?Chapter 1268:

    “Hadley?” Eric’s heart sank. “You don’t believe me?”

    “Eric,” Hadley said, her sharp gaze sweeping over him. “Is this what you meant by cutting ties with Linda? Really? Ha-ha…” She couldn’t help butugh.

    Then, she shook her head and sneered. “How interesting. Why go through all this effort? I told you before, if you want to protect her, just say it.”

    “I didn’t!” Eric panicked, his voice rising. He felt like no exnation would be enough. “There’s no evidence to back up Remy’s ims. That’s just the truth!”

    “Humph.” Hadley scoffed and shrugged casually. “Why are you so worked up? You know, the more flustered you look, the more ridiculous this all looks to me.”

    “Hadley,” Eric said, his voice unsteady and eyes flickering with frustration. “I’ve known Linda for more than ten years. I can’t just use her based on the word of someone we barely know.”

    “Can’t you?” Hadley snapped, her calm breaking. Her eyes burned as she red at him. “Then what about my words? If I say it’s her, then it’s her! Isn’t that enough for you?”

    Eric looked stunned, his mouth opening slightly. “Hadley, can we talk about this calmly?”

    Calmly?

    Hadley scoffed quietly.

    Her gaze dropped, the corners of her mouth lifting in a smile that held no warmth.

    Five years earlier, when she was falsely used of pushing Linda down the stairs, there had been no evidence at all! And yet, based solely on Linda’s usations, hadn’t Eric just judged her guilty?

    Why hadn’t he pleaded for rationality back then?

    Hadley lifted her eyes, giving Eric a sharp, sideways look. “You say you have feelings for me?”

    “Yeah. I do.” Eric nodded earnestly, puzzled by her sudden question.

    “Fine.” Hadley inhaled sharply, her intense gaze locking onto Eric’s eyes. “Listen to me very carefully—it was Linda who framed me!”

    Eric was taken aback by the certainty in her words, his surprise prompting him to grasp her hand reflexively. “Hadley, about this issue…”

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    “I’m going to ask you onest time!” Hadley cut him off, her patience thinning rapidly. “Who do you believe—me or her?”

    “Hadley…” He rubbed his temples, visibly strained. “I believe you, but we stillck evidence. If you pursue this without proof, we might never catch the real perpetrator…”

    “That’s enough!” Hadley snapped, pulling her arm free from his hold with a sharp tug.

    She turned her back to him, her refusal to meet his gaze speaking volumes.

    Her voice chilled further. “What was I even expecting from you? I must be out of my mind to think anything would change.” She turned on her heel and strode away.

    “Wait, Hadley!” Eric hastened after her, reaching out in a futile attempt to touch her arm. “Listen to me for a moment—please, just stay calm and hear me out…”

    “Calm? I’m the epitome of calm,” Hadley dered with a wry smile. “What more do you have to say? We keep treading the same old ground with your arguments.”

    Eric faltered, his expression clouded with frustration. “But can’t you just listen to me with an open mind for once?”

    “That’s enough. We’re done talking.” Her expression was steely as she added, “I’m convinced it was Linda who set me up. If you choose to defend her, that’s your prerogative, but don’t expect me to stand by.” With those final words, she shoved past him and continued on her path.

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