Chapter 66:

At the sound of Sebastian’s voice, Hadley turned, catching sight of them, her expression one of surprise.

She paused briefly but then approached, greeting Sebastian with a smile. “Hello, Sebastian.”

It was only after this greeting that Hadley peered into the backseat. Through the darkened glass, she glimpsed Eric’s silhouette but couldn’t make out his expression.

Noticing the silence that had settled since Eric remained quiet, Sebastian broke it by inquiring, “Where are you off to?”

“Returning to Silver Villas,” responded Hadley, still smiling.

“Mm-hmm…”

Sebastian looked towards Eric, seeking guidance.

“Sir, your wife is heading to Silver Villas,” Sebastian mentioned, checking the situation. The unspoken question lingered in the air— “Should we offer her a ride?”

Eric remained focused on his phone, showing no interest in the situation.

Sebastian chuckled awkwardly, his discomfort increasing.

Recognizing his unease, Hadley offered a warm smile. “It’s okay, Sebastian. I’ll manage on my own. Goodbye.”

“0-okay, goodbye.” With a wave, Hadley turned and disappeared into the crowd, quickly becoming invisible.

Sebastian released a resigned sigh. Having driven for the Flynn family for years, he sometimes dared to offer advice to Eric.

“Sir, catching a taxi around this time can be difficult. Perhaps we could give her a lift?”

“Difficult to find a taxi?” Eric finally set his phone aside and looked up, his eyebrow arched. “It’s no issue. She’s not in any hurry. She has nowhere urgent to be.”

“But…” Sebastian said, his voice trailing off in frustration.

Sebastian was well aware of Eric’s disdain for Hadley.

𝒯ℎ𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒻𝓮𝑅𝒽𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒𝒻𝒾𝒆𝓃𝓒𝑒: 𝑔𝓪𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝓈.𝒸𝓂

“No buts,” Eric interrupted him, gesturing dismissively. His gaze hardened. “We both know Hadley well. If we let her in, she’ll cling to me as she always does. I’d rather avoid any drama.”

Eric pondered, “Moreover, didn’t she insist she didn’t need my help?”

Why complicate his life? It was easier to let her sort things out on her own.

“Sebastian,” Eric interjected, raising his hand. “Just drive. The traffic’s starting to move.”

“Okay then.”

Back at Silver Villas, Hadley arrived, sweating after a cramped bus ride, feeling as though she had been stuffed into a tiny can.

She had come just to collect her belongings. Since her suitcase was still packed, the process was quick. She would simply pull it out and leave.

Hadley collapsed onto the living room sofa and pulled the cash she had withdrawn from the ATM out of her bag, counting it carefully. Exactly $5,200.

She then grabbed a blank envelope, jotted down a few words on it, and after stuffing the cash inside, she placed it neatly on the coffee table.

Having completed her tasks, Hadley felt a sense of relief wash over her. Now, she could leave with peace of mind.

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