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 steady

you’re already sending me

something?”

expression darkened. “What are

a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here,

to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone,

“What

years, don’t you feel any

at

towards the exit. “Leave now! You

entrance, Eric was conversing with Nyla

see Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric,

there, and it’s getting late. Hadley

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

and massaged

had been on his agenda for the

She’ll be home

“Thank you.”

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approached the ward’s door, pushing

drama.

emphatically towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no

beside the bed when

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

“Eric!”

up in

“I’ve got this.”

swiftly to Linda’s

her go away!” Linda grasped his arm, her voice desperate. “I

leave!”

upset, Eric wasted no time. “Of

expression. “Did you not

released a soft, sardonic chuckle. She set the razor aside, dried her hands, and

“Hold on!”

distress, felt

of yellow calla lilies from a

confirmed with

them!” Eric dismissed her with a flick of

forbidden even

you

Hadley’s reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching the flowers

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

pierced

show

suddenly looked away, her shoulders trembling as though she might cry. “Eric, please, that’s

can’t take this!”

his frustration towards

bouquet tightly, seemed rooted to

she possibly

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13 How Can You Show Your

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

and left without

exited, Eric approached Linda, offering support. “There’s no need to cry, She’s

the staff doesn’t allow

her voice

stood at the bus stop closest to

stopped running at

was she

to walk home once

the previous evening, it looked like

it seemed her feet were her