?Chapter 1269:

    “Hadley…”

    Eric’s voice trailed off as he was jolted by her push. He thought about following her. But the truth was, even if he caught up, he had no clue what to say. Hadley wasn’t budging.

    In his heart, he knew he wasn’t shielding Linda; he simply believed there were still pieces of the puzzle missing.

    Hadley stepped out of the elevator and paused at her apartment door, key in hand.

    Her fingers shook, unable to guide the key into the lock.

    With a soft, bitter chuckle, she closed her eyes andughed under her breath.

    She was almost amused by herself.

    She had been on the verge of revealing it all—the wrongs from five years ago and her past struggles in the.

    Fortunate for her, she restrained herself.

    Although it seemed Eric had broken things off with Linda for her, but… The truth remained that some things were still the same.

    He professed his affection and trust for her, yet his actions spoke louder, showing a greater trust for Linda.

    Had she disclosed the betrayal from five years ago, pointing the finger at Linda, how would he have reacted? What would he have said? Considering how he had handled the incident with Remy, the oue was evident.

    Clearly, Eric would never ept it! His decade-long bond with Linda was too strong. In his eyes, Linda was incapable of causing harm to anyone.

    Hadleyughed softly, her eyes shut as she stifled the sourness swelling within her.

    It was a good thing she had kept silent.

    Revealing it would have only led to her own disgrace.

    The following morning…

    When Hadley walked out of her building, Eric’s car was already parked outside.

    Discover what’s new on gα?ησv??ls

    “Hadley,” Eric called out as he stepped from the vehicle and approached her with a purposeful stride. “I came to pick you up. I have to head out of townter today, so I wanted to see you before I left.”

    “Eric,” Hadley greeted with a sarcastic smile, her tone light yet tinged with irony. “I thought it was clear enough without having to spell it out. If I was mistaken, then get this—we’re through.”

    “We’re not through.” Eric countered, his brow furrowed as he shook his head. “I’ve kept every promise I made to you. There’s no reason for you to call it quits now.”

    Hadley’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Have you already forgotten how you defended Linda just yesterday?”

    “I was merelyying out the facts, not defending her,” Eric replied, his voice steady. “I’m doing this for you, not for her.”

    At his words, Hadley found herself momentarily lost for words.

    Her frustration evident, she clenched her teeth and stared at him. “Do you find this amusing? We’re constantly arguing over Linda. Doesn’t it exhaust you? Because I’m certainly tired of it!”

    “I’ll admit, I used to defend her,” Eric acknowledged, his head bobbing in a nod followed by a shake.

    “But not this time. It’s you who doesn’t trust me. I’m doing all this for you, not to protect her.”

    .

    .

    .