DNA. As long as that number exists, it can always be found.¡± His voice dipped lower, coaxing. ¡°So just wear it.¡± Find the best stories now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m Lifting her wrist, he brought it close to her ear. ¡°Listen.¡± Eric¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°We¡¯re wearing the same watch, Hadley. It¡¯s like we¡¯re always connected, no matter where we are.¡± Hadley stilled. Her breath caught, her heart skipping a beat. What a beautiful sentiment! After tidying up, Hadley and Eric made their way downstairs for breakfast. Halfway through the meal, Eric¡¯s phone buzzed. Seeing N¡¯s name on the screen, he answered immediately. ¡°Yes, Grandma. Got it. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve remembered everything.¡± After hanging up, he casually nced at Hadley¡¯s te and, as usual, reached over to take the egg yolk she hadn¡¯t eaten. ¡°We¡¯re heading back this afternoon,¡± he said, popping the yolk into his mouth and speaking between bites. ¡°Grandma wants to discuss details about my brother¡¯s wedding.¡± Hadley simply nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± After lunch, they rested for a while before heading out together. Eric took the wheel, but instead of going straight to Flynn Mansion, he made a detour. ¡°We¡¯ll stop by the hospital first,¡± he exined. ¡°Grandma¡¯s medication is running low, so I need to pick up her prescription.¡± ¡°Do you want toe along?¡± Eric asked after parking the car. Hadley instantly tensed. Joy was also in this hospital. What if they ran into each other? She rejected the idea immediately, shaking her head. ¡°No, I¡¯ll wait in the car.¡± . . . Chapter 645 ?Chapter 645: Eric raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be quick.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± With that, he shut the car door and hurried inside. The pharmacy was efficient, and since the medication had already been prepared, Eric only had to pick it up. Bag in hand, he walked through the bustling hospital lobby. And then¡ª ¡°Hello!¡± A bright, cheerful voice rang out from the crowd. Eric instinctively turned. There, among the sea of people, was a familiar little face. ¡°Joy!¡± She wasn¡¯t alone¡ªMelba was with her. Before Melba could react, Joy wriggled out of her arms, squirming until shended on the floor. Then, with tiny, determined steps, she ran straight toward Eric. ¡°Hello, little one! How are you?¡± Eric chuckled, crouching down as he scooped her up effortlessly with one arm. But the usual sparkle in her eyes was missing. Her tiny hands clung to his cor, her little voice soft, almost dejected. ¡°I¡¯m feeling down today.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± Eric asked, taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s troubling our sweet Joy? Let me know, and I¡¯ll make it all better, alright?¡± ¡°Here.¡± Joy wasted no time. She bowed her head, lifted her little arm, and gestured toward her head. ¡°I used to have a Minnie on each side, but now there¡¯s just one. The other one¡¯s gone.¡± What? Eric needed a second to catch on. ???€$? ?§ß???€?$ 1? g??l??ov?l??.????m Joy was talking about her hair clips. Initially, there had been one securing each side of her hair, but now only one was in ce. Minnie hair clips? Eric mused internally, noting her fondness for Minnie Mouse. He responded with a hint of sorrow, ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Joy frowned, clearly upset. ¡°Melba and I looked everywhere, but it¡¯s gone. It¡¯s just vanished!¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Eric nodded, his lips curving into a smile despite the situation. ¡°Joy¡­¡± It was then that Melba chimed in. She kept stealing looks at Eric, recalling theirst meeting by the park close to her home. Joy appeared to be quite familiar with him, clearly fond of hispany. Truth be told, the man had a striking appearance and seemed wealthy¡ªnothing like a typical bad person. Still, it never hurt to be cautious. Melba coaxed Joy toward herself and offered Eric a forced smile. ¡°Apologies, sir. She¡¯s a little restless today and might have bothered you.¡± ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± Eric responded, shaking his head with a warm smile. ¡°Joy is delightful.¡± Holding Joy close, Melba said without giving Eric a chance to respond further, ¡°We should be going then.¡± As they began to walk away, Melba whispered to Joy, ¡°Where did you two even meet?¡± ¡°In the hospital.¡± ¡°Oh, I see.¡± With a quiet sigh, Melba acknowledged their acquaintance had been made at the hospital. She gently reminded Joy, ¡°Remember to stay close to me next time, okay? We don¡¯t want any more stomach aches.¡± . . . Chapter 646 ?Chapter 646: ¡°Alright.¡± Resting against Melba¡¯s shoulder, Joy asked, ¡°What about the missing clip? Won¡¯t we search for it?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s truly lost, it¡¯s fine,¡± Melba reassured her. ¡°We¡¯ll get you a new one next time we¡¯re at the store, okay?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Joy pondered for a moment and seemed toe to terms with the loss. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she perked up and waved enthusiastically at Eric. ¡°Bye-bye!¡± Eric, still watching them, couldn¡¯t help but return the gesture with a smile. ¡°Bye-bye.¡± Melba, both amused and slightly frustrated, tugged Joy along. ¡°You barely know him and yet you¡¯re so friendly! Come on. Let¡¯s head back.¡± With that, they hurried off. Eric let out a soft chuckle and shifted his focus back to the parking lot. ¡°Back so soon?¡± Hadley asked as she swung open the car door for him. ¡°That was quick.¡± ¡°Everything was prepared at the pharmacy,¡± Eric responded. As he slid into the driver¡¯s seat, he carelessly tossed the medicine into the back and started the engine. Was it just her imagination, or did Eric seem to be in a good mood? Could simply picking up the medicine have lifted his spirits so much? Could something significant have urred in such a short time? Her curiosity was stirred, but she decided not to ask¡ªit wasn¡¯t important. They had just left the hospital and were now at Evergrand Mall to pick up a ne for N that she had sent to the store days ago for fixing. galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures Eric nced at Hadley. ¡°Why don¡¯t you join me? There might be something that catches your eye.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡± Hadley felt the weight of her watch sufficient, wary of epting further gifts. She gestured for him to proceed. ¡°Please, go on and be quick about it.¡± ¡°You really aren¡¯t after much, are you?¡± With a yful tap on her nose, Ericmented on herck of interest in jewelry¡ªa rarity among women, in his experience. Eager not to keep her waiting, Eric quickly went inside the mall. After collecting the ne at the store, his departure was halted by a sudden thought at the door. Turning around, he approached the clerk again. ¡°Could you possibly have any hair clips for young girls?¡± A puzzled look crossed the clerk¡¯s face. ¡°Mr. Flynn, what sort of clips are you after? Can you be more specific?¡± Eric paused, thinking. ¡°Maybe something with the Minnie Mouse element?¡± At that, the clerk brightened and nodded. ¡°Actually, we just got in a designer coboration.¡± She retrieved a set of hair clips from the disy. ¡°Does this match what you were looking for?¡± The new hairpin was strikingly reminiscent of Joy¡¯s, yet it boasted a luxurious upgrade with white diamonds and a red bow¡ªboth delicate and splendid. Eric¡¯s smile broadened at the thought of Joy donning them. She would undoubtedly adore them. ¡°Perfect.¡± He told the clerk, ¡°There¡¯s no need for wrapping. I¡¯ll take them just like this.¡± ¡°Very well, Mr. Flynn.¡± . . . Chapter 647 ?Chapter 647: Afterpleting the transaction, the clerk sealed the box and handed it over. Eric casually slipped it into his bag and walked out of the store. Upon returning to the car, he found Hadley slumped in her seat, stifling a yawn that brought tears to her eyes. ¡°Tired of waiting?¡± He kissed her gently on the lips. ¡°Apologies, that was thest stop. Let¡¯s head out.¡± ¡°That sounds perfect.¡± At the Flynn estate, the air buzzed with activity as the family geared up for Ernest and Linda¡¯s imminent wedding. Upon Eric¡¯s return, N quickly pulled him and Hadley into helping with the wedding tasks. Curiously, the couple of the hour, Linda and Ernest, were absent from the scene. Eric casually inquired, ¡°Where have they wandered off to?¡± ¡°They¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯re right here,¡± Linda said with a beaming smile, descending the stairs with Ernest. She cast a yful look at Eric. ¡°What¡¯s this, Eric? Are you finding the wedding prep too taxing?¡± ¡°Absolutely not.¡± With a dismissive shake of his head and a smile, Eric added, ¡°Anything for my brother and my soon-to-be sister-inw.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Linda smiled as she turned to Ernest, her voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Ernest, are you guys stepping out?¡± Eric then asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Ernest responded with a slight nod. With a beaming smile, Linda exined, ¡°So, here¡¯s what¡¯s been happening. I organized a contest to design my wedding dress justst week.¡± I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m ¡°And? Did you find any you liked?¡± ¡°One stood out to me, so we¡¯re off to see the designer.¡± Looking earnestly at Ernest, Linda added, ¡°It¡¯s important that your brotheres too since he¡¯s the groom and his input is essential.¡± Ever since their wedding date was set, Linda had been radiating joy, a feeling so evident that even Hadley, usually indifferent, noticed. Linda¡¯s eyes briefly fixed on the watch on Hadley¡¯s wrist, narrowing slightly. However, she swiftly looked away. ¡°Come on, Ernest. We should head out.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± As Ernest and Linda departed, Hadley¡¯s thoughts drifted to Elissa, who had also submitted her design. She wondered about the results. Given Elissa hadn¡¯t brought it up, it was likely her entry wasn¡¯t selected. Sebastian drove Ernest and Linda to the agreed location. Supporting Ernest gently, Linda said, ¡°Let¡¯s take it easy, Ernest.¡± Ernest responded with a soft smile, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m getting better, really. No need to fuss.¡± ¡°I know, but I still prefer to keep an eye on you.¡± Their conversation continued as they reached the venue. Upon their arrival, the waiter weed them, opening the door to a private room. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please, your guest is already waiting inside.¡± Ernest walked into the room with graceful ease, Linda¡¯s hand resting lightly on his arm. But the moment his eyes lifted toward the person waiting inside, his steps slowed. His brows knitted together, his gaze narrowing slightly. Her? . . . Chapter 648 ?Chapter 648: Linda¡¯s reaction was far lessposed. ¡°You?¡± Elissa straightened instinctively, her hands sped neatly in front of her, though there was a trace of nervousness in her posture. ¡°Hello, Mr. Flynn. Hello, Miss Harris.¡± To be honest, when she first submitted her design, it had been more of a hopeful gesture than a serious expectation. She hadn¡¯t actually thought she would be chosen. Yet, here she was, standing before the couple right now. Elissa¡¯s lips pressed together, the weight of past conflict settling over her. She had once offended Linda. And now she was here, presenting herself as the designer for her wedding dress. Linda¡¯s gaze lingered on Elissa, a flicker of unease in her expression. Why did it have to be her? ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ernest¡¯s voice broke through the tension, his sharp eyes flicking to Linda. Ernest was fully aware of the history between the two women. And truth be told, he didn¡¯t particrly want to deal with Elissa either. Without hesitation, he tightened his hold on Linda¡¯s hand and spoke with quiet finality. ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable, we can always choose another designer.¡± With those words, he shut Elissa outpletely¡ªbefore the conversation had even begun. The dismissal was blunt. Absolute. Elissa¡¯s smile faltered, the warmth in her expression cooling. She had expected this. It seemed¡­ Her efforts had been for nothing after all. She forced a small, humorless chuckle. ¡°If Mr. Flynn insists, then I won¡¯t overstay my wee.¡± With a quiet nod, she reached for her bag, ready to leave. ¡°Wait!¡± Linda hesitated for a beat, then exhaled. ¡°We¡¯ve had our differences, but I don¡¯t mix business with personal matters. I chose your design because I liked it, so let¡¯s move forward professionally. Consider this a coboration¡ªlet¡¯s leave the past where it belongs. Is that alright?¡± ¡°Of course¡ª¡± A flicker of relief crossed Elissa¡¯s face, her eyes brightening as she prepared to answer. ¡°Linda, please.¡± Ernest¡¯s voice cut in, cool and measured. ¡°A wedding dress is an important thing. It¡¯s not just about the design¡ªit requires countless discussions for details and fittings in the days that follow. You don¡¯t have to work with someone you¡¯re notfortable with. Don¡¯t force yourself¡ªthere are plenty of talented designers out there.¡± Elissa¡¯s breath hitched. The unspoken words hung between them. Why was Ernest being so particr? Linda herself didn¡¯t mind, yet he was the one making a big deal out of it. Humph! What a ¡°gentleman¡± indeed! Still, Linda was secretly pleased with his overprotectiveness. Leaning into his embrace, she smiled up at him. ¡°I know you¡¯re just looking out for me, but I really like her design. It¡¯s fine¡­ I¡¯m not the petty type. Let¡¯s give her a chance.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Ernest¡¯s voice held a note of hesitation. ¡°I just don¡¯t want anything ruining your mood. A wedding should be a happy asion.¡± ¡°With a husband who spoils me this much, how could I possibly be in a bad mood?¡± Linda¡¯s eyes curved with warmth, her smile soft. ¡°As long as you love me, I don¡¯t care about anyone else.¡± Faced with her unwavering affection, Ernest could only sigh in defeat. ¡°You really like her design that much?¡± . . . Chapter 649 ?Chapter 649: Linda nodded firmly, pouting slightly. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡± Ernest had no choice but to relent. ¡°We¡¯ll do as you wish and give her a shot.¡± ¡°Ernest, you¡¯re the best!¡± Rising on her tiptoes, Linda ced a quick kiss on his cheek, her joy unmistakable. Elissa, meanwhile, quickly lowered her gaze, feeling more than a little awkward. But if nothing else, it confirmed one thing¡ªErnest absolutely doted on Linda. All she had to do was bat hershes, pout a little, and he would bend to her will. No matter what Linda wanted, he¡¯d make sure she got it. ¡°Elissa!¡± She snapped to attention at the sound of her name. ¡°Yes!¡± Forcing a bright smile, she met Linda¡¯s gaze. ¡°Miss Harris, if there¡¯s anything you need, just let me know.¡± Linda chuckled, amused. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you had such a sense of humor.¡± Then, with a graceful nod, she added, ¡°Let¡¯s put the past behind us. I¡¯ll trust you with my wedding dress.¡± ¡°No problem!¡± Elissa¡¯s smile stretched so wide, it nearly reached her ears. ¡°Miss Harris, you¡¯re truly generous! I¡¯ll do everything I can to make sure you¡¯re the most beautiful bride in the world!¡± ¡°I look forward to seeing what you make!¡± Linda¡¯s yful response made Ernest frown slightly. Who would¡¯ve thought Elissa had this side to her? To put it nicely, she was adaptable. To put it bluntly¡­ she was a bit of a sycophant. Then again, maybe that was exactly why she had managed to get by so far. ?????????? ???????????????? ????????????: g????????¦Í??????[?]?????? That night at Flynn Mansion¡­ Eric was still buried in work, so Hadley retired to her old bedroom alone. As she stepped inside, she noticed something¡ªEric¡¯s coat was still draped over her arm. He had handed it to her earlier when he felt warm, absentmindedly passing it off without a thought. Sighing, she rose from the bed, intending to return it to his room. But as she moved, something small pressed against her palm. Huh? Her fingers instinctively reached into the inner pocket, and she pulled out a small jewelry box. Sleek. Elegant. Expensive-looking. Hadley¡¯s brows lifted slightly. A ne? A bracelet? Had Eric¡­ secretly bought her something? Was this some kind of peace offering for dragging her along today? Curiosity got the better of her. She flipped open the lid¡ªonly to be met with¡­ a pair of Minnie Mouse hair clips. Hadley stared. Why would he get her hair clips? Still, curiosity lingering, she lifted one and held it against her hair, studying her reflection in the mirror. ¡°Does this even suit me?¡± Her features were bright and confident¡ªnot exactly the delicate, cutesy type. Hair clips like these? They didn¡¯t suit her at all. Shaking her head, Hadley ced them back into the box, closed the lid, and slipped it into his pocket. Eric had showered her with countless pieces of fine jewelry¡ªmost of which she had never even worn. So, this hardly even mattered. . . . Chapter 650 ?Chapter 650: Later, that night¡­ Hadley had sunk into deep sleep when¡ªA sudden weight pressed down on her. Warm breath ghosted over her skin, and before she could react¡ªA hand covered her mouth. ¡°Mm!¡± On instinct, sheshed out, her knee jerking upward, ready tond a solid kick. ¡°Whoa!¡± A deep, amused chuckle vibrated against her ear. ¡°You need to calm down with those kicks! Aren¡¯t you worried about damaging my goods?¡± ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes snapped open. Irritation red through her, wiping away thest traces of sleep. ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night! Can¡¯t you just let me sleep?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t sleep without any action¡­ Please!¡± Hadley let out a tired sigh, muttering in protest. ¡°Can¡¯t we take a break for just one day?¡± Even back when she had been eager to conceive, she hadn¡¯t been as relentless as he was. ¡°Sure!¡± Eric agreed easily, but his actions betrayed his words¡ªhis lips still traced slow, teasing kisses along her skin. ¡°Tomorrow, you¡¯ll get your rest¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t until the morning the next day that Hadley finally understood what Eric was talking about. As it turned out, he had to leave for Tidebourne for business in the afternoon. Before his departure, he dropped Hadley off at her ce, parking at the entrance as he always did. Before stepping out of the car, Hadley¡¯s gaze lingered on him suspiciously. Find your next chapter g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s ¡°What?¡± Eric raised a brow, touching his face. ¡°Is there something on me?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± Hadley shook her head, but her eyes flickered briefly to his suit pocket. The hair clips. They were still there. He hadn¡¯t given them to her. He must have forgotten about them! She smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m going.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll see youter!¡± With that, Hadley stepped out of the car and took a few steps forward. But the moment Eric¡¯s car was out of sight, Hadley reappeared¡ªher expression determined. She hurried to the street, gging down a passing taxi. ¡°Please! Follow that car!¡± Eric navigated the car slowly, particrly as they neared the riverside park. He intentionally stopped the car and lowered the window, peering out in hopes of spotting Joy. Considering Joy had been hospitalized just the day before, he actually wasn¡¯t optimistic about seeing her here today. Yet, there she was unexpectedly! Joy, well-wrapped against the cold, sat on a swing, gently pushed by a boy who seemed slightly older. Eric exited the vehicle. ¡°Enjoying yourself?¡± the boy behind Joy asked. ¡°Yup!¡± ¡°Want to swing higher?¡± ¡°Oh yes, please! Haha¡­¡± ¡°Joy,¡± Eric called out, reaching for the swing¡¯s ropes to stabilize them. Joy had her hat and mask on, leaving only her eyes visible, which sparkled as she noticed Eric. . . . Chapter 651 ?Chapter 651: ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± she cried out joyfully. With a leap from the swing, the little girl was quickly enveloped in Eric¡¯s weing arms. Snuggling against him, Joy asked, ¡°Did youe just to see me?¡± ¡°Indeed, I did,¡± Eric answered, his smile broadening. ¡°Do you need something from me?¡± Joy asked, curious. ¡°Actually, I have something for you,¡± Eric replied, producing a small box from his coat pocket and flicking it open with a deft motion of his wrist. ¡°This is for you, Joy. What do you think?¡± Her eyes lit up at the sight of the gift. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful!¡± As she reached out tentatively, her hand paused mid-air. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Eric asked, a curious look crossing his face. ¡°Isn¡¯t it to your liking?¡± ¡°I love it.¡± Joy quickly reassured him, yet with a pause. ¡°But Mommy said I shouldn¡¯t ept gifts from strangers.¡± Eric was pleasantly surprised by her maturity; her mother had clearly done an excellent job raising her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± heforted her, gently tousling her hair. ¡°We¡¯re friends, right? Remember your hairpin that went missing? I found this new pair for you. Look, they also have Minnie Mouse on them.¡± Joy¡¯s eyes shimmered, touched by his thoughtfulness. She hadn¡¯t expected him to remember she liked Minnie Mouse! Gratefully, she threw her arms around him. ¡°Thank you! I really like you!¡± His heart swelled with a warm, affectionate glow. ¡°And I like you very much too, Joy.¡± ???????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í???????????? He selected the hairpins from the box. ¡°May I put these on for you?¡± ¡°Please do!¡± Two new hairpins, each poised to be a cherishedpanion. ¡°Are they in ce?¡± Joy patted her head, searching. ¡°Do I look nice?¡± ¡°You look very beautiful,¡± Eric confirmed with a heartfelt smile, his eyes soft. ¡°Joy, you¡¯re the prettiest girl in the whole world!¡± Joy¡¯sughter filled the air, her voice light and joyful. ¡°Thank you!¡± ¡°You¡¯re most wee.¡± Observing Joy¡¯s charming expressions, Eric felt a pull at his heartstrings to delve deeper into her health issues. Since their first encounter in the, he had been aware of her frail condition, yet the specifics remained elusive to him. Now, feeling a closer connection, he considered offering his support. ¡°Joy, you¡­¡± ¡°Joy!¡± At that moment, Melba reappeared, disrupting the conversation. ¡°Oh, my!¡± She swiftly scooped Joy into her arms, offering Eric a polite but cool smile. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Joy!¡± Melba gestured towards the hairpins adorning Joy¡¯s head. ¡°Those need to be returned, okay?¡± From her vantage point, she had witnessed the entire exchange. She had assumed they were merely conversing, yet Joy had received a gift. . . . Chapter 652 ?Chapter 652: ¡°No, no!¡± Joy defensively raised her hands to her hair. ¡°He gave them to me! I like them!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Eric quickly reassured her with aforting smile, aiming to defuse the tension. ¡°I gifted them to Joy. They¡¯re simple tokens, just yful adornments for a child.¡± ¡°But, this¡­¡± ¡°Joy!¡± Eric didn¡¯t allow Melba to continue, instead turning his attention to Joy. ¡°I must be off now. Say goodbye to me.¡± ¡°Okay, goodbye.¡± ¡°Goodbye.¡± A short distance away, Hadley observed the scene, her expression one of shock. So, those hairpins were for Joy¡­ for her Joy! They knew each other? More than that, Joy clearly had a fondness for Eric! How did ite to this? Did she overlook something? Before Melba and Joy could return, Hadley had already arrived back home. Melba muttered to herself, ¡°Huh? Your mom¡¯s shoes are here. She¡¯s back! Oh no, she¡¯s going to be furious when she knows!¡± Hadley stepped out of her room with a mock puzzled look. ¡°What¡¯s the issue? Why would I be mad?¡± ¡°Mommy!¡± Joy¡¯s eyes lit up as she joyously sprinted into her mother¡¯s arms. ???????????????? ???????????????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????.?????? ¡°Mommy¡¯s back!¡± ¡°Good girl,¡± Hadley responded warmly, lifting Joy into her arms and helping her out of her bulky coat. ¡°Look.¡± Melba gestured toward Joy¡¯s head,pelled by her role as a nanny not to keep secrets from Hadley, her employer. ¡°This little girl has got herself a pair of hairpins from some man she met,¡± she said. She continued, ¡°It¡¯s the same man we saw in the park. I told you about himst time.¡± ¡°Mommy!¡± Joy pulled at her mother¡¯s sleeve urgently before Hadley could react. ¡°He¡¯s really nice!¡± ¡°Nice, just because he gave you hairpins?¡± Melba gave Joy a gentle tap on the head. ¡°They¡¯re just hairpins! What can you possibly understand about them? They¡¯re nothing significant!¡± With a shake of her head, Melba made her way to the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯ll leave her to you. I need to start cooking.¡± Hadley remained silent, her gaze fixed on the sparkling hairpins adorning Joy¡¯s hair, her expression concerned. The hairpins were far from ordinary. Melba assumed they were mere trinkets, not recognizing the real diamonds embedded in each. Firmly, Hadley addressed Joy. ¡°Melba has a point, dear. We shouldn¡¯t just ept gifts. Please remove the hairpins, and return them to him when you see him next.¡± Her thoughts were racing. It baffled her how her daughter had quickly grown so fond of Eric. Frightened by the implications¡­ ¡°Come here.¡± Hadley extended her hand towards Joy. ¡°Let me help you remove them.¡± ¡°No, no!¡± Joy quickly covered her hair, herrge eyes filled with dismay. ¡°He gave them to me! I love them! I don¡¯t want to give them¡­¡± . . . Chapter 653 ?Chapter 653: ¡°Back!¡± What just happened? Hadley was taken aback. Joy was usually such a well-behaved child, and now she was openly defying her mother for the first time. Was it because of Eric, a man who had never yed a significant role in her life? A shadow fell over Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°Joy, I asked you to remove those hairpins. Did you not hear me?¡± Seeing her mother¡¯s serious demeanor, Joy shivered; it was unfamiliar to see her mother so stern. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her bottom lip trembled. ¡°You¡¯re not being fair, Mommy! Waaah¡­¡± Upset, she dashed into her room, saying, ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to Mommy anymore!¡± ¡°Joy!¡± Hadley was shocked by Joy¡¯s vehement response. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Melba, too, was stunned by the sudden re-up between mother and daughter. She approached Hadley quickly, attempting to ease the tension. ¡°It¡¯s not ideal for Joy to ept gifts like that, but this shouldn¡¯t cause a rift between you two over an outsider. She¡¯s just a child; perhaps a gentle conversation would be better.