Elvin turned to Hadley. “Can you take care of that? I’ll stay here and wait.”

Since Hadley hadn’t met Lisa yet, and Elvin’s face carried more weight in the industry, it made sense for him to remain visible.

“Sure, no problem.” Hadley understood immediately.

After reviewing the set menu, she made her way back toward the lobby—only to hear her full name called out.

“Hadley Pearson!”

She paused, the voice familiar but not warm. Anyone who used her full name likely wasn’t a friend.

She turned—and there was Megan, beaming far too brightly, clutching Eric’s arm like a trophy.

He stood beside her, quiet, but his presence made Hadley falter for a split second.

Were they… together?

“Hi there!” Megan greeted with a tilt of her head, leaning in ever so slightly toward Eric. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“It has,” Hadley replied politely, her smile neutral. She and Megan had never exactly been friends. Acquaintances, at best—with tension simmering just below the surface.

“I should—” Hadley began, eager to slip away.

But Megan cut her off smoothly, her tone sweet with just a hint of mischief. “I saw Elvin at the entrance. He mentioned he was waiting for Lisa Beckett. You’re with him, aren’t you?”

Hadley nodded. “Yes.”

“Wow!” Megan let out a laugh, her voice bright and a little too loud. “He’s taking you to meet Lisa? That’s something most people spend their whole careers dreaming about.”

She gave Hadley a playful thumbs-up, but her words dripped with sarcasm. “Despite the fact that your love life’s gone up in smoke, your career’s on fire!”

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Then, with a faux-innocent tilt of her head, she turned to Eric. “Right, Eric? Don’t you think?”

Eric didn’t answer. He stood still, lips parting as if to speak—but then shutting again. His eyes, however, remained fixed on Hadley, conflicted.

Megan caught the silence and smirked. No protest from him. That was enough—for now.

“And speaking of love lives,” she added breezily, turning back to Hadley, “Eric and I are officially a thing.”

Hadley blinked, the words hitting her harder than she expected. That was fast. Just a few days ago, he’d been a mess over her…

“Surprised?” Megan grinned, clearly enjoying every flicker of emotion on Hadley’s face. “Yeah, I’m surprised too. Honestly didn’t think I’d actually win him over—but here we are.”

Her smile sharpened as she lifted her chin. “So thanks, Hadley. Really. If you hadn’t dumped him, I wouldn’t be living my best life right now.”

Hadley opened her mouth, but no words came.

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