?Chapter 508:


    Hadley could tell something was off as she noticed a slight limp in his step. Neither of them brought it up directly, though.


    “That’s great to hear.”


    She nodded, feeling the conversation dwindling.


    “How about you?” Denver inquired.


    “Life’s been much the same, spending my days with the dance troupe, immersed in rehearsals and performances.”


    “That’s great.”


    Denver hesitated and almost broached a new topic. He wanted to ask about her rtionship with Eric. Was everything okay there? Was he treating her well?


    The words he wanted to say lodged in his throat, and he chose to keep them to himself.


    Gently, he adjusted the light to a softer glow.


    “I want you to get some rest.”


    “Okay.” Hadley turned away and shut her eyes, her hands tensing and shaking subtly.


    In the softened light, Denver remained seated beside her, silently observing.


    He silently wished the quiet moment would stretch on.


    As the banquet concluded, Eric retreated to a secluded spot, massaging his cheeks. Hours of obligatory smiling had left his facial muscles tense.


    He took out his phone and checked it.


    The screen showed no new messages or missed calls.


    There had been no word from Hadley throughout the evening! He nced around, and then, with a stern look, he began dialing her…


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    The number rang, but then…


    It went straight to voicemail.


    Eric wondered to himself, could it be a poor signal?


    After ending the call, he tried once more, only to receive the same message.


    What happened? Why didn’t she pick up? Or maybe she was intentionally ignoring his calls?


    He had been hopeful that Hadley would pick up immediately when he called again.


    Yet, there was no response.


    “Eric!”


    At the end of the corridor, Linda’s voice carried over as she maneuvered Ernest in his wheelchair, signaling to him. “We’re leaving! Aren’t youing?”


    “On my way!”


    With a nod of acknowledgment, Eric expressed his annoyance, pocketed his phone, and followed them.


    It didn’t matter anymore.


    Ignoring Hadley might actually bring him some quiet! Another call, however, would surely mark him as foolish!


    That night, sleep eluded Eric.


    He frequently grabbed his phone, attempting to reach Hadley yet again, but to no avail. What was happening?


    His initial irritation slowly morphed into concern. Could something have befallen Hadley? Perhaps she was sick?


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