Chapter 600

Chapter 600:

Though the shows were on hold, one thing was clear: their responsibilities weren’t going anywhere.

Hadley scrutinized her new duties. She would manage the practice sessions for the younger trainees. These trainees weren’t full-time members of the troupe, so her supervision would be brief each day. This lighter schedule was a welcome respite from her usual demands.

Elissa glanced at the plan and laughed. “You’ve earned this break. Enjoy the downtime—you’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately.”

“Absolutely,” Hadley replied, smiling as she made her way to the trainees’ class.

By noon, a member of the security team approached her. “Hadley, there’s someone here to meet you.”

“Thanks so much!” Hadley answered, curiosity piqued as she exited the practice room. Surely it couldn’t be Eric at this hour.

Approaching the lobby, her eyes landed on a figure standing near the bulletin board. Her heart dropped, and a quiet scoff escaped her lips before she turned to leave.

“Hadley!”

To her astonishment, the figure spotted her just as she was turning away and quickly caught up, grasping her arm. “Hadley! Why are you walking off?”

“Let go!” Hadley demanded, pulling away sharply as she scanned the area, her tone firm. “Why are you here?”

“Hadley…”

The man, Cade Jenkins, offered a strained smile as he gestured toward the poster on the bulletin board, which featured Hadley captured in mid-leap. “You’ve really excelled. I bet your mom and grandma are looking down on you in heaven with pride.”

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺: g⍶𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹐ⅽ𝗼𝗺

“Stop talking!” Hadley exclaimed, her eyes beginning to tear up. “How dare you bring them up? Don’t you think they’d haunt you for it?”

“Really?” Cade chuckled sadly. “I wish they would visit me. It’s been ages, and not once has your mom appeared to me.”

“What?” Hadley was stunned, unable to comprehend his words. She then lowered her voice. “What do you want? Get to the point, then leave.”

“Hadley.” Cade looked around cautiously. “We shouldn’t discuss this here. Can we find a more secluded spot?”

Hadley weighed her options. She was at work, and airing personal grievances here could lead to unwanted drama among her colleagues. “Okay, fine.”

“Excellent,” Cade responded, visibly relieved. “Let’s go.”

He guided her to a nearby café.

“What would you like to drink?”

“I don’t want anything.” Hadley dismissed the offer and fixed her gaze on him. “We didn’t come here to relax and catch up, did we? Just spit it out.”

“Okay then.” Cade nervously took a few sips of lemon water.

“So, here’s the thing…” He pushed his glasses up his nose. “Do you recall our old place on Maple Street?”

Hadley frowned, processing the question. The house on Maple Street? Of course she remembered—it was her very first home, despite her memories being dim and distant. “What’s the reason for bringing that up?”

“Here’s why…” Pausing to sip his water again, Cade’s eyes appeared watery. “It’s your brother…”

“Stop spouting nonsense!” Hadley cut in sharply, disbelief etched across her face. “I was an only child. There’s no brother in my family.”

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Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

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