?Chapter 1240:


    Another thought flickered through his mind. “Is it that photo? Does it bother you that Hadley once danced at Gnt?”


    Eric could squash rumors about Hadley and Duran, pull the wool over the media’s eyes, but Marshall knew the truth. And if Marshall knew, so did Denver.


    “You…” Eric hesitated, his brow lifting as if questioning Denver. “Do you think she has a shady past or something? Is that what you’re holding against her?”


    Denver’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing, his silence ringing louder than words. Eric took it as a confession.


    “You actually…” Eric’s face paled, anger rising in him like a tidal wave. “You dare look down on Hadley? How could you scorn her?” His fist rose again, like a thundercloud ready to burst.


    This time, Denver didn’t even blink.


    Still, Eric’s hand froze midair. Instead, he mped it onto Denver’s shoulder. “Come on! You’reing with me!”


    Denver looked wary. “Where to?”


    “To Hadley!” Eric tugged him toward the door. “This is a misunderstanding! Hadley never had anything with Duran—I could stake my honor on it!”


    “Let me go!” Denver wrenched free, his voice firm as iron. “I’ll say it again—I don’t love Hadley anymore. I’m not going to see her.”


    Eric froze, staring at the man before him as if seeing a stranger.


    Denver didn’t love Hadley anymore?


    “Why?”


    Loving someone mighte without reason, but falling out of love? That always had a cause.


    “Can’t answer, can you?” Eric’s sneer was sharp as a de, his smile cold as winter. “Deep down, you just don’t trust her. You scorn her.” He jabbed a finger at Denver, his jaw tight as a vice. “You’re no prize yourself, Denver. I gave you too much credit.”


    His words dripped with disdain, cutting like a whip. “I wouldn’t waste my fists on garbage like you.”


    What good would dragging Denver to Hadley do now?


    g?lnσν???s?c?m brings endless adventures


    Eric dropped his arm and stormed off, fury trailing him like a shadow.


    In the hospital, the nurse had just eased the IV needle from Hadley’s arm. Elissa held the cotton ball in ce for Hadley, gentle but firm.


    Hadley offered a faint smile. “I can manage, you know…”


    Elissa shot her a look, half-scolding, half-concerned. “You can manage, huh? A simple cold turned into a fever. You’ve got to stop running yourself ragged and rest properly.”


    Hadley sighed, a touch of exasperation in her eyes. “I’m usually fit as a fiddle. I don’t know what got into me this time.”


    “Even the strongest have off days,” Elissa said, tossing the cotton ball into the bin with a flick of her wrist. She steadied Hadley as she rose. “Come on. Let’s get you home. Easy does it—make sure you’re steady before you take a step.”


    “Okay, Mom,” Hadley pretended to roll her eyes and then giggled as they moved forward, one careful step at a time.


    As they neared the door, Hadley’s phone chimed, cutting through the quiet. It was a call from Denver.


    “Hello?” Hadley paused, pressing the phone to her ear.


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