Chapter 136 Take It Or

Leave It

Disappointment was inevitable.

But Denver had braced himself for it–it was nothing unexpected.

He extended the bag toward Elissa, his expression unreadable. “Can you give this to Hadley?”

“Yeah, of course.”

She accepted it without hesitation, her eyes flicking to the logo–Red Shell Bistro. A bag full of desserts.

“Appreciate it.” Denver offered a faint smile, barely there. “I should get going.”

“Alright. Take care.”

A curt nod. “Yeah.”

Elissa watched as he walked away, exhaling softly before turning on her heel and making her way backstage.

Elissa set the bag down in front of Hadley with a casual tap. “Here. He dropped this off for you–desserts from Red Shell Bistro. Fancy stuff.”

Hadley stared at the bag, an unshakable heaviness settling in her chest.

“Hadley?” Elissa hesitated, but then leaned in just a little. “Are you… avoiding him? He seems nice–polite, even. What’s the problem? Don’t you like him?”

Hadley let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it.

“Her eyes lingered on the bag for a second before she shook her head. “He’s indeed nice. Too nice. That’s exactly

why I can’t get close.”

Elissa’s brows furrowed. “What? That makes no sense.”

Hadley inhaled deeply, as if steadying herself. “He comes from money.”

Understanding dawned in Elissa’s eyes. “Ah…” She nodded slowly, processing it.

“Then yeah, I guess… better to keep our feet planted where they belong.”

“Exactly.”

For a brief second, Hadley thought she caught something in Elissa’s tone–an odd shift, something wistful,

almost… off.

But before she could ask, Elissa straightened, brushing it away with a lighthearted smile. “Anyway, I’ll grab your

costume.”

13:46

< Chapter 136 Take It Or Leave It

Hadley nodded, her voice softer this time. “Thanks.”

Eric pulled up outside the dance studio’s side entrance, parking just out of the way. He had been waiting for nearly half an hour, watching as staff and performers trickled out one by one.

Then, finally–there she was.

Hadley strolled out, arm in arm with another girl, their laughter light and unguarded. She had no idea he was

there.

That changed the moment he stepped out of the car.

“Hadley!”

air, sharp enough to make

flickering across her face. “Eric?” Her tone was cautious. “Do you…

expression darkened instantly, irritation flashing

is because Grandma sent

was–his sudden shifts

tilted her head toward the side. “I’ll

there.”

“Mm, okay.”

She never knew what to expect with Eric, and

kept her voice even, careful. “So? What

“Here.”

reached into his pocket and pulled out bought from Evergrand Mall.

style as the one she had left in

freshly

tossed

barely managing

she saw it, even under the dim glow of

isn’t mine.”

as ever. “I tried to give it back yesterday, but

uldn’t take

it.”

rare for him–his words

just bought this one. Take it

18.4%

13:46

O

<

Take It Or

before he fixed her with an expectant

there was an odd tension behind it. “Isn’t it nice? Don’t you…

blinked, completely

his expression darkened. Impatient. “I’m asking you a question.

why was

sighed inwardly. With him like this, refusing wasn’t an option.

murmured, nodding. “It’s

was meant to replace hers, she might as

for the pearls on it? She had no idea of their value. To her, it was just a simple, inexpensive hair tie.

Against her smooth skin, the delicate band stood out, and for a fleeting second, something in his expression shifted–a quiet satisfaction surfacing

get going then.”

“Great! My friend’s waiting

a small nod.

“Okay.”

word, Hadley turned and jogged toward her friend.

grinned. “All

“Yeah!”

“Alright, let’s go!”

girls linked arms and disappeared down the sidewalk. Eric watched them for a long moment, eyes lingering on Hadley’s retreating figure. Then, as if snapping out of

as possible,

through the dimly lit streets, weaving its way into an old residential district nestled in the old part of the town.

slowing as he reached the entrance of the neighborhood. His eyes flicked to the faded sign at

this

he tapped the steering wheel, and then, without hesitation, turned the car around

the low

40.5%

13:46

<

<

136 Take It Or Leave It

occasional burst of laughter.

made his way over. “You

the plush sofa, unconcerned. “Mm.”

Barrie raised a brow, and then smirked knowingly. “Well, someone’s in a good mood

his elbow, his tone teasing. “Come on, tell me–does this have anything

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255