As he stepped into the suite, the sound of laughter drifted through from the inner room.

His brows lifted slightly. A moment later, the door opened, and Hadley appeared—Denver beside her.

Denver had arrived earlier, spent time visiting Joy, and stayed to play for a bit. He was just getting ready to leave.

When he saw Eric, he paused, then nodded with a friendly smile.

“Eric.”

“Denver.”

“You’re here,” Hadley said, glancing at the time. Her voice was light, her smile even lighter. “You’re earlier than I expected. That’s perfect—I can head out a little sooner.”

She grabbed her bag from the sofa and slung it over her shoulder.

Gesturing toward the inner room, she turned to Eric.

“Joy’s already eaten. You can read to her or let her watch cartoons. She’s all yours tonight. If anything comes up, just give me a call.”

“Got it,” Eric replied, though his gaze lingered on her for a beat—then shifted, just briefly, to Denver.

“Denver.” Hadley gave him a small nod, motioning toward the door.

“Let’s go.”

“Uh… sure.” Denver blinked, then followed her out, the door clicking shut behind them.

The moment they were gone, Eric’s expression darkened.

So that was why she’d asked what time he’d arrive. It wasn’t about Joy—it was about Denver.

Were they… going out together?

“Humph.” He scoffed under his breath, shaking his head. The thought was laughable.

They weren’t together anymore. Hadley was free to date whoever she wanted.

Still, something knotted inside him. Why did it bother him so much? He was her ex-husband, a man from another chapter—once her lover, now just a name in the past. What right did he have to interfere?

Inside the elevator, Denver stole a few glances at Hadley, his eyes flicking toward her and quickly away.

Noticing, Hadley let out a quiet chuckle.

“Do you want to say something?”

“Yeah…” He gave a small nod.

He’d held back for days—ever since Joy’s surgery—but now, with things calmer, he couldn’t keep the question in any longer.

He hesitated, then carefully began,

“Where are you headed? Aren’t you supposed to be staying with Joy?”

Hadley pressed her lips together, then replied evenly,

“It’s work-related.”

She glanced at him and added,

“And you saw it—Eric’s with her.”

She smiled lightly.

.

.

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