Ayla let out a sharp, almost manic laugh, her eyes blazing with fury. “You’re unbelievable! Cozying up to Mr. Scott—now you think his support gives you free rein to do whatever you please!”

The laughter died, giving way to a venomous glare.

“You’ve already got everything! So why won’t you cut me some slack? Why won’t you just let me be?”

“What?” Hadley’s brow furrowed. “What exactly are you…”

“Hadley!” Ayla cut her off with a chilling laugh. “I’ve already lost—there’s nothing left for me! But today, I’m taking you down with me!”

Without hesitation, she drew a small knife from her pocket.

Clutching the handle in her right hand, she slid off the sheath with her left, exposing the gleaming, razor-sharp blade.

The blade caught the overhead light, flashing a cold glare into Hadley’s eyes. She squinted, recoiling instinctively.

“Hadley! Go to hell!” Ayla screamed, lunging at her with the knife raised high.

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Suddenly, a powerful grip jerked Ayla’s neck backward.

“Ugh…” Ayla gasped, stumbling back in shock.

“Miss Pearson, get back,” Tamara ordered firmly. She then turned sharply to the bodyguard behind her. “Quick—notify Mr. Scott!”

“Yes!”

But before the bodyguard could move, Eric had already arrived, just in time to witness the chaos erupting before him.

“Mr. Scott.”

“Hadley!”

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Eric dashed to Hadley’s side, wrapping his arms around her in a fierce, protective embrace.

“Mr. Scott…”

Rage ignited in Ayla’s eyes at the sight of Eric, and she made a move to step forward.

But before she got close, Tamara thrust out an arm, shoving her back again.

Thrown off balance, Ayla stumbled and collapsed to the floor—her knife slicing into her arm as she fell. Blood gushed out in a thick, steady stream.

“Mr. Scott, I’m bleeding!” Ayla cried out.

Eric didn’t even glance her way—his entire focus remained locked on Hadley.

“Hadley, talk to me. Are you hurt? Did she touch you?”

Hadley stood frozen in his arms, her body rigid, her condition slipping fast.

She trembled uncontrollably, as if her body was fighting against her.

Her fists clenched, white-knuckled, as her teeth chattered without pause.

Then, without warning, she shoved Eric aside and rushed toward Ayla.

“Why?” Hadley asked, her brows furrowed in visible confusion.

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