?Chapter 176:


    “Definitely,” Hadley replied promptly.


    “Excellent. I’ll see youter then.”


    “Until tonight.”


    Once the call ended, Hadley received a text from Duran detailing the time and ce for dinner.


    Hadley secured her phone,pleted her performance at Gnt, 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 dy.”


    “It’s perfectly fine.”


    Standing, Duran greeted her with a gentle smile and took her hand.


    “A true gentleman always waits for hisdy.”


    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 toovish 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 ir, enhanced by her experiences studying abroad. This suggested she came from a cultured background.


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    “Hadley,” Duran said cautiously. “Do you have any family?”


    Mid-drink, Hadley paused, her water ss 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 rtives are gone. It’s just me.”


    That exined a lot about her.


    No wonder she ended up performing at Gnt and was now even open to being with one of her patrons.


    “Hadley,” Duran said softly, his voice full ofpassion. “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.”


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