Chapter 77

Chapter 77:

Eric’s voice, laced with a hint of sarcasm, carried through the air. “Thinking back, was it worth it? You know, you get what you give.”

Hadley fixed her gaze on Eric, unblinking, and then abruptly questioned, “Did Linda say that?”

Hadley pondered internally if Linda had actually told Eric that she was afraid to face her.

“What?” Eric seemed puzzled by her question initially.

“Never mind.”

Hadley decided not to pursue the matter further. It felt pointless to even mention it. Four years ago, Eric had unconditionally sided with Linda. Was there any chance he’d support Hadley now? Moreover, Hadley was beyond trying to vindicate herself at this point. She simply shook her head. “It’s nothing, really.”

Hadley reaffirmed firmly. “I don’t need anything. You all go ahead and have lunch. I have my own food…”

“What have you got there?”

Eric was about to respond, but his attention suddenly shifted to something by the stairs. He noticed it. Beside Hadley’s seat was her black backpack with an open lunchbox perched on top. The contents of the lunchbox were visible. Inside, there were noodles accompanied by some greens.

Eric tried to spot anything else, but that was it. He looked puzzled and a bit concerned. “Hadley, is that what you’re eating?”

“Is that what you’re eating for lunch?”

“Yes,” Hadley responded, her face showing resolve.

Eric was puzzled. Why would Hadley eat so little? Calling it plain was an understatement. What made her choose something like that? Wasn’t this kind of diet harmful to her health?

The Flynn family provided Hadley with a monthly stipend. She had more than enough to live well, even by Srixby’s high standards. Money clearly wasn’t the issue here. There had to be another explanation. It confirmed what Linda had suggested. Hadley was likely trying to lose weight.

“Trying to maintain your figure by eating that little?” Eric’s frustration was evident as he looked Hadley over. “Look at yourself! You’re so thin, a gust of wind might blow you away!”

Hadley remained silent, her expression unreadable.

“Alright then,” Eric snapped, frustrated. “If you insist on starving yourself, fine. But remember, it’s your health that will suffer, not mine!”

With a dismissive gesture, Eric spun around and left abruptly.

At last, he was gone. Hadley took a slow, steadying breath, managed a weak smile, sat down again, and resumed eating her now cold lunch, each bite a struggle.

The food seemed to stick in her throat, prompting her to grab her water bottle and take a few gulps.

Back in the lounge, Eric reappeared, his mood clearly unchanged. Linda handed him a plate of food. “What happened to Hadley? Weren’t you able to find her?”

“Forget about her!” Eric retorted sharply. The mere thought of Hadley seemed to sour his mood further. “She’s too caught up in her dietary fads. Just leave her to it!”

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