“A little won’t hurt,” Eric said, holding up two fingers to show how little he meant. He added a playful smile. “Just a sip. Please?”

She paused, catching the look in his eyes. There was something unspoken there, a quiet plea.

After a beat, she gave in. “Alright—but just a little.”

Eric’s face lit up. “Perfect!”

“And I mean it—I’m not drinking much,” Hadley warned.

“Understood.” He nodded with a grin.

Neither of them were heavy drinkers. Hadley’s tolerance was famously low.

“Half a glass for each of us,” he said. “If you feel anything off, stop right away.”

“I will,” Hadley replied, smiling. “Besides, you’re here. If I get tipsy, you won’t just leave me behind, right?”

“Never.” Eric laughed. “If anything, I’ll carry you out.”

He reached for the decanter and poured a small amount into each glass. “Let’s start slow,” he said, handing hers over. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” Hadley clinked her glass against his, then took a small sip. Her eyes lit up. “Hmm… 1966 Bordeaux?”

Eric raised a brow. “Impressive. For someone with no tolerance, you sure know your wine.”

Hadley set her glass down with a quiet smile. “It’s all thanks to Nyla.”

Though she had only been adopted into the Flynn family at fifteen, Nyla had taken her in without reservation. In just five years, she had shaped Hadley into the perfect image of a refined young woman. Every lesson a socialite needed—grace, etiquette, poise—Hadley had learned under Nyla’s watchful guidance. She might not have been Nyla’s granddaughter by blood, but that kindness had left a mark she would never forget.

“Hadley.” Eric suddenly rose to his feet, pulled out his chair, and offered his hand. “May I have this dance?”

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“Of course.” Her smile softened.

She slipped her hand into his, and he curled his fingers gently around hers. With a light pull, he helped her to her feet. They exchanged a glance before stepping onto the small dance floor nearby.

Hadley draped her arms loosely around his shoulders. The music wrapped around them as they began to sway in a slow, unhurried rhythm.

“Eric,” she murmured, her eyes drifting closed as she leaned closer.

“Hmm?”

“Can I lean on you?”

“You don’t have to ask.” Eric smiled, lowering his voice. “It’s my pleasure.”

A quiet chuckle escaped her as she rested her head against his chest. Concern flickered across Eric’s face. “Are you feeling okay? Was that sip of wine too much?”

“No…” Hadley lifted her head, feigning a glare. “Don’t underestimate me. It was only a sip. I can handle it.”

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