“Perfect!” Ayla exhaled in relief, her expression softening as she took out her phone and sent the payment.

She was desperate.

On Eric’s end, getting near him was impossible; his bodyguards filled two full cars. Talking to him? Out of the question.

It was the same story with Hadley.

Ever since that incident, both she and Eric had cut Ayla off completely.

Any attempt Ayla made to reach out with a new number or fresh account was immediately shut down as well. Their social media settings mirrored each other.

After all this time, Ayla had finally discovered a small gap in Hadley’s circle, through her fans.

Now, all she could do was hope Hadley might soften and give her a chance.

At Olisvale Bay, Chelsey made her way to the south wing of the Scott estate where Eric and Hadley resided, and dropped the fan gifts in the usual side hall.

That was the standard routine.

Hadley would sort through everything herself whenever she had time.

Once Chelsey had finished arranging the items, she pulled the door shut behind her and walked off. The banquet tonight was in the main house, and she needed to get there.

Dusk crept in.

In the garden outside the main house, lights flicked on one after another.

The guests began to arrive, filling the space.

Eric stopped by the south wing to pick up Hadley and Joy. As they walked, his expression hinted at something unspoken.

“You’ve got something on your mind,” Hadley said. “Just say it. I doubt it’ll shock me.”

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He hesitated, struggling for the right words. “Linda’s here.”

“Oh.” Hadley gave a small nod. “I figured.”

So that was it. She’d expected something more serious. Ernest was attending tonight, and Linda had grown up alongside them. No matter their past, keeping up appearances was expected.

“Don’t let it get to you,” Eric said. “She’s heading to Aradimen this weekend.”

“Got it.” Hadley gave a calm nod. “If she stays out of my way, I’ll treat her like everyone else.”

Eric added, “Let’s stay together tonight. No need for you two to talk alone.”

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“Hurry up. It’s time. The guests have waited plenty…”

The banquet officially began. Ferris escorted Milly down the stairs, greeting relatives and friends as they offered their congratulations.

Milly couldn’t leave Ferris’s side, so Eric and Hadley took over the role of hosting, making sure the guests felt welcomed.

For Hadley, this marked her first public appearance with the Scott family, and naturally, it stirred plenty of speculation.

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