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.”

so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady

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

something?”

darkened. “What

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

flicked to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you

bewildered. “What exactly are you

scoffed, “All these years, don’t you

lost at your

gestured towards the exit.

the ward’s entrance, Eric was conversing with Nyla on his

that Hadley had visited the hospital to see Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric, urging him to ensure

please… It’s quite isolated there, and

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

and massaged his forehead. “I’ve

had been on his agenda for

worry. She’ll be home safe under

“Thank you.”

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conversation, he approached the ward’s door, pushing it

drama.

towards the exit. “Leave now! You

the bed when Eric

face immediately hardened, his gaze sharp and intense. “Hadley, what

“Eric!”

welled up in Linda’s

“I’ve got this.”

moved swiftly to Linda’s

his arm, her voice desperate. “I can’t stand

leave!”

so upset, Eric wasted no

evident in his expression. “Did you not hear

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

“Hold on!”

Linda’s distress, felt compelled

up a bouquet of yellow calla lilies from a nearby

confirmed with

Eric dismissed her with a flick

forbidden even to leave flowers

are you still

Hadley’s reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching

you think Ernest would appreciate it? Had it not been for your actions,

pierced hers,

can you show your face

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

can’t take this!”

by Linda’s distress, Eric redirected his frustration

the bouquet tightly, seemed rooted to the

she possibly say or

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13 How Can You Show Your Face

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

sharply and left

offering support. “There’s no need to

sure the staff doesn’t

said, her voice

bus stop

buses stopped

she supposed to

she need to walk

the previous evening, it looked like she was in for a repeat performance

Once again, it seemed her feet