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Realizing her own overreaction, Hadley felt a wave of helplessness. She had inadvertently directed her anger towards Eric at Joy. She paused at Joy¡¯s door, took a deep breath to collect herself, and said softly, ¡°Joy, Mommy¡¯sing in, okay?¡± ?????????? ?????????????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? Gently opening the door, she found Joy curled up under her nket on the bed. Approaching with a tender smile, Hadley said, ¡°It¡¯s Mommy. I came to say I¡¯m sorry.¡± Joy¡¯s big eyes appeared from under the nket, gazing up at her mother. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetheart.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice was soft, her eyes slightly moist. ¡°I overreacted. Can you forgive Mommy?¡± ¡°Mommy.¡± Joy spoke softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability as she nestled into Hadley¡¯s embrace. Between a mother and her daughter, resentment was fleeting. ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t be mad. It frightens me!¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Hadley¡¯s voice wasden with regret as she held her daughter closer. ¡°I promise, it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Comfort enveloped them as they embraced, easing Hadley¡¯s spirits. After a moment, Hadley broached a sensitive subject gently, asking, ¡°Joy, where did you first meet that nice man?¡± ¡°In the,¡± Joy responded, her head tilted up as she recounted the encounter. She described how she had been bullied at a hospital in the and Eric¡¯s timely intervention. Surprised by the revtion, Hadley pondered the implications. Their connection had started much earlier than she realized. Could it have been destiny that brought them together? Gently stroking her daughter¡¯s hair, Hadley inquired softly, ¡°Joy, do you like him?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Joy¡¯s response came quickly, her head bobbing eagerly. ¡°I really like him.¡± . . . Chapter 654 ?Chapter 654: ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°He¡¯s kind to me.¡± At that moment, Melba walked in to check on them, overhearing the conversation. Sheughed heartily. ¡°You¡¯re still so young, Joy. How can you understand kindness?¡± ¡°He is!¡± Joy, feeling slighted yet steadfast, stood her ground. ¡°And he¡¯s very handsome too!¡± Melba couldn¡¯t contain her amusement, bursting into another fit ofughter. ¡°Oh dear, you¡¯re quite the charmer! Is it just because he¡¯s good-looking?¡± Joy¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of earnestness and anxiety shining through. ¡°Mommy! It¡¯s true¡ªhe¡¯s a good man!¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Hadley gave in with a helpless smile. ¡°Mommy believes you, sweetheart.¡± ¡°See, Melba?¡± With a victorious little huff, Joy cuddled closer to Hadley. ¡°Mommy is the best.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, of course, your mommy is the best.¡± Melba watched the mother-daughter pair make up with a contented sigh and then cheerfully returned to her tasks. That night, Hadley didn¡¯t leave Joy¡¯s side. Her eyes lingered on the hairpins resting on the nightstand, then wandered to the plush toy nestled in the cab. With a deep exhale, Hadley sighed quietly to herself. Unbeknownst to Eric when he purchased these gifts, he had chosen them for his own child. Could this connection be an unseen thread of blood ties drawing them together? They had formed a bond despite not knowing they were actually father and daughter. Hadley shut her eyes, reying the scene of Eric with Joy in the park¡ªhis gaze filled with genuine affection and care. Exclusive stories g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls Such warmth and love couldn¡¯t be disguised. It wasforting to know that Joy could one day be cherished in the embrace of her father. Joy, too, must have craved the love of a father, right? The following day at the dance troupe, Elissa approached Hadley with a radiant smile. ¡°Hadley, Linda chose my design!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Hadley responded, her expression one of delighted surprise. ¡°You kept that quiet! Why didn¡¯t you mention it earlier?¡± Blushing slightly, Elissa responded with a sheepish grin. ¡°I guess I was just worried I might jinx it.¡± ¡°You know what? That¡¯s wonderful news.¡± Hadley offered a yful grin. ¡°It seems Linda is quite taken with your design. Congrattions!¡± Despite her reservations about Linda, Hadley couldn¡¯t deny the significance of her approval. For Elissa, having Linda choose her design for her wedding, a high-profile event with the influential Flynn family in Srixby, was nearly a guarantee of skyrocketing fame. Elissa¡¯s smile was broad and filled with excitement. ¡°I just got lucky!¡± ¡°Keep pushing forward, excel at it!¡± ¡°I will!¡± Around noon, Elissa needed to purchase some supplies for her costume-making. Since the dance troupe was basically on a break and Hadley had some time to spare, she decided to join her friend. During their outing, Hadley picked up some yarn. She intended to knit two sweaters, one small and onerge. Naturally, the smaller one was for Joy. Therger one? It was intended for Eric. . . . Chapter 655 ?Chapter 655: This was her quiet thank-you for his tenderness towards Joy. She allocated the yarn into two separate batches¡ªone set aside for Joy at her apartment, the other destined for Silver Vis. Just two dayster, Eric made his way back from Tidebourne. Bypassing Silver Vis, he headed straight to the dance troupe, catching Hadley off guard as he hadn¡¯t mentioned his return. ¡°Hadley!¡± As Hadley and Elissa exited through the main entrance, there stood Eric, d in a camel coat, his stature imposing, his smile wide and weing. ¡°Carry on.¡± With a gentle nudge and a cheerful wave, Elissa excused herself, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two to it.¡± Approaching him briskly, Hadley eximed, ¡°You¡¯re back? Why the secrecy?¡± Grasping her hand, Eric replied with a twinkle in his eye, ¡°Thought I¡¯d give you a little surprise. How did I do? Are you pleased?¡± Hadley offered a subdued smile, choosing not to voice her inner musings. ¡°Come on,¡± Eric said as he enveloped her in an embrace. ¡°Let¡¯s dine out tonight.¡± Their destination was the cozy Winterley Restaurant. Upon receiving the menu, Eric confidently selected their meals. ¡°These should be good.¡± Before handing the menu back, he quickly added, ¡°And please, hold the ginger andtro. Green onions and garlic are okay.¡± Hadley paused mid-sip, looking at him curiously. Eric shed her a teasing nce. ¡°Caught you looking. You¡¯re the one who dislikes ginger andtro, right?¡± L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??m It was true he didn¡¯t mind them; his pte was quite amodating. A look of mild astonishment crossed Hadley¡¯s face. ¡°You remembered?¡± ¡°Was it supposed to be a challenge?¡± Eric quirked an eyebrow. ¡°After all the meals we¡¯ve shared, did you think I wouldn¡¯t notice?¡± Indeed, she realized, they had shared countless meals, yet he had never noted such specifics in the past. Quietly, Hadley resumed sipping her water, her thoughts a whirl of emotions. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Eric¡¯s attention was drawn to a small bag resting on the chair next to her. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡± Hadley tried to intervene, but Eric had already grabbed the bag and peered inside. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± His fingers brushed through the contents. ¡°Yarn?¡± His gaze shifted to Hadley, filled with curiosity. ¡°You¡¯re knitting something?¡± His expression became more intense. ¡°Who¡¯s that for?¡± Of course, Hadley might have been knitting for herself, yet Eric sensed that wasn¡¯t the case. Whose could it be, then? Hadley offered a tender smile. ¡°Are you interrogating me?¡± Retrieving the bag from his grip, she spoke with a breezy tone. ¡°Really, who else would I be knitting for but you?¡± ¡°For me?¡± Eric echoed, his voiceced with surprise. He stared in disbelief. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hadley answered, taking the yarn out of the bag to examine it more closely. ¡°I intend to knit a sweater for you. This amount should suffice.¡± While talking, she measured the yarn against him. . . . Chapter 656 ?Chapter 656: A brief moment of bewilderment washed over Eric before he questioned, ¡°This¡­ fiery red?¡± ¡°Is there an issue with that?¡± Hadley¡¯s expression turned into a slight pout. ¡°It¡¯s an excellent color! You¡¯re always dressed in ck and white¡ªtoo monotonous for someone your age.¡± Pleased with her selection, she continued, ¡°Such a bold color suits a man of your charm.¡± Indeed, it was apliment. Hadley had justplimented his appearance! Eric¡¯s eyebrows lifted as he couldn¡¯t hold back a grin, quickly agreeing. ¡°I believe you¡¯re right.¡± Reassessing the fiery red yarn, it now held a new allure. He stroked the yarn, noting its texture. ¡°This is quite soft.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Hadley confirmed. ¡°It¡¯ll be very cozy once I¡¯ve knitted it into a sweater.¡± She then yfully pped his hand away. ¡°Don¡¯t mess it up; you¡¯ll make it dirty.¡± ¡°Stingy,¡± Eric teased, pulling his hand back with a smile. ¡°Okay, I get it.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t touch it anymore. But I¡¯ll be the one wearing it in the end.¡± His spirits lifted. Since he couldn¡¯t fiddle with the yarn, he decided to hold Hadley¡¯s hand instead. ¡°Why did you decide to knit me a sweater?¡± Hadley gestured towards her wristwatch. ¡°You gave me this lovely watch. I don¡¯t have much, so I thought a sweater might be a nice gesture. It¡¯s not as grand as your gift, but please don¡¯t hold it against me.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Eric interrupted her, his smile broadening as he gazed down at her. ¡°Hold it against you? Why would I? I absolutely love it. I¡¯ll wear it with pride.¡± In that instant, his look and smile radiated nothing but honesty. Caught off guard for a moment, Hadley quickly withdrew her hand. ?????????????? ???????????????©q????? ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll get it done quickly.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Just then, a waiter appeared, bringing their ordered dishes to the table. As he ced food on her te, Eric casually inquired, ¡°What would you like to do after dinner?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley seemed confused by his question. ¡°Maybe some shopping, or perhaps buy something you need?¡± Hadley declined. ¡°No need for shopping or buying anything for me.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Eric remembered then. Shopping was never really Hadley¡¯s thing. He paused, thinking, and then suggested another idea, ¡°What about a movie?¡± This suggestion seemed to startle Hadley, who looked at him with wide eyes. Feeling slightly awkward under her stare, Eric exined, ¡°Isn¡¯t that what couples usually do? We¡¯ve never actually gone to a movie together.¡± He grabbed his phone as he spoke. ¡°Let me book the tickets right now.¡± Launching the movie ticket app, Eric handed the phone to Hadley. ¡°Choose any movie you¡¯d like to see.¡± His eagerness to make her happy was apparent. After scanning the options, Hadley selected aedy. ¡°Let¡¯s watch this one.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Once they left Winterley Restaurant, they headed to a nearby cinema. Despite it being a weekday evening, the cinema was bustling with people, and a long line snaked from the ticket booth. . . . Chapter 657 ?Chapter 657: ¡°Stay here,¡± Eric suggested as he gestured towards the crowd. ¡°I¡¯ll go get our tickets.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Hadley watched as he made his way to the counter, his presence turning heads due to his noticeable height and distinctive appearance. ¡°He¡¯s so tall!¡± ¡°And very attractive too!¡± ¡°Is he by himself?¡± ¡°Does that good-looking man not have a partner?¡± As Eric secured the tickets, he noticed a small group had formed around him, which he promptly ignored. ¡°Excuse me!¡± One bold young woman stepped forward to engage him. Eric, slightly confused, responded, ¡°Yes?¡± Visibly nervous, the girl held up her phone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to intrude, but could I have your number?¡± It dawned on Eric that she was hitting on him. He dismissed her smoothly. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have a phone. Excuse me, I need to get back to my girlfriend.¡± As he said this, he gestured towards Hadley and hurried over to her. The woman who had approached him was visibly disappointed¡­ Naturally, such a handsome man would be taken. N??w ??h??????????s r?l?as?d ??t g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð?? ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± ¡°Pfft!¡± Hadley couldn¡¯t help herself and burst outughing. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Eric looked puzzled. ¡°Is it me?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s you!¡± Hadley was still chuckling. ¡°You, you just said¡­ you didn¡¯t have a phone? Haha¡­¡± She had overheard everything. ¡°Eric, maybe next timee up with a more convincing excuse. Everyone has a phone nowadays.¡± Eric said, ¡°It worked, didn¡¯t it? It makes it clear I¡¯m not interested.¡± Indeed, his response might have been effective, but also too blunt. ¡°See how loyal I am, and it makes youugh.¡± He wrapped an arm around her and gestured toward a nearby vendor. ¡°How about some snacks?¡± Girls nearby clutched bags of popcorn. ¡°No, thank you.¡± Hadley frowned. ¡°They¡¯re loaded with calories, and I¡¯m trying to stay mindful of that.¡± But then, her expression softened. ¡°Maybe just a cotton candy?¡± She lifted a finger. ¡°Only one.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Ericughed, yfully tussling her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll grab one for you.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Together, they walked over to the vendor, hands intertwined. Confronted with a myriad of cotton candy choices, Hadley paused, dazzled. ¡°Which one would you like?¡± Hadley pointed. ¡°That one.¡± . . . Chapter 658 ?Chapter 658: ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± She quickly changed her mind, gesturing at a different vor. ¡°Actually, let¡¯s try this one.¡± Yet, she kept ncing back at her first choice. Her hesitation brought a smile to Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t stress. Just pick whichever you like.¡± Eric then instructed the vendor, ¡°We¡¯ll take one of each, please.¡± ¡°Sure thing!¡± Just as Eric was about to pay, Hadley interjected, ¡°Hey! That¡¯s too much sugar for me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Eric reassured her,pleting the purchase. He handed her the cotton candy. ¡°Here you go. If you don¡¯t finish it, I¡¯ll help you out,¡± he said, offering both sticks to her. ¡°Alright then,¡± Hadley replied, taking the cotton candy with a soft smile that slowly brightened her features. Eric watched her, momentarily lost in thought. That smile of hers¡ªhe hadn¡¯t seen it so freely before. The movie started. They found the film amusing; Hadley seemed quite taken with it, while Eric found his attention wandering back to her more often than the screen. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Checking the caller ID, Eric hesitated but decided to ignore the call. After a moment, he sent a quick text, saying, ¡°For any issues, please coordinate with Ernest directly.¡± A response arrived with the swiftness of a summer breeze. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive ¡°Mr. Flynn, we¡¯ve been ringing your brother non-stop, but the line¡¯s as dead as a doornail!¡± How peculiar could that be? Eric paused for a heartbeat, casting a fleeting nce at the woman beside him. Inclining toward Hadley¡¯s ear, he murmured softly, ¡°Hadley, I need to slip out for a quick call.¡± Hadley turned her gaze to him, her curiosity evident in the tilt of her head, though she refrained from prying. With a simple nod, she replied, ¡°Go on, then.¡± Eric rose from his seat, stepped into the cool evening air outside, and punched in a number on his phone. The line connected almost instantly. It was Linda¡¯s agent, her voice crackling with urgency. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Eric cut straight to the chase, his tone clipped. ¡°What has happened?¡± The agent¡¯s words tumbled out in a rush. ¡°Linda copsed on set just moments ago!¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Eric¡¯s face darkened like a storm cloud rolling in, his brows knitting together in concern. ¡°Get an ambnce then! Why waste time ringing me? Do I strike you as a physician?¡± ¡°No need to fret, Mr. Flynn, we¡¯re already in the ambnce,¡± the agent hastened to assure him, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°But given the gravity of the situation, I thought it best to notify you¡ªand your brother, of course.¡± Eric massaged his temples, tamping down his rising irritation. ¡°How is she holding up?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not certain yet,¡± the agent admitted. ¡°The doctor with us suspects it might be sheer exhaustion¡­¡± Linda had been burning the candle at both ends, juggling wedding preparations with her relentless work schedule, pushing herself to the brink. . . . Chapter 659 ?Chapter 659: ¡°Very well, I understand,¡± Eric replied, his voice steady butced with concern. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± the agent ventured cautiously, ¡°will you being to the hospital?¡± Eric didn¡¯tmit, his response measured. ¡°I¡¯ll call Ernest.¡± With that, he ended the call and immediately dialed Ernest¡¯s number. True to the agent¡¯s words, the line wouldn¡¯t connect¡ªErnest was utterly unreachable. What in the world was going on? Eric¡¯s mind churned with questions. Ernest hadn¡¯t returned to work yet, and today marked no doctor appointment. Shouldn¡¯t he be lounging at home at this hour? He decided to ring Flynn Mansion. Kira picked up, her voice warm and familiar. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Kira, is Ernest there?¡± Eric asked. ¡°No, sir. He stepped out this afternoon with Quentin. Has something happened?¡± ¡°No, nothing pressing,¡± Eric replied, though his tone betrayed a flicker of unease. After hanging up, his brow furrowed deeper, a tangle of thoughts knotting in his mind. Ernest had gone out with Quentin? Since the afternoon? What could they have been up to all this time? It wasn¡¯t that Eric wanted to harbor doubts about his brother, but ever since Ernest had gained consciousness, too many things seemed off-kilter. Tucking his phone away, Eric turned back toward the cinema. Hadley remained in her seat, her eyes glued to the screen, a softugh escaping her lips as the film¡¯s story unfolded, delighting the audience around her. ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric called gently, reluctant to shatter the serene moment but left with little choice. ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í????????????? ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± Hadley noted, her attention still half-caught by the¡­ Flickering images danced before her. ¡°Hadley, listen.¡± With no alternatives left, Eric leaned closer, his voice a hushed murmur near her ear. ¡°Linda copsed on set and was rushed to the hospital. I can¡¯t get ahold of my brother, so¡­ I might need to head over there.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hadley froze midugh, her eyes snapping to his with concern. A pang of guilt twisted in Eric¡¯s chest, a faint sheen of sweat dotting his brow. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ll only go to check on¡­¡± ¡°I get it.¡± Before he could finish his plea, Hadley waved a hand breezily, cutting him off. ¡°Get going, then.¡± She turned her gaze back to the glowing screen, resuming her immersion in the film. Her nonchnt dismissal and air of indifference only deepened Eric¡¯s unease. He gently grasped her hand, his voice tinged with worry. ¡°Are you upset? I wasn¡¯t nning to go at first, but with my brother missing in action, I feel I have no choice.¡± ¡°Shh.¡± Hadley pressed a slender finger to her lips, signaling for silence. ¡°We¡¯re in a cinema¡ªlet¡¯s not bother everyone else. I already told you to go, didn¡¯t I? So go.¡± Fearing Eric would persist, she added, ¡°I¡¯m not angry. Honestly, I¡¯m fine.¡± Was she, though? Eric scrutinized her face, searching for any hint of her true feelings, but her expression remained an enigma. . . . Chapter 660 Chapter 660: Past experiences gnawed at him, leaving a lingering unease in his gut. Still holding her hand, he suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe along with me?¡± ¡°And why would I?¡± Hadley shot him a pointed look, slipping her hand free from his grasp with a shake of her head. ¡°You go look after her.¡± I¡¯d rather stay and finish this film¡ªit¡¯s quite good.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric tried again, his tone softer. ¡°Must you be so unreasonable?¡± Hadley¡¯s patience was fraying now, a trace of irritation creeping into her voice. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough you won¡¯t stay to watch with me, but now you won¡¯t even let me enjoy it in peace? I¡¯m really enjoying this movie.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric pressed. But Hadley turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze or offer another word. Eric watched her in silence for a few lingering moments before finally relenting. ¡°Fine, keep watching.¡± He nced at his watch, mentally calcting the time. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for Sebastian to pick you up afterward.¡± Hadley said nothing. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± This time, Hadley didn¡¯t bother with a reply, merely flicking her hand in a dismissive gesture. Eric¡¯s brow creased slightly as he exited the theater. Pausing at the entrance, he hesitated before sending Hadley a quick message. ¡°If I can wrap things up in time, I¡¯lle back to fetch you myself. If I can¡¯t make it, please give me a ring when you get home.¡± Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, The message went through, but no response followed. Perhaps she was too engrossed in the film to notice? Eric sighed softly. She would likely see it once the credits rolled. With that, he left the cinema and made his way to the hospital. By the time he reached the hospital, Linda had been settled into a room and was awake, albeit frail. ¡°Eric, you came.¡± Linda propped herself up against the headboard, herplexion pale and wan. ¡°Sorry to drag you all the way here. It¡¯s nothing dire¡ªjust low blood sugar from skipping lunch while rushing through the shoot.¡± She gestured to the IV drip beside her. ¡°A couple of these, and I¡¯ll be right as rain.¡± Then she turned to her agent and assistant with a yful scolding. ¡°You lot always make a mountain out of a molehill.¡± ¡°They¡¯re only looking out for you,¡± Eric said, pulling up a chair to sit by her bedside. ¡°But honestly, with all the wedding preparations on your te, why push yourself so hard at work?¡± Linda managed a faint chuckle. ¡°Well, a job worth doing is worth doing well, isn¡¯t it?¡± Her gaze flickered past Eric, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face. ¡°Ernest didn¡¯te?¡± Though Eric harbored his own doubts about his brother, he wasn¡¯t one to speak ill of him in front of others¡ªnot even Ernest¡¯s own fianc¨¦e. ¡°I told them not to bother Ernest just yet,¡± he exined smoothly. ¡°Wanted to check on you myself first, so he wouldn¡¯t worry needlessly.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Linda nodded, epting his words at face value. ¡°That¡¯s considerate of you. Ernest is still recovering, after all.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Eric replied, his tone neutral but his thoughts elsewhere. Just then, his phone rang in his pocket. . . .
Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear ones, there is gonna be two new novels today. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ??(£Þ?£Þ)?? . The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 661 ?Chapter 661: ¡°I¡¯ll step away to handle this call.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Swiveling on his heel, Eric answered the call, his countenance shadowed with displeasure. ¡°Ernest, where on earth are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m already at the hospital, just moments from her floor,¡± came the reply. ¡°Alright.¡± Eric ended the call with a flick of his thumb and strode purposefully toward the elevator. His eyes quickly caught sight of Ernest and¡­ Quentin emerged from the elevator. ¡°Eric.¡± Ernest inclined his head in greeting, his poised and sophisticated features betraying a trace of weariness. ¡°How is Linda faring? Is she out of danger?¡± ¡°Ernest.¡± Eric fixed his brother with a steady gaze, sidestepping the question entirely. Instead, he countered, ¡°Kira mentioned you stepped out this afternoon. Care to enlighten me on what¡¯s been upying your timetely?¡± Ernest¡¯s expression stiffened, and his lips formed a tight line as he paused. ¡°Eric¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t find the right words. ¡°Ernest¡­¡± Eric felt a cold sense of apprehension. ¡°What is it? Why can¡¯t you just say it?¡± Ernest kept silent, refusing to speak. ¡°Ernest!¡± Eric¡¯s voice rose, tinged with frustration. ¡°Won¡¯t you tell me?¡± He guessed, asking, ¡°Did you disappoint Linda somehow?¡± Ernest¡¯s reaction was telling¡ªhis eyes darted away, seeming to confirm Eric¡¯s suspicions. ???????? ???????? ? g???????????¦Í?????????????????? ¡°Ernest!¡± Eric, shocked by the implications, moved closer and lowered his tone. ¡°Talk to me!¡± ¡°Eric¡­¡± Ernest seemed tormented, his face contorted with hesitation. ¡°Ernest!¡± At that moment, Quentin intervened, pulling Eric back gently. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please, your brother knows what he¡¯s doing. Please don¡¯t press him.¡± ¡°Am I pressing him?¡± Eric¡¯s expression creased with worry as he stared at his brother. ¡°Ernest, you don¡¯t have to involve me in your private affairs, but please, be sure of your actions!¡± He gestured toward the hospital ward. ¡°Today, Linda just fainted due to low blood sugar. What if it¡¯s worse next time? If something serious happens to her, will you still not be there for her?¡± Ernest¡¯s expression darkened upon hearing this, and he fell silent, seemingly lost for words. Eric observed his brother quietly, his initial confusion and dissatisfaction giving way to a sense of helplessness. ¡°I¡¯ve said what I needed to say as your brother¡ªgo check on Linda. She was asking for you.¡± With those words, Eric left the hospital ward decisively. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Quentin turned to look at Ernest, who was silent, and suggested, ¡°Maybe you should confide in your brother? He is your most trusted person, and his involvement could simplify things with Miss Harris.¡± ¡°Stop.¡± Ernest frowned deeply, looking at his assistant. ¡°I have my strategy for handling this.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Quentin closed his mouth immediately, knowing better than to push further. . . . Chapter 662 ?Chapter 662: Ernest moved toward the hospital ward. Should he confide in Eric? As Quentin suggested, involving Eric could be advantageous. Yet he was hesitant. Maybe waiting was the better choice. Once Eric was gone, Hadley¡¯s interest in the movie fadedpletely. Given the opportunity, wouldn¡¯t it make more sense to return and spend the remaining time with Joy? Hadley grabbed her bag and exited the cinema. It was rush hour, with crowds filling entertainment spots after work. Out of nowhere, a sudden jostle nearly sent Hadley stumbling. ¡°Are you alright?¡± asked a nearby stranger who helped stabilize her. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m okay,¡± Hadley responded, just as she sensed something amiss. She reached for her wrist, realizing her watch was missing. She spun around, scanning the crowd urgently. The culprit was the same individual who had bumped into her. ¡°Criminal!¡± She recalled the appearance of the thief, notably his ck baseball cap. ¡°That man stole my watch!¡± The thief nced back, his nerves apparent. ¡°Stop right there! It¡¯s you!¡± Charging through the crowd, Hadley pursued the man in the ck cap. ¡°Stop running! Ah¡­¡± ¡°Stop!¡± Out of nowhere, another figure dashed past her. New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Tall and familiar¡ªit was Denver. Hadley was caught off guard, hardly expecting to encounter him under these circumstances. As she watched Denver chase after the thief, concerns about his previously injured leg crossed her mind. Had his injury healed enough for him to sprint like this? Denver quickly closed the distance and delivered a swift kick to the thief¡¯s knee, sending him to the ground. ¡°Give me the watch now!¡± ¡°Humph.¡± The thief scoffed, his hand diving into his pocket and emerging with a knife, which he swung at Denver. After a brief struggle, the thief shoved Denver to the ground and fled. ¡°Denver!¡± Hadley called out as she reached him. The sight of him on the ground turned her face white, her legs giving way as she knelt beside him. ¡°Denver, are you hurt anywhere?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious¡­¡± Trying to reassure her, Denver managed a weak smile while clutching his arm, which was starting to bleed. ¡°Really, it¡¯s just a scratch on my arm.¡± But Hadley could see blood seeping between his fingers. ¡°This looks bad. We need to get you to a hospital right away!¡± She assisted him to his feet, ready to support him to the nearest medical facility. ¡°Okay¡­¡± Denver acknowledged with regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t retrieve your watch.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s worried about the watch now?¡± . . . Chapter 663 ?Chapter 663: Hadley dismissed his apology with a shake of her head. She would never have pursued the thief if she had known it might endanger Denver. ¡°Here¡¯s a cab. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± While on the way to the cinema, Eric¡¯s phone rang. It was Sebastian on the line. ¡°Sebastian. I¡¯m close by.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Sebastian said, a note of confusion in his voice. ¡°I arrived at the agreed time, but there¡¯s no sign of Miss Hadley, and she¡¯s not answering her phone.¡± What? A crease formed between Eric¡¯s brows. ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll try her number.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric ended the call and immediately dialed Hadley¡¯s number. As Sebastian had reported, there was no answer. Could Hadley be upset about something? Refusing to give up, Eric tried once more. This time, the call connected. ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric responded, a wave of relief washing over him. ¡°I¡¯m nearing the cinema. Where are you exactly? Are you still inside? Which exit should I head to?¡± Hadley¡¯s response caught Eric off guard. ¡°I¡¯m not at the cinema.¡± Surprised and uneasy, Eric asked, ¡°Where are you then?¡± ¡°At the hospital.¡± Hadley disclosed without hesitation, exining the circumstances. ???¨¦?? ???t??§ñ? ¨ªn Gal¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c?? ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± Ending the call, frustration clouded Eric¡¯s typicallyposed expression. Not Denver again. When would this cycle break? At the hospital. Upon his arrival, Eric found Hadley assisting Denver to a bench outside the emergency room. They had just consulted with the doctor. Denver¡¯s condition was graver than initially assumed. The knife wound was deep, posing a risk of nerve damage, and surgery was imminent to repair the injury. Hadley was overwhelmed by guilt and regret. Why did disaster strike every time Denver crossed paths with her? She muttered, distraught, ¡°This is all my fault.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself,¡± Denver insisted gently, unable to stand seeing her distressed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t stabbed by you. The fault lies with the thief, not with you.¡± ¡°Denver¡­¡± Tears brimmed in Hadley¡¯s eyes as she looked at him. Hispassion seemed boundless, as if he was incapable of feeling bitterness or holding grudges, no matter the circumstances. How was it possible for someone to maintain such a generous spirit? ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡± Denver initially reached for a tissue to dab her tears away himself. However, he paused, restraining himself¡­ He felt he no longer had the privilege to do so. ¡°Take this,¡± he said instead, offering her the tissue. ¡°Dry your tears. I¡¯m going to need you to help me out here.¡± . . . Chapter 664 ?Chapter 664: ¡°Pfft.¡± Hadley chuckled softly through her tears, meeting his gaze. ¡°Of course, Mr. Moran.¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± At the sound of Eric¡¯s voice, both Hadley and Denver looked up simultaneously. Eric was walking swiftly towards them, not in his usual suit but in a soft cashmere sweater. Although he was smiling, his eyes betrayed a certain coldness. Feeling a jolt in her heart, Hadley quickly stood up. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived.¡± ¡°Eric.¡± Denver greeted with a nod, cradling his injured arm. ¡°Indeed.¡± Without hesitation, Eric drew Hadley into a close embrace, his hand gently caressing her face. His voice was soft but filled with concern. ¡°Were you frightened? You should¡¯ve realized it¡¯s just a watch, merely a thing. If it¡¯s lost, let it be. Did you get hurt while chasing it? Let me check you over.¡± His voice carried a warmth that suggested they were alone in their little world. ¡°I¡¯m okay, Eric. It¡¯s Denver who needs attention,¡± Hadley responded, slightly turning away, her difort evident. At that moment, Eric¡¯sforting touch halted, and his expression grew intense. Was her difort because of Denver¡¯s presence? Without any show of emotion, Eric retracted his hand and faced Denver. ¡°I¡¯m grateful you were there tonight. Thanks for protecting Hadley. I can¡¯t imagine what I would do if something had happened to her.¡± Denver managed a weak smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Eric. Hadley and I go way back. It was just coincidence that I was there¡­¡± Let your imagination soar with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Right then, Phillips showed up. Eric gestured for him toe closer. ¡°Phillips, this way.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Good, you¡¯re here.¡± Eric then directed Phillips¡¯ attention to Denver. ¡°Mr. Moran is a hero to Hadley. Ensure his surgery is scheduled promptly and that he receives top-notch care.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Flynn.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s move on.¡± Eric had issued hismands and was now guiding Hadley away with his arm securely around her. ¡°Wait, what¡¯s happening?¡± Hadley¡¯s surprise was evident as she was involuntarily pulled along. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re taking me?¡± With a soft smile, Eric responded casually, ¡°We¡¯re going home. Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± Hadley was taken aback, herughter tinged with disbelief. Since Eric¡¯s arrival, she sensed his displeasure but didn¡¯t expect such a drastic reaction. She resisted, trying to pull away. ¡°Go home if you must, Eric, but I¡¯m staying.¡± ¡°You¡¯re noting?¡± Eric¡¯s grip tightened, making sure she couldn¡¯t slip away. ¡°You mean to stay overnight at the hospital? To keep watch over an old me?¡± The color drained from Hadley¡¯s face as she said, ¡°Denver is injured because of me. He hasn¡¯t even been operated on yet. It¡¯s not right for me to leave.¡± ¡°Phillips is handling it,¡± Eric retorted, his gaze intense. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for the best medical team, the finest room, and the utmost care. What more do you need to stay for?¡± . . . Chapter 665 ?Chapter 665: ¡°That¡¯s only right!¡± Hadley managed a tight smile. ¡°Can¡¯t you see reason? I need to be here at least until he¡¯s through surgery¡­¡± ¡°Why?¡± Eric¡¯s sneer was cutting, his gaze piercing. Hadley was perplexed. Didn¡¯t decency demand her presence? ¡°Listen, Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s eyes were hard as he addressed her, his voice cold. ¡°I appreciate that he saved you. He¡¯ll get all the thanks andpensation he deserves. But I can¡¯t stand to see you this concerned about him! nning to stick by his side? That¡¯s out of the question!¡± He gripped her more firmly, urging her forward. ¡°We¡¯re leaving for home now!¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not leaving!¡± Hadley¡¯s anger red. How could he be so overbearing? ¡°Get in the car!¡± He forced her into the vehicle, despite her protests, and mmed the door shut. ¡°Open this door!¡± Hadley pulled at the handle, but it was locked. ¡°Eric, how dare you!¡± She turned to face him, her expression one of marked irritation. ¡°Eric, your hypocrisy is astounding!¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric paused as he tried to buckle her seatbelt. ¡°You really don¡¯t see it?¡± Turning her head to meet his gaze directly, Hadley said, ¡°You rush off mid-date with me to tend to Linda, yet you grudge me the time to support a friend through surgery?¡± A shadow crossed Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Are you using me?¡± ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? ???????? g??????ovels;c o m ¡°Not at all!¡± Her head shook emphatically. ¡°This is about equality! I never interfered with your duties towards Linda, so don¡¯t hinder me from supporting my friend, understood?¡± ¡°Friend?¡± His grip tightened on her wrist, pondering the term. ¡°Are you seriously calling Denver a friend to you? And how long has he been in your lifepared to Linda in mine? You think it¡¯s fair topare him to her? Does he hold that much significance?¡± He let go of her hand,ughing softly. ¡°Really, Hadley? Arguing with me because of him? Don¡¯t tell me his heroics tonight have rekindled some old mes!¡± What? Hadley stood there, utterly stunned. Eric¡¯s absurdity left her speechless¡ªpure madness! She turned her back to him, closing her eyes to shut out his presence entirely. Silence from her? Probably feeling a twinge of conscience. Eric¡¯s eyes narrowed as he started the car, filling the vehicle with a cold silence. When they arrived at Silver Vis, as soon as the car door unlocked, Hadley bolted out without saying a word and strode toward the front gate. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Eric called out coldly. Ignoring him, Hadley kept walking. ¡°Off to the hospital to visit your ex?¡± Eric¡¯s voice followed her, tinged with mockery. ¡°Sure, go ahead. I won¡¯t stop you.¡± Would he actually be that generous? Indeed, just as she hesitated, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve informed his parents already. They¡¯re probably at the hospital by this point.¡± Hadley froze in her tracks upon hearing this. . . . Chapter 666 ?Chapter 666: Eric gave a coldugh but said nothing further as he turned and walked toward the house. Hadley looked back to see his retreating figure, indifferent and distant¡­ Back in their room, there was no sign of Eric. Hadley surmised he might be in his study. That was typical. He always retreated there after their arguments. Was he expecting her toe apologize? Who was really to me tonight? Dismissing the thought, Hadley went to the closet, grabbed some clothes, took a shower, and then headed to bed. The following morning¡­ Eric got up early, stiff from spending the night on the too-short sofa in the study, his neck sore and his body aching. He checked his phone¡ªno calls, no messages. Hadley hadn¡¯t tried to contact him at all during the night. Eric set his phone down, wondering what he had hoped for. Suddenly, he heard footsteps. Was Hadley awake? Perhaps she wasing to see him? But no, that wasn¡¯t the case. Outside the study, the footsteps neared and then diminished. It was barely seven in the morning. Hadley usually didn¡¯t start her day this early with the dance troupe. Picking up his phone again, Eric made a call. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­¡± After ending the call, he decided to return to the master bedroom to freshen up. g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????? ???????????????? Dressed and ready, he descended the stairs. The housekeeper was already busy in the kitchen. Upon seeing him, she promptly served breakfast. ¡°Mr. Flynn, your breakfast is ready.¡± Eric nodded, pulling up a chair and beginning his day with a sip of coffee. Just then, his phone rang. He answered curtly, ¡°Hello, go ahead.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn, it¡¯s Hadley¡­ She came to the hospital.¡± Eric¡¯s bodyguard, Xander, was on the other end of the line. From Eric¡¯s silence, Xander could tell he was more than just upset; he was truly angry, a sentiment that was not easily observable. Lately, Xander had noticed a clear change in the way Eric treated Hadley. Where once it was Hadley who seemed more eager, the dynamics appeared to have shifted in favor of Eric pursuing her. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Xander couldn¡¯t help but offer some advice. ¡°It¡¯s clear you¡¯re upset, but try to be gentle with Hadley. Women should be treated with care.¡± Eric was known for his short fuse, reacting harshly over minor irritations, regardless of who it was¡ªHadley or anyone else wouldn¡¯t tolerate such behavior for long. ¡°Moreover¡­¡± Xander paused, choosing his words carefully. ¡°You¡¯re not in a strong position here.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was curiously calm, inviting further exnation. Xander exined, ¡°Think about it. Denver literally took a knife for her. What do women appreciate? They value someone who genuinely cares for them. In situations like these, you can¡¯t afford to be seen unfavorably.¡± . . . Chapter 667 ?Chapter 667: ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± Eric replied gruffly. ¡°She¡¯s going back to her ex and I should be okay with it? We¡¯ll see if I¡¯m as forgiving!¡± Following the call, Eric felt too unsettled to eat. He stood up and left Silver Vis, making his way to the hospital. Silence filled the hospital room. Hadley had arrived early for a visit, sneaking in before Eric awoke and before her workday began, taking advantage of the absence of Denver¡¯s parents. ¡°Denver,¡± Hadley greeted as she set a fruit basket beside his hospital bed. ¡°How was the surgery?¡± ¡°Everything went well.¡± Denver lifted his arm, reassuring her, ¡°There¡¯s no nerve damage.¡± He demonstrated by moving his fingers. ¡°That¡¯s relieving to hear.¡± Hadley let out a relieved sigh. She then expressed her regrets, saying, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for leaving abruptlyst night. It was inconsiderate.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Denver replied, smiling as he shook his head. ¡°I get it. Eric clearly cares a lot about you.¡± He then expressed a lingering concern, asking, ¡°Did things get difficult with Eric afterward? Did you guys end up fighting?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hadley reassured him with a gentle shake of her head. ¡°Really, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m doing okay.¡± Denver paused for a moment before responding with a relieved smile, his gaze dropping. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Really good.¡± Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s ¡°Denver.¡± Hadley got to her feet. ¡°You should rest. I¡¯ll leave now.¡± ¡°Alright, take care.¡± ¡°Goodbye.¡± ¡°Goodbye¡­¡± As Hadley turned to leave, she inhaled deeply and reached for the door of the hospital room. There, in the hallway, stood Eric, his tall frame against the railing, silently observing her. Her heart raced as she saw him, her expression turning into a frown. She approached him, her bag over her shoulder. He had followed her here. In the end, he managed to catch up with her. She paused right in front of him, drew in a shaky breath, and lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. ¡°We¡¯re in a hospital. Can we step outside to talk?¡± ¡°Fine by me.¡± With an arched brow, Eric turned on his heel and walked ahead without another word. Seeing his retreating figure made Hadley¡¯s stomach twist nervously. He was clearly unhappy, and the quiet calm radiating from him only deepened her worry. She wondered what he might be thinking. Could this be the end of their rtionship? The thought made her brow crease in anxious helplessness. Downstairs, his car sat waiting silently. Once they settled inside, neither uttered a single word. The hospital staff had yet to begin their day, leaving the whole area bathed in silence. Hadley took a moment before finally breaking the silence. ¡°Denver ended up hurt because of me. If his hand doesn¡¯t recover fully, I don¡¯t think I could ever forgive myself.¡± . . . Chapter 668 ?Chapter 668: Beside her, Eric sat in continued silence, not offering a word in reply. After another brief hesitation, she continued softly, ¡°I came to see him today because I had to know that he was alright, but that visit will be myst.¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Eric suddenly reached out and gently sped her hand, cutting her off mid-thought. Caught off guard, Hadley turned quickly to face him. He was already looking back at her, his eyes brightening with a wide, unexpected smile. ¡°Let¡¯s get married.¡± Hadley was stunned. All thoughts scattered from her head instantly. ¡°You¡­¡± she murmured, hershes fluttering in disbelief. ¡°Could you repeat what you just said?¡± ¡°You want me to say it again?¡± Eric leaned closer until their foreheads gently touched. ¡°I said, let¡¯s get married. Hadley, marry me, won¡¯t you?¡± What just happened? Hadley¡¯s lips parted slightly, speechless. Sneaking off to visit Denver had prepared her for anger or usations¡ªanything but a proposal of marriage! ¡°Did you ask the wrong question?¡± Recovering enough tough lightly, Hadley tilted her head slightly and smiled. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be demanding to know why I went to see Denver?¡± ???????? ???????????????? ? ?????????¦Í????????????? ¡°You heard me right. I didn¡¯t ask wrong either.¡± Eric squeezed her hand, sighing gently. ¡°I understand you¡¯re still haunted by the separation with Denver. It¡¯s alright¡ªI ept that.¡± Hadley stared at him in stunned silence. Did he really believe that was how she felt? Even more bewildering, if that was truly his belief, why insist on marriage? ¡°Eric, marriage isn¡¯t something casual, is it?¡± Memories of their earlier marriage crept into her mind. Hadn¡¯t he treated marriage as something trivial back then, too? ¡°Eric¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric cupped her face gently in his hands, sincerity bright in his eyes. ¡°I want to marry you. We¡¯ll build a good life together. Even if your heart belongs to Denver now, marry me anyway, and I¡¯ll patiently wait until your feelings change. Let me be your husband, Hadley.¡± In an impulsive move, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. ¡°Stay with me, Hadley. Be my wife and spend your life with me. Will you marry me?¡± ¡°Eric¡­¡± His embrace tightened, overwhelming her with unease. Fear surged within her, and Hadley pushed gently against his chest. ¡°Eric, please stop. Calm down, okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m perfectly calm.¡± Rxing his grip only slightly, Eric looked at her with confusion. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve lost it?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Hadley rubbed her forehead gently, feeling defeated. . . . Chapter 669 ?Chapter 669: Drawing a slow, steady breath, she asked softly, ¡°Let me phrase it differently. Eric, do you love me?¡± He fell into immediate silence. ¡°Haha.¡± Hadley released a soft, resignedugh and stepped away from his embrace. ¡°Marriage is about two people loving each other deeply and wanting a future together. If you can¡¯t even answer whether you love me, how can you talk about marriage?¡± She opened her hands gently, shrugging lightly. ¡°We¡¯ve made that mistake once already. Do you really think repeating it will make things better?¡± Eric remained silent, his expression darkening. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said reassuringly, assuming he understood her point. ¡°I¡¯ll pretend I never heard your proposal, and you can forget you even said it.¡± ncing toward him, she indicated the steering wheel. ¡°Could you drop me off at the dance studio first? Then head to your office?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric suddenly gripped her wrist, a questioning look shadowing his eyes, much like a puzzled child. ¡°How am I supposed to prove I truly care for you?¡± His brow knitted in quiet contemtion, as though seeking answers from himself. ¡°I give youfort, good food, fine clothes, anything you want. Isn¡¯t that what love looks like? Shouldn¡¯t it be enough?¡± Hadley¡¯sughter bubbled up quietly after hearing Eric¡¯s words. ¡°Something amusing about what I just said?¡± Eric frowned, baffled by her unexpected reaction. ?????????????????????????? @ ???????¦Í???????????? ¡°Nope.¡± She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back theughter that danced in her eyes. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you¡¯ve just unintentionally confessed who truly holds your heart.¡± Eric¡¯s confusion only deepened. ¡°What exactly do you mean by that?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Hadley exhaled softly, wondering if he truly couldn¡¯t see it himself. Fine, she¡¯d spell it out clearly. With deliberate frankness, she said, ¡°You¡¯re always fulfilling Linda¡¯s every wish, giving her the very best. By your own logic, that would mean the person you actually love is¡ª¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric snapped, cutting her off abruptly, his expression clouding over. Ignoring the sharp interruption, Hadley tilted her head gently. ¡°Does hearing the truth irritate you that much?¡± Reaching up slowly, she straightened his tie. It had be slightly crooked in his haste earlier. ¡°Mr. Flynn, just because you can¡¯t marry the person you truly desire doesn¡¯t mean marriage should be your constion prize.¡± She finished tidying his tie, fingers carefully releasing the silk. Eric looked downward briefly before gripping her hand firmly. ¡°Could you take this seriously for a second? Linda has nothing to do with what¡¯s between us. Why do you keep mentioning her?¡± So, she wasn¡¯t even allowed to say Linda¡¯s name now? Hadley¡¯s smile lost its yful edge, growing serious. ¡°Alright, let me say this inly¡ªI won¡¯t marry you.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your reason?¡± Eric¡¯s gaze sharpened suspiciously. ¡°Because you assume I don¡¯t love you?¡± . . . Chapter 670 ?Chapter 670: That wasn¡¯t the reason at all. It hardly mattered to Hadley whether or not he loved her. But she couldn¡¯t openly admit that. Looking at him incredulously, Hadley replied, ¡°Why are you turning this around on me? Isn¡¯t the uncertainty yours to figure out? Proposing marriage right now is impulsive and unfair. Do you really see me as someone who¡¯d ept being your backup?¡± Eric stiffened. ¡°You know that¡¯s not my intention, it¡¯s just¡­¡± He¡¯d never experienced love before. Truthfully, he had no idea how love was even supposed to feel. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. It doesn¡¯t matter right now.¡± After adjusting Eric¡¯s tie, Hadley withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with the conversation. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte¡ªtake me to the dance troupe.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Neither spoke during the short drive. Once they arrived at the dance studio, Hadley quickly unbuckled her seatbelt. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Before she could open the door, Eric gently drew her into an embrace. Holding her backpack tightly, Hadley offered him a soft, reassuring smile. ¡°If you don¡¯t let go now, I¡¯ll really bete.¡± ¡°Hadley, just wait a little longer for me.¡± Eric¡¯s fingertips brushed softly through her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll find the right words for you¡ªI promise.¡± Then, reluctantly, he released her. ¡°You¡¯d better hurry.¡± ??¦Á???????? ?h¦Á¦Ñ???????? g??l????v??????£®????? ¡°I will.¡± Stepping out of the car, Hadley felt oddly disconnected from herself. Even after Eric drove off, she stood rooted to the spot, reying his words in her mind. What had he meant by finding the right words? And what exactly did he think she wanted to hear? Did he even know what he was talking about? Hadley felt utterly confused by his intentions, but there wasn¡¯t time to dwell on such things now. Her focus needed to shift quickly¡ªJoy was about to go back to the hospital. Even though it was a routine admission with basic tests and treatments, the hospital stay wouldst several days. Likely, it would be three or maybe five days at most. Children, unlike adults, foundfort in familiar things, so packing Joy¡¯s belongings required careful attention to detail. For two straight days, she and Melba had meticulously prepared everything Joy might need, including her favorite little nket. Hadley had even arranged to take leave from the dance troupe. That morning, Eric had dropped her off at the studio, but as soon as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the back and took a cab straight to her apartment, where Melba and Joy were waiting. ¡°Mommy¡¯s here!¡± Joy bolted toward her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took charge of their luggage. Soon after, the trio departed for the hospital. After settling Joyfortably into her room andpleting all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a nurse to perform an initial examination. . . . Chapter 671 ?Chapter 671: ¡°That¡¯s my girl!