Chapter 269
Hadley immediately understood the reference.
The toy in question was a limited-edition Minnie Mouse doll, one that Joy had fallen in love with back when Hadley was still living in Blathe. At that time, affording it had been beyond Hadley’s reach. The memory of Joy’s longing face had stayed with her.
Even after relocating to Srixby, Hadley continued to save up for the doll, though it was always out of stock online. By chance, she had recently found a local store in Srixby that would have some in stock.
Her plan was to purchase the doll and bring it with her to Blathe during her upcoming visit, just before Joy’s surgery. Returning to Blathe was essential, especially now that she had saved enough money from her shifts at Galant to afford a plane ticket. Being absent for Joy’s surgery was unthinkable; her presence was crucial to calm Joy’s inevitable anxiety.
A few days later…
After a long day of dance rehearsals with Blanche and shooting a dance scene for a film, Hadley returned to her apartment late in the evening. She checked the time, calculating that she still had a moment to unwind before her task for the night.
Close to eleven, Hadley made her way to Evergrand Mall. This was the largest mall in Srixby, and it stayed open until eleven. By the time Hadley arrived, the security guards were already escorting the last customers out.
However, Hadley’s purpose wasn’t shopping; she was there to secure a spot in line. Tomorrow morning, the shop would release the limited-edition Minnie Mouse doll that Joy coveted. It was a first-come, first-served deal, with no option for pre-ordering.
Therefore, lining up overnight was essential to ensure she could purchase the toy for Joy. Hadley had scouted out the situation beforehand and knew exactly which entrance would open first.
Feeling justified in her early arrival, she was pleased to find only six people in front of her. With twenty dolls available and her being seventh in line, her chances looked good.
Prepared like the others, Hadley took out a camping chair from her bag, set it up, and took a seat. She had packed snacks, water, and a blanket to keep comfortable. Settling down, she prepared for a long wait.
As it approached midnight, the temperature dropped, adding a chill to the air. Hadley tightened her grip on her blanket, yet she could still feel the cold biting at her.
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The silence was suddenly interrupted.
“Hadley?”
Lifting her head, her mood immediately soured. Of all the people she could encounter, it had to be him. Srixby felt smaller by the second. Ever since their last unpleasant encounter, she had made sure to block his number.
Hadley deliberately averted her eyes, choosing to ignore his presence.
“Hadley.” The man scrutinized her, his expression shifting to one of concern. “What are you doing out here so late? Shouldn’t you be at home?”
The memory of her desperate request for financial help flashed through his mind, and he began to piece things together. “You’re not in financial trouble again, are you? The money I failed to give you last time? I have the card with me all this time…” As he spoke, he began to pull out his wallet.
The man pulled a bank card from his wallet, extending it toward Hadley insistently.
“Take it… Just take it.”