“I just saw—”

“What?” Eric couldn’t have cared less about what she saw. He remained shaken, his tone unconsciously harsh.

“Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? I was coming right back!””

“Yet he had only been gone for a few minutes, and she had vanished! You truly terrified me! Do you realize that?”

Hadley stayed silent. She understood.

Being held so close, she could distinctly feel his heart hammering against his ribs.

“Alright! Alright!” Eric held her close, gradually steadying his breathing, murmuring to himself for comfort.

“I found you. You’re not lost. It’s okay.”

Then he lowered his head, and his dry lips pressed gently against Hadley’s forehead.

The instant their skin made contact, both of them stiffened, as if transformed into marble.

Everything around them seemed to hush, as if the world itself held its breath.

What was happening here?

Hadley remained motionless, her heartbeat and breathing seemingly suspended.

Hadn’t he forgotten everything? Why did he kiss her then?

At this moment, Eric felt absolutely mortified.

He couldn’t fathom what he had just done.

Not only had he embraced her, but he had also kissed her.

Snapping back to reality, Eric released her as if electrocuted, stepping back a pace.

“Um…”

Hadley also retreated, dropping her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.

Eric’s thoughts were in complete chaos, struggling to find the right words. He moistened his lips.

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“Let’s go back and finish our breakfast.” With that, he turned and strode ahead.

“Okay.” Hadley nodded, maintaining a few steps’ distance behind him.

Suddenly, Eric halted, turned around, and regarded her.

“You walk in front.”

Hadley looked confused but complied.

“Okay.”

So, their positions reversed—her walking in front, with Eric following behind. Watching her back, Eric felt considerably more at ease. This way, he could monitor her and ensure she didn’t disappear again.

As this thought flickered through his mind, Eric felt startled. What was he thinking?

Eric and Hadley walked in single file, making their way back through the quiet streets.

Before they reached the diner, they spotted Phillips from a distance, standing at the intersection with his team flanking him.

“It’s Mr. Scott! Mr. Brown! Over there!” one of the men called out.

Phillips raised his head and waved.

“Mr. Scott.”

Phillips strode forward with his bodyguards trailing behind him, offering Hadley a respectful nod.

“You’ve arrived.” Eric nodded absently, his mind clearly elsewhere.

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