¡± Colden affectionately ruffled Joy¡¯s hair and gave her an approving thumbs-up. ¡°You¡¯ve been good about taking your medicine, right?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Joy answered enthusiastically, cuddling closer to Hadley. Her tiny voice was filled with pride, melting everyone¡¯s hearts. ¡°I always listen to Mommy!¡± ¡°Oh, is that right?¡± Colden chuckled affectionately and reached into his pocket, producing¡­ A brightly wrapped candy. ¡°Guess what I¡¯ve got here?¡± Joy¡¯s eyes widened with wonder. ¡°Wow, is that candy for Joy?¡± ¡°Sure is,¡± Colden answered, smiling gently. ¡°But you¡¯ll have to earn it by being brave during today¡¯s tests.¡± Today¡¯s schedule was tough¡ªblood draws and scans, things even adults dreaded, let alone a three-year-old. ¡°No problem!¡± Joy dered bravely. ¡°Joy will be the bravest!¡± ¡°Good girl!¡± Turning toward Hadley, Colden reassured her. ¡°The nurse will stay with Joy the entire time. If you notice she¡¯s ufortable, let me know immediately.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Dr. Torres.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee. I¡¯m just doing my job.¡± Scooping Joy into her arms, Hadley kissed her forehead. ¡°Let¡¯s be brave together, Joy. It¡¯s test time.¡± The tests stretched throughout the entire morning. Updates always at galno¦Íe??s By the end, Joy slumped wearily against Hadley, breaking her heart a little more with every tired sigh. ¡°Are you hungry, sweetheart? What do you want for lunch?¡± Joy brightened slightly. ¡°Joy wants Mommy¡¯s yummy fruit pie!¡± Though Melba knew the recipe and stores sold simr pies, Joy insisted only Hadley¡¯s tasted perfect. ¡°Of course.¡± Hadley didn¡¯t hesitate for a moment. ¡°Mommy will rush home now and bake one just for you.¡± Passing Joy gently into Melba¡¯s arms, Hadley instructed softly, ¡°Give Joy sips of water, frequently but in small amounts.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± After giving careful instructions, Hadley hurried back toward her apartment. Holding Joy close, Melba stood patiently outside the testing room. Only one procedure remained. ¡°Almost there, Joy. Just one more test, and Mommy will be back soon with your special pie.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Joy?¡± The nurse stepped out, beckoning gently. ¡°It¡¯s your turn now, sweetie. Let¡¯s go inside.¡± ¡°Yes, okay.¡± By the end, Joy was drained, leaning against Melba forfort. ¡°Melba, where¡¯s Mommy? Joy wants Mommy¡­¡± Tears filled Melba¡¯s eyes, falling uncontrobly. ¡°Hang in there, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s on her way. Oh, my poor little one.¡± It wasn¡¯t fair for a child so small to endure such difficulty. ¡°Joy?¡± . . . Chapter 672 ?Chapter 672: A sudden, familiar voice spoke softly as a tall shadow fell over them. Eric stood in front, looking surprised. Eric had stopped by the hospital to help Linda pick up her prescription; he hadn¡¯t expected to encounter Joy looking so fragile. Melba met his gaze. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± With tear-stained cheeks, Joy stretched tiny arms toward Eric pleadingly. ¡°Joy wants a hug!¡± Eric couldn¡¯t possibly turn her down. Melba didn¡¯t object either. She noticed Joy genuinely adored Eric. Besides, she was right there, and no harm coulde from himforting the child. Perhaps he could ease Joy¡¯s suffering, even if only briefly. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ve got you. You¡¯re so brave, Joy.¡± Cradling her gently, Eric nced toward Melba, concern evident. ¡°What exactly is Joy¡¯s condition?¡± Melba stood silently, conflicted for several moments before finally choosing to speak. Her voice cracked slightly as she admitted quietly, ¡°It¡¯s astic anemia.¡± Astic anemia! Stunned silence gripped Eric instantly. He had prepared himself for difficult news, yet the reality of Joy¡¯s illness struck him deeper than expected. As he held Joy gently against him, Eric struggled to control his breathing. She was still a child¡ªhow could she face something so severe? R34d th3 0r1g1n4l 4t g4ln0v3ls.c0m Instinctively, Eric looked down at the girl in his embrace, fearing even the slightest pressure could harm her. Brows deeply knitted, Eric asked Melba urgently, ¡°What¡¯s the reason for today¡¯s visit?¡± Melba dabbed her moist eyes, exhaling slowly. ¡°We came today to get her admitted for her regr examinations. She¡¯s spent all morning enduring one test after another¡ªit¡¯s exhausting for her tiny body.¡± That exined why Joy appeared so weak, Eric realized with concern. He gently shifted Joy¡¯s weight in his arms and softly asked, ¡°Joy, can you tell me what¡¯s hurting you right now?¡± Thinking carefully, Joy finally shook her head. ¡°Joy doesn¡¯t know.¡± She bit her lip, tears spilling quietly down her cheeks. ¡°But I feel really, really sick inside.¡± ¡°Shh, it¡¯s okay.¡± Eric immediately stopped questioning. ¡°I know, sweetheart. I¡¯m right here with you; don¡¯t cry.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Joy sniffled, pressing her tiny face closer into Eric¡¯s chest. Unsettled by her frail condition, Eric nced worriedly toward Melba. ¡°Where¡¯s her room?¡± ¡°Pleasee with me.¡± Once they reached the room, Eric¡¯s tension only increased. ¡°Get a doctor in here quickly!¡± With Joy clearly distressed, Eric knew he wouldn¡¯t rx until a medical professional had checked on her. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone right now.¡± She left the room hurriedly. Colden had been busy all morning himself but immediately rushed in when informed about Joy¡¯s condition. . . . Chapter 673 ?Chapter 673: Patting Joy¡¯s head softly, he praised her. ¡°You were very brave today, weren¡¯t you?¡± He then reached into his pocket and handed her the promised candy. ¡°This is for you¡ªlike I said.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Joy murmured weakly, epting the candy without enthusiasm this time. Tension lingered visibly on Eric¡¯s face as he addressed Colden. ¡°Are you certain Joy¡¯s okay?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s fine.¡± Colden nodded reassuringly, giving Eric a curious once-over. What was this man¡¯s rtionship with Joy? Clearly, he wasn¡¯t just anyone ordinary¡ªhis authoritative presence alone proved that. To ease Eric¡¯s obvious worry, Colden exined gently, ¡°These tests can be tough on children, and Joy¡¯s reaction is normal. She¡¯ll recover soon enough.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric nodded, understanding, though his expression remained troubled. Eric gently adjusted Joy in his arms, attempting toy her down on her bed for her to rest properly. ¡°Hold me!¡± Joy¡¯s voice trembled softly. ¡°You don¡¯t like me anymore?¡± Feeling somewhat ufortable, Melba suggested carefully, ¡°Your arms must be getting tired from holding her so long. Maybe I should take her instead? Kids tend to cling when they¡¯re sick¡ªit¡¯s normal.¡± Was that how children acted? Eric had no idea and simply assumed Joy would be feeling better lying down. Now that he knew, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to release the fragile girl in his arms. ¡°No, I¡¯ve got her.¡± ???????? ?????? ???????? ??????????????: g¦Ál?????s.??? Shaking his head, Eric kept her in his arms, gently soothing her. ¡°Joy, I¡¯m sorry. How could I ever not like you? I just thought you might want to lie down.¡± As he whisperedforting words, Eric slowly paced around the quiet ward. ¡°You¡¯re my favorite little girl.¡± ncing uncertainly toward Melba, Eric silently asked if he was handling things right. Teary-eyed, Melba nodded reassuringly. Even without Melba¡¯s answer, Eric could sense Joy rxing gradually in his embrace, her sobs quieting. ¡°Hey.¡± Joy nestled in his arms, speaking through her sniffles. ¡°Yes?¡± Eric immediately tilted his head, listening intently. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Strawberry milk,¡± Joy said shyly. ¡°I want strawberry milk.¡± ¡°Oh no!¡± Eric groaned, genuinely upset. ¡°Ipletely forgot to bring any!¡± Frustration flickered across his face, his regret unmistakable. He¡¯d met Joy multiple times, yet it hadn¡¯t crossed his mind to buy her favorite drink. ¡°Hold on just a second.¡± Bncing Joy carefully, Eric quickly dialed a number. ¡°It¡¯s me. Bring some strawberry milk over right away, yes¡ªquickly.¡± When the call ended, he turned back toward Joy with a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Joy. Your favorite strawberry milk will be here before you know it.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Joy looked up with eyes shimmering, and then threw her little arms around Eric¡¯s neck tightly. ¡°You¡¯re the best! I like you so much!¡± . . . Chapter 674 ?Chapter 674: Laughing softly, Eric hugged her close. ¡°I like you too, Joy¡ªmore than you can imagine.¡± Quietly, Hadley stood near the doorway, watching the tender moment unfold in silence. She had barely stepped out for a moment, and there was Eric already by Joy¡¯s side? The connection between him and his daughter felt almost uncanny. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Hadley discreetly moved to the side¡­ Shortly after, Phillips showed up with the strawberry milk that Joy had requested. ¡°Mr. Flynn¡­¡± As he approached with the bag, Phillips was puzzled¡ªwhat was Eric doing here with such a young girl? He couldn¡¯t help but notice her beauty; she was perhaps the most charming child he had ever seen. ¡°Okay.¡± Eric gave a quick nod. ¡°Please open one.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± Phillips retrieved a pack from the bag and put the straw in ce before passing it to Eric. Eric then held the pack to Joy¡¯s mouth. ¡°Here¡¯s your favorite strawberry milk, Joy.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Joy stayed cuddled up, simply opening her mouth to drink from the straw. As she drank, her cheeks puffed out, and she seemed to perk up a bit. Eric watched her with a gentle expression. ¡°Joy really knows how to enjoy her milk.¡± Phillips was taken aback. It was amazing how even a simple act of drinking milk could earn such praise! Before leaving, Eric handed Melba a contact number. ¡°If Joy feels sick or misses me, please call this number.¡± After pondering for a second, he added, ¡°You can reach me anytime.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Melba looked at Joy, hesitated, but then epted the number with a nervous bite of her lip. ¡°Got it.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but feel this man was genuine. He seemed decent, likely with considerable means or influence, definitely not someone untrustworthy. After all, Joy had nothing to lure a deceit. Joy pulled on Eric¡¯s finger. ¡°Are you going?¡± Melba, anticipating that Joy might get clingy, quickly said, ¡°Joy, behave yourself. He has important matters to attend to.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Joy¡¯s little face fell into a pout. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± A twinge of sorrow hit Eric. ¡°Cheer up, Joy. I¡¯lle to see you again, alright?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Her expression brightened immediately. Joy extended her little finger and said, ¡°Pinky promise, no lying!¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Caught off guard but smiling, Eric looped his finger with hers. ¡°I won¡¯t lie. Now, I have to go.¡± ¡°Bye-bye!¡± The duo reluctantly parted. After Eric and Phillips had left, Hadley quietly made her entrance into the room. . . . Chapter 675 ?Chapter 675: She had strategically waited for Eric to leave before she feltfortable stepping in. ¡°Mommy!¡± Joy was visibly happier. ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± ¡°Yes, sweetie.¡± Managing her emotions and smiling, Hadley unveiled the thermal container she brought. ¡°Were you waiting long? Here¡¯s your favorite pie, all ready to eat.¡± Even after leaving the hospital, Eric¡¯s thoughts lingered on what he could possibly do for Joy. Though not his daughter, he felt an inexplicable bond with her. His phone interrupted his reverie. It was Ernest calling. ¡°Ernest,¡± Eric answered with a swipe. From the other side, Ernest¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Eric, head over to Maple Bay. There¡¯s something important we need to discuss.¡± ¡°Right now?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, immediately.¡± ¡°Understood¡ªI¡¯ll head right over.¡± Eric ended the call swiftly and drove straight toward Maple Bay. Visiting Quentin¡¯s home wasn¡¯t unusual, but this time felt strangely different. Moments after pressing the bell, Quentin appeared in the doorway. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Quentin said, stepping aside. ¡°Please,e in.¡± ¡°Much appreciated.¡± g???????¦Í??????.??????, ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? Giving Quentin a brief nod, Eric walked inside. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting,¡± Ernest said quietly from his seat on the couch. ¡°Ernest,¡± Eric acknowledged warmly before ncing around curiously. ¡°What¡¯s the reason for all this mystery?¡± With visible effort, Ernest attempted to rise, prompting Eric to quickly retrieve the cane resting nearby. ¡°Here you go.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Ernest murmured, epting the cane and studying Eric carefully. ¡°Follow me upstairs.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Eric said, though an unsettling feeling gripped him. He followed Ernest upstairs. Reaching the top, Ernest paused solemnly outside a particr room. Eric¡¯s confusion deepened. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Ernest?¡± Ernest nodded. ¡°There¡¯s someone you need to meet.¡± Taking a careful breath, Ernest twisted the knob, gently pushing the door open. Eric peered cautiously inside. Within the modestly sized room, things appeared slightly cluttered yet deliberately arranged¡ªitems lined neatly along the walls, leaving open floor space covered by a soft carpet. At the center sat a young boy, around three, fully engrossed in stacking colorful blocks. Stunned, Eric shot an astonished nce toward Ernest. Before he could speak, Ernest quietly shut the door, careful not to disturb the boy¡¯s focus. . . . Chapter 676 ?Chapter 676: ¡°Ernest¡­?¡± Shock clouded Eric¡¯s face, a thousand unspoken questions tumbling through his mind, none finding their way out clearly. Who exactly was the child inside? What was he doing here at Quentin¡¯s? Why had Ernest been so secretive, so cautious¡ªcould the boy possibly be Ernest¡¯s son? Reading Eric¡¯s troubled expression, Ernest nodded with a faint smile. ¡°Your guess is right. He¡¯s mine.¡± ¡°What?¡± Eric froze, his eyes widening sharply. How could this be possible? Then, it hit him. From the moment Ernest woke up, he had Quentin secretly tracking someone. Apparently, that ¡°someone¡± had turned out to be this child¡ªand, Eric suspected, probably the child¡¯s mother as well. Linda¡¯s vague suspicions shed vividly into his mind, suddenly making perfect sense. She had long suspected Ernest might have someone else, though she¡¯d never found tangible proof. After silently gathering his thoughts, Eric faced his brother directly. ¡°Ernest, what are you nning to do?¡± He reconsidered and rephrased the question. ¡°Actually, the real question is, how do you intend to exin all of this to Linda?¡± Before Ernest could respond, Eric¡¯s voice dropped, heavy with warning. ¡°You owe Linda everything, Ernest¡ªshe¡¯s the reason you¡¯re still here.¡± Exclusive stories gal¦Ç¦Òv??l?? A shadow flickered across Ernest¡¯s handsome features, his expression inscrutable. ¡°Rx, Eric. I never intended for any of this to happen. Hurting Linda was never my goal, and I won¡¯t abandon her now.¡± But was that genuinely Ernest¡¯s stance? Doubt momentarily clouded Eric¡¯s judgment, yet deep down, he trusted his brother¡¯s integrity. ncing toward the closed door, Eric finally asked softly, ¡°Ernest, what¡¯s the real story behind all of this?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk somewhere quieter,¡± Ernest suggested, nodding toward the study. ¡°I brought you here specifically to exin.¡± ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± Everything traced back to the car crash Ernest had suffered years earlier. That devastating ident had rendered Ernest unconscious, leaving him helpless in a vegetative state¡ªand it had never seemed entirely idental. Eric, along with N, had privately suspected foul y, investigating discreetly for years. Unfortunately, their attempts had uncovered little, and official investigations had simrly yielded no solid leads. Upon listening to Ernest now, Eric¡¯s expression darkened sharply. ¡°So they¡¯re still out there, plotting against you?¡± Ernest remained perfectly calm, his eyes cold with determination. ¡°It¡¯s their bad luck¡ªI survived. Now that I¡¯m awake again, it¡¯s time to repay old grudges and new threats alike.¡± As for the child, Ernest assured Eric that his existence had genuinely been unexpected. From Eric¡¯s perspective, he couldn¡¯t fault Ernest entirely, but whether Linda could see it the same way was another matter. . . . Chapter 677 ?Chapter 677: Still, the boy carried Flynn blood; they couldn¡¯t simply abandon him outside the family. As for Linda, they would have to keep it from her for now. Eric hesitated slightly before raising another delicate concern. ¡°The boy naturally belongs with us. But Ernest¡­ what about his mother?¡± ¡°There¡¯s noplication there.¡± Ernest spoke inly, his tone firm and decisive, his handsome face carefully devoid of emotion. ¡°She means nothing to me beyond being the child¡¯s biological mother. Our connection ended there.¡± Relief visibly softened Eric¡¯s tense features upon hearing that reassurance. At least that much was certain. ¡°Ernest, don¡¯t push yourself too hard. Linda just needs time. Eventually, I¡¯m sure she¡¯lle around.¡± After all, this entire situation had genuinely been idental. Ernest¡¯s heart still belonged firmly to Linda¡ªthat much Eric knew without doubt. ¡°Yes,¡± Ernest murmured, his brows still shadowed with uncertainty. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you¡¯re right.¡± In the afternoon, Hadley left the hospital, relieved that Joy was feeling much better. Once back at the dance studio, she stayed until her usual finishing time, finding Eric waiting outside exactly when expected. Just as she buckled herself in, Eric let out a brief cough. g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your gateway to fiction Immediately concerned, Hadley turned toward him. ¡°Are you catching a cold?¡± ¡°No.¡± Eric chuckled softly, shaking his head dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s just the weather¡ªmy throat feels dry.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Hadley said quietly, deciding to leave it at that. Later that night, whilefortably nestled in Eric¡¯s embrace, Hadley casually said, ¡°I¡¯ve made ns to have dinner at Elissa¡¯s tomorrow night, and I might stay there overnight if it gets toote.¡± The next day¡¯s treatments would be particrly rough on Joy, and Hadley was determined to be there for her daughter, whatever it took. Eric wasn¡¯t too pleased. ¡°You¡¯re nning to stay the night?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hadley nodded. ¡°I have friends too, and sometimes I need to chat and bond with them.¡± ¡°Does chatting with friends really take a whole night?¡± Eric grumbled. She puffed her cheeks slightly, feigning annoyance. ¡°It¡¯s just one night!¡± Faced with her stubborn expression, Eric sighed softly, giving in. ¡°Fine, just one night.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley was delighted, lifting her head to kiss him. He held her head, deepening the kiss. After the kiss, Eric lightly touched her wrist, adding casually, . . . Chapter 678 ?Chapter 678: ¡°Oh, by the way, your watch has been found.¡± Surprise widened Hadley¡¯s eyes. ¡°My watch? They actually found it?¡± ¡°Is that strange?¡± Eric pinched her nose yfully. ¡°Of course. I told you there¡¯s a serial number for tracking. No one could sell it off unnoticed.¡± Apparently, the thief had triggered an immediate alert when attempting to pawn it. ¡°But there¡¯s some damage, so it needs to go back for repairs,¡± he said gently, pressing a kiss to her forehead. ¡°It might take a bit before it¡¯s ready again.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley sighed lightly, nodding. Luxury items, she thought, were always causing some kind of hassle. That night passed peacefully and quietly. The next morning, Hadley followed the same routine. Joy¡¯s treatments began soon after her arrival at the hospital, quickly bringing renewed pain and difort. ¡°Mommy.¡± Clinging weakly to Hadley¡¯s shoulder, Joy¡¯s eyes filled with sadness. ¡°I miss Daddy so much. It hurts. Can Daddye and hold Joy?¡± Hearing those innocent, longing words broke Hadley¡¯s heart all at once. ¡°Mommy.¡± Joy¡¯s voice was raspy,ced with a sense of loss. Stay tuned for updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m Through her tears, she recalled her mother¡¯s earlier words. ¡°Daddy loves his job more than me, doesn¡¯t he? Boo hoo¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Hadley responded, her own voice thick with emotion, feeling a weight on her chest that made it difficult to breathe. ¡°Daddy loves Joy very much¡­¡± ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he visit me then?¡± Tears welled up in Joy¡¯srge eyes. Sensing her mother¡¯s struggle, she nestled closer within her embrace, her sobs growing louder. ¡°Daddy¡¯s mean! I don¡¯t like Daddy anymore!¡± ¡°Joy.¡± Hadley paused as she wrestled with her thoughts. A part of her wanted to blurt out that her father did care, that he had even been here to see her! Yet, she hesitated, fearing the implications of revealing too much. She knew there was a special bond between Eric and Joy, and that he treated her well. Yet, how could they be certain that Eric¡¯s feelings wouldn¡¯t shift if he discovered Joy was his daughter? It was just like pets being adored by many, yet only a select fewmit to them for life. ¡°Melba.¡± Joy raised her head, tears in her eyes, and addressed Melba. ¡°Could you please call that nice uncle?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Melba paused, uncertain, her gaze shifting toward Hadley for guidance. ¡°We ran into that gentleman I told you about after you left yesterday,¡± she exined. . . . Chapter 679 ?Chapter 679: ¡°He spent a good amount of time with Joy.¡± She turned back to Joy, softly touching her head. ¡°He might be upied with important matters right now, Joy. I don¡¯t think we should disturb him.¡± ¡°But he told me to call if I felt sick,¡± Joy insisted, her lower lip quivering. Melba nced at Hadley, seeking confirmation. ¡°Should I call him? He seemed like a decent man.¡± Hadley gave a small nod. ¡°Yes, call him.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Melba was encouraged by Hadley¡¯s prompt approval and wasted no time in calling Eric. ¡°Hello?¡± Eric picked up almost immediately, intuitively asking, ¡°Is something wrong with Joy?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Melba responded, not hiding the truth. ¡°She became quite distressed during her treatment today¡­ I apologize for the intrusion.¡± ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± Eric reassured her warmly. ¡°You¡¯re doing a wonderful job. Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do¡­¡± After a brief pause to check his schedule, he suggested, ¡°I¡¯ll visit Joy this afternoon. Please tell her to stay calm and wait for me.¡± ¡°Understood. Thank you, sir.¡± F??rst ????en ??n ????????: g?????????¦Í????????????? Melba ended the call with a smile, turning to Joy. ¡°He¡¯s promised to visit youter today, so let¡¯s try to be brave until then, okay?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Though still sniffling and slightly ufortable, Joy¡¯s spirits visibly lifted. Melba reflected quietly. ¡°Life really is full of surprises. Joy and that gentleman seem to share a unique bond.¡± Hadley managed a small smile, acknowledging the deep yet fragile connection between father and daughter, silently pondering its future. Eric wrapped up his afternoon tasks before heading to the hospital. But first, he made a call to the doctor treating his brother, Ernest. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± The doctor sounded slightly puzzled. ¡°Are you referring to your brother¡¯s condition? He¡¯s recovering well.¡± Though Ernest¡¯s rapid recovery was notable, especially with the substantial financial aid from the Flynn family, that wasn¡¯t Eric¡¯s current concern. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I need,¡± Eric said, with a tone of urgency. ¡°I¡¯m interested in whether the treatment being used on my brother is appropriate for children.¡± ¡°For a child? What are the specifics of the child¡¯s condition?¡± Eric described Joy¡¯s medical situation in detail to the doctor. Considering the information, the doctor replied, ¡°It should generally be safe, but I¡¯d advise confirming with her primary physician to tailor the dosage correctly.¡± ¡°Thank you, doctor. That¡¯s all I need to hear,¡± Eric said before ending the call and setting off for the hospital. . . . Chapter 680 Chapter 680: He then called Melba to check on Joy¡¯s condition. ¡°How¡¯s Joy now? I¡¯m heading over.¡± ¡°She¡¯s trying to rest, but it¡¯s been restless,¡± Melba replied with a sigh. ¡°I see,¡± Eric responded, concern marking his features as he drove. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he didn¡¯t head straight to Joy¡¯s ward. Instead, he met with her doctor first. ¡°Mr. Flynn.¡± Colden acknowledged him with a nod, offering a seat. ¡°Joy started her treatment regimen today.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Eric expressed his understanding with a nod and turned the conversation toward the medication. ¡°Dr. Torres, is this medicine beneficial for Joy?¡± ¡°The medicine you mentioned¡­¡± After a thoughtful pause, Colden confirmed, ¡°Indeed, it should provide significant relief.¡± The medication, though not a cure, promised to significantly lessen the difort Joy faced during her treatments. Colden had previously hesitated to prescribe it, held back by two main obstacles¡ªits high cost and scarcity. Indeed, this particr medication was not stocked within Srixby. ¡°That¡¯s reassuring.¡± Eric acknowledged with relief, learning it was helpful for Joy¡¯s condition. He assured, read this novel: g?a?l?n?o?v?e?l?s?.?c?o?m? ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for its delivery soon.¡± Handling the logistics was easy for him. Given that Ernest had been on this medication, Eric nned to redirect some from their reserve for Joy. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Flynn.¡± Colden expressed his deep appreciation, his demeanor reflecting his dedication as a healer. ¡°Your support means a great deal.¡± Eric dismissed the gratitude with a wave of his hand and made his way toward the ward. Aware of his impending visit, Hadley had chosen that moment to step away, not wanting to confront him directly. ¡°Hello!¡± Eric said as he swung the door open. Joy, who was propped up in her hospital bed, spotted him and made an effort to sit up more quickly. ¡°Take it easy, little one,¡± Melba cautioned, rushing to steady her. ¡°Look who¡¯s here. Are you excited?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m so happy!¡± Joy eximed. ¡°Joy.¡± Eric closed the distance between them, lifting Joy effortlessly into one arm and drawing her close. As he wiped the sweat from her brow¡ªa sign of her ongoing difort¡ªhe nted a gentle kiss on her forehead. ¡°Hang in there, Joy. We¡¯re going to get you feeling better very soon.¡± He then turned to Melba, his expression shifting to one of concern. ¡°Where¡¯s her mother?¡± . . .
Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä- . The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 681 ?Chapter 681: The urgency of discussing Joy¡¯s new medication with her mother was clear. Melba responded with a helpless shrug. ¡°She was here until just a few minutes ago. She had to take a call and step out.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Eric muttered, his brow furrowing slightly. After a brief pause, he decided. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the details with you then. Please make sure she gets the message.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Melba agreed, ready to take notes. Eric proceeded to ry the necessary information about the medication, ensuring Melba understood everything clearly. Melba couldn¡¯t contain her excitement upon hearing the news and gave her thigh a joyful p. ¡°This is wonderful! Joy¡¯s difort will be greatly eased!¡± Eric cautioned her to keep things procedural. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure everything goes through the right medical protocols. I¡¯ve already discussed this with Dr. Torres. Let Joy¡¯s mom know the medication has been vetted for safety.¡± ¡°This is great,¡± Melba responded, nodding vigorously. ¡°Joy is truly fortunate!¡± With Hadley absent, Melba feltpelled to express gratitude on her behalf. ¡°I¡¯ll extend thanks on behalf of her mother! She¡¯d be overwhelmed by your generosity if she were here.¡± Turning to Joy, she said, ¡°Say thank you to him, Joy!¡± Full story on ga???????¦Í????s.?????? Joy, embracing Eric warmly, nted a grateful kiss on his cheek. ¡°Thank you. I like you the most.¡± Unbeknownst to them, Hadley was just outside the doorway, observing the tender scene. Tears welled up in her eyes as she fought to keep them from falling. Quietly, she murmured to herself, ¡°Thank you, Eric¡­ thank you so much¡­¡± Her voiceden with emotion as she gratefully acknowledged his efforts. Not long after Eric departed, the promised medication was delivered. That same evening, Joy took it without any trouble. While the medication worked effectively, it had an unexpected side effect: Joy was unusually lively. By eight-thirty, when she would typically be asleep, Joy was wide awake, showing no signs of tiredness. ¡°Joy,¡± Hadley said, tapping gently on the bed. ¡°Come and sleep next to Mommy.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Joy climbed into bed, but her eyes remained bright, and she burst into giggles. ¡°Mommy, hehe¡­¡± ¡°Still giggling?¡± Hadley was perplexed and slightly amused. ¡°It¡¯s bedtime now!¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± Joy¡¯sughter continued, and neither Hadley nor Melba could persuade her to calm down and sleep. Just then, Melba¡¯s phone broke the yful chaos with its ringtone; it was Eric on the line. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Melba answered, noting the time. . . . Chapter 682 ?Chapter 682: ¡°Hello.¡± Eric¡¯s voice came through, filled with concern. He was restless in his bed, thoughts of Joy preventing him from finding sleep. ¡°I had to check in. How¡¯s Joy doing?¡± Melba looked at Joy, who was bursting with energy, and said into the phone, ¡°She¡¯s very energetic tonight and refuses to sleep.¡± Joy, always sharp, perked up at the sound of the conversation and quickly sat upright. ¡°Let me talk to him!¡± she demanded eagerly, reaching for the phone. ¡°Of course,¡± Melba said with a chuckle, handing the phone to the little girl. ¡°Hello!¡± Joy¡¯s voice rang out cheerfully. Hearing her vibrant tone, Eric instantly felt a wave of relief wash over him; the medicine had clearly taken effect. He couldn¡¯t help but smile warmly. ¡°Why are you still awake, Joy? It¡¯s veryte,¡± Eric gently scolded. ¡°I¡¯m watching the moon! It¡¯s so beautiful tonight,¡± Joy replied, filled with wonder. ¡°Really?¡± Eric responded, his curiosity piqued. He walked over to his own window and gazed out, looking for the moon. ¡°Joy, it¡¯s time for the moon to rest too,¡± Eric tried to convince her gently. But Joy replied, ¡°That¡¯s not true! The moon is still up there in the sky. How can it sleep?¡± Eric, feeling a bit cornered, replied yfully, ¡°What if I could bring the moon down to tuck you in?¡± ¡°Can you really do that?¡± Joy¡¯s voice was full of disbelief. ¡°Yes, I can.¡± Eric assured her with sincerity. ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.??? ¡°Just give it a little time, and I¡¯ll arrange for the moon to join you.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Joy¡¯s voice bubbled with excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the moon then!¡± Once the call ended, Joy turned to her mother with sparkling eyes. ¡°Mommy, he¡¯s going to bring the moon to watch over me as I sleep!¡± Hadley nodded, hiding her skepticism. ¡°I heard that, sweetie.¡± Hadley exhaled deeply, her thoughts tangled as she considered Eric¡¯s intentions. Didn¡¯t he realize his imaginative promise could cause Joy to be even more agitated? Joy, now captivated by the idea of the moon visiting her, showed no signs of sleepiness. Left with little option, Hadley reached for a picture book, hoping to calm her daughter¡¯s excitement. Joy listened to the story, her eyes darting to the door every so often. Shortly, a gentle tapping came from the door. Standing there was the night nurse, with a person d in a delivery uniform right behind her. ¡°Melba, it looks like your delivery has arrived,¡± said the nurse with a grin. ¡°My delivery? But I didn¡¯t order anything!¡± Stepping up swiftly, Melba peered towards Joy and then back at the delivery guy, murmuring with a mix of hope and disbelief. ¡°Has Mr. Flynn actually sent the moon?¡± As it turned out, he had¡ªin a manner of speaking. The package contained amp. Modest in appearance when dormant, it transformed when activated, casting a luminous moon across the entirety of Joy¡¯s bed. . . . Chapter 683 ?Chapter 683: ¡°Wow! Haha¡­¡± Joy¡¯sughter filled the room, her eyes crinkling in delight as she tugged at Hadley. ¡°Mommy, look! The moon! He really sent it!¡± The delivery person chimed in, ¡°You can even change the moon¡¯s size with this touchscreen.¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn has really outdone himself,¡± Melba murmured to herself. Once the package was delivered, the delivery person departed. Settlingfortably in her mother¡¯s arms, Joy grew calm. Hadley yfully pinched her nose, asking, ¡°Settled down now? The moon¡¯s here to keep youpany, so no more mischief, okay?¡± ¡°Hehe, yes.¡± Joy embraced her mother tightly, a look of utter contentment on her face. ¡°Close your eyes now,¡± Hadley whispered as she kissed her daughter¡¯s forehead. ¡°Sleep well, Joy. The moon will keep youpany tonight.¡± Joyplied immediately, her eyshes resting gently on her cheeks like delicate fans. ¡°Mommy.¡± The little girl¡¯s voice was soft and wistful. ¡°If only¡­ if only he could be my daddy.¡± Hadley stopped cold, her eyes widening as she looked down at her daughter nestled in her arms. Could Joy really have developed such a fondness for Eric? ?????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í??????©q?????? As Joy slipped into sleep, Hadley remained awake, the room silent around her, her thoughts swirling with a profound sense of emptiness. The following day, Hadley chose not to ask Eric to pick her up. He was busy with a dinner engagement, so she made her way to Silver Vis on her own. Colden informed her, as she was leaving the hospital, that Joy¡¯s condition had stabilized. With another round of treatment tomorrow, Joy was set for discharge. Grateful for the medication Eric provided, Hadley knew it yed a significant part in Joy¡¯s recovery. She arrived back at Silver Vis earlier than usual and made a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up a few items. Upon entering the house, Eric was greeted by the scent of something sweet cooking. He peeked into the kitchen and was surprised to find Hadley there. He redirected his path straight to the kitchen. There, at the ind counter, Hadley was donning an apron, her long hair neatly pulled up into a bun, engrossed in her cooking. The sight of her, always a pleasing one, caught his attention again. Yet, Eric¡¯s expression was one of concern. ¡°Why are you working in here? Isn¡¯t the housekeeper supposed to handle this? Also, haven¡¯t you had your dinner yet? It¡¯s quitete.¡± ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± Hadley responded without looking up initially, but then nced at him as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°The housekeeper has finished for the day; I let her leave early.¡± She noticed his puzzled look and smiled. . . . Chapter 684 ?Chapter 684: ¡°She prepared dinner before she left. I¡¯ve eaten already.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Eric remained puzzled, watching her closely. ¡°Then what has you so preupied right now?¡± Her attire,plete with an apron, signaled her current task in the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared something special for you.¡± Hadley¡¯s smile was warm as she spoke. ¡°For me?¡± ¡°Yes, just about ready,¡± Hadley replied, turning off the heat and removing the pot¡¯s lid. Curious, Eric leaned in to see a single pear, still in its skin, steaming inside the pot. ¡°Have you been coughingtely?¡± she inquired. ¡°I read that steamed pears help soothe the throat,¡± Hadley exined as she donned oven mitts to carefully extract the bowl from the pot. ¡°Let it cool a bit before you try it,¡± she said, setting the bowl aside to cool. Looking up, she noticed Eric¡¯s astonished expression. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Hadley asked, a hint of concern in her voice. ¡°You don¡¯t like pears?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­¡± Eric paused, and then stepped forward to wrap his arms around her in a grateful embrace. ¡°Hadley, thank you for this. You really shouldn¡¯t have gone to all this trouble for me.¡± Caught off guard by his reaction, Hadley chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s really no trouble at all, quite simple actually.¡± Eric¡¯s smile was genuine, appreciating not theplexity of the task but the thoughtfulness behind it. T???? ???????? ???????? ???????? g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¡°Hadley,¡± he murmured, gently holding her chin. ¡°Do you have feelings for me?¡± he inquired softly. He was aware of her past with Denver, wondering if she still held any affection for him. ¡°Tell me, do you have even the slightest liking for me?¡± he whispered. Eric stood watching Hadley intently, a quiet hopefulness glimmering behind his eyes, clearly waiting for her response. A slight difort crept through Hadley, and she fidgeted nervously in his hold, skirting around his question. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try the pear first? It¡¯ll get too cold if you keep waiting. Let me get you a spoon.¡± Was Hadley avoiding him? Yet Eric noticed immediately, clearly sensing the unease hiding beneath her evasion. Still, she hadn¡¯t openly turned him down. Holding her closer, he stubbornly refused to loosen his grip. ¡°You¡¯re being evasive again. Is admitting you like me really such a big deal?¡± He bent toward her, stealing a gentle kiss. ¡°Forget the spoon. I¡¯ll grab one myself. You took the time to cook this, and I intend to enjoy every bite.¡± Finally letting go, he headed toward the cupboard. As Hadley watched him go, a wave of dizziness suddenly washed over her. For a fleeting second, uncertainty tugged at her resolve. . . . Chapter 685 ?Chapter 685: She quietly wondered if things might actually work out, if Eric might keep caring about Joy, if maybe this could be their chance. Yet as soon as the thought came, her vision wavered, and her heartbeat quickened ufortably. Reaching for support, Hadley leaned against the kitchen ind, waiting anxiously until the spinning sensation and rapid pulse faded away. At Flynn Mansion. Hours past midnight. The harsh ring of Ernest¡¯s phone woke him from sleep. Quentin¡¯s name shed urgently on the screen. He answered quickly. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Quentin¡¯s usually steady voice cracked with anxiety. ¡°The boy¡¯s missing!¡± Missing? Ernest pushed himself upright, his mind suddenly sharp and alert. Fury shed across his face, and he clenched his jaw, snapping into the phone, ¡°You had one job¡ªwatching a toddler¡ªand you couldn¡¯t even handle that?¡± His son had been temporarily staying with Quentin, and Ernest still hadn¡¯t worked up the courage to exin the boy¡¯s existence to Linda. On the other end, Quentin remained silent, taking in the scolding. After a pause, Ernest exhaled deeply, attempting to regain hisposure. ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????????: g????????¦Í????????????? It wasn¡¯t entirely Quentin¡¯s fault; he had responsibilities of his own. Two professional nannies had been hired, rotating shifts specifically to keep close tabs on the three-year-old. Ernest walked to the window. It was two in the morning. How could a three-year-old just vanish? Quentin exined, ¡°Around eight o¡¯clock, the nanny tucked him in, and everything appeared perfectly normal.¡± ¡°But when she checked on him a few hourster, the bed was empty! In a panic, she had rushed straight to Quentin to report it right away.¡± Quentin immediately reviewed the security footage and alerted the guards. Disturbingly, the video showed the toddler quietly slipping out of the house and wandering into the night. ording to the time logs, the child had already been missing for over four hours. Ernest stood frozen, gripping the phone tightly, shadows deepening across his face. ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Quentin added carefully, ¡°I¡¯ve already informed the police, and our security team isbing the area now.¡± In short, everything that could be done was already in motion. Yet, no updates had surfaced. Quentin grasped the seriousness of the situation and knew he had to inform Ernest right away. ¡°Tell me exactly where you are.¡± ¡°Waiting just outside the front gate.¡± . . . Chapter 686 ?Chapter 686: Quentin instinctively headed straight to the Flynn estate after setting everything in motion, knowing that Ernest wouldn¡¯t be able to stay idle in such a crisis. ¡°I understand,¡± Ernest said with a brief nod. ¡°Stay put. I¡¯ll join you shortly.¡± Ending the call, Ernest hurriedly dressed and made his way toward the exit. Just as he stepped into the hallway, Linda appeared unexpectedly before him. ¡°Linda.¡± Ernest halted abruptly, a flicker of worry crossing his face. Their many years together had taught Linda exactly how to read him. Fixing him with a steady, prating gaze, she asked calmly, ¡°What¡¯s so urgent that you need to rush out at this hour?¡± Avoiding her eyes slightly, Ernest replied in a vague tone, ¡°Quentin called; says he needs me urgently.¡± ¡°Needs you for what, exactly?¡± Linda¡¯s skepticism was obvious. ¡°Linda¡­¡± Ernest faltered briefly. ¡°Ernest.¡± Linda took a step closer, confronting him directly. ¡°Don¡¯t avoid my question. Look at me properly and tell me clearly: what¡¯s urgent enough to drag you out of the house in the dead of night?¡± Ernest hadn¡¯t returned to his regr work in the familypany yet, still stuck in recovery. With Eric handling all business affairs and Linda managing household responsibilities, Ernest had no clear reason to leave so suddenly in the middle of the night. Tonight felt different, and Linda sensed something far more troubling beneath the surface. Her suspicions, simmering quietly over the months, seemed on the brink of validation. Ch3ck 0ut th3 0r1g1n4l 4t g4ln0v3ls.c0m ¡°Linda.¡± His gaze flickered uneasily, but he knew the moment hade. Keeping this hidden forever hadn¡¯t been realistic. Eventually, the child would return to their home, and Linda deserved to know the truth. But things didn¡¯t go as nned. He had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to speak with Linda, yet unforeseen developments hadpelled him to act sooner. Though it might not be the ideal moment, the situation had left him with little choice but to proceed now. ¡°I need you to hear me out carefully¡­¡± Reaching out, Ernest gently held Linda¡¯s hand, sincerity evident in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll exin everything honestly, but first, promise you¡¯ll listen calmly until I¡¯m finished.¡± ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± Linda replied, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. ¡°Tell me clearly what¡¯s happening.¡± Taking a deep breath, Ernest admitted carefully, ¡°The reason I¡¯m leaving is¡­ because my child is missing.¡± ¡°What?¡± Linda stared nkly, as though Ernest¡¯s words had stripped all meaning from her mind. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Taking another steadying breath, Ernest repeated slowly, ¡°I said my child has gone missing, and I must find him immediately.¡± A dizzying rush filled Linda¡¯s head, almost knocking her off her feet with its force. . . . Chapter 687 ?Chapter 687: Her knees buckled as she gripped her head, dangerously close to copsing. ¡°Linda!¡± Ernest quickly moved forward to support her. ¡°Stay away!¡± She violently shoved Ernest aside, backing away from him as though he were a threat she¡¯d never seen clearly until now. ¡°You¡ªyou¡¯re telling me¡ªyou have a child?¡± Ernest could only frown and nod silently, guilt clear in his expression. Linda¡¯s eyes filled rapidly with tears, anger overwhelming her features. Without warning, she lunged, gripping Ernest¡¯s shirt tightly, her voice trembling with rage. ¡°Your child? Did you really just say your child?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Ernest admitted quietly, dropping his gaze to avoid hers. An ufortable silence settled between them. Color drained from Linda¡¯s face as she bit fiercely into her lower lip, unaware of how deeply she¡¯d drawn blood. ¡°Linda!¡± Ernest immediately reached out, concern etched into his brow. ¡°Stop it! You¡¯re hurting yourself!¡± ¡°Oh, now you¡¯re concerned about me?¡± she snapped. Pulling herself away from him, Lindaughed bitterly before lifting her hand and delivering a stinging p to Ernest¡¯s cheek. The harsh sound lingered sharply in the air, leaving Ernest momentarily stunned by the blow. ¡°Ernest!¡± Linda¡¯s gaze burned into his, her control nearly shattered. ???????????? ¡é???¦Ñ???????? g??????????????£®????? ¡°You always insisted you¡¯d never betrayed me¡ªalways iming innocence. And now there¡¯s a child involved? How do you exin that to me? Tell me! What exactly am I to¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Disturbed by the noise, N stepped out, rubbing sleep from her eyes. ¡°You two arguing again?¡± ¡°N!¡± Linda immediately rushed to N, burying herself in herforting embrace. ¡°You have to stand by me this time!¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± Quentin came rushing urgently from below, interrupting the scene. ¡°We¡¯ve got an update about the boy!¡± ¡°Did you find him?¡± Ernest¡¯s gaze hardened, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. His eyes flickered toward Linda, hesitation gripping him like a vice. He parted his lips slightly, as if on the verge of speaking, but in the end, he turned away in silence. Linda¡¯s breath hitched. Her heart pounded in disbelief. ¡°Ernest! Don¡¯t you dare walk away from me!¡± At the sharpness of her tone, Ernest faltered. His shoulders stiffened before he slowly turned back, his expression a tangled mess of conflict and regret. ¡°Ernest!¡± Linda lunged forward, fingers digging into his arm, her grip tight, desperate. Her swollen, tear-rimmed eyes bore into his as she shook her head, her voice low but seething. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving. Not like this.¡± . . . Chapter 688 ?Chapter 688: ¡°Linda¡­¡± His brow creased, his eyes dark with something unspoken. He held her gaze for a long, aching moment before exhaling deeply. Gently, deliberately, he pried her fingers from his arm. ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I return.¡± The words hit her like a blow. Linda staggered back, her breath shuddering. Ernest spared her onest nce before turning away. ¡°Ernest! Ernest!¡± Her voice cracked, desperation spilling into the empty space between them. N came rushing over, her brows knitted in confusion. She had caught fragments of the exchange, but none of it made sense. ¡°Linda, what¡¯s happening? What is all this?¡± ¡°N!¡± Linda spun toward her, her hands gripping N¡¯s arm like a lifeline, tears pooling in her eyes. ¡°I need to know,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling with raw emotion. ¡°I need to know what he¡¯s been hiding from me.¡± In the car. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ Mr. Flynn?¡± Quentin¡¯s sharp eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. ¡°Miss Harris is following us.¡± Latest updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s Ernest remained unfazed, his expression unreadable. His voice, cool and unwavering, cut through the silence. ¡°Let her.¡± Quentin gave a curt nod. ¡°Understood.¡± Their destination was already set¡ªan orphanage. The call hade unexpectedly. The orphanage director had informed them that the child had returned. The boy was bright-eyed and healthy, his face carrying the kind of charm that made adoption seem inevitable. Yet, fate had been unkind. The first family weed him with open arms¡ªonly to return him six monthster when they had a biological child of their own. A second family took him in, promising stability. But a yearter, their marriage crumbled. The child, caught in the crossfire of their broken vows, was sent back once more. And that was when Quentin had found him. Rejected twice before even understanding what love truly meant, the boy¡¯s once-lively spirit had faded into guarded silence. A heart too young to bear such burdens had already learned the sting of abandonment. When Ernest first arrived at the orphanage to take him in, the director hesitated, her eyes heavy with unspoken concern. ¡°Mr. Flynn, please consider this carefully. Raising a child is an act of devotion, both to him and to yourself,¡± she said. . . . Chapter 689 ?Chapter 689: The warning was clear¡ªif Ernest couldn¡¯tmit, he shouldn¡¯t take the boy in. Another rejection would break the child in ways that couldn¡¯t be undone. But Ernest had met her gaze with firm resolve. ¡°Rest assured,¡± he had said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. ¡°From this day forward, he is my son.¡± He provided the boy with the finestforts¡ªeverything money could offer. Personal caregivers, a home thatcked nothing. And yet, despite it all, the child had run back to the orphanage. Now, as the car rolled to a stop, Ernest¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. The director stood waiting outside. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Mr. Flynn,¡± she greeted, her expression unreadable. ¡°You too.¡± Ernest gave a curt nod, his demeanor steady. But as his eyes searched for the child and found only absence, his jaw tightened. ¡°Where is he?¡± His voice, usuallyposed, held an unfamiliar edge of concern. ¡°Is he alright?¡± The director offered a reassuring nod. ¡°He¡¯s inside, eating.¡± Inside the modest room, the three-year-old sat on a wooden step stool, his small frame hunched over a te of cookies. F??ll ??p???????s ?? g??l??ov?ls.??0?? He was still so young, yet the road back to the orphanage had been long and difficult. Running away from Maple Bay, searching for a ce that felt safe¡ªit was too much for a child his age. His clothes were rumpled and stained with dust, his little face smudged with dirt. He was exhausted. Starving. With each bite, he devoured the cookies as if he hadn¡¯t eaten in days. Ernest¡¯s chest tightened at the sight. His throat felt dry, and for the first time in a long while, emotion stung his eyes. He instinctively softened his steps, moving closer as if afraid that one wrong move might scare the boy away. ¡°Locke,¡± he whispered. The child¡¯s tiny cheeks were puffed up with food. The moment he heard his name, his little body jolted, eyes wide with rm as he looked up at the towering figure before him. ¡°Locke¡­¡± Ernest raised a hand, meaning to ruffle the boy¡¯s hair, to offer a gentle touch¡ªsomething to reassure him. But Locke¡¯s reaction was immediate. He leapt from the stool, his small legs carrying him straight to the director, where he clung to her tightly, hiding behind her like a frightened kitten. Ernest¡¯s hand fell to his side, empty. The director chuckled awkwardly, stroking Locke¡¯s back in a soothing motion. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweetheart? It¡¯s Mr. Flynn. He adopted you, remember? You¡¯re part of his family now.¡± . . . Chapter 690 ?Chapter 690: Locke¡¯s head snapped up, his big, teary eyes filled with raw fear. ¡°Please don¡¯t make me go! I¡¯m a good boy! Let me stay here, please!¡± ¡°But, Locke¡­¡± The director¡¯s sigh was heavy, burdened with helplessness. ¡°Sweetheart, be good and follow Mr. Flynn. You¡¯ll live in a big house, eat all the good food you want, wear new clothes, go to the best schools¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± Locke¡¯s voice cracked, his tiny frame trembling as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± Nothing the director said could console him. His cries grew louder, his body shaking with every sob. The director¡¯s own eyes glistened as she watched the little boy break down. She turned toward Ernest, searching his face for any sign of frustration or impatience. ¡°Mr. Flynn, this child has been through too much. Please¡­ don¡¯t take it personally. He just needs time.¡± Ernest didn¡¯t respond right away. His face betrayed no anger, no irritation¡ªjust quiet understanding. Leaning slightly on his cane, he took a step forward, lowering himself to one knee to meet the child¡¯s height. Slowly, deliberately, he extended his hand toward Locke. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Locke,¡± his voice was softer this time, steady yetced with something deeper. ¡°Come here.¡± Ernest hesitated for a brief second before adding, his voice just above a whisper, ¡°I want you toe with me, Locke. Let me be your daddy.