“Isn’t that the rising actress?” someone whispered nearby.

“Yep, that’s her. That red diamond ring? It means she’s already engaged to Mr. Eric Scott.”

“Seriously?” another voice chimed in, surprised. “What’s her background?”

“She was adopted by the Flynn family. The same family that took Mr. Scott in years ago.”

“Oh, so they were raised together? Like childhood sweethearts?”

“Exactly.”

“And the little girl he’s holding?”

“That would be their daughter.”

“I’ve heard their relationship’s been a wild ride—married young, divorced, and now back together…”

“Really? Tell us everything!”

The chatter swelled among the group, their interest growing.

Nearby, Linda moved among the crowd, unnoticed, listening as the gossip rippled around her.

She clutched her wine glass, eyes locked on Hadley’s cheerful expression.

Then, tipping her head back, she downed the drink in one go.

Around ten, Milly began to tire. Ferris, as expected, left with her.

They’d fulfilled their social duty; the rest of the evening was left to Eric and Hadley.

Even after their exit, the celebration carried on. It wasn’t until close to midnight that the guests finally began to depart. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F?nd-Novel.net

“Exhausted?” Eric’s hand rested lightly at Hadley’s waist. “Go get some sleep. I’ll manage things from here.”

“Okay.” Hadley didn’t protest.

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The day had been non-stop, and exhaustion was catching up with her. Between the gown and the heels, she’d had a rougher time than he had. “I’ll head out first…”

At that same moment, an unexpected visitor appeared at the south wing.

Linda, trailed by her caretaker, stepped inside the house.

Though her popularity had faded, she’d once been a familiar face in the industry. The servant recognized her, along with the rumors tying her to Eric.

“Pleasant evening, Miss Harris.”

Thinking she’d gotten lost, the servant asked, “Are you having trouble finding your way out? I can have someone assist you…”

“No, thank you.” Linda offered a polite smile and shook her head. “I’m familiar with the place.”

“Then may I ask what brings you here?”

Still smiling, Linda replied, “Hadley and I go way back. I just wanted a quick word with her.”

“But…” The servant hesitated. “She hasn’t stepped out of the main house. Didn’t you spot her over there?”

“I did,” Linda said with a nod. “It’s too crowded over there. I came here to wait. Just need a moment alone with her.”

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