“We’re not sure,” the receptionist admitted. “He left about an hour ago, but we weren’t told where.”

The CEO’s movements were rarely shared beyond his assistant team. Tamara turned back to Hadley. “Miss Pearson, Mr. Scott isn’t in the office right now.”

It was unfortunate.

Hadley sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. So much for the surprise.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

At that very moment in Tidebourne, Eric arrived at the hotel.

His bodyguard returned after checking at the front desk. “Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson has already checked out.” Updates are released by find[?]ovel.net

“Already checked out?”

Eric’s expression darkened as his bodyguard came back empty-handed. “When did that happen?”

“Over an hour ago,” the bodyguard replied. “I just spoke with Miss Pearson’s security. They said she went to Scott Group to see you.”

What?

Eric’s eyes flickered with surprise, but it quickly turned into a spark of excitement. Hadley went looking for him? Why hadn’t she said anything? Was she trying to surprise him?

In a heartbeat, Eric’s excitement took over. All the irritation from earlier vanished like it had never been there. Without a second thought, he turned on his heel and marched out of the hotel. “We’re heading back to Srixby!”

On her way back to Olisvale Bay after visiting Scott Group, Hadley received a call from Elvin.

“Hello, Mr. Webster… Alright, I’ll be there shortly.” She ended the call and gave the driver new instructions. “Turn at the next intersection. I need to stop by the studio.”

“Yes, Miss Pearson.”

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From the front seat, Tamara turned slightly to face her. “Miss Pearson, Mr. Scott’s bodyguard just called. He said Mr. Scott went to the hotel to pick you up, but you’d already left.”

“What?” Hadley’s eyes widened slightly. So Eric hadn’t been at Scott Group—he’d actually gone to Tidebourne?

“Where is he now? Has he gone back yet?”

“He has,” Tamara nodded. “I’ll message Phillips and let him know our location, in case Mr. Scott returns to the villa and doesn’t see you. He might start to worry.”

“Good idea,” Hadley agreed.

She had hoped to surprise Eric, but somehow their plans had crossed wires. What was supposed to be a sweet gesture had turned into a game of chase.

So much for her carefully planned surprise. Unfortunately, Eric still hadn’t been updated.

What Tamara didn’t realize was that Phillips wasn’t with Eric right now—he was attending an event on Eric’s behalf. With everything happening at once, Phillips didn’t check his messages until later, once things finally quieted down. By then, Eric had already reached the south entrance of the Scott estate.

“Hello?” Eric answered his phone as the car approached the gates. It was Phillips.

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