Chapter 208
He found it hard to believe that someone from the well-off Flynn family would work at a nightclub.
Anxiety fluttered in Denver’s chest. He hoped his question hadn’t crossed a line.
However, Hadley seemed calm and explained simply, “I need to make a living, Denver. Let’s be honest, Galant offers the best paycheck in Srixby.”
“That makes sense,” Denver acknowledged with a subtle smile, realizing Hadley was no longer reliant on Eric for support.
“You’ve got quite a few questions for me. Is it the rumors that have sparked your curiosity? Did their chatter catch your attention?”
She glanced over at the bustling crowd. Hadley saw many familiar faces from her past.
“What are they saying about me now?”
Denver hesitated, caught off guard.
Laughing softly, Hadley continued, “Go on, tell me. They probably think I’m arrogant, ruthless, manipulative…”
With a resigned grin, she took a deep breath. “And perhaps they aren’t entirely mistaken.”
“You’re nothing like that!” Denver cut her off before she could say more, his voice laced with urgency and conviction.
“What?” Hadley looked at him, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
“I mean it. You’re not like that at all.”
Looking earnestly into her eyes, Denver said, “The Hadley I’ve come to know shines when she dances, greets strangers with a smile, and prefers to sit quietly in a corner, enjoying her little moment of solace during busy gatherings.” This was the real Hadley he saw. She was neither arrogant nor manipulative, and definitely not ruthless.
Hadley hesitated, processing his words. As she looked at Denver, she felt tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes. Denver’s recognition and respect were a rare gift—one she had only received from Colleen in the past.
At a distance, Nyla and Eric watched the interaction closely.
“Who is that lad?” Nyla leaned in closer. “He seems familiar. Could it be Denver from the Moran family? Yes, it must be!”
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With a nod of approval, Nyla murmured, “He could be right for Hadley.”
She gently pulled on Eric’s arm. “See how well they’re getting along? Let’s not disturb them. Give them some space. It could lead to something.”
“Fine…” Eric turned away, following Nyla’s advice, but a tight sensation gripped his chest, making it hard to breathe.
At that moment, Denver’s phone began to ring—it was a call from one of his friends.
“You should probably take that,” Hadley said with a warm smile.
“Right, I guess I should.”
As he stood, Denver paused briefly and took a deep breath.
“Hadley, could we swap numbers?”
The request seemed perfectly natural.
“Absolutely,” Hadley responded cheerily, reaching for her phone. They exchanged contact information.