Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 13 How Can You

Show Your Face Here

The man on the bed did not react to Hadley’s presence.

Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep.

Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley’s mind…

She struggled to come to terms with the reality, even after all this time.

It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate.

Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in a coma. Chances were, he would never wake up.

The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared.

With a basin of water in hand, the caregiver noticed Hadley’s tear–streaked face and nodded courteously.

“Hello.”

“Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?”

“No, I’m actually here to shave him,” he replied.

Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noticing the thick stubble that shaded his jaw blue. “I’ll take care

of that. I know how to do it.”

During Ernest’s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him.

At that time, Nyla was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preoccupied with work, and Linda was

expecting…

Thus, Hadley had become the primary caregiver within the Flynn family.

Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members.

He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Gratefully accepting it, Hadley dampened the towel and used it to warm Ernest’s face.

She then spread shaving cream over his face and started the careful process of shaving him.

Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn’t notice Linda enter the room.

Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in

astonishment.

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Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here

“Hadley, is that really you?”

Her expression turned into a frown. “What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?”

Looking up, Hadley responded, “I came to visit Ernest… and as you can see, I’m shaving him.”

Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I can see what you’re doing.”

“And why bother asking, then?” Hadley retorted sharply.

“You…”

A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked.

With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine, you’ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn’t necessary.”

Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining

here and now you’re already sending me away. What’s troubling you, Linda? Feeling

something?”

darkened. “What are

suggesting?” Hadley’s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so no need

really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit,

bewildered. “What exactly

these years, don’t you feel any remorse when you see

at

exit.

Eric was conversing with Nyla

alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric, urging him

isolated there, and

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

and massaged his forehead. “I’ve

had been on his agenda

worry. She’ll be home safe

“Thank you.”

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ward’s door, pushing it open to witness the

drama.

exit. “Leave

beside the bed

sharp and intense. “Hadley, what have you done to upset

“Eric!”

up in Linda’s

“I’ve got this.”

swiftly to

away!” Linda grasped his arm, her voice desperate. “I can’t

leave!”

Linda so upset, Eric wasted

faced Hadley, anger evident in his expression. “Did you not

sardonic chuckle. She set the razor aside,

“Hold on!”

Linda’s distress, felt compelled to

picked up a bouquet of yellow calla lilies from a nearby table. “Are

confirmed with

dismissed her with a flick of his

Was she now forbidden even to leave flowers

are you

reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching the flowers and thrusting them into

tone was harsh and piercing as he hissed, “Do you think Ernest would appreciate it? Had it not been for your actions,

pierced hers, immobilizing

show your

though she might cry. “Eric, please, that’s enough!

can’t take this!”

Eric redirected his

bouquet tightly, seemed rooted

could she possibly

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13 How Can You Show

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

and left without a

approached Linda, offering support. “There’s no need to

I’ll make sure the staff

Linda said, her

the bus stop closest to

stopped

what was she

to walk home once

the previous evening, it looked

her feet were her