¡± Locke¡¯s small shoulders trembled. His breath hitched. For a long moment, he simply stared at Ernest, eyes searching his face for something unseen. Then, as if unsure of what to believe, he turned to the director, silently pleading for an answer. The director gently patted Locke¡¯s small head, her voice warm with encouragement. ¡°Did you hear that, sweetheart? Mr. Flynn is going to be your daddy from now on.¡± Locke¡¯s big, teary eyes shimmered with uncertainty. A family. A real family. Who wouldn¡¯t want that? And yet, his heart clenched with hesitation. The past still loomed over him like a shadow, whispering reminders of broken promises, of love given and then taken away. ¡°Locke, don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Ernest coaxed, his voice softer than ever. He knelt down, careful not to startle the boy. ¡°Daddy has been very busy these past few days, and that¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t visit you. But listen to me¡ªDaddy will never leave you, Locke. You don¡¯t have to be afraid anymore. You have a home now, and no one will ever send you back again.¡± Locke¡¯s breath hitched. His tiny fingers curled at his sides. He was only three, but he had lived through too much. He knew what it meant to be abandoned, to be unwanted. His little lip quivered as he whispered through his sobs, ¡°Really?¡± . . . Chapter 691 ?Chapter 691: ¡°Yes, really,¡± Ernest said, his tone steady and certain. Slowly, he reached out his hand, extending his pinky toward the child. ¡°Daddy promises. No lies. Ever. Okay?¡± Locke hesitated. His small chest rose and fell with uneven breaths as he stared at the outstretched pinky. Then, after what felt like forever, he raised his chubby little hand and hooked his tiny finger around Ernest¡¯s. ¡°No lies?¡± Locke¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°No lies,¡± Ernest promised, his grip gentle but firm. ¡°Daddy will never lie to Locke.¡± The director beamed, her eyes misty. ¡°Locke, sweetheart, aren¡¯t you going to call him Daddy now?¡± ¡°Dad¡­ Daddy.¡± Locke¡¯s throat bobbed as he swallowed. His voice came out shaky, unsure, but it was there. ¡°Good boy, Locke.¡± Ernest¡¯s heart clenched. A rare warmth surged in his chest, something unfamiliar yet profoundly moving. He exhaled slowly, his arms opening. The boy hesitated only a moment longer before allowing himself to be pulled into Ernest¡¯s embrace. At the door, Linda stood frozen. So did N. And at that moment, everything clicked into ce for N. Her grandson had a child. A child of the Flynn family. Her great-grandson. M¦Òr? ¦Ôpd¦Át?s ¨ªn G¦Áln¦Òv?ls.c¦Òm ¡°Locke!¡± Overwhelmed with emotion, N rushed forward, momentarily forgetting everything else¡ªincluding Linda. ¡°Locke, my precious boy!¡± she called out, her hands trembling as she reached for him. ¡°I¡¯m your great-grandmother. Come here, let me take a good look at you!¡± Linda¡¯s gaze turned ice-cold, her breathing in sharp, shallow bursts. Her hands curled into fists at her sides as she watched the scene unfold before her. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this, Ernest,¡± she grumbled under her breath, her eyes dark with fury. ¡°You¡¯ll regret ever treating me like this.¡± ¡°Linda!¡± In that fleeting moment, Ernest glimpsed the wild frenzy dancing in Linda¡¯s eyes. He swiftly passed little Locke into N¡¯s waiting arms. ¡°Locke, my dear boy, Daddy has some urgent matters to attend to, so you¡¯ll stay with your great-grandmother for a spell.¡± Turning to N with a heavy heart, Ernest began, ¡°Grandma¡­¡± ¡°No need to exin, child. I understand perfectly.¡± N reassured him with a knowing nod. ¡°Go on now, don¡¯t fret. Locke is safe in my care.¡± ¡°Thank you, Grandma!¡± Ernest¡¯s voice carried the weight of gratitude. ¡°Off with you,¡± N said warmly, cradling a bewildered Locke in her arms. . . . Chapter 692 ?Chapter 692: She softened her tone, soothing the boy with the tenderness only a great-grandmother could muster. ¡°No need to be frightened, Locke. This is grown-up business, nothing for you to worry over. Let¡¯s head home with great-grandma, shall we?¡± Children had a keen sense for recognizing genuine affection, and Locke could feel the warmth radiating from N. He gave a small, trusting nod. ¡°That¡¯s my goodd,¡± N murmured, guiding him gently. ¡°Let¡¯s be on our way.¡± Linda tore out like a woman possessed, leaping into her car and peeling off into the night without a backward nce. The orphanage sat perched atop a hill, and by the time Ernest and his men gave chase, Linda had vanished into the shadows like a ghost in the wind. That night, Ernest was utterly spent. His body, still mending from a years-longa he had only emerged from mere months ago, protested with every step. His legs throbbed, and a dull ache pulsed in his temples. Quentin, ever observant, took note of his struggle. ¡°Mr. Flynn, why don¡¯t you head back and catch some rest? Leave the search for Miss Harris to me.¡± Ernest¡¯s brow knitted together, worry etched deep into his features. ¡°Even if you find her, Quentin, I fear she won¡¯te back willingly.¡± ?????????? ???? ????????????: ????ln??ve???s. c????? Quentin couldn¡¯t muster a counter to that grim truth. Meanwhile, N settled Locke into the car with care. Seeing the strain on her grandson¡¯s face, she approached Ernest with purpose. ¡°Ernest, your body can¡¯t handle this strain,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Come back home with me.¡± ¡°But Grandma¡­¡± Ernest began, his voiceced with hesitation. ¡°No buts,¡± N interjected, her tone leaving no room for argument. Turning to Quentin, she issued her orders with the decisiveness of a seasoned matriarch. ¡°Get in touch with Eric. Have hime here straightaway¡ªLinda might not heed your words right now, but she¡¯ll listen to Eric.¡± Her final words were aimed squarely at Ernest, her gaze steady and resolute. ¡°Grandma.¡± Ernest hesitated again. ¡°It feels like too much to ask of Eric. It¡¯ste, and this mess is my burden to bear after all.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk like that,¡± N cut in sharply, unwilling to entertain his self-imposed istion. ¡°You¡¯re brothers, Ernest. And brothers take care of each other. If something happens to you, do you think Eric could rest easy? Do as I say.¡± She shot Quentin a pointed look, her patience thinning. ¡°Well? What are you standing around for? Call him!¡± ¡°Yes, Mrs. Flynn!¡± Quentin replied briskly, snapping into action. In the wee hours of the morning, somewhere between three and four, when the worldy cloaked in stillness, Eric was roused from slumber by the insistent trill of his phone. . . . Chapter 693 ?Chapter 693: He cast a quick nce at Hadley beside him. Hadley, ever the light sleeper, was already stirring, though her eyes remained closed. ¡°Answer it outside,¡± she mumbled. ¡°Alright,¡± Eric whispered, slipping out of the room with the phone pressed to his ear. ¡°Quentin, what¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn,¡± Quentin began, his tone apologetic as he ryed the night¡¯s events. ¡°Your brother is running on fumes, and Mrs. Flynn insisted I call you. I¡¯m sorry to disturb your rest.¡± After hearing the tale, Eric rubbed his temples, a weary sigh escaping him. ¡°I understand. It¡¯s no trouble. I¡¯ll head over right away.¡± ¡°Much obliged, Mr. Flynn,¡± Quentin replied. Eric ended the call and let out a long, burdened breath. For his brother, for Linda, he knew he had to step in. But the question lingered¡ªhow would he exin this to Hadley? He eased the bedroom door open and perched on the edge of the bed, hesitating before speaking. ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Hadley, still facing away from him, her eyes shut, murmured groggily, ¡°Done with the call? Can we go back to sleep now? Turn off the light, please¡ªit¡¯s too bright.¡± ???????????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ????????????????: g???????¦Í???????????? ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric pressed, his voice tinged with unease, ¡°I need to step out for a bit.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes snapped open, and she rolled over to face Eric, concern flickering across her features. ¡°At this hour?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric admitted, taking her hand gently, his tone soft as a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s Ernest. He is caught in a bit of a bind.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happened to him?¡± Hadley asked, her worry deepening. ¡°Is he unwell?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± Noticing the concern etched on her face, Eric hurriedly shook his head, offering bothfort and rity. ¡°Ernest¡¯s health is holding steady, no need to fret.¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s troubling him?¡± Hadley pressed, her brow furrowing as she sought answers. ¡°Isn¡¯t the Flynn Group still under your stewardship?¡± Her question hung in the air, leaving Eric momentarily at a loss for words. He knitted his brows, grappling with how to reply as their gazes locked in a quiet, unspoken exchange. Then, like a dawn breaking through the fog, Hadley seemed to grasp the truth. A faint, knowing smile tugged at her lips. ¡°It¡¯s Linda, isn¡¯t it?¡± Her words were less a question and more a quiet realization, delivered with calm certainty. . . . Chapter 694 ?Chapter 694: Eric¡¯s heart stuttered, his fingers tightening around her hand. ¡°Hadley, I¡­¡± ¡°Go on, then,¡± Hadley interjected, her voice steady as a stillke. ¡°If they called you thiste, it must be pressing. Don¡¯t linger here exining¡ªjust go.¡± ¡°Hadley?¡± Eric blinked, caught off guard by herposure. ¡°You¡¯re not upset?¡± ¡°Not in the least.¡± Hadley offered a gentle smile, shaking her head, before her tone shifted with a sudden curiosity. ¡°But let¡¯s say, just for argument¡¯s sake, I were upset and asked you to stay. Would you?¡± Eric froze, his expression a canvas of conflicted emotions, answering more than words ever could. ¡°Exactly,¡± Hadley said with a faint smile. ¡°Whether I¡¯m upset or not wouldn¡¯t change a thing, so why dwell on it?¡± She slipped her hand from his and gave him a nudge, her touch light but firm. ¡°Go on now. She is waiting.¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Eric hesitated, searching her face for something¡ªanything¡ªto hold onto. But Hadley turned her gaze toward the window, her voice cool. ¡°It¡¯ste, and I need my rest. You should get going.¡± Eric studied her profile, sensing the undercurrent of her displeasure beneath herposed exterior. C??mpl?t? ??o??t?nt ??t g??lnov?ls.??0?? Yet, he couldn¡¯t ignore the call of duty. ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll be off.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Hadley murmured, her smile soft as she nodded in acknowledgment. Eric rose and moved to the closet to change. When he returned, Hadley had already settled back down, her back to him once more. A sudden tightness gripped his chest, an unease he couldn¡¯t shake. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m heading out.¡± Hadley¡¯s response was faint, her position unchanged, offering no further words or even a nce his way. Eric lingered for a heartbeat, hoping for something more, but the silence stretched on. As he had changed earlier, he had noticed the faint patter of sleet against the window outside. Bending down, he brushed his fingers gently across Hadley¡¯s cheek. ¡°It¡¯s chilly out there with sleet falling¡ªkeep the nket tucked around you.¡± Hadley¡¯s eyes remained closed, her breathing steady as if she were already drifting into dreams, offering no sign she had heard him. ¡°I¡¯m off now,¡± Eric said again, his voice quieter now. He hesitated a moment longer before withdrawing his hand and stepping out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him, and in that instant, Hadley¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her gaze steady andposed. . . . Chapter 695 ?Chapter 695: That had been a close call! She had nearly let her emotions sway her better judgment. Tonight, as she prepared the steamed pear for Eric, she had foolishly entertained the notion of building somethingsting between them. Even if only for a fleeting moment, how could she have let such a naive thought take root? Thank heavens for that phone call¡ªit had whisked Eric away and snapped her back to reality. In the car, Eric¡¯s hands clenched the steering wheel, his brow creased with unease, a restless storm brewing in his chest. His thoughts swirled around Hadley. What was she doing now? Had she drifted off? Her sleep was always so light¡ªshe simply couldn¡¯t fall asleep in mere seconds, could she? So why hadn¡¯t she responded when he left? He had mentioned the sleet outside, yet she seemed not to hear, not even sparing a simple ¡°Drive safely¡± as he departed. Earlier that evening, when she prepared steamed pears for him just because she noticed his cough, he had sensed a closeness blossoming between them. But just now, it felt as though she had retreated to the starting line, leaving him adrift. His phone buzzed sharply, pulling him back to reality. It was Linda. ¡°Linda?¡± Eric said, gathering his scattered thoughts. ¡°Eric,¡± Linda¡¯s voice trembled on the other end. ¡°I¡¯m so scared¡­¡± Eric felt a wave of unease crash over him. His grip on the phone tightened. Newest chapters on galno¦Íels.c¨®m ¡°Linda, where are you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Her voice trembled,ced with fear and barely contained sobs. ¡°Eric¡­ I don¡¯t know where I am. It¡¯s dark, and¡ª¡± A choked breath. ¡°I¡¯m scared!¡± ¡°Stay put! I¡¯ming. Quentin is searching too¡ªjust don¡¯t move, do you hear me?¡± After hanging up, he mmed his foot on the gas pedal, the engine roaring as he tore through the streets, heading straight for the west side of the city. ¡°Mr. Flynn!¡± By the time Eric arrived, Quentin had already located Linda¡¯s car. But something was wrong. The car door was wide open. And Linda was nowhere in sight. Eric¡¯s eyes scanned the dark surroundings, his pulse quickening. She wouldn¡¯t have gone far. Maybe she stepped out for air and lost her way. ¡°We need to search the area,¡± Eric said, his voice firm. ¡°She should be close by.¡± Quentin nodded. ¡°Understood. Mr. Flynn, let¡¯s stay in contact.¡± ¡°Right.¡± The road ahead was deste, the darkness stretching endlessly. With barely any streetlights, Eric had to rely on his phone¡¯s shlight to cut through the thick shadows. ¡°Linda!¡± His voice echoed into the night. ¡°It¡¯s Eric! If you can hear me, answer me!¡± He trudged forward, his footsteps crunching over the frozen ground. The further he went, the more treacherous the mountain path became. The sleet stung his face, his visibility reduced to almost nothing. . . . Chapter 696 ?Chapter 696: Then¡ªhis phone buzzed. Quentin. He quickly answered, ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn, we found Miss Harris. She¡¯s injured, but¡ª¡± A brief hesitation. ¡°She refuses toe with me. She won¡¯t budge. We need you here.¡± Eric exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll be there¡ªhold on.¡± Just as the call ended, his phone rang again. Another call? A sharp gust of wind suddenly blew past him, carrying ice and snowkes straight into his eyes. He winced, instinctively squeezing them shut. His footing slipped. The phone flew from his grasp, crashing against the frozen earth. Eric¡¯s breath caught as he watched its light flicker a few feet away. It was still ringing. Who could it be? Hadley? He reached out, his fingertips brushing the ice just inches away from it¡ªbut the phone was still out of reach. The ringtone stopped. Eric cursed under his breath, frustration curling in his gut. But then, the phone lit up once more. Eric¡¯s heart pounded against his ribs. His mind raced. Was it Hadley? Was she in trouble? Had something happened? If she needed him, if she was hurt, alone, waiting for him¡ª His jaw clenched at the thought. He had to answer. ???????????????? ?????? ???? ??????????????????.?????? Ignoring the stiffness in his muscles, he lunged forward, stretching his arm as far as it could go. But then, the ground beneath him shifted. He lurched downward, his feet desperately scrambling for purchase, but the loose, icy soil provided nothing to hold onto and he tumbled down the slope. Hadley was half-drifting between sleep and wakefulness when the sharp trill of her ringtone shattered the silence. Who would be calling at this hour? Joy? Blinking against the dim glow of the screen, she nced at the caller ID. Phillips? A strange shiver ran through her, snapping her further awake. After the exhausting chaos of the night, could she not get even a moment¡¯s rest? Suppressing the annoyance bubbling in her chest, she sighed and swiped to answer. ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Phillips¡¯ voice was urgent¡ªtoo urgent. The tension in his tone hit her before his words did. ¡°Mr. Flynn is injured¡ªit¡¯s bad. He¡¯s being rushed to the hospital. I¡¯m on my way to pick you up. Get ready, now!¡± The line went dead before she could respond. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Hadley sat frozen, the phone still pressed to her ear. Eric? Injured? He was supposed to be out looking for Linda. How could he be injured? And seriously injured? . . . Chapter 697 ?Chapter 697: Her mind raced with possibilities, each one more terrifying than thest. Without wasting another second, she threw back the covers and shot out of bed. She barely registered slipping into her clothes. By the time she reached the staircase, a pair of headlights shed through the window. Phillips was already there. The ride to the hospital was a blur. By the time they arrived, Ernest had already gotten there, waiting just outside the emergency wing. ¡°Ernest,¡± Hadley called, her voice tight. She rushed toward him, her face pale. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ernest said with a sigh. ¡°The doctors did an initial check¡ªEric¡¯s injuries aren¡¯t life-threatening.¡± Hadley exhaled, nodding slightly. ¡°Oh¡­¡± But the words didn¡¯tfort her. Not life-threatening? That was too vague. What about the rest of his injuries? Broken bones? Permanent damage? Before she could ask, the door to the trauma center swung open, and a doctor stepped out. Ernest was on his feet in an instant. ¡°How is my brother?¡± ¡°Mr. Flynn, your brother needs to be taken to the operating room immediately. His injuries are extensive¡ªbeyond what the trauma center can handle.¡± Hadley felt an invisible force press against her chest. Ernest, however, wasted no time. His jaw tightened, his decision immediate. ?????????????? ?????? ?????????¦Í???????????? ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll sign the papers. Just make sure you do everything you can.¡± The doctor nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll do our best, Mr. Flynn.¡± Within minutes, the necessary paperwork was signed, and Eric was wheeled out of the trauma room and straight into the operating theater. Hadley didn¡¯t even get a glimpse of him. A hollow feeling settled in her stomach as she and Ernest found themselves in the waiting area outside the OR. Ernest exhaled, breaking the silence. He reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡± His voice was calm, unwavering. ¡°Eric will be fine. The doctor said his injuries aren¡¯t critical.¡± Hadley swallowed hard, her throat dry. ¡°I know, Ernest,¡± she murmured. Her hands were tightly sped in herp, her knuckles pale. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid.¡± This was Ernest Flynn. He wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to his brother. He had the resources, the best doctors, modern medicine¡ªEric would survive. And yet, Hadley¡¯s heart refused to settle. After what felt like an eternity, Quentin arrived. He looked tense, his eyes scanning the room, but Hadley quickly realized¡ªhe hadn¡¯te just for Eric. Linda was here too. . . . Chapter 698 ?Chapter 698: Ernest seemed to read the situation instantly. He stood, straightening his coat. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯ll leave Eric to you,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Linda.¡± Hadley met his gaze, hesitating for only a fraction of a second before nodding. ¡°Okay.¡± She remained seated, watching as Ernest walked away. His steps were firm, purposeful. The worry that had been clouding her mind all night suddenly felt¡­ misced. What was she even worrying about? The one who should be concerned wasn¡¯t her, and it wasn¡¯t her turn¡­ A tired sigh escaped her lips. She leaned back in the chair, closing her eyes. The exhaustion she had been holding at bay finally crept in, numbing her thoughts. Time slipped away from her. ¡°Hadley¡­ Hadley?¡± Her brow furrowed as she blinked awake, her mind sluggish from exhaustion. The overhead fluorescent lights cast a dull re, making her squint. Phillips stood before her, arms crossed, his expression caught somewhere between shock and disbelief. She had fallen asleep? Eric was in surgery, and she was out here sleeping? Didn¡¯t she care at all? ¡°Wake up,¡± he said briskly. ¡°The surgery is over. Mr. Flynn is out.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à?? Hadley¡¯s breath caught, and any remaining drowsiness vanished instantly. She looked up and, sure enough, the doors to the operating room were open. At some point, Ernest had returned. He was standing just ahead, speaking to the doctor in low tones. ¡°Mr. Flynn will be transferred directly to a VIP ward,¡± the doctor said. His tone was calm, professional. ¡°There¡¯s nothing critical to worry about. He will need time to recover, but rest assured, his condition is stable.¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor.¡± Ernest nodded, his tone polite but firm. Hadley stepped forward, her voice soft but steady. ¡°Ernest?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± He turned toward her, his sharp gaze scanning her face. His frown deepened slightly as he took in her sleepy expression. ¡°Eric has been moved to a regr ward. We can see him now.¡± Hadley swallowed, nodding quickly. ¡°Alright.¡± Inside the private VIP ward, the atmosphere was quiet, almost too still. Ericy motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale, his breathing steady but shallow. The anesthesia still held him in its grip, keeping him locked in unconsciousness. Ernest, standing beside her, finally broke the silence. ¡°Eric should be fine now. You should stay here with him. At least for a while.¡± Hadley nodded. ¡°I will, Ernest. Don¡¯t worry.¡± . . . Chapter 699 ?Chapter 699: Satisfied, Ernest adjusted the cuffs of his suit, already preparing for his next task. There was never just one thing on his te¡ªhe still had Linda to check on as well. Without another word, he turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. The room grew still again. Hadley sighed softly, rubbing her temple as fatigue settled over her. Time trickled by. The dark sky outside gradually gave way to soft morning light, filtering through the blinds. Eric didn¡¯t stir. Hadley checked the time on her phone. It was morning already. With a quiet sigh, she walked to the door, pulling it open¡ªonly to find Phillips standing there, about to enter. ¡°Hadley?¡± he said, ncing past her toward Eric. ¡°Is there something you need?¡± She shook her head with a polite smile. ¡°No, I was just about to leave. I have work, so I need to go.¡± She took a step forward, intending to pass him. But before she could, Phillips reached out and grabbed her arm. ¡°Hmm?¡± Hadley nced pointedly down at Phillips¡¯ hand on her arm. ¡°Is there a reason you¡¯re stopping me?¡± Did he really think he could keep her here? Phillips stared at Hadley in disbelief before a humorless chuckle slipped out. How could she even ask such a thing? Though Hadley was important to Eric, Phillips wasn¡¯t in the mood to show any courtesy right now. M?????? ???????????????? ???? g????????¦Í?????? dot con He said coldly, ¡°You¡¯re not leaving. Flynn will need to speak with you the moment he regains consciousness.¡± ¡°For what?¡± Hadley asked, genuine confusion in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m neither his doctor nor his nurse. There¡¯s nothing much I can help with.¡± Was she being serious? Phillips struggled for words, irritation growing stronger by the second. ¡°You¡¯re his girlfriend. Mr. Flynn hasn¡¯t even regained consciousness yet, and you¡¯re thinking of just walking away?¡± His tone suggested she had done something terribly wrong. Instead of getting defensive, Hadley simply smiled¡ªthough her expression carried a touch of bitter amusement¡ªas she nced toward the hospital room. ¡°Don¡¯t you know why he is lying in that bed right now?¡± she asked softly. Phillips froze, guilt shing briefly through his eyes. Hadley¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°He got hurt protecting Linda. Once he wakes up, it¡¯s her he¡¯ll want at his bedside¡ªnot me.¡± As she finished, Hadley calmly but firmly pulled her arm free. ¡°Will you please let me go now?¡± At aplete loss, Phillips had no choice but to let go. . . . Chapter 700 Chapter 700: Hadley shed him a polite smile. ¡°Thanks.¡± Without another word, she turned and left. Phillips watched her leave,pletely unsettled. Now what was he supposed to do? Even though Hadley¡¯s logic made sense, he still couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Eric would expect her there when he opened his eyes. Phillips couldn¡¯t help but feel that Hadley seemed entirely unconcerned with Eric¡¯s condition. At around nine, Eric finally regained consciousness. Surprisingly, he felt fine¡ªlike he¡¯d simply awakened from a long, restful sleep. ¡°Eric¡ªyou¡¯re finally up.¡± Linda¡¯s unmistakable voice rang out, filled with relief and mild surprise. Like him, she was wearing hospital clothes, though her stay was precautionary¡ªaside from feeling cold and a little shaken, she¡¯d escaped unharmed. At Ernest¡¯s insistence, she remained in the hospital overnight, just to ensure she waspletely fine. Ernest himself was present, quietly standing guard nearby. Eric acknowledged them with a slight nod. ¡°Linda, Ernest.¡± ¡°About time you woke up,¡± Linda said, giving him a gentle yet reproachful look. g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm hosts thrilling adventures ¡°You were unconscious for hours. How are you feeling? Any pain?¡± ¡°None,¡± Eric answered after a brief pause to check himself. ¡°Just feels stiff when I try moving.¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t move around so much,¡± Linda said softly, easing him back against the pillows. ¡°Don¡¯t strain yourself. You¡¯ve got injuries everywhere; healing takes rest.¡± ¡°They¡¯re minor scratches,¡± Eric responded, offering her a reassuring grin. ¡°No big deal.¡± Turning his attention to Ernest, he asked earnestly, ¡°Does Hadley know what happened?¡± The thought that Hadley might have called him before the incident still worried him. ¡°Have you spoken to her? Is everything alright with her?¡± Linda didn¡¯t give Ernest a chance to speak, instead letting out a bitterugh filled with obvious disdain. ¡°Oh, believe me, nothing¡¯s wrong with her. She¡¯s perfectly fine.¡± ¡°Linda,¡± Ernest said sharply, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. ¡°What, am I wrong?¡± Linda retorted, her irritation with Hadley suddenly surfacing. ¡°Her boyfriend is hospitalized, practically unconscious, and what does she do? She leaves. She couldn¡¯t even wait around until he woke up. Said something ridiculous about needing to go to work. Honestly, Eric¡ªwhat kind of job could possibly mean more to her than you?¡± . . .
