?Chapter 401:


    “No.”


    She could never justify spending that kind of money on herself. If she had known how extravagant Eric’s gift was, she would have never epted it.


    Each evening before their performance, the dance troupe members would have an early meal.


    Before their busy evening started, Hadley and Elissa took a quick detour to themercial street beside the studio to grab a bite.


    On their way back, a familiar figure came into view under the glow of a streemp.


    Denver stood there, tall and lean, a bag in his hand, his gaze fixed expectantly on Hadley as she slowly approached.


    Elissa stole a nce at Hadley before tactfully excusing herself.


    “I’ll head in first.”


    “Okay.”


    With no way to avoid the encounter, Hadley came to a stop in front of Denver, her brows knitting slightly.


    “You…”


    “Here.”


    Before she could finish, Denver raised the bag in his hand—yet again filled with desserts from Red Shell Bistro.


    Hadley didn’t reach for it, instead sighing in exasperation.


    “Denver, do you really want me to be someone I can’t stand?”


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    “Please don’t be upset,” Denver said gently, watching her with quiet caution. “I just wanted to see you.”


    “Denver…”


    “I’m leaving Srixby. Tonight.”


    Before she could say anything else—before she could cut him down with another cold remark—Denver hurriedly spoke again.


    “I won’t be able to see you every day anymore.”


    What? Hadley’s breath caught. Her mind reeled at his words.


    “What do you mean? Where are you going?”


    Denver caught the flicker of concern in Hadley’s eyes and smiled reassuringly.


    “I’ve found a job. A friend of mine started apany, and I’ll be joining as a technical partner.”


    Without the support of his family, all he had left was his own skills.


    “It’s a smallpany, still in its early days, with only a handful of employees,” he exined. “There’s a lot to do, and I have to go to Tidebourne to meet with two of our potential partners.”


    Hadley blinked, momentarily stunned.


    She hadn’t expected him to act so quickly.


    A young man who had grown up in luxury, now navigating a life stripped of privilege—yet he hadn’t wasted a moment on self-pity.


    Living in a cramped, old apartment, he had never once med her. Instead, he had quietly pressed forward, determined to carve out his own path.


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