Chapter 176
“Definitely,” Hadley replied promptly.
“Excellent. I’ll see you later then.”
“Until tonight.”
Once the call ended, Hadley received a text from Duran detailing the time and place for dinner.
Hadley secured her phone, completed her performance at Galant, quickly notified Lennon, and then dashed to her meeting.
Unnoticed, a watchful eye tracked her exit…
The meeting was arranged at the Red Shell Bistro.
To ensure privacy, a private room had been reserved, away from…
Curious onlookers watched as Hadley entered, and Duran was already there, awaiting her arrival.
“Mr. Murray,” Hadley said, having sped over as fast as she could. “I apologize for any delay.”
“It’s perfectly fine.”
Standing, Duran greeted her with a gentle smile and took her hand.
“A true gentleman always waits for his lady.”
He showed her to her seat, pulling out a chair for her with care.
He then offered her the menu. “Please, choose whatever you’d like.”
“Thank you.”
She selected a meal that was tastefully understated, neither too lavish nor too modest.
Duran’s gaze lingered on Hadley with curiosity.
She was unlike the usual dancers he met; Lennon had once shared that she was a graduate from the Chauncey Academy of Art.
She had an artistic flair, enhanced by her experiences studying abroad. This suggested she came from a cultured background.
ɯoɔ.slǝʌou˥ɐƃ uo sǝɐsǝɹ lɐıɔıɟɟo
“Hadley,” Duran said cautiously. “Do you have any family?”
Mid-drink, Hadley paused, her water glass halfway to her lips. With a slight, sad smile, she shook her head. “No, I’m on my own now.”
“What?”
Duran seemed surprised.
Misinterpreting his surprise as confusion, Hadley said, “All my relatives are gone. It’s just me.”
That explained a lot about her.
No wonder she ended up performing at Galant and was now even open to being with one of her patrons.
“Hadley,” Duran said softly, his voice full of compassion. “From this moment, consider me your family. I’m here for you.”
“Alright.” Hadley nodded, her eyes misting as she sniffled and…
Managed a small smile. “By the way…”
Delving into his pocket, Duran produced a small velvet box. He flipped it open and presented it to Hadley. “I got this for you.”