Chapter 213
What was he doing here?
Denver quickly crossed the street toward her. “Just got off work? Let me drive you home,” he said as he approached.
Hadley hesitated. “Thanks, but I’ll just grab a taxi.”
Denver persisted. “Do you often take a cab home?”
Hadley nodded. “Yes, I can handle it—”
“Let me give you a ride,” Denver suggested, gesturing toward his car. “It’s late, and now that I’ve seen you, I can’t in good conscience let you travel alone.”
Noticing Hadley hesitating, Denver playfully added, “Miss Pearson, my family is well-regarded, and I’m a gentleman myself. You’re safe with me, I assure you.”
Amused by his playful words, Hadley finally gave in. “Okay, I accept your offer. Thanks for the lift.”
“It’s absolutely no trouble—happy to do it.”
Once they were in the car, Denver drove toward Flynn Mansion. During the ride, Hadley asked, “I didn’t catch it earlier during my performance—were you out tonight with friends?”
“Not exactly friends,” Denver replied, shaking his head. “I was accompanying some colleagues from work.”
Eager to clarify, he explained, “It was just a networking event. Srixby has its quirks—business often unfolds in recreational settings. Being freshly back in town, I’m still getting used to the pace here.”
“Mm,” Hadley responded, smiling understandingly.
Though she didn’t know much about business, Hadley had a hunch. “Perhaps it’s simply a matter of different cultural norms. Blathe and Srixby each have their unique appeal.”
This reference to Blathe sparked a lively conversation, and they chatted comfortably for the remainder of the journey.
Upon arrival at Flynn Mansion, Denver exited the car first and held the passenger door open for Hadley. “Here we are,” he said.
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“Thank you,” Hadley replied as she stepped out.
Denver pointed towards the mansion, noting the time. “It’s late, so I’ll stay out here. I don’t want to wake Mrs. Flynn.”
“Alright then…” Hadley waved. “I’ll go in then. Thanks again for the ride.”
“Anytime,” Denver replied, smiling as he watched her enter the mansion before returning to his car.
Hadley got back before 10 PM tonight, which wasn’t particularly late. At this hour, Nyla was probably already in bed. Hadley tiptoed through the living room, trying to be as silent as possible.
“Hadley, is that you?”
Nyla’s voice carried through the silence.
Hadley stopped momentarily, then responded, “Yes, Nyla. I’m here.”
“Perfect timing! Come over here.”
“Okay.”
As Hadley drew near, she found Nyla up, enjoying some late-night snacks. To her surprise, Eric was there too, sitting opposite Nyla. “Hadley, join us,” Nyla said warmly. “Have some soup to warm you up.”