Chapter 26
Chapter 26:
Eric’s expression soured. “Where are your manners? With all these distinguished guests around, can’t you at least try to look presentable?”
Was he implying that she was a disgrace to the Flynn family?
After swallowing her treat, Hadley cleaned her mouth with a napkin and nodded in silent acknowledgment, opting not to contend.
“I understand.”
Eric was visibly surprised.
What was happening? Her reaction…
This was a departure from her usual defiant demeanor. She normally would have retorted.
Now, she just remained silent.
It seemed as though he had intimidated her, which was never his intention.
“Why are you behaving like this, Hadley?” Eric inquired, his tone marked by displeasure.
“What?” Confusion flickered across Hadley’s face. “What have I done?” She believed she was merely heeding his words. Could that be wrong?
Eric struggled to find the right words, a peculiar frustration building within him.
“Alright,” Linda interjected, pulling at his arm. “There’s no need for a dispute. Nyla is expecting us.”
“Fine,” Eric muttered, barely masking his annoyance. “Come with us. It’s time for the party.”
“Sure.”
Hadley had been sitting, but at this, she placed her utensils down and rose to her feet.
“Hold on!” Linda exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Hadley.
Hadley’s expression shifted from confusion to understanding.
Both she and Linda had chosen the same gown.
That explained why Danica and others had confused her for Linda earlier.
In such a formal event, identical outfits were considered a significant social blunder. Eric caught on as well.
Linda had selected her own dress, while Hadley’s outfit was curated by Phillips from a luxury boutique. Neither Eric nor Phillips had anticipated such a mix-up.
“It’s alright,” Linda reassured with a warm smile. “It’s merely a coincidence. No need to fuss over it.”
Eric disagreed sharply. “This isn’t acceptable. Aren’t we already the subject of enough rumors?”
Wearing identical dresses at the event would surely fuel speculation of a rivalry among the Flynn women.
Pausing to think, Linda finally suggested,
“I can change, but I don’t have an extra dress with me. I’ll ask my manager to bring one, though it means I might miss joining Nyla at the party anytime soon.” She looked towards Eric. “Could you inform Nyla?” Linda was on the verge of departing.
“Hold on!”
Eric caught her by the arm. “You can’t just skip it. It’s just unacceptable.”