?Chapter 306:


    With a grin, Denver strode toward her and came to stand by her side.


    As if he had only just noticed Eric, he nced over and said casually, “Oh, Eric, I didn’t realize that was you from your back.”


    Eric let out a quiet snort.


    Internally, Eric scoffed at Denver’s little act, wondering what kind of game he was trying to y now.


    Eric lifted a hand slightly, motioning for Denver to move. “Step aside. I need to talk to Hadley.”


    Immediately, Denver felt Hadley stiffen next to him.


    “Eric.” His tone was firm as he met Eric’s gaze. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. Whatever you need to say to Hadley, you can say it right here.”


    Denver turned to Hadley.


    “Hadley is my girlfriend. There’s nothing she has to hide from me.”


    Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly.


    Her first instinct was to correct him.


    But before she could speak, Denver gave a subtle shake of his head. That was all it took for her to understand. If she denied it, Eric wouldn’t back down.


    Even so, the thought of going along with Denver’s words felt wrong. It wasn’t fair to him.


    She clenched her fists, torn between choices.


    Eric let out a quiet chuckle.


    His gaze flickered between Hadley and Denver, a trace of mockery in his eyes.


    “You’re calling her your girlfriend? Funny. Too bad Hadley doesn’t seem to agree.”


    Irritated by how close they stood, he reached for Hadley, determined to pull her away.


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    “Hadley,e here.”


    “I am!” The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them. She took a step back, lifting her chin defiantly.


    “I’m Denver’s girlfriend!”


    Silence settled over them.


    The air felt heavier, colder.


    Eric’s lips curved slightly, but his eyes remained icy. “What did you just say?”


    His voice was calm, but there was something unsettling about it.


    “Don’t say things you don’t mean.”


    Hadley held his stare without looking away. “I’m not making things up. It’s the truth.”


    Denver caught her eye and gave her a reassuring look.


    There was no going back now.


    Hadley took a steady breath and intertwined her fingers tightly with Denver’s.


    But that didn’t feel like enough.


    Lifting their joined hands, she made sure Eric saw them.


    Her gaze stayed firm, unwavering. “Do you see now?”


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