?Chapter 209:


    “Great,” Denver said, his face lighting up with a broad grin, his happiness evident. “See you around.”


    “Sure, see you around.”


    The birthday celebration buzzed with energy, heightened by N’s skillful hosting, which ensured that all the attendees were satisfied.


    As the evening wound down and N began to feel exhausted, it was Eric, with Hadley by his side, who saw the guests off.


    From a distance, Denver caught Hadley’s gaze as he departed with his family. He shed a smile and subtly raised his phone—a quiet prompt to stay in touch.


    Hadley responded with a gentle smile and a nod of recognition. Unbeknownst to her, this brief interaction did not escape the attention of the man next to her…


    With thest guests departed, the night began to wind down.


    Hadley exhaled a soft sigh of relief and massaged her neck, ready to head upstairs.


    The night had been long and tiring. She nned to have a brief dance practice, followed by a bath and bed. As she reached the second floor, a soft, mocking chuckle came from… the man apanying her.


    Hadley raised her eyes, her expression one of surprise.


    Eric, looking down at her, scoffed coldly, “Seems like you really enjoyed yourself.”


    “Huh?” She blinked, puzzled. What prompted thatment?


    “What’s got you so happy?”


    She chose to remain silent, but Eric persisted. “Come on, share with me.”


    His mocking tone made Hadley scowl. “It’s my birthday, isn’t it? Shouldn’t I be allowed a little happiness, or am I supposed to be miserable?”


    “Hadley!”


    In a sudden move, Eric’s voice dropped to a growl as he grasped her waist and pushed her against the wall.


    He even hoisted her up a bit!


    Every journey starts at gα?ησν????s?c????


    Hadley found herself lifted off the floor, her back pressed against the chill of the wall. Before she could react, his face was suddenly very close, and then—his lips met hers.


    With no hesitation or warning, the heat of his lips pressed firmly against hers, iming them, while his breath mingled with hers. Shock widened Hadley’s eyes, her mind reeling. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling. What was he doing?


    “Mm—!”


    The shock turned to realization, and she stiffened, starting to push back against him.


    Eric’s strength was overwhelming—she couldn’t pull away.


    In desperation, she took the only action left to her—she bit him, hard.


    “Ugh!” Eric’s pained grunt filled the air as he let go. The taste of blood tinged his mouth—she had made him bleed. “You bit me?”


    Hadley was still reeling from the shock. Her lips, once adorned with lipstick, were now slightly swollen and gleamed under the ambient lighting.


    “Eric, are youpletely out of your mind? What the hell were you thinking?!”


    Had he actually just kissed her?


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