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 her lack 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 these last 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.”

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀・ⅽ𝗼𝗺

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.

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