The thought of interrogating her motives had never entered his mind.

Hadley’s brow furrowed with confusion. “I’m gathering information about their wedding schedule. Doesn’t that worry you even slightly… that I might be planning something harmful toward… her?”

“Well, now that you mention it…” Eric’s voice grew thoughtful as he considered her words. “Perhaps there’s a small possibility.”

“And despite that concern, you still chose to help me? Aren’t you afraid that I might actually hurt her?”

“What kind of question is that?” Eric’s surprise rang clear through the phone. “I have no idea what plans you might be forming, and I know you harbor no fondness for her… but causing her actual harm? That’s something you would never do.”

Hadley found herself unable to respond, her throat tightening with unexpected emotion.

Eric’s unwavering faith in her character sent a powerful surge of emotions through Hadley’s chest, leaving her gripping the phone while words escaped her completely.

“Actually, I do have something I want to ask you.” Eric’s voice took on a more serious tone.

“What would you like to know?” Hadley’s confusion was evident in her response.

Eric’s soft chuckle carried deep meaning. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Hadley’s fingers tightened around her phone as silence stretched between them. Eric pressed forward with gentle determination. “I’m completely serious about this offer. If you need anything at all, just like you did today, come to me directly. Will you promise me that?”

Hadley’s lips parted, and after what felt like an eternity, she managed to whisper, “I promise.”

Eric’s smile bloomed across his features, even though she couldn’t see it. “Then I won’t keep you on the phone any longer… You have work scheduled for tomorrow morning, so you should get some proper rest. Sleep well, won’t you?”

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“Yes, I will. Sweet dreams to you too.”

The phone connection ended abruptly, leaving both of them in their respective silences.

Eric continued holding his phone, watching as his warm smile gradually transformed into something more bitter and complex.

A troubling question echoed through his thoughts: In Hadley’s perception, did he still appear to be taking Linda’s side in whatever conflict existed between them?

That concern explained her pointed question about whether he worried she might harm Linda.

His confidence in Hadley’s character ran deeper than any doubt—she would never resort to violence or cruelty.

She had endured four years of absolute hell in Blathe, suffering through experiences that would have broken most people, and upon her return, her only desire centered on building a peaceful, loving life with Joy.

While her heart might still carry the weight of resentment from past wounds, deliberately harming another person remained completely outside the realm of possibility for someone with her fundamental nature.

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