Chapter 402
“Hadley…”
His eyes shone with conviction, unwavering and bright.
“I know exactly what I’m doing. I don’t need my family’s wealth to live well. I won’t give up on myself, and I won’t give up on you.”
Hadley parted her lips to respond, but no words came.
“This is for you.”
Denver took Hadley’s hand, pressing the bag into her palm.
“I have a train to catch,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with something deeper.
“I’ll see you when I get back.”
Stepping back, he offered her a lopsided smile, one that held no regret, no resentment—only quiet resolve.
“This isn’t goodbye.”
Then, with a final glance, he turned and walked away.
Hadley stood frozen, her fingers tightening around the bag. The weight of it, so small yet so heavy, sent a sharp ache through her chest.
Denver had lost everything, yet he carried himself with grace, his resilience unwavering.
With each passing moment, Hadley found herself understanding Denver’s mother more and more. How could a mother stand by and watch her exceptional son be dragged down by someone like her?
As the performance came to an end, Hadley sat before the mirror, wiping away the remnants of her stage makeup. Her fingers brushed against the pearl hair tie resting beside her—right, she had almost forgotten about it.
Pulling out her phone, she quickly typed a message to Eric,
“How much did the pearl hair tie cost? I’ll send you the money.”
Eric was on his way back to Flynn Mansion when his phone buzzed. He picked it up, eyes scanning the message. His heart jolted.
Why did Hadley suddenly want to pay him back?
Did she figure out how he felt? Was this her way of drawing a boundary—of turning him down?
His jaw tightened as he made a quick decision.
“Sebastian, take me to Lightning Dance Studio.”
“Yes, Mr. Flynn.”
As they neared their destination, Eric finally responded.
“I’m almost at the studio. Let’s talk in person.”
Hadley stared at the reply, momentarily confused. What did he mean he was almost at the studio? Was he just passing through or what?
Brushing aside the thought, she gathered her things and left the studio with Elissa.
“I’ve been troubling you these past few days. I can go home tonight.”
Elissa scoffed, looping an arm around Hadley’s.
“What do you mean ‘troubling’? If you ever need anything, just come to me.”
As they stepped through the gate, Hadley’s steps slowed. Eric was there, leaning casually against his car, his gaze fixed on her as if he had been waiting all along.