Chapter 763

Chapter 763:

“Hadley.” Linda’s sunglasses and mask concealed her expression, but her voice dripped with warmth. “I had no idea you were such a talented dancer! Becoming a mentor here at the show—that’s really something. I’m thrilled for you.”

Hadley’s face remained impassive. “Appreciate it.”

As they spoke, a dark blue luxury car glided to a stop before them.

“Ernest is here for me,” Linda said, then turned to Hadley. “Where are you headed? Let us drop you off.”

“No need.” Hadley waved a hand in polite refusal. “Eric is coming to pick me up.”

“Oh.” Linda’s smile took on an amused edge. “I won’t intrude on your plans then. We’ll be off.”

At the base of the steps, Ernest had already stepped out, holding the door open. Linda slipped into the car, a content expression gracing her face.

She hadn’t been staying at the Flynn Mansion lately, but Ernest had been unusually attentive—calling every day, picking her up at every opportunity, taking her out at the slightest chance. It was clear he still cared.

“Where to today?” Linda asked, twining her fingers with his as she leaned into his shoulder.

“Your choice,” Ernest replied, as always. “Wherever you want to go.”

“Then I’ll decide.”

Linda’s smile widened—until her fingers brushed against something small, cold, and unfamiliar.

An object, tucked within the seat crevice. Her instincts screamed that it was important. Feigning nonchalance, she kept her grip on it without drawing attention to the find.

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When the car halted, and Ernest stepped out first, she seized the moment to examine it.

A silver earring back. It definitely wasn’t Ernest’s since he had no ear piercings. So, it was a woman’s accessory.

This was Ernest’s private car, the one he used exclusively to pick her up. His usual ride was different. But it wasn’t hers either. Then whose earring back was this?

A sharp pang lanced through Linda’s chest, bringing back memories of the hairpins Ernest had once cherished. She had once believed it was Hadley’s, but the truth had turned out to be far worse—it had belonged to Locke’s mother.

Ernest had played her false once more, swearing up and down that he had severed all ties with Locke’s mother. Yet, this earring back—where had it come from? His recent displays of devotion, the constant attention, the tireless efforts to keep her close—all of it suddenly felt like a cruel joke.

The car door swung open, and Ernest extended his hand toward her. “Linda.”

“Mm.” Linda forced a smile, slipping her fingers into his grasp as she stepped out.

Experience had taught her well—confrontation would be futile. Ernest would never confess, no matter how direct the accusation.

No, she needed to be patient and play it smart. She needed to dig deeper, to unearth the woman hiding behind this small, silver clue.

Not long after, Eric arrived.

“Hadley.” He stepped out of the car, reaching for her hand.

Hadley locked eyes with him, her gaze steady, unnerving. Eric shifted uncomfortably. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

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