Chapter 9 Where Are Your
Manners
“Where the hell is she?”
Clearly annoyed, Eric’s brow knitted together.
Just as Nyla completed her therapy session and the party was set to begin, Hadley was nowhere to be seen. Eric had only momentarily excused himself earlier to take a call, and upon returning, he noticed she was gone.
“Try to be more patient,” Linda said, her smile conveying comfort. “Hadley might be a bit lost; it’s her first time here after all.”
Eric rolled his eyes. “If she’s unfamiliar with the area, she should just stay where she is and wait for me. Why must she always complicate things?”
“Calm down. Let me help you look for her,” Linda said, halting abruptly to point somewhere.
“Eric, look over there. Is that her?”
He raised his gaze and peered into the distance. Indeed, it was Hadley.
“Yep, that’s her,” he replied, his tone reflecting mild shock.
“She seems different than before. You recognized her quite fast.”
Linda laughed softly. “Well, I am a woman, and we tend to notice more details. Come on. We shouldn’t delay the party.”
They approached Hadley together.
Hadley had a mouthful of brownie, her cheeks stuffed and crumbs clinging to he The moment she spotted them, she hurriedly set the plate aside.
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?
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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?
“You…” 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
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Chapter 1 Where Are Your Manners
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.”
As a leading actress in the city, Linda wielded considerable popularity and influence.
Moreover, she was engaged to Ernest Flynn, Eric’s elder brother.
Her not showing up tonight would certainly stir the media.
Linda responded with a relaxed smile, “We didn’t have any major press here today
anyway…”
Eric was quick to counter. “In this era, news travels instantly, even with just a smartphone. It’s essential to stay vigilant.”
“You make a good point,” replied Linda. “Now, what’s our plan?”
Eric’s gaze then shifted to Hadley, who had been silently observing. He finally broke the silence with a stern suggestion. “Change your outfit.”
Hadley had seen this coming.
Her smile was slight as she nodded in agreement. “Okay.”
Yet, she had a question lingering.
“What should I wear if I change?”
It dawned on Eric at that moment; she had only brought her current dress, without any alternatives, not even a casual outfit.
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Chapter 9 Wives Are Your Mans
Eric was visibly surprised.
“Here’s an idea,” Linda chimed in helpfully. “I’ve got some casual outfits in my car. You’re welcome to pick one for the time being ”
The prospect of wearing Linda’s old clothes made Hadley pause momentarily.
“What’s the issue?”
Eric’s frown deepened, his tone tinged with sarcasm. “Is there a problem with wearing Linda’s clothing?”
“Not at all.” Hadley shook her head. “It’s just that her clothes are quite pricey, right? I’m concerned about damaging them somehow…”
Her concerns were genuine.
She knew she couldn’t afford replacements.
Eric responded sharply, “Really? You think you’d be responsible for the costs? Even if so, it would come out of my pocket.”
Reassured by this, Hadley relaxed and turned towards Linda. “Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it. After all, we’re practically family,” Linda responded, her smile warm as she instructed her manager to bring the garments.
Hadley returned to the lounge room to await for the outfit.
As she departed, Eric narrowed his eyes. Something about her seemed altered…
Could it be pretense, or was she truly different?
Eric and Linda then approached Nyla.
“Linda, Eric.” Nyla glanced past them, questioning, “Where is Hadley?”
Eric paused, his expression troubled.
“Nyla.” Linda stepped in, lowering her voice. “Hadley’s a bit under the weather. She’ll be
here soon.”
“Really?” Concern creased Nyla’s brow. “Is it anything serious?”
Linda offered a reassuring smile. “She just needs a short break. We should get the party going. The guests are waiting.”
“Alright, then.”
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Nyla decided not to delay any further.
“Sorry for the inconvenience, everyone. Hadley needs to rest for a while. Let’s go ahead and start the party.”
The party commenced with Eric and Linda contributing to the vibrant discussions.
Upon her return in different attire, Hadley caught Nyla off guard. “Hadley, what prompted
this outfit choice?”
Hadley was now wearing a casual skirt that accentuated her long legs, contrasting sharply with the formal attire of the other female guests.
“I…”
“Nyla!”
Before Hadley could elaborate, Linda interjected, “Earlier, Hadley had a mishap with her dress, so I offered her something from my wardrobe.”
While explaining, Linda discreetly signaled Hadley to remain silent about the real reason.
Eric, positioned just behind Linda, picked up on her subtle hint and leaned in to whisper to Hadley.
His whisper was soft, meant only for their ears.
“Follow Linda’s lead. Remember, you owe her that much.”
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