Chapter 576

Chapter 576:

She gave Eric a quick look that clearly meant, “Could you give us some space?”

Without a word, Eric stood, retreating a few steps to stand by the wall with his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

“I’d rather stand,” Hadley said, her gaze fixed on Linda and deliberately avoiding Eric.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about—just the two of us,” she added, her tone suggesting it was time for Eric to leave the room.

“Alright.” Linda, having a rough idea of what Hadley wanted to talk about, turned towards Eric. “Could you give us a minute, please?”

Eric’s response was immediate and firm. “I can’t do that. Ernest asked me to stay with you until he gets here.”

Did he think Hadley posed a risk to Linda?

A mocking laugh escaped Hadley’s lips, though she kept her voice low and her gaze cold. “Don’t worry, Eric. The room is under surveillance. If I were to attack her, you’d have all the evidence you need to have me arrested.”

Eric flinched, surprised by her implication. Was Linda’s safety his concern? Of course not! Did Hadley even know that he was the reason she had been released from custody so quickly? Did she just automatically assume that he sided with Linda?

Yet, he chose not to clarify, particularly not with others listening.

His patience wearing thin, Eric retorted more sharply than he intended, “What, should we wait for you to hurt her before we intervene? The police can handle you after the fact, but they can’t undo the harm done to Linda.”

Caught off guard by his reaction, Hadley’s features hardened, and she fell silent, her plans momentarily disrupted by his words. Was he making his feelings obvious now? His concern for Linda was unmistakable!

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Indeed, when someone he cared about was in danger, it was natural for him to get protective.

Unable to sway him, she directed her question to Linda instead. “What do you say? You want him to stay?”

“Hold on a moment,” Linda, ever the “mediator,” intervened. “Eric, please, it’s okay. I’ll be safe. Hadley and I just need a moment to speak. Could you leave us alone for a bit?”

Eric’s brow creased in suspicion. What could they need to discuss that couldn’t be said in his presence?

He suspected Hadley’s visit had a purpose, perhaps to advocate for Elissa. But she was appealing to the wrong person; she should be speaking to him instead…

Still, he decided to bide his time, waiting for her to realize her approach was futile and seek him out. “Alright, I’ll leave.”

Eric glanced at his watch. The timing couldn’t be better; Ernest was due to arrive soon. He decided to go get him.

Outside the room, Eric instructed Phillips, “Keep your eyes peeled. If anything happens, intervene immediately.”

“Understood, Mr. Flynn.”

The atmosphere in the room grew calmer. Hadley let out a silent sigh of relief. Clearly, a word from Linda held more sway than her own long explanations.

Turning to Linda, Hadley knew it was time to address the pressing issue.

“You’re aware of what we need to discuss, aren’t you?” A nervous swallow betrayed Linda’s apprehension.

Hadley continued, “You’re aware of the real circumstances of your fall. It was an accident, and honestly, the whole thing was initiated by you.”

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