?Chapter 175:


    Eric was taken aback by the implications of his own statement.


    It seemed to suggest that Hadley was someone irreceable.


    When had hee to view her as beyond the reach of others?


    The whole situation felt bizarre.


    A wave of panic washed over Eric, constricting his throat and drying his mouth as he hurried to rify.


    “What I meant to ask was, are you really that desperate? Or are you just settling for leftovers with someone like him?”


    Hadley was still reeling from Eric’s initial remarks when his cutting words struck her.


    She stopped, her eyes clear and piercing, meeting Eric’s. A soft, scornful chuckle escaped her lips.


    Lifting her chin defiantly, Hadley responded coldly, “You can try to knock me down all you like, but leave Mr. Murray out of it, will you?”


    Eric instantly regretted his words.


    His intention had been to provoke a realization in Hadley, but he recognized that he had overstepped.


    “What kind of man do I deserve, Eric?” Hadley asked, her hands balling into fists at her sides. “As you put it, I’m the punchline of Srixby, a divorced woman working the club scene. Getting together with Mr. Murray? That would be reaching for the stars for someone like me.”


    “I didn’t mean it that way!” Eric retorted, his frustration evident. He had intended to convey that Duran simply wasn’t worthy of her.


    “So, what are you trying to say?”


    Hadley’s smile was cold as her demeanor cooled further.


    Continuing sharply, Hadley said, “Mr. Flynn, please understand. Mr. Murray…”


    Stay tuned for more g??lnoνe??s.c?m


    “Murray treats me well. I’m asking you, don’t ruin this for me!” She cast a long, imploring look at Eric before turning to flee.


    “Hadley! Wait!” Eric called out in annoyance.


    However, Hadley didn’t look back, her figure hastening under the streetmps, her silhouette flickering in the light. Eric massaged his temples, feeling a headacheing on. This woman was somehow more infuriating than ever.


    Since that evening, Duran hadn’t shown his face at Gnt.


    Though she appearedposed, Hadley harbored a growing anxiety.


    Would he ever return?


    Duran hadn’t made a physical appearance, but he had made contact eventually.


    “Hadley, it’s me.”


    “Mr. Murray,” Hadley responded, her emotions a tangle of happiness and worry.


    She was relieved he remembered her, yet anxious for the same reason.


    “When are you done for the night?”


    He was aware that Hadley’s shifts at Gnt varied with the event schedule.


    “This evening…” Hadley figured. “It’ll be a quick one. Mr. Lewis has lined me up first.”


    “That sounds good,” Duran responded cheerfully. “It’s a bitte, but would you like to have dinner afterward? Are you interested?”


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