Chapter 398
The moment she saw it, even under the dim glow of the streetlights, she knew. Her brows knit together.
“This isn’t mine.”
“I couldn’t find yours.” Eric’s tone was as firm as ever. “I tried to give it back yesterday, but you wouldn’t take it.”
He hesitated, something rare for him—his words faltering slightly. “I just bought this one. Take it or leave it.”
Hadley barely had time to process before he fixed her with an expectant stare.
“Well?” His voice was sharp, but there was an odd tension behind it.
“Isn’t it nice? Don’t you… like it?”
Hadley blinked, completely thrown.
Then, before she could even think of a response, his expression darkened. Impatient.
“I’m asking you a question. Do you like it or not?”
What was this about? And why was he behaving so aggressively?
Hadley sighed inwardly. With him like this, refusing wasn’t an option.
“Mm,” she murmured, nodding. “It’s nice.”
If it was meant to replace hers, she might as well accept it. No big deal. As for the pearls on it? She had no idea of their value. To her, it was just a simple, inexpensive hair tie.
She absently slid it onto her wrist. The small motion didn’t mean much to her, but Eric’s gaze flickered to it. Against her smooth skin, the delicate band stood out, and for a fleeting second, something in his expression shifted—a quiet satisfaction surfacing at the edges of his lips.
“I’ll get going then.”
Hadley glanced toward Elissa.
“Great! My friend’s waiting for me anyway.”
Eric gave a small nod.
“Go on ahead.”
“Okay.”
Without another word, Hadley turned and jogged toward her friend.
“Elissa!”
Elissa grinned.
“All settled?”
“Yeah!”
“Alright, let’s go!”
Laughing, the two girls linked arms and disappeared down the sidewalk. Eric watched them for a long moment, eyes lingering on Hadley’s retreating figure. Then, as if snapping out of a trance, he exhaled, turned, and got back into his car.
Quietly, as discreetly as possible, he followed them.
The bus rumbled through the dimly lit streets, weaving its way into an old residential district nestled in the old part of the town.
Eric trailed behind in his car, slowing as he reached the entrance of the neighborhood. His eyes flicked to the faded sign at the intersection.