?Chapter 212:


    “Don’t be foolish… It’s for Joy. How could I not help?” Colleen sighed. “The surgery will cost half a million. If not from me, where would you get that kind of money?”


    Tears welled up in Hadley’s eyes as they rolled down her cheeks. “Colleen… how can I ever repay you?”


    “There’s no hurry,” Colleen replied with a lightugh, as carefree as ever. “You’ll have plenty of time to pay me back.”


    She added, “I made this call to ease your mind about the surgery money. I’ve taken care of it.”


    Ovee with emotion, Hadley could only whisper in a raspy voice, “Colleen… thank you.”


    Some debts were too deep to be repaid with mere words.


    Colleen’s voice softened, and she too became emotional. “Enough of this now. I’ve said what I needed to say. It’ste over there—go get some rest.”


    “Okay.”


    “Just one more thing,” Colleen added tenderly. “Hadley, happy birthday.”


    “Thank you.”


    When the conversation ended, tears continued to cascade down Hadley’s cheeks. The festivity of her birthday party earlier seemed insignificantpared to the heartfelt wishes from her daughter and her closest friend.


    With everything now in ce, Hadley felt a mix of relief and guilt. Joy’s surgery was funded, thanks to Colleen, and they would soon be reunited.


    The next day, Hadley woke upte. She looked around and saw no sign of Eric, which brought a sigh of relief.


    After the previous night’s events, she was uncertain of his motives behind that kiss—whether they stemmed from genuine emotion or mere impulse. Either way, she preferred not to encounter him again.


    During breakfast, she inquired with the housekeeper, Kira.


    “Kira, has N gone out today?”


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    “Mrs. Flynn left for a medical checkup just a little while ago.”


    A checkup?


    Hadley’s expression clouded for a moment.


    She had been staying at the Flynn home for several days and felt it was time to leave. Yet, with N absent, departing without bidding farewell seemed improper.


    Her day was packed with activities: a filming session in the morning, dance practice at Gnt in the afternoon, followed by a performance in the evening.


    This meant she would need to spend another night at the Flynn estate.


    After her meal, Hadley cleaned up and left for her busy day. Her schedule was relentless. By the end of her performance at Gnt…


    Fatigue had fully taken hold.


    Fortunately, Eric had not appeared all day.


    Once she had wiped off her makeup and changed clothes, Hadley exited the main doors of Gnt.


    “Hadley!” Across the street, Denver stood beside a sleek silver Pagani, his suit crisp, his smile inviting as he waved.


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