“Hold on tight—the marble floors are a bit slick.”

“Got it,” Hadley replied, her smile glowing with warmth.

As the spotlight bathed them in a golden glow, they turned in unison to face the audience, their smiles mirroring one another.

“Miss Pearson, this way, please!”

“Miss Pearson, over here!”

From his seat in the audience, Ellis observed, his chin tilted upward, eyes fixed on the stage. His gaze lingered on the statuesque figure commanding the spotlight, narrowing as he whispered almost to himself, “Hadley…”

He pulled out his phone, opened a browser, and typed her name into the search bar. Within moments, a profile materialized: Hadley’s age, height, weight, education, and family ties. Ellis continued scrolling, taking in more details.

Hadley’s career unfolded on the screen: a former dancer, scouted by Adonis for acting.

Though her portfolio was modest, her commercial and fashion endeavors sparkled with prestige, no doubt bolstered by the Flynn family’s influence.

Ellis scrolled on, seeking more, but the page ended abruptly. He frowned. Was that all?

Switching to a social media app, he typed Hadley’s name again. Unlike the sterile facts of web encyclopedias, social media platforms brimmed with whispers, gossip, and tantalizing rumors.

Yet beneath the search term “Hadley Pearson,” beyond her professional achievements and endorsements, there was little of substance to uncover.

Ellis let out a wry smile, shaking his head slightly. It was clear that Hadley’s digital footprint had been meticulously curated, scrubbed of anything too revealing.

Given the Flynn family’s stature, safeguarding Hadley’s privacy was hardly a challenge—a mere flex of their considerable influence.

With a flick of his wrist, Ellis turned his phone face down on the table, his gaze returning to the stage. Hadley was addressing the audience, her presence magnetic. Other artists flanked her, yet none could hold a candle to her radiance.

As he watched her, a subtle smile curved Ellis’s lips.

“Mr. Gomez?” a voice beside him piped up, brimming with curiosity.

“Are you enjoying the event?”

“Indeed,” Ellis replied with a nod, his tone carrying a note of satisfaction.

Hadley concluded her speech and prepared to descend from the stage, Eric still at her side.

“Hold on,” Eric said softly, kneeling to gather the delicate train of her gown. Rising, he extended his hand with a warm smile.

“Ready?”

“Thank you,” Hadley replied, her voice soft but appreciative.

This time, they did not retreat backstage but made their way to the seating area below.

Theodore hurried ahead, pulling out a chair with a flourish, while Eric guided Hadley to her seat.

“Here you are.”

“Perfect,” Hadley said, settling in.

The morning light spilled into the venue, and the table before them was adorned with an array of drinks and snacks.

Hadley reached for a bottle of water, but Eric’s hand gently intercepted hers.

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