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’s laughter 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-in-law, 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 accusing you, really. How do you turn this into a complaint from me when I’m just stating facts?”

She stopped, her fists tightening in silence.

“I apologize for taking your time. It’s late, 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 played.

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.”

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Confused, Hadley looked down at the basin and then at him, puzzled by his accusation.

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 display proves anything?”

She walked back?

It would take hours to walk from the sanatorium to Silver Villas.

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—a crude strategy. She hadn’t yet given up on manipulating 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 glance 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 Galant. She was informed that her costumes were prepared and awaited her fitting.

At the venue, Lennon guided her to the stage.

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