Hadley’s lips pushed into an indignant pout, displeasure written across her features. “What exactly are you implying? Are you suggesting I’m stupid?”

“Of course not.” Eric drew her into his arms with practiced gentleness, his voice warm and reassuring. “Didn’t I just praise your intelligence? You’re the brightest girl ever! Please don’t let that upset you.”

Upon hearing his explanation, Hadley inflated her cheeks in mock protest, though genuine anger was absent from her heart.

She never considered herself the smart type. Rather, she possessed an intimate understanding of Eric that others lacked. Years of shared experiences had woven an unshakeable trust between them.

“Tell me the complete truth…” Hadley’s eyes narrowed into suspicious slits as she fixed him with an accusatory stare. “You’ve been shadowing me constantly lately just to convince Gifford that you’re too distracted to pose any real threat, haven’t you?”

“Well… you’ve hit the mark once more.” Eric nodded with reluctant admiration. “Since caring for you was already my priority, and Gifford’s arrogance knew no bounds, I decided to use the situation to my advantage.”

His eyes searched her face with careful uncertainty. “You’re not angry with me, are you?”

“Not at all!” Hadley shook her head in emphatic denial, her emotions shifting from understanding to genuine excitement. “So, what comes next in your strategy?”

“The next phase?” Eric’s smile broadened with confidence. “Quite straightforward. We maintain our peaceful facade, allowing Gifford to stumble into overconfidence, and then we activate our carefully laid trap. Enough about him. Have you chosen our destination yet?”

“Let’s return home,” Hadley responded without hesitation.

“Perfect. Home awaits us.”

When Eric promised they would rest, he honored that commitment completely. He devoted his days to life on Jewel Avenue, sharing precious time with both Hadley and Joy.

For someone accustomed to relentless demands, these tranquil days represented a treasured respite from his typically chaotic existence.

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Elissa had finalized her departure date and reached out to Hadley with the confirmation.

Once she departed, her return to Srixby would stretch across months, possibly years. Their next encounter remained shrouded in uncertainty and distant possibility.

Hadley extended an invitation to both Elissa and Savannah, asking them to join her at her place for an intimate farewell dinner.

Elissa accepted the invitation warmly.

Both women appeared at the door as evening shadows began to lengthen.

Upon their arrival, Eric had settled into the living room alongside Hadley and Joy. The trio clustered together in comfortable intimacy, savoring their treasured family moments.

The doorbell’s chime prompted Hadley to rise and greet their guests, ushering them through the entrance with genuine warmth. “Elissa, Mrs. Brown, please come in quickly. The weather has turned quite cold today.”

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