Chapter 25
Chapter 25:
Hadley chose to ignore their remarks, letting them pass without impact, and continued serving herself. Opportunities like this were rare, and she intended to enjoy it.
She grabbed the tongs and helped herself to a brownie from the tray. Right at that moment, another set of tongs appeared, reaching for the same treats.
Glancing up, she saw Danica.
Feigning panic, Danica quickly recoiled with an exaggerated expression of surprise before saying, “Oh, please, help yourself. I wasn’t that keen on it.”
Hadley’s quiet laugh was filled with irony, seeing through Danica’s act.
It was evident that Danica hadn’t changed; she was as fake and deceptive as she had always been.
Previously, such an encounter would likely have escalated into a confrontation.
However, this time was different…
“Appreciate it.”
Hadley’s smile was faint as she took the brownie, gracefully exiting the scene.
As she walked away, the background buzz of conversation intensified.
“What happened? Did she not challenge you?”
“She’s not the person she used to be!”
Danica, with a hint of scorn, muttered, “Changed? Really? You know what they say—old habits die hard. She’s surely just putting on a show!”
Danica glanced at Hadley’s dress and gave a sly smirk. “Just watch. The real drama’s about to unfold!”
As she was speaking, her attention shifted. She noticed Linda in the distance.
Linda was elegantly clad in a beige off-shoulder gown, its hem sweeping the floor. She was beaming, arm in arm with Eric.
“Where the hell is she?”
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Clearly annoyed, Eric’s brow furrowed.
Just as Nyla completed her therapy session and the party was set to begin, Hadley was nowhere to be seen. Eric had only momentarily excused himself earlier to take a call, and upon returning, he noticed she was gone.
“Try to be more patient,” Linda said, her smile conveying comfort. “Hadley might be a bit lost; it’s her first time here after all.”
Eric rolled his eyes. “If she’s unfamiliar with the area, she should just stay where she is and wait for me. Why must she always complicate things?”
“Calm down. Let me help you look for her,” Linda said, halting abruptly to point somewhere.
“Eric, look over there. Is that her?”
He raised his gaze and peered into the distance. Indeed, it was Hadley.
“Yep, that’s her,” he replied, his tone reflecting mild shock.
“She seems different than before. You recognized her quite fast.” Linda laughed softly. “Well, I am a woman, and we tend to notice more details. Come on, we shouldn’t delay the party.”
They approached Hadley together.
Hadley had a mouthful of brownie, her cheeks stuffed and crumbs clinging to her lips. The moment she spotted them, she hurriedly set the plate aside.