Her patience evaporated, and she barked at the guards, “What are you standing around for? Get her out now! If Miss Pearson hears any of this, you’re both finished. Move!”
“Right away.” Without delay, the guards grabbed one of Ayla’s arms each. “You need to leave right now.”
A startled cry burst from Ayla as they carried her outside. Not ready to surrender, she made a desperate dash for the door.
“Enough!”
Once more, the two men blocked her path, unyielding. “Have you lost your mind? We already told you what’s going to happen!”
Realizing brute force wouldn’t get her anywhere, Ayla’s desperation turned to pleading. “Please, I’m begging you. Just one minute with her.”
“If you don’t leave this instant, we won’t be as gentle as we were minutes ago.” The taller guard squared his shoulders.
Ayla pressed her arm, wincing from the spot where they’d gripped her. She let out a shaky breath, swallowed her frustration, and finally gave up trying. Jaw set, she walked away without another word.
Once Ayla was out of sight, Tamara fished out her phone and dialed Eric.
“I see,” Eric replied upon hearing her report, sounding pleased. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Keep your guard up around her—she’s trouble. Don’t let her get near Hadley again.”
“Understood, Mr. Scott.”
At that moment, the door to the dressing room opened and Hadley stepped out.
Tamara slipped her phone back into her pocket, straightened, and greeted her. “Miss Pearson, the car’s waiting out front.”
“Thank you,” said Hadley.
Every journey starts at gα?ησν?s?c?
Tonight, she wouldn’t be heading back to Olisvale Bay.
Eric was in Flower Creek for business and had to spend the night there. He also had an early meeting to attend the following morning.
Lately, Eric had found it hard to spend his nights away from her, so he’d arranged for someone to drive her to Flower Creek.
The place wasn’t exactly nearby—the ride would take almost an hour.
When they finally arrived, the car rolled through the gates, and Hadley spotted Eric waiting outside the house, visible from a distance.
The moment the vehicle stopped, he moved to her side, opened the door, and reached out a hand. “You must be worn out. Thanks for making the trip.”
Hadley took his hand and noticed a bright red string peeking from beneath his right sleeve.
That hadn’t been there the night before. Her curiosity got the better of her, so she asked, “What’s this you’re wearing?”
“This?” Eric rolled up his sleeve, giving her a closer look. “Here, see for yourself.”
Hadley got a good look at the bracelet—a simple, unadorned cord with a peach pit pendant.
With surprise written all over her face, she blurted, “What is this?”
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