Chapter 731

Chapter 731:

Eric hesitated. He had spoken instinctively, but now, standing here, watching the quiet turmoil flicker in his brother’s eyes, he realized—Ernest wasn’t choosing to let Linda go. He simply had no other choice.

Monday arrived.

Eric had recovered well, which meant Hadley’s leave was officially over. It was time to return to the dance studio. Early that morning, Sebastian pulled up outside, ready to drive her to work before heading to the Flynn Group.

Hadley settled into the car, absently watching the city blur past the window. Her mind wandered—maybe she could sneak back to her apartment during her lunch break to check on her daughter…

But then—her gaze froze.

Her heart lurched into her throat.

Without thinking, she reached for the car door, only to find it locked.

“Sebastian! Unlock the door!”

Sebastian blinked, startled. “Huh? What?”

Hadley’s voice sharpened. “Unlock the door! Now!”

“Yes!”

“Hadley?” Eric’s alarmed voice cut through the chaos as he grabbed her arm.

“What’s going on? Where are you—”

“Let go!”

There was no time to explain. With a forceful yank, she shook free of Eric’s grip, shoved the door open the moment the lock clicked, and bolted

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩸ⅽ𝗈𝗺

“Hadley!”

Eric called after her, but she didn’t stop. The moment he saw her take off, he didn’t hesitate—he shoved the car door open and chased after her.

What the hell was going on? Where was she going?

And then—he saw it.

Across the street, Denver stood by an open car door, his usual easygoing smile in place as he held the car door and waited for the woman beside him to get in. She hesitated—head lowered, a little shy—but after a moment, she bent down and slid into the car.

Denver followed, shutting the door behind him before slipping into the driver’s seat. Then—the car pulled away.

“Denver! Hey!”

Hadley’s breath hitched as she quickened her pace, her voice ringing across the street.

But he didn’t hear her. The car passed through the intersection.

“Denver!”

Without thinking, Hadley stepped onto the road.

Honk! Honk!

A sharp blast of a car horn split the air. Hadley’s body froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Too fast. Too close. Before she could react, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, yanking her backward. Her feet left the ground.

She barely had time to process what was happening before she crashed onto the sidewalk—hard. But… there was no pain because someone had shielded her.

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