Chapter 198
“Whose responsibility is that?” Nyla’s response was sharp and cold. “Had you treated her right, would I need to take such steps?”
“But, Grandma…”
“Stop,” Nyla interjected, her hand raised to silence him. “I’ve made up my mind. Without my interference, what if she finds herself yet another unsuitable older man?”
She shook her head in dismay. “We can’t let that happen again. Eric…” Her gaze met his, laden with remorse. “You pushed her away. Both of us did her wrong. It’s my duty to ensure she finds a good man who can take care of her. Otherwise, I’ll find no peace, even in death.”
“Grandma…” Eric was speechless, feeling defeated.
With no alternatives left, he let out a resigned sigh. “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”
Nodding with approval, Nyla confirmed her plans. “Excellent. Since Linda is away, you will oversee this. Ensure that every eligible young man from Srixby is invited.”
“Alright.”
The word came from Eric through clenched teeth, the effort seeming to cause him discomfort.
“And one more thing,” Nyla continued. “Keep this from Hadley for now. I want to secure the right suitor before we tell her.”
Finding the ideal match for Hadley wouldn’t be simple. In the elite circles of Srixby, her past could provoke hesitation. Any missteps might discourage her potential suitors. However, compromising on standards was out of the question.
Having been nurtured by the Flynn family, Hadley deserved a partner of stature, someone worthy of joining their family. Even if it was for a second marriage, Nyla wouldn’t allow Hadley to marry beneath her.
After their conversation, Eric left the study and made his way to his room. It was already late, and he had no plans to return to Silver Villas that night. He decided to stay at the Flynn residence instead.
As he passed by Hadley’s room, Eric paused momentarily. Since she was fifteen, Hadley had lived in the Flynn household. This room had always been hers. Even during her marriage to Eric and the years she spent abroad, Nyla had made sure it stayed just as she left it.
The door was closed.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 g⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘴﹐ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Eric’s gaze sharpened. What could Hadley possibly be doing inside?
Suddenly, the door swung open.
Their eyes locked. Eric, feeling unexpectedly uncomfortable, quickly diverted his gaze.
“Eric.”
Hadley’s voice stopped him.
His expression tensed. Her tone carried no warmth, only a cool, formal distance that irked him, though he couldn’t pinpoint the cause.
“What’s wrong?” Hadley asked, noticing his shift in expression and puzzling over what might have bothered him this time.
Yet, this only seemed to aggravate him further.
His voice was sharper than intended. “What do you want?”
Confronted by his abruptness, Hadley went straight to the point. “I need a favor. Could you help me by not telling Nyla about my job at Galant? Just say I’m tutoring kids, teaching them dancing. Is that okay?”