Chapter 552

Chapter 552:

He made another attempt to calm her. “Please, come 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?”

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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 loomed large, not to mention the recent flare-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, please come 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?”

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