“I’m here,” Eric managed, his voice barely steady as he fought down his nerves.
Hadley’s words tumbled out in a breathless rush.
“I came here in your car, but I desperately need to get somewhere. Would it be possible to borrow your car?”
“No problem!” Eric responded instantly, without a moment’s pause. Relief and disappointment warred in his chest—she had only sought him out for transportation.
“Let me drive you there myself,” he offered, seizing the opportunity.
Eric offered to drive her? A small frown creased Hadley’s forehead, but protest seemed impossible—the vehicle belonged to him, and abandoning him would be ungrateful.
“That would be helpful. Thank you.”
“Perfect.” Eric’s mouth curved into the faintest smile as anticipation bubbled within him.
“Let’s go.”
Meanwhile, at the Hayes family home, the evening had unfolded without incident until that moment. As the celebration wound down, Brady stood beside Colleen at the grand entrance, bidding farewell to their departing guests. That was when Noreen materialized like a storm cloud.
Security had barred her entry earlier in the evening, turning her away at the gates. Yet she had refused to surrender, maintaining a silent vigil outside until the festivities concluded. The moment the gates swung open, her eyes locked onto her son, who hovered protectively beside Colleen.
“Brady!” Hours of accumulated fury exploded from Noreen as she surged forward, her voice cutting through the night air.
Brady whirled toward the familiar voice, the blood draining from his cheeks.
“Your mother,” Colleen murmured, her fingers digging into his sleeve.
Their eyes met in silent communication before they moved as one to block Noreen’s advance.
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“Mom!” Brady’s hand shot out to capture her wrist.
“Whatever you have to say, we need to discuss it privately. Not here, not now.”
Noreen’s eyes blazed with wounded fury.
“So you do remember you have a mother? Then why have you ignored every call, every message I’ve sent?” One obsession consumed her thoughts entirely.
“Tell me you didn’t sign over the villa to Colleen. Tell me why you would do such a thing!”
Her venomous gaze shifted to Colleen.
“The audacity! You’ve twisted my son around your finger, stolen his property, and now you want more!”
Color fled from Colleen’s complexion, leaving her ghostly pale.
“Mom!” Brady’s voice cracked with barely contained rage.
“I gave her that villa willingly! Do you have any idea who the Hayes family is? Colleen does not need my money or possessions.”
He had transferred the property as a gesture of serious intent—he wanted the Hayes couple to know he was committed to their daughter.
“Doesn’t need it?” Noreen’s laugh carried bitter mockery as her agitation escalated.
“Excellent! Then she can return it immediately…”
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