?Chapter 226:


    At that moment, Hadley’s phone buzzed. She nced at it and saw a new message from Denver.


    “Hope you enjoyed the pumpkin soup.”


    It was from Denver after all.


    Hadley’s expression shifted to a frown, sensing a hint of unease. Ignoring Denver’s obvious advances and pretending they didn’t exist wouldn’t be fair to him. However, she wasn’t interested in a new rtionship anytime soon. No matter his intentions, Hadley was certain nothing could develop between them.


    Moreover, if N found out they weremunicating, she might push for a match. That was a situation Hadley needed to avoid at all costs.


    Ignoring her divorced status, the fact remained that she was a single mother. Hadley wasn’t ready to consider marriage soon, especially not with a decent young man with a promising future like Denver.


    At that moment, Denver sat at his own table, checking his phone every now and then. Finally, when Hadley responded, his phone screen lit up.


    “Are you up for grabbing a biteter? My treat tonight.”


    The glow from the screen cast a soft light over Denver’s face, making the sudden burst of joy impossible to miss. His throat bobbed with anticipation as he quickly typed out a reply.


    “Absolutely! I’ll wait for you when you’re done.”


    Hadley’s response came swiftly.


    “Eleven o’clock. Meet me outside the club.”


    Denver felt like he was floating.


    “Okay.”


    Across the table, Eric tipped back his ss and downed the whiskey in one gulp. He reached for the bottle again, filling his ss to the brim without hesitation.


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    Marshall arched an eyebrow. “Why are you drinking like the world is ending? Slow down.”


    “I’m fine,” Eric muttered, his face unreadable. “Where are we heading next? Let’s keep the night rolling.”


    To everyone’s surprise, his mood seemed unusually high tonight, and neither Marshall nor Barrie had a reason to argue.


    “Fine by me,” Barrie said, already scrolling through his phone. “I’ll sort something out.”


    “Sounds good.”


    Denver hesitated before speaking.


    “You guys go ahead. I’m sitting this one out.”


    “Huh?” Marshall gave his younger cousin a perplexed look. “Why?”


    “I have something to do.”


    “Something to do, huh?” Marshall narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you just say you were free all night?”


    “I, uh…” Denver scratched the back of his neck. “I got ast-minute… date.”


    Marshall, who knew Denver better than anyone, threw an arm around his shoulders with a grin. “A date, huh? Judging by that look on your face, I’m guessing it’s a girl?”


    Denver hesitated for just a second before leaping to his feet. “I gotta go. See you guyster!”


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