?Chapter 1265:

    Lindaughed loudly and continued, “You are really something, Hadley. You already have Eric. Why won’t you let me go?”

    Hadley stood stunned, her entire body rigid with tension. For a moment, she was transported back five years. This woman was ying the same dirty trick all over again. It had been Linda’s cruel scheme, yet somehow, once again, she had twisted it to make Hadley look like the viin.

    Without hesitation, Hadley stepped forward and pped Linda across the face.

    “Ah!” Linda gasped, clutching her stinging cheek.

    “Hadley!” Eric moved quickly, catching her arm from behind before she couldsh out again.

    “What?” Hadley tilted her head to look at him, her lips curling into a wry smile. “Feeling sorry for her now?”

    Eric faltered, his brows deeply furrowed. “We haven’t uncovered the full truth yet…”

    “Haven’t uncovered the full truth? What more do you need to understand, Eric?” She locked eyes with him, her gaze gradually darkening. “Or are you saying you actually believe her—that I masterminded all this and gave Remy those orders just to get to her?”

    Eric shook his head immediately. “No, I don’t!”

    “In that case, it’s her!” Hadley thrust her hand out, finger pointed directly at Linda, her eyes burning with fury. “You promised you would handle it. Well, the proof is staring you right in the face—so handle it! I’m waiting!”

    “Hadley…” Eric held her hand tightly, immediately noticing the subtle tremor running through her. “You are too worked up. Let’s head back first, alright? It’ste. You need to have some rest.”

    “I need to rest?” Hadley shot him a sideways nce, her tone dropping to an icy chill. “If you are trying to protect Linda, just say it outright. Why are you beating around the bush?”

    “I’m not…” Eric didn’t know what to say. He half-embraced her and turned to Remy, asking, “You said Linda gave you the order. Do you have proof? Evidence of your meeting, of her bribing you?”

    Remy hesitated, eyes darting nervously. “I don’t know. But it was her! She came to me…”

    “You are lying!” Linda snapped, seizing the moment. “Eric, you see? He has no evidence at all!”

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    Eric only looked at Hadley. “Hadley, did you hear that? Remy has no evidence. There is more to this…”

    “No evidence, huh?” Hadley’s voice cracked with disbelief. “So that proves it wasn’t Linda?”

    “That’s not what I’m saying…”

    “But that’s exactly what you are saying!” She let out a bitter, hollowugh. “I was a fool to have expected anything from you.”

    Hadley shoved Eric aside and ran out.

    “Hadley!”

    He turned instinctively, ready to chase Hadley, but Linda’s voice stopped him.

    When he looked back, he saw her red and swollen cheek from Hadley’s p. It was no light blow.

    Linda’s eyes were red, and she choked out, “It wasn’t me! I swear it wasn’t! Don’t you believe me?”

    Eric drew in a long breath, his expression unreadable. “All I can say is… I hope it wasn’t you.”

    “Eric!”

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