?Chapter 1279:

    For a moment, Hadley couldn’te up with anything to say.

    “Hadley,” Eric continued, his voice gentler now,ced with something that sounded like quiet disappointment. “Can’t you let the past rest for once? Could you believe, just this time, that everything I’m doing is because I care about you—and not for any other reason?”

    Hadley’s lips parted slightly, as if to reply, but no words came out. Overwhelmed by the rush of emotions, she ended the call without saying anything further.

    Several days passed.

    The new show began shooting.

    At theunch ceremony, Hadley was surprised when she caught sight of A.

    After all, A had not been present during any of the previous script read-throughs.

    “Hadley!” A rushed over happily and took her arm with familiarity. Her tone was lighthearted and full of joy. “We’re working together again!”

    Noticing the uncertainty on Hadley’s face, A quickly offered an exnation. “The actress who was originally cast for the second female role quit unexpectedly. I was only told toe in this morning.”

    “I see…”

    Hadley scanned the area and confirmed that the original second lead was indeed nowhere to be found.

    “You have no idea how thrilled I am,” A said, practically bouncing.

    “This is the most important part I’ve ever had.”

    She nced at Hadley with admiration. “Of course, I’m nowhere near your level, but it still feels like a big step. They’re calling us over now. Shall we head there?”

    “Yes, let’s go.”

    Throughout the entire ceremony, A stayed right by Hadley’s side. Since she was now ying the secondary lead, her presence beside the main actress waspletely justified.

    “Hadley.” Once the event wrapped up, A gently tugged at Hadley’s arm and held out her phone. “Can you hold this for a minute? I need to run to the bathroom.”

    “Sure.”

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    Hadley nodded and took the phone from her.

    As her fingers identally brushed the screen, it lit up.

    She stilled, her gaze drawn to what appeared on the disy. The lock screen was set to a photo of Eric.

    It wasn’t a polished promotional picture. The lighting was uneven, and the angle a little off, as though it had been taken discreetly without him noticing.

    Hadley’s lips lifted into a faint smile. A’s interest in Eric was now undeniably clear.

    Just before the screen could fade back to ck, a message popped up.

    It was from Eric. “Okay, got it.”

    The screen dimmed again a secondter.

    Hadley remained rooted in ce, eyes fixed on the darkened phone, her thoughts spinning. Had A and Eric been in touch this entire time?

    After the new drama officially began filming, Hadley packed her bags and left to join the crew for the on-location shoot.

    Before heading out, she gave Brady a call. “I’m going away for a few days. If anythinges up at home, I’ll have Melba reach out to you.”

    Brady didn’t miss a beat. “Don’t worry, Hadley. I’ll check in every day.”

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