Message from Noah: Happy monday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ©d( ??? )? ? *? . The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 701 ?Chapter 701: With every word, Linda¡¯s anger deepened. ¡°You¡¯re always worried sick about her¡ªbut does she even spare a thought for you?¡± ¡°Stop it, Linda!¡± Ernest interjected, unable to hold back any longer. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Turning her back to him, Linda retorted, ¡°Will silence alter the truth?¡± As Eric¡¯s mood seemed to darken, Ernest quickly intervened. ¡°In fact, Hadley didn¡¯t waste a momenting here when she heard about your ident. She was right outside the surgery room all that time and spent the night here by your side. It¡¯s likely she had to leave for work because she couldn¡¯t take leave.¡± Eric¡¯s face softened into a mild smile upon hearing this. ¡°Yes, I understand. Hadley¡¯s always careful. She wouldn¡¯t skip work without a good reason.¡± Feeling a wave of relief, Ernest replied, ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡± ming himself for the mishap, he worried about its potential impact on his brother¡¯s rtionship. ¡°I didn¡¯t consider everything fully. You rest, and I¡¯ll make sure someone gets Hadley the time off she needs to be here with you,¡± Ernest added. ¡°Fantastic.¡± Eric beamed, showing his gratitude. g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ?????????? ???????? ???????? ¡°Thanks a lot, Ernest.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks among brothers.¡± Meanwhile, Linda looked on disinterestedly, turning away from the brothers and rolling her eyes. Phillips went to the dance studioter. Hepleted the necessary paperwork for Hadley¡¯s leave and found her practicing. With a grave expression, Phillips informed her, ¡°Hadley, Mr. Flynn is awake. Your leave is arranged, and I¡¯vee to take you to the hospital.¡± Surprised by the urgency, Hadley thought, ¡°Why rush me to the hospital? Aren¡¯t there nurses to look after things? Do I really have skills superior to those of a nurse?¡± Phillips, giving no room for refusal, said firmly, ¡°Mr. Flynn is asking for you. It¡¯s my duty to bring you to him. Pleasee with me.¡± He swiftly took hold of Hadley¡¯s wrist, guided her to the car, and drove straight to the hospital. Upon reaching the hospital room, Phillips knocked on the door. ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯ve brought Hadley.¡± With a resigned sigh, Hadley nudged the door open. Inside, Eric wasn¡¯t by himself. Dressed again in her own attire, Linda hadpleted her medical examination, received a clean bill of health, and was preparing to leave. . . . Chapter 702 ?Chapter 702: She paused to visit Eric, waiting for Ernest to fetch her. As Hadley entered, she arrived just in time to catch the tail end of a conversation, marked by Linda¡¯s subdued crying. Eric offered her a tissue, saying, ¡°You should talk to Ernest. Yes, he made errors, but¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he noticed Hadley. ¡°Hadley,¡± said Eric, his face breaking into a gentle smile. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Looking from Eric to Linda, Hadley voiced her concern. ¡°Eric was searching for you all night, and he ended up getting hurt. How are you holding up?¡± Taken aback by the question, Linda answered, ¡°I¡¯m alright, thank you.¡± She wiped away her tears, stood, and added, ¡°Ernest will be here shortly. I think I¡¯ll wait for him outside.¡± ¡°Sure thing,¡± Hadley said with a smile as she escorted Linda to the door, which she opened gracefully. ¡°Take care,¡± she added. ¡°Will do.¡± With a tentative smile, Linda exited. ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric called from the bed, extending his hand toward her. ¡°Join me here, please.¡± L?t??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l?ov?l??.??§à?? After closing the door, Hadley approached and took the seat Linda had just left, deliberately overlooking his extended hand. ¡°How are you holding up?¡± she inquired. Eric¡¯s expression shifted to one of disappointment. ¡°Why sit so far? Move closer; let¡¯s befortable.¡± Hadley eyed his bandages and offered a cautious smile. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about aggravating your injuries?¡± His grin broadened. ¡°Are you concerned for me?¡± What did he just say? Perplexed by his reasoning, Hadley stared at him. ¡°Your injury wasn¡¯t my fault. Why should I feel concerned?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± Eric¡¯s voice sliced through the air, sharp and unyielding. His expression darkened, the muscle in his jaw tightening as he stared her down. His lips pressed into a hard line, every inch of him radiating frustration. ¡°Why so tense?¡± she said, tilting her head slightly. ¡°Am I wrong?¡± Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering. ¡°You got hurt protecting the person you care about¡ªshouldn¡¯t she be the one here, feeling concerned?¡± ¡°Enough,¡± Eric snapped, his voice edged with warning. ¡°Stop bringing her up every chance you get.¡± . . . Chapter 703 ?Chapter 703: His cold stare bore into her, his patience wearing thin. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you? There¡¯s nothing between Linda and me. Last night wasn¡¯t about her¡ªit was about my brother¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, please!¡± Hadley let out a soft chuckle, amusement flickering in her eyes. ¡°Could it be that you¡¯re falling in love but don¡¯t even realize it, Mr. Flynn?¡± ¡°Hadley¡­¡± Knock! Knock! The sharp tension between them was broken by a gentle rapping on the door. A nurse entered, pushing a treatment cart,pletely oblivious to the charged atmosphere. ¡°Mr. Flynn, it¡¯s time for your afternoon infusion.¡± Eric didn¡¯t look away from Hadley, his expression still stormy, as if their conversation had merely been paused rather than ended. ¡°Please proceed.¡± Hadley stepped back, giving space, but not before casting Eric onest nce. ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee, Miss Pearson.¡± The nurse offered a kind smile as she leaned down, expertly adjusting the IV line with practiced precision. ¡°That should do it,¡± she said, straightening up. ¡°If you need anything, just press the call button or reach out to the nurse¡¯s station.¡± ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± ?????? ?????? ???????? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? With a polite nod, the nurse gathered her things and slipped out of the room, leaving behind a stillness that felt heavier than before. Hadley didn¡¯t seem interested in revisiting their earlier conversation. Instead, she pulled a chair closer and sank into it, her gaze driftingzily to the IV bag. ¡°Going to take at least an hour and a half, isn¡¯t it?¡± she murmured, a yawn slipping out before she could stifle it. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± The force of it made her eyes water, and she quickly wiped at them, blinking away the drowsiness creeping in. Eric, still watching her, felt the lingering tension between them begin to ease. ¡°Are you really that exhausted?¡± he asked, his tone softer now. Hadley nodded, yawning again. ¡°How could I not be? Last night was chaos¡ªI barely got three hours of sleep,¡± she muttered, stretching her arms sluggishly. ¡°Then I had to go straight to the dance troupe first thing in the morning.¡± Now that she was still in a cozy chair for more than a few minutes, exhaustion clung to her like a heavy fog, weighing her down fast. Eric nced at his hospital bed. It wasrge¡ªmore than enough space for her to rest too. ¡°Hadley,e¡ª¡± Before he could finish, the door swung open. This time, it was Phillips. . . . Chapter 704 ?Chapter 704: ¡°What is it?¡± Eric¡¯s tone was sharp, edged with irritation. Of all times, why did Phillips have to show up now? Reading the room, Phillips hesitated at the doorway, an inexplicable chill running down his spine. Why did it feel like Eric¡¯s stare was filled with¡­ irritation? Clearing his throat, Phillips straightened and quickly said, ¡°Mr. Flynn, I was wondering if Hadley wanted to go back and bring some of your things over?¡± It was a practical suggestion. Eric would be in the hospital for a few days. While it was easy enough to buy anything he needed, personal items¡ªhis own clothes, a razor, his phone charger¡ªwere always morefortable than whatever the hospital could provide. Even Hadley hadn¡¯t thought of that. In the past, Phillips would have handled such things himself. But now that Hadley was Eric¡¯s girlfriend, naturally, it was a task that fell to her. ¡°Good thinking,¡± Hadley said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll go grab them. I know exactly where to find them.¡± Eric gave a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡± Hadley adjusted her coat, then turned to Phillips. ¡°I¡¯ll leave everything here in your hands. I¡¯ll head back and pack.¡± . brings magic to life Phillips acknowledged her with a slight nod. ¡°Sebastian¡¯s waiting downstairs. He¡¯ll drive you home.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± She started toward the door, but before she could step out¡ª ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric¡¯s voice halted her in her tracks. She turned, her eyes meeting his. His expression had shifted¡ªless guarded now. ¡°You¡¯ll be back, right?¡± The quiet uncertainty in his question made her pause. ¡°Obviously. I am bringing your things¡ªI have to return, don¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Eric¡¯s lips lifted into a faint smile. ¡°Be careful on the way. Come back soon.¡± ¡°I will.¡± With a final wave, she stepped out. As the door clicked shut behind her, Eric felt an unfamiliar unease settle in his chest¡ªan irrational panic creeping in. What if she didn¡¯te back? Outside, Hadley slipped into the car where Sebastian was already waiting. As they pulled away from the hospital, her gaze drifted to the passing scenery. For a fleeting moment, through the window, she caught sight of Ernest and Linda standing beneath the trees in the hospital garden. They seemed deep in conversation. The moment barelysted a second before the car moved on, the figures disappearing behind the grove. . . . Chapter 705 ?Chapter 705: In the garden¡­ Linda stood with her back to Ernest, her posture rigid, her breath uneven. Her eyes, swollen and red, glistened with unshed tears. ¡°Linda¡­¡± Ernest¡¯s voice was quiet, steady. He leaned on his cane, his other hand holding out a neatly folded handkerchief. ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± he said gently. ¡°This is my fault. If you¡¯re upset, take it out on me.¡± ¡°Take it out on you?¡± she repeated, her voice shaking with frustration. She took a step closer, her gaze piercing. ¡°The child is three years old.¡± Her voice cracked slightly, but she pushed through it. ¡°Where is his mother? You have him living with Quentin¡ªbut where is that woman?¡± Ernest¡¯s expression darkened. His brows knitted together as a familiar face shed through his mind. For a long, heavy moment, he said nothing. Then, jaw set, he met Linda¡¯s eyes with unwavering resolve. ¡°There is no woman,¡± he said firmly. ¡°You expect me to believe that?¡± Linda snapped, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°No woman? What? You had a child on your own?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Ernest said, shaking his head. He exhaled, his gaze steady as he exined, ¡°I mean that I only acknowledge the child. As for his mother¡­ I don¡¯t know who she is, nor do I have any intention of being tied to her.¡± ?????????? ???? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????????? Linda froze, searching his face for any sign of hesitation. ¡°You¡­ you mean that?¡± she asked, her voice faltering. ¡°Yes.¡± Ernest met her gaze with unwavering certainty. He lifted the handkerchief in his hand and, with deliberate gentleness, wiped away the lingering tears on her cheeks. ¡°The child was never nned,¡± he murmured. ¡°His mother means nothing to me¡ªjust a stranger who happened to exist in that moment. Why would I ever choose her over you?¡± His words were measured, spoken with rity and conviction. Something inside Linda cracked. Her eyes welled up again, fresh tears spilling over as emotion surged through her. ¡°Now what?¡± Ernest exhaled, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re crying again¡­¡± ¡°Ernest!¡± Before he could say another word, Lindaunched herself into his arms, gripping him tightly as if afraid he might slip away. ¡°You said it,¡± she choked out between broken breaths. ¡°You said it yourself! Promise me you¡¯re not lying¡ªplease, don¡¯t lie to me again!¡± Ernest looked down at her, the weight of her desperation pressing against him. A soft sigh escaped his lips before he finally lifted his arm, his embrace steady, reassuring. ¡°Yes,¡± he murmured. ¡°I said it myself. I won¡¯t lie to you.¡± Linda let out a shaky breath. ¡°Ernest, I can¡¯t imagine a life without you! You¡¯re all I have! Please don¡¯t leave me!¡± His hold on her tightened just slightly, his voice low, unwavering. . . . Chapter 706 ?Chapter 706: ¡°I know,¡± he murmured. ¡°I know.¡± Back at Silver Vis, Hadley moved through Eric¡¯s room with quiet efficiency, retrieving a suitcase and carefully selecting his belongings. A few sets of clothes. His essentials. The small, familiar things he preferred. One by one, she packed them neatly inside. Once satisfied, she zipped the suitcase shut and carried it downstairs, where Sebastian, the driver, was already waiting. She handed it over with a polite nod. ¡°Thank you, Sebastian.¡± Sebastian epted the suitcase with a slight smile. ¡°No need for such formalities.¡± He turned, rolling the luggage toward the car before pausing. ¡°Shall we head back now?¡± Hadley, however, remained where she was. ¡°Sebastian.¡± Something in her tone made him stop and nce back. ¡°You go ahead,¡± she said evenly. ¡°I won¡¯t be going with you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sebastian reacted with surprise. ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Please, Sebastian, there¡¯s no need to worry,¡± said Hadley, her smile gentle as she provided an exnation. ¡°You should go ahead. I¡¯ve spent the night at the hospital and left for the dance studio since this morning. I need to shower and change. If Eric asks about me, just let him know I¡¯ll arrive a littleter.¡± g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures ¡°I understand now,¡± Sebastian responded. Relieved, Sebastian continued, ¡°I¡¯ll go deliver the items. Call me when you¡¯re ready, and I¡¯lle to pick you up.¡± ¡°Thank you, Sebastian.¡± ¡°Anytime.¡± Watching Sebastian depart, Hadley then made her way upstairs to the walk-in closet, selecting some clothes before proceeding to the bathroom. She genuinely needed to freshen up, not just making up excuses. After the shower, as she dried her hair, Hadley continuously yawned, tears rolling down her face from sheer exhaustion. Exiting the bathroom, she felt a heaviness in her head and staggered toward the bed, where she promptly copsed. As soon as her head touched the pillow, drowsiness swept over her. She couldn¡¯t resist the urge to sleep, her eyelids too heavy to keep open. Drifting off, she quickly fell into a deep sleep. Having delivered the suitcase to the hospital, Sebastian found a nurse updating Eric¡¯s IV setup. Sebastian stood alone, prompting a puzzled look from Eric. ¡°Why are you by yourself? Where¡¯s Hadley?¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t make it here¡­¡± Sebastian said. . . . Chapter 707 ?Chapter 707: Conveying her ns, Sebastian added, ¡°She mentioned she¡¯d arriveter.¡± He then proceeded to the walk-in closet with the luggage in hand. ¡°I¡¯m going to put this inside.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Eric acknowledged this but felt a twinge of worry. As dusk began to fall, there was still no sign of Hadley. Restlessness overtook Eric, and he reached for his phone, dialing her number. After a second attempt, the line finally connected. ¡°Hello,¡± Hadley said, barely audible. ¡°Who¡¯s this? What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Hadley,¡± Eric called out gently. Upon hearing her sluggish response, he spected, ¡°You sound asleep, are you?¡± Barely stirring, Hadley responded, ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m exhausted. Do you need anything?¡± Eric paused, his mouth opening slightly. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. Just¡­ have a good sleep.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± She ended the call abruptly, leaving Eric without the chance to bid farewell. L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l§ßov?ls.§ã§à?? ¡°Hadley? Hello?¡± For a few moments, Eric gazed at his phone in disbelief, his frustration mounting rapidly. It dawned on him that Hadley wasn¡¯t returning. In a sudden burst of anger, Eric hurled his new phone against the floor, where it smashed with a resounding crack. Just then, Phillips entered the room and took in the scene. Stepping forward, he understood Eric¡¯s distress and, as he called for a nurse to deal with the mess, he assured Eric, ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯ll fetch Hadley for you immediately.¡± With that, he began to leave. ¡°Stop!¡± Eric¡¯s voice stopped Phillips in his tracks after a single step. A stern look crossed Eric¡¯s face. ¡°Who said you could decide for me? Hadley is resting. Let her be!¡± Phillips was visibly surprised. Could Eric truly be serious? He was injured, and logically, Hadley, his girlfriend, ought to be at his side. Yet Eric seemed to prioritize her rest over her presence. Wasn¡¯t it possible for Hadley to rest in his room, though? Eric gave Phillips a look. . . . Chapter 708 ?Chapter 708: ¡°Hadley had a rough night. She¡¯s fast asleep now, so let her be. Home is morefortable than here. She needs her sleep.¡± Reluctantly, Phillips agreed. ¡°Understood.¡± Hadley continued sleeping well into the next day, skipping meals to catch up on her rest. Waking up feeling rejuvenated, she headed downstairs where the housekeeper had already prepared breakfast. Enjoying her meal at a leisurely pace, Hadley noted the time. It was time to make her way to the hospital. Choosing not to call Sebastian, she left the vi, opting for a bus followed by the subway, in no particr hurry. Upon her arrival at the hospital, she discovered that Ernest and Linda had visited Eric early that morning, coinciding with the doctor¡¯s rounds. ¡°Mr. Flynn, I¡¯m pleased to report that your brother is responding well to treatment. With continued care over the next few days, he should recover nicely.¡± ¡°Appreciate it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Once the doctor had exited, Linda surveyed the room, noted Hadley¡¯s absence, and her expression turned to one of frustration. ¡°Where could Hadley have gone this early? She missed the doctor¡¯s rounds? How can she look after you if she¡¯s not even here to listen to what the doctor says?¡± For more visit g????¦Ï¦Í????s.?????? Eric¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°She was quite tired from the day beforest. I suggested she go home to get some restst night.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Linda¡¯s voice was filled with disbelief. ¡°You actually sent her home? And she just left?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric responded, his tone even. Linda scoffed, ¡°Quite the scene, isn¡¯t it? Her boyfriend¡¯sid up in the hospital, and she doesn¡¯t seem to mind at all!¡± ¡°Linda,¡± Ernest interjected with a frown,ing to Hadley¡¯s defense. ¡°She was genuinely worn out.¡± ¡°Why do you feel the need to defend her?¡± Linda asked, turning her gaze to Ernest. ¡°Are you confused too? Eric¡¯s not himself right now, and neither are you, it seems! I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re blind to the truth. Hadley doesn¡¯t truly care for Eric! You¡¯re his brother; you should be telling him to guard his heart, not encouraging this fantasy¡­¡± At that moment, the door clicked open. Hadley walked in without knocking, causing a sudden hush to fall over the room. Linda stopped mid-sentence, and all eyes shifted to Hadley. With a gentle smile, Hadley said, ¡°Good morning¡­ Ernest, good morning.¡± ¡°Good morning,¡± Ernest replied quietly, his voice soft. He shot a nce at Linda and then rose, using his cane for support. . . . Chapter 709 ?Chapter 709: ¡°Now that Hadley is here, we should be on our way,¡± he suggested. Reaching out, he offered his hand to Linda. Linda shot him a frustrated look but took his arm, saying, ¡°Alright, have it your way.¡± Ernest gave her hand a gentle pat and nced at Hadley with a yful smirk. ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, Eric will be in good spirits. He couldn¡¯t stop talking about you the whole time, and frankly, my ears need a break.¡± Without reacting to his joke, Hadley apanied Ernest to the door and saw him out. She then turned back to Eric, observing his attractive but somewhat pale and frail features, and pursed her lips. ¡°I apologize. I meant to rest for just a bit yesterday after my shower, but exhaustion took over, and I couldn¡¯t wake up. How did you farest night?¡± Eric looked at her thoughtfully. Her exnation was logical; she apologized, showed concern, and tried to reconnect¡­ Still, he sensed a gap between them. Hadley was physically close, yet emotionally, it felt as if she were miles away. Eric¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°I survived the night, at least.¡± Was he being sarcastic again? Hadley let out a smallugh, wondering if he was throwing a tantrum again. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. ????????????¡¯?? ??????????????: g???????¦Í????????????? It opened to reveal the nurse. ¡°Miss Pearson,¡± the nurse said, her tone official. ¡°Has Mr. Flynn eaten yet? We shouldn¡¯t administer the IV on an empty stomach.¡± ¡°No!¡± Eric interrupted before Hadley could respond affirmatively. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten yet?¡± Hadley expressed her surprise. ¡°How have you gone all morning without food?¡± Eric chuckled ruefully. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve just gotten here and brought nothing with you. What was I supposed to eat?¡± Sarcasm dripped from Eric¡¯s words like honeyced with venom. ¡°You mean to tell me you haven¡¯t eaten anything yet?¡± Hadley blinked, her expression the perfect mix of feigned shock and mock concern. ¡°Seriously? Linda rushed over bright and early to see her dear life saver¡ªand she didn¡¯t even think to bring breakfast?¡± She then let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head in disapproval. ¡°How inconsiderate!¡± Eric¡¯s brows furrowed, irritation flickering across his face as Hadley continued. ¡°Why are you taking this out on me then? What, do you expect me to bring you food now?¡± Hadley let out a scoff, crossing her arms. ¡°Let¡¯s get things straight here¡ªone, you didn¡¯t end up in this hospital because of me. And two, I¡¯m not your personal waitress.¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± . . . Chapter 710 ?Chapter 710: Her sharp tongue left Eric momentarily stunned. His face paled slightly, and with an exasperated sigh, he slumped back against the pillows. Through clenched teeth, he muttered under his breath, mostly to the nurse beside him, ¡°Whatever. Just let me starve. If I waste away, I waste away. Not like anyone actually gives a damn.¡± Awkwardly lingering near the door, the nurse hesitated. ¡°Miss Pearson, we¡­ we really can¡¯t give him any medication on an empty stomach. How about Ie backter?¡± Not waiting for a reply, she swiftly made her exit. If anything happened to Eric, even their hospital director wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the consequences. It was safer to step back and let things y out. ¡°Miss Pearson.¡± Before the door could fully close, another figure rushed in. It was Eric¡¯s personal caregiver, a man in his forties, who had been overseeing his care since his hospitalization. He had only stepped out briefly to send Eric¡¯s dirtyundry for washing, and now he looked slightly out of breath. Gesturing toward the dining table, he exined, ¡°Breakfast was delivered earlier, but Mr. Flynn refused to eat until you arrived.¡± He cast an apologetic nce at her. ¡°You see¡­¡± Hadley exhaled slowly, shaking her head in resignation. ¡°Alright, I get it,¡± she said, deciding not to make things harder for him. ¡°Go handle what you need to.¡± ???????? ???????? ???????????????????????? ¡°Thank you, Miss Pearson.¡± With a polite nod, the caregiver left. Hadley turned her gaze toward the man sulking in bed before heading to the dining table. She opened the insted food container, revealing a light but appetizing meal. She quietly served a small bowl, then carried it over to the bedside. ¡°Eat something,¡± she said, holding the bowl out. ¡°It¡¯ll help with the IV.¡± But Eric remained still, turned away from her, refusing to acknowledge her presence. Hadley arched a brow, a knowing smirk ying at her lips. ¡°Are you eating or not?¡± Silence. A dry chuckle escaped her. ¡°Seriously?¡± she scoffed. ¡°Enough already. It¡¯s your body, not mine. If you want to starve yourself or end up with some medicalplication from an empty stomach, go ahead. But don¡¯t expect me to feel sorry for you.¡± Her patience was thinning. ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, fine.¡± She stood, ready to walk away with the bowl. ¡°Hadley!¡± Before she could take another step, Eric suddenly turned and grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. . . . Chapter 711 ?Chapter 711: His dark eyes locked onto hers, frustration burning behind them. ¡°Are you trying to drive me insane?¡± Hadley sighed, exasperated. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want from me anymore. Should I call Linda over instead?¡± ¡°Hadley!¡± His jaw clenched, his voice rough and low. ¡°I don¡¯t want Linda. I don¡¯t want anyone else. Just you.¡± ¡°Whatever!¡± Hadley cast him a t look,pletely unfazed. ¡°So? Are you eating or not?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll eat¡ªugh!¡± Eric tried to push himself up, but the movement sent a sharp jolt of pain through his wounds. A hiss escaped his lips as cold sweat beaded on his forehead. Hadley sighed, setting the bowl down before helping him sit up properly. She grabbed two pillows, tucking them behind his back with practiced ease. ¡°There.¡± She picked up the bowl again, scooping up a spoonful of soup and holding it out to him. Eric took a sip¡ªbut immediately grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s too hot¡ªblow on it.