“That’s not how it works!” Marshall blurted.

“Haven’t you tried long enough? Don’t you already know how you truly feel?”

He gestured toward Megan.

“Maybe you should ask her if she’s okay with you having no feelings for her and just trying to be responsible.”

Eric stayed quiet, his thoughts a tangled mess.

Marshall sighed, patting his friend’s shoulder.

“Think it over carefully. Don’t rush into anything.”

Eric didn’t respond, downing his whiskey in one gulp.

There were things he couldn’t share with Marshall—or anyone. His feelings for Megan weren’t just about responsibility; he hoped she would anchor him, keep him from crossing a line that would betray Ernest. Being with Hadley knowing her relationship with his brother would make him feel like a traitor.

Early the next morning, Hadley was sharing breakfast with Joy when Ernest’s call interrupted their quiet meal.

“Ernest,” she said, accepting the call with a gentle smile.

“Hadley.” Ernest’s voice carried through the speaker with its usual measured composure, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

“I’ve completed all the arrangements for Joy’s school enrollment. You can put those worries to rest now. You could join me for dinner sometime soon to collect the documents, or I could arrange for Quentin to deliver them directly to you.”

“Thank you so much, Ernest,” Hadley said warmly, then brought up the recent issue with Andrea.

“When might you have some free time? There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”

“Well,” Ernest paused, mentally reviewing his schedule.

“Why don’t we meet for lunch today?”

His desk had been buried under an avalanche of work ever since he’d returned from his recent trip.

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“Perfect. I’ll see you at noon, then.”

“I’ll be expecting you.”

When noon arrived, Hadley made her way to the imposing Flynn Group headquarters.

Ernest extended a thick document folder toward her.

“Everything has been finalized—you simply need to wait for the new semester to begin. I’ve also arranged for Joy to be placed in Locke’s class so they can take care of each other.”

“Thank you, Ernest.” Hadley’s smile reflected the weight that had just lifted from her shoulders.

“Please review the contents to ensure everything is complete. My staff has already verified it, but I’d prefer you confirm it yourself.”

“Okay, I’ll examine it now.” Hadley began to unfold the document folder for inspection.

A sharp knock echoed from the office door.

“Mr. Flynn, Mr. Scott is here to see you,” his assistant announced through the intercom.

Ernest’s gaze flicked quickly to Hadley. Before he could respond, the door swung open and Eric strode into the office. He hadn’t come alone—Megan accompanied him, her arm linked casually through his.

“Ernest, I—” Eric’s words died in his throat as his gaze found Hadley, his eyes narrowing with unmistakable surprise. She was here as well.

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