?Chapter 1290:

    “Let go!”

    Eric yanked his arm free, his gaze cold, as if she were something toxic. He stepped back, reeling. He had never suspected A harbored feelings for him.

    It was almostughable. “Keep your feelings to yourself. I don’t want them.”

    He didn’t want her love?

    A’s tears flowed harder, her voice sharp with bitterness. “So it’s only ever Hadley for you? Is she really that perfect?”

    “Hmm?”

    Eric’s brow arched, a mocking smile curling his lips. “I don’t owe you an exnation, but since you’re asking—no, you don’t evene close to her, and you never will.”

    A stiffened, her face draining of color as hatred took root in her heart.

    Eric’s patience snapped. “Have you decided what you want? If not, leave. My team will handle itter.”

    “I’ve made my choice,” A said through gritted teeth, her voice low, fists clenched. “I want fame. I want to be a star.”

    Eric’s expression softened slightly, relieved by the simplicity of her demand. “Fine. Consider it done.”

    He gestured toward the door. “You can go now.”

    A hesitated, taking a few steps before Eric’s voice stopped her.

    “One more thing.”

    She turned eagerly. “Mr. Scott?”

    His gaze was steely, his words deliberate. “I’ll make you famous, as promised. Butst night? Don’t breathe a word to anyone. If Hadley hears even a hint of it…”

    His voice dropped,ced with menace. “I can lift you to the top—or make sure you disappear from this industry entirely.”

    A’s face darkened, her hopes crumbling.

    She had thought he might care, might offer some kindness. She had been foolish.

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    This man was utterly ruthless, his warmth reserved solely for Hadley.

    “I understand,” she choked out, tears streaming as she fled.

    Alone, Eric rubbed his forehead in frustration, his jaw tight with self-loathing.

    “Idiot,” he muttered.

    Turning on the shower, he let the icy water shock his senses, hoping to clear his mind.

    A wry, pained smile crossed Eric’s face as he stood under the cold shower’s spray. What was the point of clear thinking now? How could he have been so careless, so utterly foolish?

    The idea that a single night of heavy drinking could lead to such a reckless mistake was unthinkable.

    If Hadley ever learned the truth, the consequences would be catastrophic—there would be no chance for them at all.

    Their rtionship, already fragile and strained, hung by a thread. And now this?

    Reflecting on the previous evening, he knew he had been drinking, but how could he have been so far gone that he mistook A for Hadley? Thepse baffled him.

    Stepping out of the bathroom, Eric swapped his damp clothes for fresh ones and left the room, determined to track down Hadley.

    As he moved through the hallway, a cleaner pushing a cart rolled past. Noticing him, she quickly averted her gaze and shuffled to the side. At first, Eric barely registered her, taking a few more steps before a nagging sense of familiarity stopped him.

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