“I’m completely serious when I say you don’t need to concern yourself with payment.” Brady scratched his head with embarrassed discomfort. “The entire bill has already been handled.”

Hadley’s eyes widened with genuine shock, her voice rising with incredulous concern. “You’ve been covering our expenses with your own money this entire time? That arrangement is completely unacceptable!”

The realization struck her like a physical blow—her family’s living expenses had been Brady’s financial responsibility throughout their residence here.

“Why shouldn’t I have that privilege? Hadley, you haven’t touched a single dollar of the family’s resources during all these years. This contribution represents nothing compared to what you’ve sacrificed,” Brady declared with stubborn conviction.

Brady maintained his resolute refusal to accept any monetary compensation.

“Simply enjoy the peace of mind and don’t worry about…”

His words ceased abruptly, hanging incomplete in the morning air.

Eric had appeared within his line of sight, immediately capturing Brady’s attention and transforming his entire demeanor.

Brady’s expression shifted dramatically as he stepped protectively in front of Hadley, his body forming a barrier between her and the unexpected visitor. “How did you manage to gain entry to this property? What business brings you here?”

Eric halted his approach, his eyes seeking Hadley’s guidance and support in this suddenly tense situation.

“He’s here because I asked him to come,” Hadley quickly interjected, grasping Brady’s arm with gentle but firm pressure, her concern evident that these two men might clash once again. “Aren’t you pressed for time today? The delivery work appears nearly completed.”

“Hadley, I need to understand this situation.” Brady’s worry colored every syllable of his response. “Is this man attempting to cause you harm once again?”

“No, that’s not the case at all.” Brady’s protective instincts touched Hadley’s heart deeply, even as she sought to reassure him. “The situation isn’t what your fears suggest.

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“So please don’t let worry consume you. I’m perfectly capable of managing this interaction, and I promise to provide you with a complete explanation later.”

“Well… if you insist.” Brady’s glare burned with undisguised hostility as it fixed upon Eric, his protective anger simmering just beneath the surface.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to completely disregard Hadley’s clear wishes and direct requests. Before taking his leave, he delivered repeated warnings with the intensity of a concerned guardian. “If anything troubling occurs, you must contact me without the slightest delay. I demand a thorough explanation of this situation, and I will continue pressing for answers until you provide me with complete honesty!”

“I understand completely.” Hadley’s laughter carried affectionate amusement as she responded to his earnest concern.

She gazed at Brady with tender fondness, her voice warm with sibling affection. “You’re fussing over me like a worried old father, you realize that, don’t you?”

“Am I really?” Brady’s delight sparkled in his eyes at her observation. “Colleen has made similar comments about my protective tendencies. All women, regardless of their age or independence, deserve to be cherished and protected. I would gladly embrace the role of your devoted old father figure in that case.”

Brady’s attention shifted back to Eric, his expression freezing into cold disapproval once more. “Humph!”

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