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 glance 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 welcome.”

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 had come 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—but promise you won’t take it the wrong way.”

Hadley glanced 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—you can’t take responsibility for that.” Eric paused, his voice softening. “Try not to carry too much of her burden, alright?”

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