Chapter 294
But her smile faded the moment she turned around.
Eric buying candied hawthorns for himself? She wasn’t buying it—he never even liked hawthorns. Those had to be for Hadley.
Confirmation came sooner than expected.
Reaching the lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator. A twinge of annoyance tightened her chest.
Such a courtesy from the receptionist surely came on orders from higher up. “Hadley!”
As she was about to step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning around, her expression clouded with annoyance.
There she was.
Feeling her patience wane, Hadley spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What do you need?”
Linda greeted her with a smile. “Just wanted to say hi.”
Hadley was eager to leave. “Alright, I’m off then.”
“Hold on. How about some snacks?” Linda interjected before Hadley could excuse herself. She lifted a bag toward Hadley. “Candied hawthorns, they’re actually quite tasty. Care for one?”
Hadley regarded Linda with suspicion. It was unusual for Linda to offer her anything nice. Could there be something wrong with it? Regardless of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting anything. “No, thank you.”
With a sigh, Linda withdrew the bag. “Pity, they’re really quite good.” Hadley was puzzled by the gesture.
As she tried to make sense of Linda’s actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking in a hushed tone.
“Hadley, can we talk alone for a moment?” Linda’s voice carried a hint of urgency.
Hadley was puzzled by her secretive demeanor. “Alright.”
With a subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away to afford them some privacy. “Go ahead. I’m listening.”
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝓂: ga l no v els .co m
Linda maintained her composure, her smile polite yet insincere. “You’re unaware, aren’t you?”
Hadley’s patience was wearing thin. “Unaware of what?” Linda’s vague hints were getting on her nerves. “Can you just spit it out? Or do you have trouble speaking your mind?”
“You—!” Linda’s facade cracked slightly, her tone sharpening. “You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at Blanche’s dance studio, right? You think he’s really changed his attitude toward you?”
Hadley remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke. “What are you getting at?”
Linda’s expression twisted into a smirk. “Consider this—Eric couldn’t stand you before. Now, why would he be so kind all of a sudden?” Stunned by the implication, Hadley didn’t utter another word.
This question had been troubling her deeply. Could Linda possibly have the answer that she was desperately seeking?
“Yes, I’m aware,” Linda said, her voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. “Pay attention—this is happening because… Ernest has regained consciousness.”