?Chapter 1002:


    Denver chuckled, rxing. “Nice to meet you, Joy.”


    But then, awkwardness crept in. Kids loved gifts, and he’d shown up empty-handed.


    “I came in such a rush, I didn’t bring anything for you. But next time, I’ll make it up to you—promise.”


    “Okay. Thank you!”


    Hadley yfully pinched her daughter’s nose. “Wow, that was fast. Are you thanking him in advance so he won’t forget your present next time?”


    “Hehe!” Joy giggled and nuzzled closer to her mom.


    “Little rascal,” Hadley teased, and then turned to Denver. “We’re heading up now.”


    “Got it.”


    “Come on, Joy. Say bye-bye to Denver.”


    “Bye-bye!”


    “Bye-bye, Joy.” Denver watched them go with a warm smile.


    But just down the block, a sleek ck Bentley idled at the corner. Inside, Eric gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white, his gaze locked on Hadley and Joy.


    He’d seen everything.


    Even without hearing a word, the scene burned into his mind—Hadley holding Joy, smiling at Denver.


    Did the words even matter?


    His jaw clenched.


    Was this her idea of gratitude? ying house with Denver now? She was practically giving him another father.


    L?t?st chαpt?rs in g??lnovels.??????


    Across the street, Denver turned back toward his car. Then he spotted it—the ck Bentley.


    That was definitely Eric’s car.


    He scowled. What was Eric doing here? Watching from the shadows again?


    Their eyes briefly met across the distance. Eric smirked coldly, started the engine, and drove away.


    That night, some slept soundly. Others didn’t sleep at all.


    The next morning, Hadley had just finished washing up when her phone buzzed.


    A message from Eric. “I’m outside your building. We need to talk.”


    She frowned, didn’t bother replying, and immediately called him.


    Eric picked up before the first ring even finished.


    “What do you want now?” Her tone was sharp. “I’m noting down. Eric, just because you’re who you are doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want. If you don’t leave, I’ll call security.”


    “Calm down,” Eric said evenly. “I only want to talk.”


    “We have nothing left to say! I’ve made that perfectly clear!”


    “It’s about Joy.”


    Hadley froze. “What… what do you mean?”


    They had already settled everything about Joy—hadn’t they?


    “You’re not thinking of going back on your word, are you?”


    “I can’t exin over the phone. Juste meet me.”


    Hadley sighed, frustrated. Joy was still asleep, and this was thest thing she needed.


    “Fine!”


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