?Chapter 233:


    N examined the ornate packages with an appreciative nod. “Your mother has impable taste. My gratitude to you, Denver, and do extend my thanks to her as well.”


    “Naturally.” Denver’s smile lingered as he stole a nce at his watch. “It being the weekend, are you alone here?”


    N arched a knowing brow. A seasoned matriarch, she caught the quiet intent behind Denver’s inquiry like a hawk spotting its prey.


    Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “There are others about,” she replied lightly. “Though I suspect you’ve got a particr soul in mind, haven’t you?”


    Denver’s cheeks flushed a soft crimson, caught off guard. “Not at all. Just making conversation.”


    “Is that so?” N chuckled, her tone teasing. “Well, Eric is the only one at home. But I bet he is not the one you’re hoping to see.”


    At the mention of only Eric, a flicker of disappointment shadowed Denver’s face.


    True, he hade bearing gifts as a pretense, but in his heart of hearts, he had hoped Hadley might grace the house on such a day.


    She had turned him away before, but surrender wasn’t in his nature—not yet.


    “Hmm,” N mused aloud, her gaze piercing as she studied Denver.


    “Might you be seeking Hadley?”


    Denver froze, N’s bluntness catching him unawares.


    He sputtered, choking on a breath, and erupted into a fit of coughs. N blinked, torn between amusement and concern.


    “Good heavens,d, I merely spoke her name! No need for such a reaction.”


    She swiftly handed him a ss of water. “Here, drink this before you turn blue.”


    After downing the water in hasty gulps, Denver finally steadied his breathing.


    “Thank you, Mrs. Flynn,” he rasped.


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    “You know…” N leaned in, her voice sly as a fox. “Could it be you’ve taken a shine to our Hadley?”


    Denver stiffened once more, his ears burning crimson. He nearly choked again, stammering, “I—”


    “Well?” N pressed, her scrutiny unyielding. “Is that a yes or a no?”


    At that precise moment, Eric walked into the room.


    “Grandma,” he greeted, his voice a low rumble.


    The interruption couldn’t have been more impably timed.


    N cast Eric a pointed nce, her lips curling faintly. “You have a knack for showing up at just the right moment, don’t you?”


    Eric remained unruffled, his expression cool as ever. His eyes flicked to Denver, and a sly, almost taunting smile yed across his features.


    “Denver. Fancy seeing you here.”


    “Yes,” Denver replied, forcing a polite smile as he hurried to exin. “I’vee bearing gifts for Mrs. Flynn from my mother.”


    N flicked her wrist dismissively before fixing her gaze back on Denver, undeterred.


    “You still haven’t answered my question. Are you sweet on our Hadley?”


    Denver faltered, caught in the spotlight of her scrutiny.


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