Chapter 394
“Don’t worry about it. It’s just a hair tie. Feel free to throw it away.”
Meanwhile, Eric sat in his car near Mayfield Road, the maroon hair tie with small white beads in hand. Puzzled by her response, he looked at the hair tie and muttered to himself, “She really doesn’t want it back?”
He grabbed his phone to text back.
“I’m nearby, so dropping it off won’t be a bother.”
Hadley saw his message and responded quickly.
“Please, it’s not necessary. Also, I’m not at my apartment right now.”
She wasn’t home? But hadn’t he just dropped her off?
Eric’s muscles tensed as a realization dawned on him—perhaps Hadley had encountered Denver as well. Could she be trying to avoid him? A fleeting smile crossed his face, a surprising sense of relief igniting within him.
“So, where might you be now?”
“Just at a friend’s place,” she responded briefly, offering no further details.
Eric considered pressing for more information but quickly dismissed the idea, worrying it might irritate Hadley.
Knowing her location wouldn’t change the current situation.
“Alright, got it.”
Eric placed his phone down, wound down the window, and leaned out slightly, holding her hair tie.
He eyed the nearby trash can. With just a gentle flick, he could discard it.
Yet, after hesitating for a moment, he withdrew his hand, caressing the hair tie instead. In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to let it go.
With a sigh, Eric started the car and drove away.
Upon reaching Evergrand Mall, he decided to make a stop.
Stepping out, Eric entered a boutique specializing in women’s fashion — accessories and all.
The sales associate recognized him immediately. “Mr. Flynn? The big boss is here!” She quickly called the manager to attend to him.
“Mr. Flynn, welcome!”
The manager approached with a welcoming grin. “How may I assist you today?”
“Just in time,” Eric said, massaging his forehead. The vast array of women’s accessories was overwhelming.
He presented the hair tie, asking, “Do you carry anything similar to this?”
“Let’s see…”
The manager peered at the item closely. “We do have similar items, although none are an exact match.”
“I’d like to see those.”
“Certainly.”
She signaled to the sales associate, who hastened to fetch the selection. A tray soon arrived, lined with various options. “Here are some choices that resemble the style, Mr. Flynn.”
“Thanks.”