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 gestured lazily. “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—all 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 soft laugh, shaking her head. “There was nothing to say.”

Her voice was calm, almost detached. “I know exactly what I am to you—just 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—if 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—run along to your beloved.” Her lips curled slightly, her next words deliberate. “Don’t worry—I 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 flaring in his eyes as he let out a low, bitter laugh.

MⲾ𝓮 𝒹𝑒𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓁𝓼 𝒶𝓉 g𝓪l𝑛ovєls.𝓬0𝓂

As Eric turned to leave, Hadley remained seated, staring blankly ahead.

A strange hollowness settled over her after her outburst. Everything had escalated too quickly, unraveling into something ugly and exhausting.

He was gone… And he probably wasn’t coming back.

Being his shield wasn’t easy—especially 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 accepted 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—I 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—she’d have no right to treat me like this.”

The more she spoke, the deeper the irritation etched into Eric’s face. “Linda, it’s late.” His voice was clipped, sharp. “Get some rest.”

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