Chapter 100 Driving A Wedge

Eric raised his eyebrows, startled. “What’s that coming from?”

Quickly concealing her annoyance with a grin, Linda responded, “Just a little humor. Why are you taking it so

seriously?”

She then explained her presence, “I stopped by for a meeting with East Entertainment.”

East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, shared the building with Eric’s office.

Linda had scheduled today to discuss with her agent to lighten her future workload, canceling or postponing non–urgent appointments, though she still had some commitments to honor.

Getting to her feet, she said, “I’ve managed my schedule and just thought I’d check in with you before leaving. I’ve got work later.”

a and

“Understood.” Eric nodded briefly. “I’ll let you get on with your evening-”

“Anyway,” Linda interjected before he could finish. Her eyes landed on the two brown paper bags on the coffee table. She gestured toward them. “Just curious–what are those?”

“Oh, those?” Eric glanced at the bags, recognition dawning. “Those are candied hawthorns.”

His answer came out plain and simple.

Linda, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. “When did you start liking this kind of snack?”

Eric hesitated, careful not to mention they were meant for Hadley. “It’s just something I felt like nibbling on.”

“Really? Are they good?” Linda inquired as she bent over, opened a bag, and tried a piece.

“Not too bad,” she commented after tasting it.

“See?” Eric replied, a subtle twitch in his brow. Swiftly, he handed her the opened bag. “Why don’t you take this one with you?”

Linda chuckled and replied, “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, they’re just some treats,” Eric responded casually. “I’ve got more here.”

After all, the bag was already open–giving it to Hadley was no longer an option.

Linda laughed as she took the bag. “Thanks, then. I’m off.”

But her smile faded the moment she turned around.

Eric buying candied hawthorns for himself? She wasn’t buying it—he never even liked hawthorns.

14:23

be

sooner than expected.

lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator.

twinge of annoyance tightened her

receptionist surely came

“Hadley!”

step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her.

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

Hadley spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What

greeted her with a smile. “Just wanna to say hi.”

was eager to leave.

some snacks?” Linda

Hadley. “Candied hawthorns, they’re actually

for Linda to offer her anything nice.

of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting anything. “No, thank you.”

sigh, Linda withdrew the bag. “Pity,

was puzzled by the

she tried to make sense of Linda’s actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking in a hushed tone.

for a moment?” Linda’s voice carried

puzzled by her secretive demeanor. “Alright.”

a subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away

ahead. I’m listening.”

polite yet insincere. “You’re unaware, aren’t you?”

of what?” Linda’s vague hints were getting on her nerves.

quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at Blanche’s dance studio, right? You think he’s really changed

moment, and then finally spoke. “What are

twisted into a smirk. “Consider this–Eric couldn’t stand you before.

14:23

kind all of

by the implication, Hadley didn’t utter another word

question had been troubling her deeply

the answer that she was desperately

tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. “Pay attention–this is happening because Ernest has regained

What?

Hadley tensed up, grappling with the reality of Linda’s words. “Ernest is really

voice shook a bit, her eyes glistening with tears. “He’s

incredible news!

flooding through her. Tears welled up in her eyes, Ernest

eyes narrowing. “Consider this–Eric has ignored you for so long. Why the sudden change? Why is he

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