Chapter 6
Hadley tucked the agent’s business card deeper into her purse and stepped into the cool night air.
The city lights flickered like promises.
For the first time in years, she felt like her life truly belonged to her — not shaped by family expectations, not confined by old loyalties.
She walked with her head high, boots clicking steadily against the pavement.
She didn’t notice the black car parked across the street.
Or the figure watching her from inside.
Eric sat behind the wheel, hands clenching the steering wheel until his knuckles whitened.
He hadn’t expected her to change so much.
Hadley no longer looked like the girl who used to chase after him, desperate for a smile, desperate for attention.
She had transformed into a woman who didn’t need anyone’s approval.
Especially not his.
Eric knew he couldn’t just storm back into her life and demand forgiveness.
He had already shattered her once.
This time, if he wanted her, he would have to earn her — step by painful step.
Even if it meant starting all over again.
Even if she hated him.
Especially because she hated him.
The next morning, Hadley was woken by her phone buzzing insistently.
Groggily, she answered.
“Miss Pearson?” came a crisp voice. “This is Samuel Klein, manager for Phoenix Entertainment. We spoke last night.”
Hadley sat up straighter. “Yes?”
“I’d like to invite you to a formal audition. We’re casting for a major campaign. If you’re interested, please come by this afternoon.”
A small thrill shot through her.
Opportunity was knocking.
And this time, it wasn’t tied to anyone else’s mercy.
“I’ll be there,” she said.
Later that day, Hadley arrived at the gleaming tower that housed Phoenix Entertainment.
She was ushered into a room where several other hopefuls sat waiting — each one beautiful, confident, fierce.
Yet as Hadley entered, conversations dropped.
People turned to stare.
There was something different about her — something that made others notice without her even trying.
When it was her turn, she walked up to the front and faced the panel of judges.
One man — sharply dressed, with silver hair and a keen gaze — leaned forward.
“Hadley Pearson,” he murmured. “I’ve heard about you.”
Without waiting for instructions, Hadley offered a dazzling smile, removed her coat with one smooth motion, and struck a pose.
Effortless.
Magnetic.
Unforgettable.
The room practically buzzed with energy.
By the time she finished, the panelists were exchanging impressed looks.
When she stepped down, one of the assistants pressed a hand to an earpiece, nodding.
“Wait here,” she said. “There’s someone who wants to meet you personally.”
Hadley raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Minutes later, the door opened.
And in walked a man she never expected to see again.
“Eric Flynn,” she said coolly, arms crossing over her chest.
Eric was dressed sharply, but there was exhaustion beneath his polished appearance — and something raw in his eyes.
“I didn’t expect you to come running here,” she added, arching an eyebrow. “What’s the matter? Didn’t get enough humiliation last time?”
He gave a small, humorless smile.
“I didn’t come to beg,” he said. “I came to invest.”
Hadley’s smile froze.
“Invest?” she repeated, voice laced with disbelief.
Eric nodded. “Phoenix Entertainment is expanding. New divisions, new projects. I’ve signed on as a silent partner.”
Hadley stared at him, heart pounding.
“Of all the agencies in the world, you had to show up here,” she said bitterly.
“It’s not about control,” Eric said. “It’s about making sure you have everything you need. Success, protection… freedom.”
Hadley shook her head slowly.
“You still don’t get it,” she said softly.
“You can’t buy your way back into my life.”
Eric’s jaw tightened. “I’m not trying to buy anything.”
He stepped closer, voice rough.
“I just want to be near you. Even if it’s from a distance. Even if you never forgive me.”
There was a tremble beneath his words, a naked sincerity that rattled her.
For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to just the two of them — standing in a room full of dreams and second chances.
Hadley forced herself to look away.
“I don’t need your pity,” she said.
“I’ll rise on my own.”
Eric’s voice dropped to a whisper.
“I never pitied you, Hadley. I admired you. I just didn’t see it until it was too late.”
He handed her a card — different from the agent’s, this one plain white, with only a phone number printed neatly in black ink.
“No pressure,” he said. “No strings. If you ever need me… for anything… call.”
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Leaving Hadley standing there, heart thundering, clutching a future that suddenly looked far more complicated than she had planned.