¡± Eric made no attempt to take the spoon from her, simply sitting there, waiting. Hadley blinked, staring at him in disbelief. ¡°Mr. Flynn, you¡¯re twenty-eight years old, not eight.¡± ?????????????? ???????? ???? ????????: g???????¦Í???????????? Even children knew how to cool their own food¡ªJoy was barely three, and even she could manage it without fuss. ¡°Well? Aren¡¯t you going to do it for me?¡± He lifted an eyebrow, almost taunting. ¡°I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m twenty-eight or forty-eight¡ªif you don¡¯t cool it for me, I¡¯m not eating.¡± Hadley inhaled deeply. Too weary to continue the standoff, she reluctantly brought the spoon to her lips, gently blowing over the soup before offering it back to him. ¡°There. Perfectly safe for your royal pte now.¡± Eric took the spoonful, chewing slowly, evaluating the vor with exaggerated skepticism. Predictably, he wasn¡¯t satisfied. ¡°It¡¯s pretty bad.¡± Hadley released a measured breath, forcing calm into her voice. ¡°Just have a bit more, alright? It¡¯s already gettingte, and you haven¡¯t even begun your treatment today.¡± But Eric made no response, simply staring at her with a sulky expression. Hadley raised an eyebrow. ¡°Now what¡¯s wrong? Tell me exactly what your highness wants.¡± Eric¡¯s lips twitched slightly before mumbling, ¡°The steamed pear you made the other day.¡± Hadley chuckled dryly, clearly humoring a very fussy patient. ¡°Finish this first, and I¡¯ll make it for youter this afternoon.¡± Eric squinted suspiciously, weighing his options carefully before finally surrendering with a resigned sigh. ¡°Fine.¡± Once Eric finished eating, the nurse returned to administer his IV medication, and Hadley began preparing to head back to Silver Vis. . . . Chapter 712 ?Chapter 712: Given the current situation, she¡¯d have to stay at the hospital for at least a few days. Eric had a dedicated caregiver, but it seemed he only wanted Hadley¡ªno one else would do. As soon as she mentioned leaving, Phillips quickly stepped forward, offering to drive her. Hadley understood his intentions clearly; he was probably worried she¡¯d disappear and nevere back. She gave him a gentle smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± By the time she left, Eric had already fallen asleep, the medication having taken effect. On the drive back to Silver Vis, Hadley made a quick call to the housekeeper. ¡°It¡¯s me. Could you please buy some pears for me? Yes¡­ I want to steam them.¡± When she arrived at Silver Vis, the housekeeper was already busy in the kitchen. Hadley quickly packed a few personal items and carefully wrapped the treat Eric had specifically requested. Back at the hospital, Eric had just woken up, his eyes flickering open as the nurse finished securing the IV line in his hand. He nced around, a faint crease forming on his forehead when he realized Hadley wasn¡¯t in sight. Irritation began to settle in, but before he could act on it, the door opened softly, and Hadley stepped inside carrying a small bag. ¡°Hadley!¡± ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Original content on g??ln ovels.??o?? She smiled gently, moving swiftly to the closet before returning to his bedside. She ced a gentle palm against his forehead, checking his temperature. ¡°You¡¯re still a bit warm, but better than earlier.¡± Eric¡¯s fever was expected after surgery¡ªa typical reactionsting a couple of days at most. Hadley rose and poured him a ss of water. ¡°Drink this. The doctor said you need to stay hydrated.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric eased himself up, leaningfortably against the headboard. He took several slow sips with Hadley¡¯s assistance. ¡°By the way¡­¡± Hadley set the ss down and nced at Eric. ¡°Are you hungry now? The pear is ready, if you¡¯d like some?¡± At her words, Eric¡¯s eyes brightened, the corners of his lips twitching into a pleased smile. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Wait here.¡± Hadley turned toward the dining area, retrieving the treat before setting it in front of him. ¡°Eat up¡ªit¡¯s still warm.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Eric lifted his arm, reaching for the bowl. But the moment his eyesnded on the steamed pear, his expression subtly shifted. . . . Chapter 713 ?Chapter 713: Something was off. Without a word, he picked up the spoon and took a bite. And then he knew. His brows furrowed, and he slowly turned his gaze to Hadley. ¡°You didn¡¯t make this, did you?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hadley asked, noticing his change in demeanor. She nced at the bowl and sniffed it, and then immediately understood the problem. The ingredients weren¡¯t exactly the same as what she once used¡ªthe housekeeper had put honey in it. The taste would be close, but not quite what Eric remembered. ¡°I see. The base recipe and method are the same. Just a slight variation.¡± The same? Eric scoffed internally, a heaviness settling in his chest. Did he really care what was put into the dish? No! What he had wanted¡ªwhat he had really wanted¡ªwas her effort, her personal touch. He hadn¡¯t craved just the taste; he had wanted the warmth of knowing she had made it herself. His grip on the spoon ckened. With a quiet clink, he dropped it into the bowl and pushed it away. ¡°Do you really expect me to be happy with this?¡± ¡°Ever since I opened my eyes, you¡¯ve treated me like I don¡¯t matter at all!¡± Eric¡¯s frustration surged, his voice shaking with hurt. ¡°If you don¡¯t like looking after me so much, you¡¯re free to go! I¡¯d rather be alone than force you to stay against your will!¡± With visible effort, he gestured toward the door. ¡°Leave now if you want!¡± A deep scowl shadowed his face. ?????????????? ?????????????????? ????????: g???????????¦Í??????????????????? Hadley¡¯s eyebrows furrowed softly. Aware she¡¯d been distant, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to acknowledge it openly¡ªespecially now, when the slightest conflict could cause things between them to fall apartpletely. Quietly, she perched on the edge of his bed and gently took his hand. Eric tensed immediately, attempting to pull away from her touch. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t stay angry,¡± she whispered, sping his hand more firmly. ¡°I really didn¡¯t think it would upset you this badly¡ªit was a miscalction on my part. Honestly, I was afraid you¡¯d wake up alone if I stepped out too long, so I called the housekeeper on my way back and had her prepare it. But if it truly matters to you, I¡¯ll personally cook for you every day from now on, alright?¡± Was she genuinely serious? Eric eyed her skeptically. Though Hadley was clearly making an effort to soothe him, a lingering sense of detachment still emanated from her. True affection couldn¡¯t be faked¡ªactions always spoke louder than mereforting words. Yet, telling her again to leave was something Eric couldn¡¯t bear to repeat. Swallowing his irritation, Eric simply stared quietly at her. ¡°Stop being upset, okay?¡± Hadley coaxed gently, scooping a spoonful of pear. ¡°It¡¯s honestly delicious. Will you let me feed you?¡± ¡°Fine¡­¡± Eric grudgingly allowed her to feed him, taking careful bites. . . . Chapter 714 ?Chapter 714: After sessfully finishing the dessert, Hadley cleared the dishes away before beginning to organize her things around the room. From the bed, Eric silently observed every move she made, unwilling or perhaps unable to look elsewhere. When Hadley finally finished tidying up, she picked up her phone and curled upfortably on the small sofa. Since gaming didn¡¯t interest her, she opened a video app and immersed herself in a variety show. Eric couldn¡¯t see what captured her attention, but the sound of herughter drifting over to him was unmistakable. ¡°Hadley.¡± Eric shot a sharp look at the woman lounging across from him, his brow creasing. ¡°Come here.¡± Setting down her phone, Hadley asked patiently, ¡°What is it¡ªwater, bathroom?¡± ¡°Neither.¡± Eric tapped the empty space next to him decisively. ¡°Come lie down over here instead. That sofa¡¯s too cramped and ufortable.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡± Hadley firmly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine over here. Your bed might berger, but you¡¯re hurt all over¡ªwhat if I identally bump into you?¡± Without further argument, she returned her attention to her phone screen,ughing softly again at whatever amused her. At that moment, Eric¡¯s temper finally snapped, unable to bear her aloofness any longer. In a burst of irritation, he threw the nkets aside, clenched his jaw, and got up from the bed, determinedly heading straight toward the sofa. ?@?€?? ¡é??????? ?? g?lnove?s.c??? Footsteps echoed sharply, causing Hadley to nce up from her phone¡ªonly to find Eric, tightly bandaged and pale, looming over her. ¡°Eric, what on earth are you¡ª¡± For a moment, she was speechless, stunned to see him upright. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± Considering his condition, he shouldn¡¯t have even been sitting up, let alone standing here before her. ¡°If you insist on ignoring me, I¡¯ll just carry you myself.¡± Ignoring the sharp pain, Eric reached down and swiftly pulled her into his arms. ¡°I said I want you beside me.¡± ¡°Eric!¡± As her body lifted off the sofa, panic surged in Hadley¡¯s eyes. Instinctively, she twisted to break free. ¡°Put me down immediately!¡± Had hepletely lost his senses? ¡°Stop it, Eric! Your wounds! You¡¯ll hurt yourself!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Eric scoffed defiantly, carrying her toward the bed despite his ghostly paleplexion and the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. ¡°Ah!¡± Hadley gasped aloud when heid her down abruptly. ¡°Eric, wait¡ªlet me see your injuries¡ª¡± But before she could rise, Eric silenced her protests by capturing her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss. His lips slid across her face, trailing downward insistently. . . . Chapter 715 ?Chapter 715: ¡°Eric!¡± Hadley¡¯s body broke into a cold shiver. Was he serious about continuing despite his condition? Did he really intend to disregard his own well-being? She pressed her hands against him, trying to resist without worsening his injuries. ¡°Eric, stop¡ªplease, you¡¯re hurting yourself!¡± ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t care.¡± One arm locked firmly around her waist, while his other hand gently brushed across her face. ¡°Is this what it takes to make you truly see me? To finally acknowledge that I¡¯m right here? You don¡¯t know how much it drives me crazy when you ignore me! Don¡¯t you get it?¡± ¡°I¡ª Mmm¡ª¡± He silenced her again, kissing her deeply once more. His hand left her face, sliding purposefully down to her neck, deftly undoing the buttons of her blouse. What was he doing? Hadley froze beneath him, her eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°Mmm¡­¡± Unable to speak clearly, her voice became muffled against his kiss. She couldn¡¯t allow this¡ªEric was severely hurt, and they were in a hospital room. Anyone could walk in at any second! What was she supposed to do? Visit gal????v??ls for updates Despite his injuries, Eric¡¯s physical strength overwhelmingly surpassed her own. With panic flooding through her, Hadley swiftly drew back her knee and thrust it forward with all her strength. ¡°Ugh!¡± Hadley struck Eric squarely in his injured abdomen, causing him to release her instantly. He stumbled backward, copsing heavily onto the floor. ¡°Oh my God, Eric!¡± Leaping up from the bed, Hadley stared in horror as Eric curled painfully on the cold floor, his face pale. ¡°Eric, are you hurt?¡± Without hesitation, she dropped to his side, urgently trying to steady him. ¡°Heh¡­ Hah¡­¡± Eric grimaced, droplets of sweat rolling down his pale face, yet he forced a twisted grin. ¡°Hadley!¡± With great difficulty, he reached out and desperately gripped her hand. ¡°It¡­ hurts so badly¡ªthe stitches ripped¡­¡± She didn¡¯t even need his confirmation¡ªHadley could already see fresh blood staining multiple areas beneath his bandages. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Hadley squeezed her eyes shut, her voice rising in panic. ¡°Did you hurt your brain too? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Eric¡¯s gaze fell on her tear-streaked face, his grin widening uncontrobly. ¡°Ha, maybe I did¡­¡± The pain worsened, and he tightened his hold on her hand. ¡°Excellent, this is excellent¡­ Weren¡¯t you always indifferent? iming everything was for Linda¡­ . . . Chapter 716 ?Chapter 716: Well, now, you¡¯re the reason, not her!¡± Hadley¡¯s breath caught sharply, stunned by his reckless words. Drawing closer, Eric whispered into her ear, ¡°Take a good look¡ªthese injuries reopened because of you.¡± Hadley stiffened, her body trembling¡­ Eric had gone utterly madpletely beyond reason! Several of his wounds had reopened, and now he required immediate surgery to repair the damage. This procedure was moreplex due to its repetitive nature. Since Hadley wasn¡¯t a direct family member, the hospital contacted Ernest toe and sign the necessary paperwork. Hadley found a quiet spot on a bench outside the OR. The sound of high heels clicking sharply against the floor approached, stopping abruptly nearby. ¡°Hadley!¡± Linda harshly grabbed Hadley¡¯s shoulder, her eyes zing with usation. ¡°You¡¯re far more ruthless than I ever imagined! How could you do something so vicious?¡± Hadley remained silent, calmly returning Linda¡¯s fierce stare. ¡°Humph!¡± Linda sneered bitterly. ¡°You really can¡¯t stand it, can you? Jealous that Eric took those injuries for me? What are you going to do about it? He cares about me this much! And he always will, for the rest of his life!¡± Observing Linda¡¯s heated reaction, Hadley suddenly empathized with Eric. where stories grow ¡°Linda, are you holding something against Eric?¡± ¡°What?¡± Startled by the question, Linda responded, ¡°What are you implying?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t bear a grudge?¡± With a knowing nod, a wry smile crossed Hadley¡¯s refined features. ¡°Then it seems you¡¯re just incredibly self-centered. Frankly, you desire the affection of both brothers, yet marriage binds you to only one. You can¡¯t stand the thought of Eric with anyone else¡­¡± ¡°Hadley! Shut up!¡± Linda cut her off, her face contorting with anger. ¡°What nonsense is this? How dare you suggest such vile things? Eric and I have a lifelong bond. I prioritize his well-being above all!¡± ¡°Save your self-righteous act.¡± Hadley¡¯s gaze was cool, her voice even. ¡°If you really cared as you im, you wouldn¡¯t have insinuated to me that he would always hold a ce for you in his heart¡­ such remarks.¡± The attempt to stir trouble was so evident that anyone could see through it. ¡°You think highly of yourself, don¡¯t you?¡± Linda scoffed loudly. ¡°Me? Not at all.¡± Hadley tilted her head to the side, pretending to be confused. ¡°Indeed, what significance do I hold? It baffles me as well. Eric made it a point to remind me¡­ that he was injured on my behalf, and it had nothing to do with you. How should I interpret that?¡± With a sly grin, Hadley tossed her hair and walked away. Linda stood there, utterly shocked and lost for words. . . . Chapter 717 ?Chapter 717: Could it be true that Eric really said that? Had his feelings shifted towards Hadley? Ernestpleted the paperwork and was heading back to the OR when he encountered Hadley. ¡°Ernest.¡± Hadley greeted him with a nod, intending to continue on her way to avoid another encounter with Linda. ¡°Hadley,¡± Ernest called after her. He nced toward where Linda had been and then said quietly, ¡°Could we have a word? There¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡± Obliged by his request, Hadley stopped. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°This way, please.¡± Ernest guided her to a nearby lounge. ¡°Please, have some water.¡± Ernest offered, pouring a ss for her. Gratefully, Hadley epted the ss, cradling it in her hands. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Ernest replied, taking a seat opposite her and pondering how to begin the conversation. Breaking the silence, Hadley addressed him. ¡°Ernest, I owe you an apology for today. The me is mine to bear.¡± Though unintentional, her actions had led to Eric¡¯s ident, which required another surgery. Ernest was visibly taken aback, his head shaking in disbelief. ¡°Look, I¡¯m not here to use you. I don¡¯t know all the details, and it¡¯s not my ce to judge.¡± Hadley¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. What could Ernest possibly want to discuss? ¡°Listen, Hadley,¡± Ernest said, exhaling deeply and speaking with deliberate slowness. ¡°There seems to be some confusion between you and Eric, possibly involving Linda, right?¡± The sudden mention of this sensitive issue caught Hadley off guard, her eyes widening with shock. Such matters were typically off-limits within the Flynn family, rarely, if ever, brought up in front of Ernest. Chuckling at her defensive reaction, Ernest reassured her gently, ¡°Don¡¯t tense up; it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m aware of everything, even the whispers in Srixby about the Flynn brothers falling for the same woman¡­¡± Hadley tried to respond, but words failed her. Ernest, directly implicated in the rumors, was now discussing this with her so calmly? Ernest casually took a drink from his ss. ¡°I¡¯ve never really addressed this because, honestly, what could I say now that the rumors have already spread? But I know the truth, and that¡¯s what matters.¡± Hadley listened, her breathing steadying. Could there be more to the story than the rampant spection suggested? Ernest ced his ss back on the table. ¡°It¡¯s a fact that both Eric and I have shown kindness towards Linda, which is undeniable. Hadley, are you curious about why that is?¡± . . . Chapter 718 ?Chapter 718: Caught off guard by his question, Hadley¡¯s pulse quickened. She nervously bit her lip and nodded. ¡°I am.¡± Ernest let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the topic pressing down on him. ¡°We seldom discuss this in our family because it¡¯s a painful memory, particrly for Eric.¡± He continued, his voice heavy as he dredged up the past. ¡°Back when we were kids, Eric and I were abducted¡­¡± At that time, their parents were also captured. The event caused a major stir in Srixby. Night and day, the police scoured the area but failed to locate them. Despite their disappearance, the kidnappers made no attempt to contact N. It became clear to the authorities that ransom wasn¡¯t the kidnappers¡¯ motive, whichplicated the investigation further. The ordealsted six months without any leads. Eventually, the police discovered Eric and Ernest. They were found in a criminal gang¡¯sir, malnourished and injured. At that moment, Eric was being carried out by a girl. She appeared to be his age, d in tattered clothes, looking frail, having carried him on her back for miles across rugged terrain. When they were found and it was time to take them both for medical care, the girl resisted; she still needed to lead them to rescue Ernest. She was too small to carry Ernest, as he was older and bigger than her. Since Eric was safe, she insisted on returning to save Ernest. Following her directions, the authorities managed to save Ernest as well. Tragically, their parents were never found. The police eventually concluded they likely didn¡¯t survive. This painful memory had since been deeply etched in the hearts of the Flynn family, seldom discussed to avoid reviving the profound grief. Discover new releases g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s Ernest concluded his recount in a distant, almost unrecognizable tone. ¡°That was the situation.¡± Tears clouded Hadley¡¯s eyes as she began to understand. ¡°So, Linda was that girl.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Ernest confirmed quietly. ¡°People often remark on our kindness toward her, not realizing she truly deserved it.¡± Hadley had to acknowledge the truth. Without Linda, the entire Flynn family might have ceased to exist in Srixby years ago. How would N, advanced in age as she was, have coped alone without any of her family left? It was now clear why Linda carried herself with such arrogance. Thus, theyers of their past unfolded. ¡°Hadley.¡± Ernest¡¯s voice cracked slightly as he spoke again. ¡°I understand my brother well, and it¡¯s clear to me he has feelings for you, deeper than he might admit.¡± He checked his watch before rising from his seat. ¡°Eric¡¯s a straightforward man. His appreciation for Linda stems from gratitude. His affection for you, however, is born from a genuine desire to be near you. If that¡¯s not fondness, what else could it be?¡± Ernest rose from his seat and left the lounge. Eric¡¯s surgery was nearly done, and it was time for him to wait outside the OR. Without a word, Hadley followed. ¡°Ernest,¡± Linda called softly, standing up from the bench and taking Ernest¡¯s arm. ¡°Sit down. You shouldn¡¯t strain your leg.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± A few steps away, Hadley observed them in silence, a strange sense of disbelief washing over her. Linda, this selfish and calcting woman before her, had once risked everything to save the Flynn brothers¡­ . . . Chapter 719 ?Chapter 719: Ernest had said that Eric¡¯s feelings for Linda stemmed from gratitude. Hadley suddenly found herself wondering¡ªwhat about Ernest? Was his affection for Linda rooted in love or obligation? Or perhaps, was it a love shaped by gratitude? The morning light brightened. Eric¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as his eyes fluttered open. His arm felt oddly weighted. Looking down, he saw Hadley asleep beside him, her fingers curled loosely around his arm. Her long hair spilled over her shoulder, smooth and shining like silk. Eric swallowed hard, an unfamiliar warmth stirring in his chest. Hadley, ever the light sleeper, sensed the shift and stirred, propping herself up on her elbow. Her drowsy gaze met his. ¡°Did I wake you?¡± Eric¡¯s lips curved into a teasing smile. ¡°You drooled. Aren¡¯t you going to wipe it?¡± Hadley froze, her cheeks burning as she quickly raised her hand to her mouth. Then she paused. There was nothing there. Her brows furrowed as she red at him. ¡°You think that¡¯s funny?¡± ¡°Pfft¡­ I did not expect you to be so gullible,¡± Eric chuckled. Annoyed, Hadley moved to pull her hand away, but Eric held on. ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I am really sorry! Please don¡¯t go, Hadley¡­ Stay with me!¡± What could she do? When this man decided to be unreasonable, he was capable of sending himself straight back to the operating room. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± She pointed to the IV bottle. ¡°It¡¯s almost empty. I¡¯ll call the nurse to remove it.¡± ?????????????? ???????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í??????©o?????? A moment of carelessness and air could slip into the line, which would be dangerous. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Having no choice, Eric let her go. Hadley stepped out and soon returned with a nurse and a caregiver. While the nurse removed the IV, the caregiver ced a tray of food on the table. Once the nurse left, Hadley picked up a bowl and stirred its contents with a spoon. ¡°I made some chicken broth and shredded the meat into strips¡ªeasier for you to swallow¡­ And drink some soup too.¡± Scooping up a spoonful, she blew on it gently before bringing it to his lips. ¡°It¡¯s not too hot anymore. Open up.¡± Eric took a sip, his smile warm. ¡°Delicious.¡± ¡°Try the chicken as well.¡± Hadley fed him a small piece, and Eric epted it without hesitation, his expression softening. ¡°Hadley, I¡¯m really happy.¡± This time, after he woke up, she hadn¡¯t kept him at arm¡¯s length. ¡°If I had known that going into surgery would make you stop being angry, I would have done it sooner,¡± he murmured. Hadley hesitated for a fraction of a second, but then simply continued feeding him. ¡°Eat before it gets cold.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Being taken care of by her, Eric felt nothing short of content. Women and jealousy¡ªwhat a troublesome mix! And yet, she still refused to admit she liked him? It was clear as day that she did. . . . Chapter 720 Chapter 720: Eric had no doubt that soon, Denver would be nothing more than a forgotten shadow in her heart. After helping Eric with his meal, Hadley left for the hospital cafeteria to eat her own. Compared to his in recovery diet, her meal was far more indulgent. By the time she returned, satisfied and full, Eric had been waiting. ¡°Hadley, did you eat enough?¡± She nodded and made her way to the sofa. Eric frowned. Was she really going back there again? But just as he was about to protest, Hadley returned with her pillow in hand. Wearing indoor slippers, she took light steps to the bedside, ced the pillow next to Eric¡¯s, and carefullyy down beside him. She looked up at him. ¡°Did I bump you?¡± ¡°No!¡± Eric snapped back to reality, his voice firm. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Hadley reached for the remote on the bedside table. A TV was mounted on the wall opposite the bed, and with nothing else to do, watching TV seemed like the best option. Staring at each other in silence would be far too awkward. ¡°What do you want to watch?¡± Since they were watching together, Hadley figured she should at least ask for his input. ¡°Anything¡¯s fine.¡± Even on normal days, Eric would go along with whatever Hadley wanted, and now, especially when he was in such a good mood, he had no objections. ¡°Pick whatever you like. I¡¯ll watch with you.¡± g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ¡°Okay.¡± Hadley flipped through the channels and finally settled on a lively variety show. ¡°Let¡¯s watch this.¡± Her mind was in chaos, and she couldn¡¯t focus on anything too serious. ¡°Alright.¡± Eric agreed, carefully shifting his position until, finally, he pulled Hadley into his arms. Hadley tensed instantly. ¡°Be careful not to tear your wounds again.¡± ¡°I will be careful.¡± Eric held her tightly. ¡°I just want to hold you.¡± His voice carried a hint of grievance. ¡°I haven¡¯t held you in days.¡± Hadley sighed but let him be. She had already expected this would happen when shey down beside him. Herpliance softened Eric¡¯s heart, giving him the courage to press his cheek against hers. Finding that still unsatisfying, he nuzzled closer. ¡°Hey, enough¡¯s enough.¡± Hadley huffed, slightly annoyed. ¡°If you keep acting like this, I¡¯ll get off.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Eric tightened his hold, his tone bordering on pitiful. ¡°I¡¯m not acting up. I just miss you.¡± Hadley shot him a look, warning him. ¡°You better hold back. In your current state¡­ if you end up turning yourself on, that¡¯s on you. Why should I suffer with you?¡± Eric stiffened. That felt like a rejection. . . .
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